Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series has been transporting players through time and space since its inception in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world saga offers a unique blend of historical exploration and thrilling conspiracy. Unlike many contemporaries that often delve into fantasy realms or modern urban landscapes, Assassin's Creed serves as a semi-educational journey into the past, making it a standout in the genre.

Over its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly while maintaining its core gameplay. Changes have included new approaches to player progression and ever-expanding worlds, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging.

Determining the best Assassin's Creed games is no easy feat. After careful consideration and lively debates, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series. Here's our ranking of the best 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

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

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations masterfully concludes the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less memorable additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivers a thrilling farewell to these iconic characters. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with unforgettable adventures. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a preview of future directions, allowing players to bid a heartfelt goodbye to the first era of Assassin's Creed.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

Assassin's Creed games are often as defined by their settings as by their protagonists, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London during the industrial revolution is among the most memorable. The game's immersive atmosphere is enhanced by sneaking through factories, racing carriages, and even confronting Jack the Ripper. The unique string-heavy score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, along with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, adds to the game's cohesive world. Notably, Syndicate offers one of the most effective uses of a cane in combat since Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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

While Assassin's Creed Valhalla didn't revolutionize the series like Origins, it introduced significant changes. Combat became more impactful, traditional side quests were replaced by organic world events, and loot management was streamlined, making rewards feel more valuable. Eivor's story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering fans a rich experience. The game's expansion into the realms of Thor and Odin feels akin to a God of War adventure, making Valhalla a standout entry.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

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

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore's journey, cementing him as a beloved protagonist. The game focuses on an expanded Rome and introduces new mechanics like swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. It's filled with charm, wit, and drama, with updated combat that allows players to embrace their inner aggressive assassin. Brotherhood also marked the series' first foray into multiplayer, allowing players to experience the thrill of the hunt as Templars.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Origins represents a pivotal moment for Assassin's Creed, transitioning from stealth-focused action-adventure to a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story of Bayek and Aya's quest for justice and the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood is compelling. The shift to loot-based progression and action RPG-style combat revitalized the series, offering fans a fresh and engaging experience.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

Assassin's Creed Unity marked a return to the series' roots with its focus on stealth and assassination. As the first AC game exclusively released for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, Unity was a graphical marvel, featuring detailed recreations of Paris. Despite a rocky launch marred by bugs, subsequent patches transformed it into a fan favorite. The game's enhanced parkour and fluid movement system, along with its intricate assassination missions, make it a standout. Additionally, the detailed rendering of Notre Dame adds significant value to the experience.

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 the long-requested Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows refocuses on stealth and assassination. The game's more restrained open world and RPG elements create a balanced experience. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows offers diverse gameplay styles, from stealthy infiltrations to samurai combat. The dynamic seasonal changes in the game's world enhance its immersive quality, making it a visually stunning addition to the series.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

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' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world includes stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system and nation struggle mechanics add tension and depth, while the charismatic protagonist and eccentric side quests keep players engaged. Odyssey's world is a joy to explore, even after completing the main story.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Developer: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed 2 not only proved the series' potential but also set a new standard for video game sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, improved combat and mobility, and new features like catacomb missions and an upgradeable villa. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and enhanced the connection between the past and present narratives. The unforgettable ending, featuring a confrontation with the Pope and a mystical twist, solidified AC2 as a landmark entry.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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

Black Flag introduced a refreshing twist by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, who is an assassin second. The Caribbean setting offers a vast sandbox filled with islands, treasures, and activities. The game's naval combat, built upon Assassin's Creed 3's framework, becomes the highlight, allowing players to engage in thrilling ship battles and seamless transitions between land and sea. Black Flag not only stands out in the Assassin's Creed series but also ranks among the best pirate games ever made.

### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

You may also like: The Best Games Like Assassin's Creed.

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 to see what's next for Assassin's Creed, keep an eye on several upcoming titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, allowing players to experience the life 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 comprehensive list. Log in to track which ones you've played.

See All

Ubisoft MontrealGameloftGameloft BucharestUbisoft MontrealGriptonite GamesGameloftUbisoftUbisoft MontrealUbisoft MontrealUbisoft