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Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Order Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Apr 11,2025

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has been a monumental journey through history, spanning 2,300 years and five continents. Over 18 years, the saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict has unfolded across 13 mainline games, from the sands of Ancient Egypt to the bustling streets of Victorian London. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's dive into a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline. This guide focuses solely on the mainline games, as they are pivotal to the overarching narrative, leaving out the spinoffs that, while entertaining, do not directly contribute to the core storyline.

For a deeper dive into the historical contexts of these games, explore our detailed guide to the Assassin's Creed timeline.

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How to play in chronological order
How to play in release order

Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order

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How Many Assassin's Creed Games Are There?

Currently, the main series boasts 14 Assassin's Creed games, with an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into a board game and a forthcoming TV series at Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed universe can be daunting. For newcomers, selecting a game based on a fascinating historical period is a great strategy. The original Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) stands out for its compelling narrative. Alternatively, if you're drawn to more recent entries, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers thrilling pirate adventures, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses you in the vibrant world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin’s Creed saga:

By the modern-day storyline: This approach follows the present-day narrative that interconnects each game. As the series progresses, so does the modern-day storyline. If you're aiming to immerse yourself in the entire franchise, this method is ideal, allowing you to witness the evolution from stealth-focused action to expansive open-world RPGs.
By historical setting: This method lists games based on their historical periods, which are less interconnected than the modern-day stories but offer a rich exploration of different eras.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below is a chronological list of the mainline Assassin's Creed games, featuring mild spoilers in the form of broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Odyssey, set centuries before any other mainline game, marks a significant shift to RPG elements. As a grandchild of Sparta's King Leonidas I, you navigate the Peloponnesian War, encountering historical figures like Socrates and mythological creatures like the Sphinx.

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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Origins, released after a year-long hiatus, reintroduces the series with a soft reboot and RPG mechanics. Set in Ancient Egypt, it follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance and uncover the Order of the Ancients, leading to the formation of the Hidden Ones.

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

3. Assassin's Creed Mirage (861–???)

Primary setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historic Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Assassin's Creed Mirage, released in 2023, offers a more focused, narrative-driven experience set in 9th-century Baghdad. It follows the early life of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief turned key figure in the Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla delves into Norse history and mythology, presenting one of the largest games in the series. Eivor leads their clan from Norway to England, navigating the ongoing conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients.

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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and sets the stage for the franchise. Set during the Third Crusade, it establishes key elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN's Assassin's Creed Wiki

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore, a beloved protagonist whose journey spans three games. From Florence to the Vatican, Ezio's quest for vengeance evolves into a battle against the Templars.

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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's story as he rebuilds the Assassins Guild in Rome and seeks the Apple of Eden, crucial to the modern-day Assassins' efforts.

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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Assassin's Creed Revelations, sees an older Ezio seeking Altair's hidden library in Constantinople, intertwining their stories and revealing Ezio's role in the broader narrative.

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 Yasuke
Modern protagonist: N/A

Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to Feudal Japan, featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. Their stories converge in a quest for vengeance amidst the late Sengoku period.

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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag introduces naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate drawn into the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee reliving 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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar, bridging the narrative between AC III and AC IV. The modern-day story involves another Abstergo employee.

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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway during the American Revolution, protecting his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The modern-day story concludes Desmond's arc.

Available on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Stadia | IGN's Assassin's Creed 3 Wiki

13. Assassin's Creed Unity (1789–1794)

Primary setting: 18th Century France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian's quest for vengeance amidst the Assassin-Templar conflict. The modern-day story, played through Helix, is less impactful.

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

14. Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868)

Primary setting: Victorian London
Historic Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduces twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, who work to liberate London from Templar control. The modern-day story involves the same Helix player from Unity.

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to release on March 20, is the latest addition to the franchise. While no details on future mainline games are available, remakes of older titles are in the works. Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is being developed by Netflix, and Tencent's mobile title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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