The latest addition to Ubisoft's iconic stealth-action franchise, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has arrived, setting the stage in the rich tapestry of 16th-century Japan. As players embody the roles of Naoe and Yasuke, the question arises: where does this game stand among its predecessors? With over 30 titles under the Assassin's Creed banner, we're focusing solely on the mainline games for this ranking, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.

The journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles exploring his ancestor Altaïr's memories through the Animus. Fast forward 18 years, and the series has evolved significantly, now boasting 14 core entries. I've taken the liberty to rank them based on my personal enjoyment, and here's how I see it:

Simon Cardy's Assassin's Creed Tier List

Topping my S-tier is Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, a game that perfectly blends island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters. It's the epitome of the Assassin's Creed experience for me. Sharing the S-tier is Assassin's Creed 2, the game that propelled the series into the spotlight with its compelling narrative and expansive world.

In the A-tier, I've placed Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Despite its polarizing reception due to its expansive nature, I thoroughly enjoyed the Viking-themed combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Joining it is Assassin's Creed Unity, whose detailed recreation of Paris during the French Revolution remains breathtaking even a decade on.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too bloated or believe Assassin's Creed 2 to be overrated. Now's your chance to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the IGN community.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Are you enjoying Assassin's Creed Shadows? Where do you envision the series heading next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to tell us why you've ranked the games the way you have.