Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series has been taking us on thrilling journeys through history since its inception in 2007. From the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's expansive open-world series has consistently delivered diverse and immersive settings that offer not just action-packed gameplay but also a semi-educational glimpse into the past. This unique approach sets the series apart in its genre, often dominated by fantasy realms or contemporary urban settings.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have largely remained consistent across its 14 mainline titles, the series has evolved significantly over the years. These changes include revamped player progression systems and increasingly expansive worlds, ensuring that each installment feels fresh and engaging.

Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After thorough discussion and debate, we've managed to compile our list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Let's dive into our top 10 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

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

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations masterfully concludes the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable features like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a compelling and thrilling farewell to these iconic characters. From exhilarating zipline adventures in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with fascinating experiences. It serves as both a celebration of the series' past and a preview of its future, allowing players to bid a heartfelt goodbye to the first era of Assassin's Creed.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

The settings in Assassin's Creed games are as crucial as their protagonists, and Syndicate's Victorian London, amidst the throes of industrialization, stands out as particularly memorable. From sneaking through factories to racing carriages and confronting Jack the Ripper, the game's setting feels both fantastical and authentic. The score by Austin Wintory, featuring string-heavy compositions unique to the series, enhances the immersive experience. The dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, each with their own thematic soundtrack, add to the rich tapestry of Syndicate's world. It's also noteworthy for its effective cane combat, reminiscent of Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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

While not as groundbreaking as Origins, Valhalla introduced substantial changes to the series. Combat became more impactful, traditional side quests were replaced by world events for a more organic exploration experience, and the overwhelming amount of loot was significantly reduced, enhancing the value of rewards. Eivor's story, though not our top favorite, offers a compelling blend of historical fantasy and Norse mythology. Fans of Norse lore are treated to an immersive experience, with the main campaign heavily influenced by sagas and a game-length expansion set in the world of Thor and Odin that echoes God of War.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

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

Continuing the saga of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Brotherhood cements him as a beloved protagonist. It shifts focus from the varied locales of Assassin's Creed 2 to an expanded Rome, enhancing the series' mechanics with new features like swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Filled with charm, wit, and drama, the game also introduces multiplayer, allowing players to assume the role of Templars in competitive matches. Though it may not have pushed the series forward as much as its predecessor, Brotherhood remains a cherished entry in the franchise.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Origins marked a pivotal shift for the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, Origins is a standout Assassin's Creed game in its own right. The narrative, centered around Bayek and Aya's quest for justice and the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood, is gripping. The ancient Egyptian setting is a breathtaking playground, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series for its fans.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

Following the swashbuckling adventures of Black Flag, Unity returned to the series' original tone. As the first AC game exclusive to Xbox One and PlayStation 4, it showcased impressive graphics and a meticulously recreated Paris. Though initially marred by bugs and an overloaded map, Unity has since been polished into a fan favorite. Its enhanced parkour system offers some of the most fluid and elegant movement in the series, enhancing stealth-based assassination missions. The detailed rendering of Notre Dame alone makes Unity a worthwhile experience.

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 during the Sengoku period, Shadows delivers on the series' promise by refocusing on stealth and assassination. While maintaining an expansive open world, it dials back the RPG elements for a more balanced experience. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows offers distinct gameplay styles—Naoe excels in stealth, while Yasuke embodies the samurai spirit. The game's world dynamically changes with the seasons, providing an ever-evolving landscape to explore.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Building on Origins' RPG elements, Odyssey expands the series into the vast, war-torn world of Ancient Greece. With stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare, the game is a visual and experiential delight. The refined notoriety system adds tension with intense cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system allows players to influence large-scale battles. Despite its lengthy playtime, Odyssey's story and charismatic protagonist keep players engaged, with a wealth of content to explore post-completion.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Developer: 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 refining the series' formula and delivering on the potential of the original game. With more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and new mobility features like swimming, ACII set new standards. The introduction of catacomb missions and an upgradeable villa added depth to gameplay, while Leonardo da Vinci's inventions provided fresh weaponry. Set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic Ezio Auditore and seamlessly wove the past and present narratives together, culminating in an unforgettable ending.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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

Black Flag boldly shifted the series' focus by introducing Edward Kenway, a pirate first and an assassin second. This change resulted in a thrilling adventure set in the Caribbean, offering a sandbox filled with islands, treasures, and activities. The game's upgrade system, centered around hunting and naval combat, turned these elements into exciting gameplay mechanics. Seamless transitions between land and sea enabled players to engage in dynamic ship battles, making Black Flag not only one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also a standout pirate game.

### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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There you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Do you disagree with the rankings? Think another entry should have made the list? Share your favorite Assassin's Creed game in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

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Looking ahead, Assassin's Creed fans have much to anticipate. Assassin's Creed Shadows has recently been released, immersing players in the world of Feudal Japan with both shinobi and samurai gameplay. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile platforms, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises an occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the debut title in 2007 to the upcoming projects across console, PC, mobile, and VR, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played.

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