Since its debut in 2007, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on a wild ride through history, from the Holy Land to Ancient Greece and beyond. With 14 mainline entries and countless spin-offs, the series has seen its share of triumphs and missteps. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about where to start, our ranking of every mainline Assassin's Creed game will help you navigate the highs and lows of this beloved franchise.
14. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020)
On paper, a Viking-themed Assassin's Creed sounds like a no-brainer. In practice, Valhalla is a bloated, overstuffed mess that buries its best ideas under a mountain of content. You play as Eivor, a Viking raider (canonically female) navigating 9th-century England. But the game leans so heavily into mythological fantasy—with gods, giants, and magical realms—that it feels disconnected from the series' roots. The main story drags on interminably, and the ending is baffling. Even if you skip side activities, the campaign overstays its welcome. It's a textbook case of too much of a good thing.
13. Assassin's Creed: Mirage (2023)
After Valhalla's excess, Ubisoft tried to course-correct with Mirage, a shorter, more focused experience set in 9th-century Baghdad. Unfortunately, they swung too far in the opposite direction. The game feels rushed and undercooked, with a forgettable story and a protagonist—Basim—who many fans disliked due to his role as a villain in Valhalla. The parkour and urban setting are a welcome return to form, but Mirage doesn't bring anything new to the table. It's competent but ultimately mediocre.
12. Assassin's Creed: Unity (2014)
Set during the French Revolution, Unity was infamous at launch for its game-breaking bugs and glitches. Years of patches have fixed most of those issues, but the game still suffers from clunky combat, sluggish movement, and frustrating co-op missions. Stealth is nearly impossible, and the lack of a simple new-game option is baffling. On the bright side, the murder mysteries and riddles are fun diversions, and the Paris setting is gorgeous. But Unity remains a flawed entry that never quite lives up to its potential.
11. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018)
Odyssey takes players to Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, offering a massive open world and a choice between two protagonists (Kassandra is canon). While many fans enjoyed the RPG mechanics and naval combat, the game is infuriating for completionists. Many side quests are mutually exclusive or time-sensitive, making 100% sync nearly impossible. The story is engaging, but the bloat and grind can wear you down. It's a solid game, but not without its frustrations.
10. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015)
Set in Victorian London, Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who bring a welcome dynamic to the series. The game's grappling hook makes traversal a breeze, and the industrial setting is richly detailed. However, the story is forgettable, and the combat feels too easy. It's a fun, if shallow, entry that doesn't leave a lasting impression.
9. Assassin's Creed: Rogue (2014)
Rogue is a unique entry that lets you play as a Templar, offering a fresh perspective on the Assassin-Templar conflict. Set during the Seven Years' War, it bridges the gap between Black Flag and Unity. The naval combat is excellent, and the story is surprisingly compelling. However, the game is short and feels like a side story rather than a mainline entry.
8. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
The final chapter of Ezio's story, Revelations, takes place in Constantinople and wraps up the protagonist's arc beautifully. The hook blade and bomb-making mechanics add depth, and the story is emotional. However, the game feels like more of the same, and the tower defense mini-game is a dud.
7. Assassin's Creed III (2012)
Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III introduces Connor Kenway, a Native American assassin. The game's frontier setting is stunning, and the naval combat makes its debut here. However, the story is slow to start, and Connor is a divisive protagonist. The modern-day segments are also a letdown.
6. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
Building on Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood refines the formula with the addition of a brotherhood system that lets you recruit and command fellow assassins. Set in Rome, the game offers a rich open world and a compelling story. It's a worthy sequel that improves on its predecessor in almost every way.
5. Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017)
Origins rebooted the series with RPG mechanics, a massive open world, and a new protagonist, Bayek, set in Ptolemaic Egypt. The game's world is breathtaking, and the story is emotional. The combat overhaul was divisive, but the game's sense of discovery and exploration is unmatched. It's a strong start to the RPG era.
4. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
Often considered the best pirate game ever made, Black Flag stars Edward Kenway, a privateer turned pirate. The naval combat is superb, the Caribbean setting is gorgeous, and the shanties are unforgettable. The story is engaging, and Edward's journey from rogue to assassin is compelling. It's a high point for the series.
3. Assassin's Creed II (2009)
The game that defined the franchise, Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of gaming's most beloved protagonists. Set in Renaissance Italy, the game improves on the original in every way: better combat, more varied missions, and a gripping story of revenge and redemption. It's a classic that still holds up.
2. Assassin's Creed (2007)
The original Assassin's Creed was a groundbreaking title that introduced the series' core mechanics: parkour, stealth, and historical settings. Set during the Third Crusade, the game follows Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad as he hunts Templars. While repetitive by today's standards, its ambition and atmosphere are undeniable. It laid the foundation for everything that followed.
1. Assassin's Creed: Shadows (2025)
The latest entry, Shadows, takes the series to feudal Japan, a setting fans have wanted for years. The game features dual protagonists—a shinobi and a samurai—and blends stealth, combat, and exploration seamlessly. The story is gripping, the world is stunning, and the gameplay refinements make it the best the series has ever been. It's a triumphant return to form that honors the franchise's legacy while pushing it forward.
For more rankings and entertainment news, check out our list of Top 10 K-Dramas of the Last 5 Years or dive into Medici: The Assassin's Creed TV Substitute.
