Assassin’s Creed is a franchise that has captivated gamers with its intricate plots, stunning historical settings, and complex characters. Since its debut in 2007, the series has grown to include numerous main titles and spin-offs, each exploring different periods and protagonists while maintaining a connected storyline through the ongoing battle between Assassins and Templars. For fans old and new, understanding the Assassin’s Creed games in order can enhance the gaming experience, offering a richer understanding of the narrative and character development throughout the series.
The Evolution of Assassin’s Creed: A Chronological Overview
Here’s a guide to the Assassin’s Creed main series games in the order they were released, providing context and a glimpse into the evolution of the game’s mechanics and storytelling.
1. Assassin’s Creed (2007)
The game that started it all introduces players to the Animus, a machine that allows modern-day protagonist Desmond Miles to relive the memories of his ancestor, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, during the Third Crusade. It’s known for pioneering the blend of stealth, parkour, and action that defines the series.
2. Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
Set in Renaissance Italy, this sequel follows the charismatic Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Widely regarded as one of the best games in the series, it expanded the gameplay mechanics and introduced a more personal story that spans three games.
3. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
Continuing Ezio’s story, Brotherhood introduces a new mechanic allowing players to recruit and lead a group of assassins. The game is set primarily in Rome and offers a mix of personal vengeance and larger historical events.
4. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011)
Ezio’s final chapter takes him to Constantinople. Revelations tie up loose ends in his story while connecting back to Altaïr and setting the stage for future revelations in Desmond’s story.
5. Assassin’s Creed III (2012)
This title shifts focus to the American Revolution, where players control Connor Kenway, a Native American assassin. The game expanded the series’ scope with larger open worlds and naval combat—a precursor to later developments.
6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
Black Flag is set in the Golden Age of Piracy and follows Edward Kenway, Connor’s grandfather. Its naval combat system and exploration of Caribbean islands were a hit with fans, marking a pivotal turn towards more open-world exploration.
7. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014)
Rogue links the stories of Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed III, focusing on Shay Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar. It explores the darker side of the conflict between the Assassins and Templars.
8. Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014)
Set during the French Revolution, Unity introduces Arno Dorian, who becomes embroiled in the turmoil of the era. The game was ambitious, featuring a massive crowd system and more in-depth building interiors.
9. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)
Syndicate takes place during the Industrial Revolution in London and features two playable characters, twins Jacob and Evie Frye. It refines previous mechanics and focuses on gang warfare and the fight against industrialists.
10. Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)
Origins is a soft reboot of the series set in Ancient Egypt. It introduces Bayek of Siwa and shifts towards more RPG-like mechanics, laying the groundwork for a new direction in gameplay and story depth.
11. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018)
Set in Ancient Greece, Odyssey continues the RPG trend, allowing players to choose between two protagonists—Alexios or Kassandra—and impact the story through choices. It’s known for its expansive world and complex narrative branches.
12. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
Following the Viking invasions of England, Valhalla’s protagonist, Eivor, can be played as male or female. The game builds on the RPG elements and introduces raiding and settlement-building mechanics.
The Importance of Playing in Order
Playing the Assassin’s Creed games in order helps you appreciate the evolution of the gameplay and the depth of the overarching narrative. Each game builds on its predecessors in terms of technology and storytelling, offering a more immersive experience if played in sequence. Additionally, the chronological understanding of historical events and character developments enhances the player’s experience, providing a richer backdrop against which the personal dramas of the protagonists unfold.
Conclusion
From the Third Crusade to the Viking age, the Assassin’s Creed series offers a unique blend of history and fiction, tied together by innovative gameplay and compelling narratives. Playing the Assassin’s Creed games in order allows players to fully appreciate the grand scope of the narrative Ubisoft has crafted over more than a decade. Whether you are a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan revisiting the games, the journey through the past that Assassin’s Creed offers is one of epic proportions.
