by Ellie Apr 09,2025
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has embarked on an epic journey through history, spanning 18 years and covering five continents. From the ancient world of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London, the series has explored 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. The ongoing narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict has captivated fans, and with the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, it's the perfect time to revisit the series' timeline. This chronology focuses solely on the mainline games, as spinoffs, while interesting, do not significantly impact the overarching Assassin's Creed narrative.
For more in-depth information on the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, check out our comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.
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The Assassin's Creed franchise boasts a total of 14 mainline games, complemented by 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, fans can also enjoy an Assassin's Creed board game, and a TV series is reportedly in development at Netflix.
Diving into the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting due to its vast timeline. If you're new to the series, consider starting with a game set in an era that piques your interest. For those who appreciate strong storytelling, the original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended. If you prefer more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.
PS4, Xbox One, PC
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Nintendo Switch
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PS4, Xbox One, PC
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PS4, Xbox One, PC
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There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by the modern-day storyline or by the historical settings. Playing in the order of release aligns with the modern-day narrative, which is woven through each game. This approach is ideal for understanding the overarching story and witnessing the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.
Alternatively, playing the games in chronological order by their historical settings offers a unique perspective on the Assassin-Templar saga. While these historical stories are less interconnected than the modern-day plots, they form the bulk of your gameplay experience and provide a fascinating journey through different eras.
Below, we provide brief plot summaries with mild spoilers to help you understand the setting, key characters, and overarching themes without delving too deeply into specifics.
Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces its RPG roots. Players choose between Cassandra or Alexios, the grandchildren of King Leonidas I of Sparta. The game unfolds during the Peloponnesian War, intertwining historical figures such as Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato with mythical creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it introduces the Spear of Leonidas, a crucial Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey Wiki
Primary setting: Ancient EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Following a year-long hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot for the series. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they uncover the Order of the Ancients, eventually founding the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues as the protagonist through Odyssey and Valhalla.
Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Origins Wiki
Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is the latest installment, offering a more focused, narrative-driven experience reminiscent of the original games. It follows the young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief turned assassin under the mentorship of Roshan. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not heavily feature the present-day storyline.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Mirage Wiki
Primary setting: 9th Century England and NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, making it the largest game in the series. It follows Eivor, who leads their clan from Norway to the fertile lands of England. The game blends historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great with mythological elements such as Fenrir and Odin. The modern-day plot concludes 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
Primary setting: 12th Century Holy Land (Acre, Damascus, Jerusalem)Historic Protagonist: Altair Ibn'La-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It sets the stage for the franchise's narrative, introducing core concepts like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair's mission to hunt down nine Templars intertwines with Desmond Miles' modern-day struggle against the Templars.
Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki
Primary setting: 15th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore, whose journey spans three games. Seeking vengeance for his family, Ezio becomes embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict, traversing Italy and interacting with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Desmond's modern-day story begins to unfold as he works with the Assassins.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 Wiki
Primary setting: 15th-16th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Continuing Ezio's saga, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees him rebuilding the Assassins Guild in Rome and pursuing the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the Assassins seek the same artifact to prevent a prophesized catastrophe.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Wiki
Primary setting: 16th Century ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The final chapter of Ezio's story, Revelations, sees him in Constantinople, seeking Altair's hidden library. The game intertwines Ezio's journey with flashbacks to Altair's life, culminating in revelations about Ezio's role in the larger narrative. In the modern day, Desmond navigates the Animus to escape his coma.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Switch (The Ezio Collection); PS3, Xbox 360, PC (Original Release) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Revelations Wiki
Primary setting: Feudal Japan Historic protagonist: Naoe and YasukeModern protagonist: N/A
Set during the late Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, and Yasuke, an African samurai, come together in a tale of vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows integrates the Animus Hub, adding modern-day subplots and a reward system.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows Wiki
Primary setting: 18th Century Caribbean IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee
Best known for its naval gameplay, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather to Connor Kenway of Assassin's Creed III. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, later the protagonist of Freedom Cry. In the modern day, an Abstergo employee relives 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
Primary setting: 18th Century American NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"
Serving as a bridge between Assassin's Creed III and IV, Rogue follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game features Haytham Kenway and focuses on Shay's hunt for a Piece of Eden. The modern-day narrative involves another Abstergo employee, "Numbskull," aiding the Templars.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia; Switch (The Rebel Collection) | IGN's Assassin's Creed Rogue Wiki
Primary setting: 18th Century Colonial AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway, son of Haytham Kenway, as he protects his tribe and seeks to thwart the Templars' plans. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc, culminating in a race to prevent the world's end.
Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki
Primary setting: 18th Century FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player
Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, who becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. Historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI are featured. The modern-day story involves a Helix player, offering minimal gameplay and little impact on the overarching narrative.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Unity Wiki
Set in 1868, Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who aim to liberate London from Templar control. Historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin make appearances. The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player, now aiding the Assassins in their search for a Piece of Eden.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna | IGN's Assassin's Creed Syndicate Wiki
Ubisoft's latest addition to the franchise, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20. While details about future mainline games are scarce, several remakes of earlier titles are reportedly in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.
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