Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has been a staple in gaming for 18 years, taking players on a thrilling journey through five continents and spanning 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. From the ancient streets of Greece to the bustling cityscapes of Victorian London, the series has consistently delivered immersive historical settings intertwined with the epic struggle between the Assassins and Templars.

With the highly anticipated release of Assassin's Creed Shadows on the horizon, we've compiled a comprehensive timeline of the Assassin's Creed series to date. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as spinoffs, while entertaining, do not significantly impact the overarching narrative.

For a deeper dive into the historical eras featured in Assassin's Creed, be sure to check out our full guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological orderHow to play in release order### Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

14 ImagesHow Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

The Assassin's Creed saga includes 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoffs, showcasing the breadth of the franchise. Beyond video games, enthusiasts can look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a rumored TV series in development at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Starting your Assassin's Creed journey can be daunting with so many titles to choose from. If you're drawn to a particular historical period, that's a great place to start. However, the original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is often praised for its compelling narrative. For those interested in newer entries, Assassin's Creed Black Flag offers engaging pirate adventures, 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 AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

0See it at AmazonHow to Play the Assassin’s Creed Game In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by following the modern-day storyline or by exploring the historical settings in chronological order.

Modern-Day Storyline: The modern-day narrative connects each game, progressing with each release. Playing the games in release order is the best way to follow this overarching story and witness the franchise's evolution from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. Scroll down to see the list of games by release date.

Historical Settings: The historical settings offer a more standalone experience, though they're loosely connected. This approach is ideal if you're interested in specific historical periods. Below, we present the games in the order of their historical settings.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Our brief plot synopses are designed with newcomers in mind and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla HassanSet nearly 400 years earlier than any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey delves into the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. As Cassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas I, players explore a world where history meets mythology, encountering figures like Hippocrates and Socrates, and mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. This game marks the series' full transition to an open-world RPG, set before the Assassin and Templar orders were established, yet it features a crucial Piece of Eden, the Spear of Leonidas.

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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla HassanFollowing a year's hiatus, Assassin's Creed Origins revitalized the franchise in 2017, introducing RPG mechanics and serving as a soft reboot. Set during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, the game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the Order of the Ancients and founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues her journey through Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla HassanAssassin's Creed Valhalla transports players to the Norse world, integrating history with mythology. As Eivor, players navigate the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while leading their clan from Norway to England. The game features historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and mythological beings like Odin, concluding 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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesThe inaugural Assassin's Creed game, set during the Third Crusade, introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and foundational gameplay mechanics like climbing and assassinations. It establishes the series' time-hopping narrative, introducing the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. The modern-day story features Desmond Miles and the ongoing 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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesAssassin's Creed II introduces beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Set in Renaissance Italy, Ezio seeks vengeance for his family's murder, uncovering a larger conspiracy. The game introduces historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and marks Desmond's alliance with the modern-day Assassins.

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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesContinuing Ezio's saga, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood follows his efforts to rebuild the Assassins' Guild in Rome and retrieve the Apple of Eden. In the modern day, Desmond and the Assassins seek 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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesThe final chapter of Ezio's trilogy, Revelations, sees him journeying to Constantinople in search of Altair's library. The game intertwines Ezio's story with Altair's past, revealing Ezio's role in the broader narrative. 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 YasukeModern protagonist: N/AThe upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, the game explores their intertwined paths of vengeance. Shadows introduces the Animus Hub, a platform unifying the series and enhancing modern-day subplots.

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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo EmployeeAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval gameplay, set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. As Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Connor Kenway, players encounter historical figures like Blackbeard and uncover the Observatory, a First Civilization site. The modern-day story follows an Abstergo employee uncovering Connor's life for 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 NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narratives of Black Flag and Assassin's Creed III. Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, hunts a Piece of Eden, with Templar Grand Master Haytham Kenway playing a significant role. In the modern day, another Abstergo employee, "Numbskull," serves 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 AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesSet during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and seeks to prevent the Templars from accessing 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. Assassins Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix PlayerAssassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution, focusing on Arno Dorian's quest for vengeance and his role in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day narrative, centered around a Helix player, lacks significant gameplay and has minimal impact on the overall story.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

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

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