Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on thrilling historical journeys from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's open-world saga has distinguished itself by immersing players in diverse historical settings, offering a unique blend of action and education. Unlike many contemporaries that favor fantasy or modern settings, Assassin's Creed stands out for its historical narratives and conspiracy-laden plots.

Despite maintaining core elements throughout its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly. Changes include revamped player progression systems and increasingly expansive worlds. Deciding the top Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat, but after careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series.

Here are 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

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

Assassin's Creed: Revelations serves as the final chapter for both Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore, providing a memorable and thrilling conclusion to their stories. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game excels with its engaging narrative. From ziplining in Constantinople to interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations offers a host of fascinating adventures. It encapsulates the end of an era for Assassin's Creed while setting the stage for future developments.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

Assassin's Creed Syndicate is defined by its setting—Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution. The game's world is brought to life through activities like sneaking around factories, racing carriages, and confronting Jack the Ripper. The score by Austin Wintory, featuring string-heavy compositions, adds a unique auditory layer to the experience. The dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Fry, each have their own distinct soundtracks, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere. Syndicate's combat, particularly with the use of a cane, remains a highlight, reminiscent of the elegance found in games like Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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

While not a complete reinvention like Origins, Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings significant changes to the series. The combat feels more impactful, and the shift from traditional side quests to world events enhances exploration. The game also streamlines the loot system, making rewards feel more meaningful. Eivor's story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering fans a rich narrative experience. The game's expansion into the world of Thor and Odin further deepens its mythological roots, making Valhalla a standout entry in the series.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

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

Continuing Ezio Auditore da Firenze's saga, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood solidifies him as a beloved protagonist. The game focuses on an expanded Rome and introduces new mechanics like swimming, property management, and the use of firearms and recruitable allies. Brotherhood is packed with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by updated combat that allows players to embrace their inner assassin. Additionally, it was the first in the series to feature multiplayer, adding a competitive element to the experience.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, compelling narrative, and shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series, making Origins a landmark entry.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and parkour. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have transformed it into a fan favorite. The game's enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, and its assassination missions are among the best, providing multiple infiltration options. The detailed recreation of Paris, including landmarks like Notre Dame, adds to its visual appeal.

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 Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows meets the high expectations set by fans. The game refocuses on stealth and assassination, offering a more restrained open world compared to its predecessors. With dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, players can experience the game from different perspectives. Naoe's stealth abilities and Yasuke's combat prowess provide a balanced gameplay experience, set against the backdrop of a dynamically changing world.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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

Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast world, stunning vistas, and engaging naval warfare make it a standout. The notoriety system adds tension, while the nation struggle system allows for large-scale battles. With a compelling story and charismatic protagonist, Odyssey offers a rich and immersive experience.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

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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 realizing the series' potential. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat, and the ability to swim. The Italian Renaissance setting and protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze became iconic. The game's narrative, blending historical and modern-day elements, culminated in a memorable ending, cementing its place as a defining entry in the series.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, and transforms the Caribbean into a sandbox playground. The game's naval combat, seamless transitions between land and sea, and engaging upgrade system make it a standout. Whether hunting merchant ships or battling buccaneers, Black Flag offers an immersive pirate experience, solidifying its place as one of the best in the series.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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And there you have it! Those are our top Assassin’s Creed games. Disagree with the ranking? Think another entry should have been on the list? Let us know your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

If you're eager for more Assassin's Creed adventures, keep an eye on upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to explore the paths of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises a mysterious and occult-themed adventure, bringing fresh ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the 2007 debut to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All!

Assassin's CreedUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft Bucharest
Assassin's Creed IIUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite Games
Assassin's Creed II [Mobile]Gameloft
Assassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoft
Assassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft Montreal
Assassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft