Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, traversing five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The ongoing saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict has taken us from the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling alleys of Victorian London. With the imminent launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's delve into the chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline games that drive the central narrative forward.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

Jump to:

• 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?

The Assassin's Creed saga boasts 14 mainline games and 17 spinoffs. Beyond the gaming world, the franchise extends into a board game and a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing a starting point in the Assassin's Creed timeline is a personal journey. For newcomers, diving into an era that piques your interest could be the best approach. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. Alternatively, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a thrilling pirate adventure, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in 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

The Assassin's Creed chronology can be approached in two distinct ways:

1. By the games’ modern-day storylines: This approach is ideal for following the overarching narrative, as each mainline game's modern-day plot progresses chronologically. Playing games in release order offers the best way to experience the franchise’s evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

2. By their historic settings: This method focuses on the historical narratives, which are less interconnected but offer a deep dive into various historical periods. It’s more suited for those interested in specific eras than a complete playthrough.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief synopses of each game, designed to introduce you to the settings, protagonists, and key plot points with minimal spoilers.

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 elements, placing you in the shoes of Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, blending historical figures like Hippocrates and Socrates with mythological elements such as the Sphinx and Medusa. It introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a pivotal Piece of Eden, predating the formal establishment of the Assassin and Templar orders.

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, introducing RPG mechanics and marking a soft reboot. Set during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya, whose quest for vengeance against the Order of the Ancients leads to the founding of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day story introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her journey through Origins, 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 is a homage to the series' roots, offering a more focused, stealth-driven experience. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief turned Assassin, as he navigates 9th-century Baghdad before joining the Hidden Ones at Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature the modern-day storyline.

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 dives into Norse history and mythology, making it the series' largest game to date. As Eivor, you'll lead your clan from Norway to England, confronting both the Order of the Ancients and personal challenges. The game weaves historical figures like King Harald Fairhair with mythological elements like Odin. The modern-day story wraps up Layla Hassan's arc.

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 original Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and sets the stage for the franchise’s narrative. Set during the Third Crusade, Altair hunts down nine Templars while Desmond Miles begins his journey into the Animus, uncovering the Assassin-Templar conflict in the present day.

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 the beloved Ezio Auditore, whose journey spans across three games. Seeking vengeance for his family, Ezio uncovers a larger conspiracy and becomes a central figure in the Assassin-Templar war. The game takes players across Italy, interacting with historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci.

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 Ezio's story, Brotherhood sees him rebuilding the Assassins' presence in Rome and pursuing the Apple of Eden. The modern-day narrative follows Desmond and his team on a similar quest, intertwining the past and present.

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

The final chapter of Ezio's saga takes him to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. Revelations connects Ezio's story with Altair's, revealing their roles in the wider Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape the Black Room.

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Their intertwined paths lead to a quest for vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows integrates with the Animus Hub, enhancing the modern-day experience without a dedicated protagonist.

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

Set two centuries after Ezio's adventures, Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate caught in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee reliving Connor’s memories 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"

Rogue serves as a bridge between Assassin's Creed III and IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The modern-day narrative involves another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the 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

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and the Grand Temple from the Templars. The modern-day story concludes Desmond's arc, culminating in the prevention of the prophesized end of the world.

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

Unity is set during the French Revolution and follows Arno Dorian on a quest for vengeance. The modern-day story, less impactful, features a player using Helix, 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

Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins.

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

Ubisoft's latest addition to the Assassin's Creed universe is Shadows, set to release on March 20. While no details on future mainline games have been revealed, remakes of older titles are reportedly in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in progress at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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