Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting players to Japan’s Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set in 1579, the game features historical figures such as Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows blends fact with fiction to weave a narrative filled with themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. However, the game's depiction of Yasuke embarking on a killing spree to gather enough XP for a gold-tier weapon is, of course, a humorous nod to the game's fictional elements.

Assassin’s Creed has always been about historical fiction, crafting stories that fit within the gaps of recorded history to tell tales of a secret society's quest for world domination using the powers of a pre-human civilization. While Ubisoft's open-world environments are meticulously researched and deeply rooted in history, it's crucial to understand that these games are not history lessons. The developers frequently alter historical facts to enhance their storytelling.

Here are ten instances where Assassin’s Creed has significantly rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

The central conflict between the Assassins and the Templars is entirely fictional. Historically, there is no evidence that the Order of Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar, established in 1118, ever engaged in a war. Both groups were disbanded by 1312 and their only shared conflict was the Crusades, which only aligns with the setting of the first Assassin’s Creed game.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood feature Ezio's struggle against the Borgia family, with Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia becoming Pope Alexander VI and the Grand Master of the Templar Order. However, the Templars did not exist in the late 1400s, and the Borgias were not the villainous family portrayed in the game. Cesare Borgia, depicted as a psychopathic leader, was not historically proven to be as malevolent as the game suggests.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

Niccolò Machiavelli, a key figure in Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, is shown as Ezio’s ally and leader of the Italian Assassin’s Bureau. In reality, Machiavelli's political views on strong authority would have been at odds with the Assassin’s Creed. Moreover, he did not view the Borgias as negatively as depicted in the game, even serving as a diplomat in Cesare Borgia’s court.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin’s Creed 2’s portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci aligns well with historical records of his personality, but the game takes liberties with his travels and inventions. The game's depiction of da Vinci moving from Florence to Venice in 1481 to coincide with Ezio’s journey does not match his actual movements. Furthermore, while da Vinci designed many advanced machines, there is no evidence that his flying machine was ever built or used.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party in Assassin’s Creed 3 is far more violent than the real event, which was a non-violent protest. In the game, protagonist Connor kills multiple British guards during the event, turning a peaceful demonstration into a bloodbath. Additionally, the game suggests that Samuel Adams masterminded the protest, a detail that remains unclear among historians.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin’s Creed 3’s protagonist, Connor, is a Mohawk who fights alongside the Patriots, despite the Mohawk people being historically allied with the British during the Revolutionary War. While there were rare instances of Mohawks fighting against the British, Connor's depiction represents a "what if?" scenario that adds tension and conflict to the game's narrative.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin’s Creed Unity’s portrayal of the French Revolution as a Templar conspiracy significantly deviates from historical events. The game attributes the revolution's food crisis to a Templar scheme, whereas it was caused by natural disasters. Unity also simplifies the revolution to the Reign of Terror, ignoring its broader causes and timeline.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

The execution of King Louis 16 in Assassin’s Creed Unity is depicted as a close vote influenced by a Templar conspirator, whereas the actual vote was a clear majority. The game also downplays the widespread public anger against the aristocracy, focusing instead on a more sympathetic portrayal.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin trying to take over the London Brotherhood. This narrative adds a dramatic twist to the historical serial killer, whose real identity and motives remain a mystery.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin’s Creed Origins portrays Julius Caesar as a proto-Templar, ignoring his historical reforms aimed at helping the poor. The game's depiction of his assassination as a victory against tyranny is misleading, as it led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

While Assassin’s Creed games are packed with authentic historical elements, their accuracy is often sacrificed for storytelling. This is the nature of historical fiction, and it's important to remember that these games are meant for entertainment, not education. What are your favorite examples of Assassin’s Creed bending the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.