Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated gamers for 18 years, taking players on a thrilling journey across five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history through 13 mainline games. The iconic Assassin-Templar conflict has unfolded from the ancient landscapes of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London. As we eagerly await the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's dive into a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline entries that shape the core narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore our complete 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?

The Assassin's Creed universe boasts 14 mainline games, alongside 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the gaming realm, fans can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting your Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting, but choosing a game that aligns with your historical interests is a great approach. If you're drawn to compelling storytelling, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is a stellar starting point, renowned for its narrative depth. For those interested in more recent titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a unique pirate-themed experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the rich world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

When considering the Assassin's Creed chronology, you have two main paths: the modern-day storylines and the historical settings.

• Modern-day Storylines: Each mainline game progresses the overarching narrative through its present-day segments. Playing the games in release order offers the best way to follow this storyline and witness the evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

• Historical Settings: This option lists the games by their historical context, which is less interconnected but where you'll spend most of your time. It's an excellent way to explore different eras and cultures.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

The following brief synopses are tailored for newcomers and contain mild spoilers such as broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

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 RPG elements, transforming the series into an open-world adventure. You step into the sandals of Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game seamlessly blends history with mythology, introducing iconic figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, alongside mythical creatures such as the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. Although set before the Assassin and Templar orders, it features a pivotal 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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Following a year-long hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, marking a soft reboot and introducing RPG mechanics. The game is set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, with historical touchpoints in Rome under Julius Caesar. Origins follows Bayek and Aya's journey of vengeance, which leads them to uncover the Order of the Ancients, a precursor to the Templars, and establish the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins. The modern-day story introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her role in subsequent games.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is the latest addition, offering a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure that pays homage to the series' origins. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, on his journey from Baghdad to the Hidden Ones' fortress of Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage minimizes the modern-day storyline, focusing on Basim's narrative.

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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, making it the series' most expansive game to date. You play as Eivor, leading a clan from resource-scarce Norway to the fertile lands of England. The game intertwines the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients with Eivor's personal story, introducing historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings such as Fenrir and Odin. The modern-day plot wraps up Layla Hassan's three-game 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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad during the Third Crusade. It establishes key series elements like the Animus, Pieces of Eden, and the time-hopping Assassin-Templar narrative. Altair's mission to hunt down nine Templars unfolds alongside Desmond Miles' introduction to the modern-day conflict.

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

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Set in Renaissance Italy, Ezio's quest for vengeance against his family's killers leads him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Pope Alexander VI, while Desmond begins his journey 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

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

Primary setting: 15th-16th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he rebuilds Rome's Assassin Guild and pursues the Apple of Eden. The modern-day plot follows Desmond and the Assassins to Italy in search of the same artifact, crucial to preventing an apocalyptic event.

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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees the aging assassin journey to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. Revelations intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's memories and culminates in revealing Ezio's role in the broader 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 JapanHistoric Protagonists: Naoe and YasukeModern Protagonist: N/A

The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Yasuke, an African samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi, the game explores their intertwined paths of vengeance. Alongside the historical narrative, Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that enhances the series' modern-day experience.

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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather to AC III's Connor Kenway. Set in the Caribbean, the game features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and Mary Read, while Edward becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Edward's memories.

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 NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. Set in Colonial America, the game features Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway and follows Shay's hunt for a Piece of Eden. The modern-day plot involves another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull."

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 AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III unfolds during the American Revolution, with Connor Kenway seeking to protect his tribe and a First Civilization's Grand Temple from Templar control. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, while the modern-day story concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins strive to avert an apocalypse.

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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian's quest for vengeance and his entanglement in the Assassin-Templar conflict. Historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI appear, while the modern-day plot involves a Helix player experiencing Abstergo's propaganda.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to free Victorian London from Templar control. The game features historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin, while the modern-day plot follows the same Helix player from Unity, 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

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 series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to release on March 20. While no new mainline games are announced, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed remakes of older titles are 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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