Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has captivated players by transporting them through various historical epochs, from the Renaissance in Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece. Ubisoft's commitment to blending open-world exploration with historical settings has set the series apart, offering players not only thrilling gameplay but also a semi-educational glimpse into the past. This unique approach distinguishes Assassin's Creed from its peers, which often favor fantasy realms or contemporary urban settings.

Despite the core mechanics remaining consistent across its 14 mainline games, the series has evolved significantly. It has embraced new methods of player progression and expanded its worlds, ensuring each installment brings something fresh to the table.

Choosing the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy task, but after thorough discussion, we've curated a list of the top 10 mainline entries. So, let's dive into our ranking of the best Assassin's Creed games.

The 10 Best Assassin's Creed Games

11 ImagesPlaying the latest game in the series? Check out our Assassin's Creed Shadows guide.

10. Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 15, 2011 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations review

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations masterfully concluded the tales of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable features like the Den Defense mode, the game delivered a thrilling and poignant farewell. From ziplining through Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations was brimming with engaging adventures. It served as both a celebration of the series' early years and a precursor to future developments, allowing players a final journey with these beloved characters.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 23, 2015 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate review

Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands out with its setting in 19th-century Victorian London, a city pulsating with industrial life. The game's immersive environment, from factory infiltrations to carriage chases and confrontations with Jack the Ripper, grounds players in a world that feels both real and fantastical. The unique score by Austin Wintory, featuring distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, adds to the game's cohesive atmosphere. Additionally, the effective combat system, notably with a cane, adds a distinctive flair to the series.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 10, 2020 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Valhalla review

While not a complete reinvention, Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduced significant changes that enhanced the series. Its combat feels more impactful, side quests have been transformed into world events for a more organic exploration, and the loot system has been streamlined, making rewards more meaningful. Eivor's story, whether played as male or female, blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology in a compelling way, offering fans a deep dive into Viking culture and sagas, culminating in an expansive Norse-themed expansion.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 16, 2010 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood review

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood further cemented Ezio Auditore as a fan favorite by expanding the setting to Rome and introducing new gameplay elements like swimming, property management, and a multiplayer mode. The game refined combat, allowing players to embrace a more aggressive assassin role. The charm, wit, and drama of Ezio’s journey, coupled with the innovative multiplayer feature, solidified Brotherhood as a cherished entry in the series.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 27, 2017 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins review

Assassin's Creed Origins marked a pivotal shift toward an open-world RPG, expanding the series' scope immensely. Set in ancient Egypt, the game tells the compelling story of Bayek and Aya, who seek justice for their murdered son and lay the groundwork for the Assassin's Brotherhood. The transition to a loot-based progression system and action RPG combat revitalized the series, making Origins a standout title that is both historically significant and a joy to play.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 11, 2014 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity review

Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and parkour in a beautifully rendered Paris. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs, subsequent patches transformed Unity into a fan favorite. The game's fluid movement system and intricate assassination missions highlight its excellence, while the detailed recreation of Notre Dame adds to its allure.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review

Set in the long-requested Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows refocuses on stealth and assassination, offering a more balanced experience than its predecessors. The dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, provide diverse gameplay experiences, from stealthy infiltration to samurai combat. The dynamic landscapes that change with the seasons enhance the exploration aspect, making Shadows a visually and mechanically stunning addition to the series.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Assassin's Creed Odyssey elevates the RPG elements introduced in Origins, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game offers vast, vibrant landscapes and thrilling naval warfare. The new notoriety system adds tension, while the nation struggle mechanic allows players to influence large-scale battles. Its compelling story and charismatic protagonist, whether male or female, make Odyssey a memorable journey.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed 2 is often credited with fulfilling the promise of the original game. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and the ability to swim, all set within the beautifully realized Italian Renaissance. The introduction of Ezio Auditore and the integration of the modern-day storyline brought depth and excitement, culminating in an unforgettable ending that showcased the series' potential.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 19, 2013 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag review

Black Flag diverged from the series' norm by centering on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, and it thrived because of this shift. The Caribbean setting became a sandbox of adventure, with islands full of treasure and activities. The game's naval combat system, built upon Assassin’s Creed 3’s foundation, became a highlight, offering players thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag stands as not only one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also one of the finest pirate games ever made.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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That concludes our list of the top 10 Assassin’s Creed games. Do you agree with our rankings? Do you think another game should have made the cut? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed title in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

For those eager to see what's next, Assassin's Creed Shadows has recently been released, allowing players to explore Feudal Japan as both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing new ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the debut in 2007 to the upcoming projects on console, PC, mobile, and VR, here is the complete list of the Assassin's Creed series. Log in to track which ones you've played.

See AllAssassin's CreedUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft BucharestAssassin's Creed IIUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite GamesAssassin's Creed II [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoftAssassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft