Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide

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Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking them on a thrilling journey through five continents and 2,300 years of history. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling metropolis of Victorian London, the series has evolved from stealth-action adventures to expansive open-world RPGs. With the highly anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we present a detailed chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline games to keep you aligned with the core narrative.

For more insights into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological order
How to play in release order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

Currently, there are 14 mainline Assassin's Creed games, complemented by 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into a board game and an upcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

With numerous entry points into the Assassin's Creed universe, choosing a starting point can be daunting. If you're intrigued by a particular historical period, begin with that game. For those seeking a narrative-rich experience, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) stands out for its compelling storytelling. If you prefer a more recent entry, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers immersive pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey plunges you into the epic world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

There are two primary ways to approach the Assassin’s Creed chronology. The first is by the order of the modern-day storylines, which run concurrently with each game's release. This approach is ideal for understanding the overarching narrative, as it follows the evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. If you plan to play through the entire series, this method offers the most coherent experience.

Alternatively, you can play the games in the order of their historical settings, which provides a fascinating journey through different eras. Although the historical narratives are less interconnected, they offer a rich exploration of history and culture.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot synopses with mild spoilers, including broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions, designed for series newcomers.

1. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG mechanics, transforming the series into an open-world adventure. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, navigating the Peloponnesian War. The game blends historical accuracy with mythology, featuring icons like Hippocrates and mythological creatures like the Sphinx.

Odyssey predates the formal establishment of the Assassin and Templar orders but includes a crucial Piece of Eden—the Spear of Leonidas.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey Wiki

2. Assassin's Creed Origins (49 B.C.–44 B.C.)

Primary setting: Ancient Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

After a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot with new RPG elements. Set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for vengeance against the Order of the Ancients leads to the formation of the Hidden Ones—the precursor to the Assassins.

Layla Hassan's modern-day story begins here, continuing through Odyssey and Valhalla.

Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' stealth-focused roots with a compact narrative set in 9th-century Baghdad. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, as he escapes Baghdad to join the Hidden Ones at Alamut.

Mirage does not feature a prominent modern-day storyline, focusing instead on Basim's journey.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Mirage Wiki

4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla (872–878)

Primary setting: 9th Century England and Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, offering the largest game in the series to date. As Eivor, you lead your clan from a barren Norway to the fertile lands of England, battling the Order of the Ancients and weaving personal stories with historical and mythological elements.

Layla Hassan's modern-day arc concludes in Valhalla.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wiki

5. Assassin's Creed (1191)

Primary setting: 12th Century Holy Land (Acre, Damascus, Jerusalem)
Historic Protagonist: Altair Ibn'La-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad, laying the foundation for the series' gameplay and narrative elements. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair's mission to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' introduction to the modern Assassin-Templar conflict.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose quest for vengeance against the Templars spans across Italy. Ezio's journey, intertwined with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci, continues through the Ezio trilogy.

Desmond's modern-day narrative begins to unfold alongside Ezio's story.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 Wiki

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (1499–1507)

Primary setting: 15th-16th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Continuing from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees Ezio rebuilding the Assassins' Guild in Rome while seeking the Apple of Eden. The modern-day story follows Desmond and his team in Italy, searching for the same artifact to avert an apocalyptic prophecy.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Wiki

8. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (1511–1512)

Primary setting: 16th Century Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

In the final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, an aging Ezio travels to Constantinople in search of Altair's library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's memories, culminating in revelations about Ezio's role in the broader Assassin's Creed narrative.

In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room and return to consciousness.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations Wiki

9. Assassin's Creed Shadows (1581)

Primary setting: Feudal Japan
Historic Protagonist: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Set during the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, offering unique gameplay perspectives. Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a samurai, are united by tragedy in their quest for vengeance.

Shadows does not feature a dedicated modern-day protagonist but coincides with the Animus Hub, enhancing the series' connectivity.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows Wiki

10. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722)

Primary setting: 18th Century Caribbean Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay, set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. As Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather of Connor Kenway, you navigate the Assassin-Templar conflict and search for The Observatory.

The modern-day narrative follows an Abstergo employee reliving Connor’s life for a film project.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Wiki

11. Assassin's Creed Rogue (1752–1760)

Primary setting: 18th Century American Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a narrative bridge between AC III and AC IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game explores the Assassin-Templar conflict and Shay's quest for a Piece of Eden.

In the present, you play as "Numbskull," an Abstergo employee assisting the modern-day Templars.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Rogue Wiki

12. Assassin's Creed III (1754–1783)

Primary setting: 18th Century Colonial America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III unfolds during the American Revolution, with Connor Kenway seeking to protect his tribe and thwart the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc.

Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki

13. Assassin's Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian's quest for vengeance amidst the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, features a Helix player navigating Abstergo's gaming software.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, working to liberate Victorian London from Templar control. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now assisting the Assassins in locating a Piece of Eden.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate Wiki

How to Play The Assassin’s Creed Games By Release Date

Assassin's Creed (2007)
Assassin's Creed II (2009)
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
Assassin's Creed III / Liberation (2012)
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag / Freedom Cry (2013)
Assassin's Creed Rogue (2014)
Assassin's Creed Unity (2014)
Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015)
Assassin's Creed Origins (2017)
Assassin's Creed Odyssey (2018)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020)
Assassin's Creed Mirage (2023)
Assassin's Creed Nexus VR (2023)
Assassin's Creed Shadows (2024)

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

Assassin's Creed Shadows is Ubisoft's next major release, set to launch on March 20. While no new mainline games have been announced, Ubisoft is working on remakes of older titles. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in development at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile game, Assassin's Creed Jade, is slated for 2025.

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