The Assassin’s Creed series has sent players on epic journeys through history, mixing action, stealth, and exploration. Each of these games has offered its own unique settings and mechanics, whether it be the golden age of piracy or the streets of Renaissance Italy. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best Assassin’s Creed games that shaped the franchise.
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Top 10 Assassins Creed Games: From Black Flag to Revelations, the Best of the Franchise
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is set in the Golden Age of Piracy and was released on October 29, 2013, developed by Ubisoft Montréal. Focusing on Edward Kenway, a privateer-turned-pirate, it was a massive open-world experience complete with intense naval combat and seamless on-land exploration. Consistently recognized as the best game in the series thanks to its great story and freedom to roam the Caribbean, it is a worthy successor to the sage set by its predecessor.
Assassin’s Creed II
Ubisoft Montréal released Assassin’s Creed II on November 17th, 2009, overcoming the franchise’s mediocre, if commercially successful start by introducing Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the most beloved protagonists in the franchise’s history. Set in Renaissance Italy, the game perfected stealth mechanics, added economic systems, and had a riveting revenge-driven narrative. Its advancements on the first game made it a series landmark.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, developed by Ubisoft Quebec and released on October 2, 2018, further advanced the franchise into role-playing game territory. Players choose their protagonists from two branching bloodlines when the setting is Ancient Greece, engaging in choice-driven storytelling, large-scale battles, and naval exploration. Its deep customization and wide-open world make it one of the most ambitious titles in the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Launched March 20, 2025, and developed by Ubisoft Quebec, Assassin’s Creed Shadows whisks players to Feudal Japan. Focusing on two heroes — Naoe, hitting the shadows as a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, wielding a big sword as a man of power — the adventure emphasizes stealth, swordplay, and an absorbing open world.
Assassin’s Creed Unity
Assassin’s Creed Unity was released by Ubisoft Montréal on November 11, 2014, set during the French Revolution. The game suffered a troubled launch, but its beautifully re-created Paris, effortless parkour system, and highly customizable, deep assassination missions have won players over.
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Released on October 27, 2017, and developed by Ubisoft Montréal, Assassin’s Creed Origins represented a series pivoting to a deeper RPG system. Set in the Ancient Egypt period introduces the story of Bayek as well as the Assassin Brotherhood and features a massive open world and combat overhaul.
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Released on November 16, 2010, by Ubisoft Montréal, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood continued Ezio’s journey in Rome. It brought us the Assassin recruitment system, a better combat system, and a more expansive open-world environment, all working to improve on everything that made Assassin’s Creed II so great.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, released on November 10, 2020, by Ubisoft Montréal, lets players take on the role of Viking warrior Eivor. With settlement construction, Viking raids, and extensive RPG mechanics, the game further improved upon the modern Assassin’s Creed formula.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Released on October 23, 2015, and developed by Ubisoft Quebec, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate explored Victorian London with twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye. It introduced new traversal mechanics like the grappling hook and had an engaging gang warfare system.
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
Ubisoft Montréal released Assassin’s Creed: Revelations on November 15, 2011, concluding Ezio’s saga while linking his story to Altair’s. Featuring an enhanced combat system and the addition of the hook blade, it provided a satisfying end to one of the series’ most iconic characters.
