How to Play the Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

Home News How to Play the Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has captivated gamers for 18 years, spanning five continents and covering over 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we present a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline titles that drive the central narrative of the Assassin-Templar saga.

For a deeper dive into the historical settings of Assassin's Creed games, explore our detailed guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

Jump to:

How to play in chronological order
How to play in release order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

14 Images

How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

The Assassin's Creed series currently includes 14 mainline games and 17 spinoffs. Beyond video games, there's also an Assassin's Creed board game and a forthcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing a starting point in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but selecting a game set in an era that fascinates you is a great approach. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is renowned for its compelling narrative. For those interested in newer titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at Amazon

Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at Amazon

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at Amazon

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

0See it at Amazon

How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

You can approach the Assassin's Creed chronology in two ways. The first is by following the modern-day storyline, which progresses with each game's release. This method is ideal for experiencing the series' evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs and understanding the overarching narrative. For this, refer to the section on playing the games by release date.

The second option is by their historical settings, which, while less interconnected, offer a fascinating journey through time. This approach is more about exploring the historical periods than following a continuous story.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

With newcomers in mind, the plot summaries below include only mild spoilers such as general plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern 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 experience. You play as Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of Sparta's King Leonidas I, during the Peloponnesian War. The game features historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, and mythical creatures like the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa. It takes place before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but includes the Spear of Leonidas, a key Piece of Eden.

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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Following a year's hiatus, Assassin's Creed Origins marked a soft reboot and introduced RPG mechanics. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, it spans Ancient Egypt and Rome under Julius Caesar. The story begins with Bayek and Aya seeking vengeance for their son's death, leading them to uncover the Order of the Ancients and form the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. Layla Hassan is introduced as the modern-day protagonist.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure designed as a tribute to the original games. It follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with visions, as he escapes Baghdad to join the Hidden Ones at Alamut. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a modern-day storyline.

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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, making it the series' largest game to date. It follows Eivor's clan as they migrate from Norway to England, intertwining historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin. The game continues the Hidden Ones' conflict with the Order of the Ancients and concludes Layla Hassan's modern-day 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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The inaugural Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and foundational elements like climbing and assassinations. Set during the Third Crusade, it establishes key concepts such as the Pieces of Eden and the Animus, while introducing Desmond Miles and the modern Assassin-Templar conflict.

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

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a fan-favorite protagonist whose story spans three games. Ezio seeks vengeance for his family, leading him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and takes players through iconic Italian locales.

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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Continuing from AC II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows Ezio as he rebuilds Rome's Assassins Guild and pursues the Apple of Eden. In the present day, Desmond and the modern Assassins search for the same artifact to avert the end of the world.

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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy sees an older Ezio searching for Altair's library in Constantinople. The game intertwines Ezio's and Altair's narratives, revealing Ezio's broader role in the series. 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 Japan
Historic protagonist: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern protagonist: N/A

The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. It features dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, whose paths cross amid tragedy and vengeance. Unlike Mirage, Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that enhances the game with modern-day subplots and rewards.

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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, protagonist of the Freedom Cry spinoff. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee reliving Connor's memories to produce a film.

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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV, featuring Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar. It includes Haytham Kenway, connecting to the Kenway family saga. The modern-day story follows another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," serving the Templars.

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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day storyline.

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 France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Set during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, an Assassin caught in the conflict while seeking vengeance. The modern-day story involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's Animus-powered gaming software, and is less integral to the series' narrative.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who fight to liberate London from Templar influence. Set in 1868, it includes historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell. The modern-day narrative continues with the Helix player from Unity, assisting the Assassins in locating 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

Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20. While no details on future mainline games are available, remakes of older titles are in development. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive Assassin's Creed Jade has been delayed to 2025.

Related Content: