The Assassin's Creed series has been transporting players through history since its debut in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world series has delved into a diverse array of settings, making each game a thrilling, semi-educational journey into the past. This unique approach sets Assassin's Creed apart in the gaming genre, which often favors fantasy realms or modern urban landscapes.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, introducing new progression systems and ever-expanding worlds. This evolution has led to debates about which games stand out as the best. After careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline Assassin's Creed games.

So, without further ado, here are our top 10 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

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: 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 impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game offers a memorable and thrilling send-off. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to intimate moments with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is brimming with captivating adventures. It serves as both a farewell to the early era of Assassin’s Creed and a glimpse into the future of the series.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

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

Assassin's Creed games are defined by their settings as much as their characters, and Syndicate's Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution is particularly memorable. The game immerses players in a world of factory infiltrations, horse-drawn carriage races, and confrontations with Jack the Ripper, grounding the narrative in a tangible yet fantastical setting. The unique string-heavy score by Journey's Austin Wintory, along with distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, adds a cohesive atmosphere. Syndicate's combat, especially with its cane-wielding mechanics, is reminiscent of the finesse seen in games like Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

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

While not as revolutionary as Origins, Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces substantial changes. The combat feels more impactful, traditional side quests are replaced by world events for a more organic exploration experience, and the loot system is streamlined, making rewards more meaningful. Although Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology in a compelling way. Fans of Norse lore will appreciate the significant role sagas play in the main campaign and the expansive world of Thor and Odin explored in the game's lengthy expansion.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: 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 da Firenze's saga, solidifying him as a beloved character. The game shifts focus to an expanded Rome, introducing new mechanics like swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. Ezio’s journey is filled with charm, wit, and drama, enhanced by refined combat that lets players embrace the aggressive assassin role. Brotherhood also marks the series' first foray into multiplayer, pitting friends against each other as Templars and assassins.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

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

Origins represents a pivotal shift in the series, transforming Assassin’s Creed into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, Origins stands out as a stellar entry in its own right. The central story of Bayek and Aya, driven by a quest for justice that leads to the founding of the Assassin's Brotherhood, is deeply engaging. The ancient Egyptian setting is a marvel to explore, and the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the franchise.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

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

After the swashbuckling adventures of Black Flag, Unity returns to the series' stealth roots. As the first Assassin’s Creed game exclusive to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, Unity showcases breathtaking graphics and a near-accurate recreation of Paris. Despite a rocky launch marred by bugs and an overwhelming map, subsequent patches have transformed it into a fan favorite. Unity offers fluid parkour, strategic hit-and-run tactics, and some of the series' best assassination missions. The detailed rendering of Notre Dame alone justifies its appeal.

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-awaited Feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows meets the high expectations of fans. It refocuses on stealth and infiltration, with a more balanced open world and RPG elements compared to its predecessors. The game features dual protagonists: Naoe, who excels in stealth, and Yasuke, a samurai embodying the era's warrior spirit. Exploring the dynamic landscapes of Japan, which change with the seasons, is a highlight, especially through Naoe’s unique toolkit, including a grappling hook and enhanced climbing abilities.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: October 2, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey builds on Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting them against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game boasts stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system adds tension with cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system lets players influence large-scale battles. Despite its lengthy playtime, Odyssey's story and eccentric sidequests, driven by a charismatic protagonist, keep players hooked. Even after completion, the world invites endless exploration.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

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

Assassin’s Creed 2 not only proves the series' potential but also sets the standard for sequels. It introduces more dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and the ability to swim, enriching the gameplay. New catacomb missions test parkour skills, while the upgradeable villa encourages collecting. Leonardo da Vinci's inventions add fresh gameplay elements. Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduces the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and weaves a compelling narrative that ties the historical and present-day storylines together in an unforgettable way.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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

Black Flag breaks the mold by focusing on a pirate protagonist, Edward Kenway, before his assassin role. This shift leads to an immersive Caribbean sandbox filled with islands, treasures, and activities. The game expands on naval combat from Assassin’s Creed 3, making sailing a highlight. Whether hunting merchant ships or battling formidable buccaneers, the seamless transition between land and sea offers players freedom in their approach. Black Flag not only stands as a pinnacle of the Assassin's Creed series but also as one of the finest pirate games ever made.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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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 in the world of Assassin's Creed, keep an eye out for several exciting titles. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just been released, allowing you to navigate the path of a shinobi and samurai in Feudal Japan. 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 series' 2007 debut to upcoming projects across console, PC, mobile, and VR, here's the full Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See AllAssassin's CreedUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed: Altair's ChroniclesGameloft BucharestAssassin's Creed IIUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed: BloodlinesGriptonite GamesAssassin's Creed II [Mobile]GameloftAssassin's Creed II: DiscoveryUbisoftAssassin's Creed II: Battle of ForliUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the VanitiesUbisoft MontrealAssassin's Creed II MultiplayerUbisoft