Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on thrilling journeys through various historical periods, from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's commitment to exploring diverse locations and historical settings has set the series apart, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment that distinguishes it from other games that often focus on fantasy or contemporary settings.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the franchise has evolved significantly, introducing new gameplay elements and expanding its worlds. This evolution prompts the question: which Assassin's Creed games stand out as the best? After careful consideration, we've compiled a list of the top 10 mainline entries in the series.

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

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 thrilling and memorable farewell. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to encounters with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations is packed with captivating adventures. It serves as both a celebration of the series' early days and a glimpse into its future, allowing players to bid farewell to two iconic characters after witnessing their growth and adventures.

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Assassin's Creed Syndicate transports players to 19th Century Victorian London, a setting that vividly captures the era's industrialization. The game's immersive environment, from sneaking through factories to racing horse-drawn carriages and confronting Jack the Ripper, grounds the narrative in a tangible yet fantastical world. The unique score by Journey composer Austin Wintory, featuring distinct soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Fry, enhances the game's atmosphere. Additionally, the effective use of a cane as a weapon adds a distinctive touch, reminiscent of games like Bloodborne.

8. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces significant changes without reinventing the series like Origins did. The combat feels more impactful, and the shift from traditional side quests to world events enhances exploration and discovery. The game also streamlines the overwhelming amount of loot, making rewards feel more meaningful. While Eivor may not be the most beloved protagonist, their story seamlessly blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offering fans a rich narrative experience. The game's expansion into the world of Thor and Odin further elevates its mythological elements, drawing comparisons to God of War.

7. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio Auditore da Firenze's journey, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. The game expands on the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed 2, such as swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies, set against the backdrop of an expanded Rome. The charm, wit, and drama of Ezio's story, combined with updated combat, allow players to embrace the role of an aggressive assassin. Brotherhood also introduced multiplayer, offering a fresh perspective by letting players assume the role of Templars. Though it may not have pushed the series forward as much as its predecessor, it remains a cherished entry.

6. Assassin's Creed Origins

Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, the game's central story follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice for their murdered son and ultimately found the Assassin's Brotherhood. The expansive world, compelling narrative, and shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series. While later games refined these mechanics, Origins provided the necessary innovation to re-engage fans.

5. Assassin's Creed Unity

Assassin's Creed Unity, the first exclusive release for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, showcases a stunning recreation of Paris with its detailed architecture and bustling crowds. Despite a rocky launch plagued by bugs and glitches, subsequent patches have transformed Unity into a fan favorite. The game's enhanced movement system offers the most fluid parkour in the series, enabling effective hit-and-run tactics. Its assassination missions are among the best, providing multiple infiltration options. The detailed depiction of Notre Dame alone makes Unity a worthwhile experience.

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-requested Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows meets the high expectations set by fans. The game refocuses on stealth and infiltration, offering a more balanced experience compared to the expansive RPG elements of Odyssey and Valhalla. Featuring dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, Shadows allows players to experience the game from both stealth and combat perspectives. Naoe's grappling hook and climbing abilities enable exploration of the series' most visually stunning world, which dynamically changes with the seasons.

3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast, vibrant world features stunning landscapes and engaging naval warfare. The revamped notoriety system adds tension with intense cat-and-mouse chases, while the nation struggle system allows players to participate in large-scale battles. Odyssey's compelling story, eccentric side quests, and charismatic protagonist make it a standout, offering endless exploration and discovery even after the main campaign.

2. Assassin's Creed 2

Assassin's Creed 2 not only proved the series' potential but also set a new standard for video game sequels. It introduced dynamic assassination missions, increased flexibility in objectives, and enhanced combat and mobility, including the ability to swim. The game's catacomb missions tested players' parkour skills, while the upgradeable villa provided incentives for collecting items. New weapons and gear from Leonardo da Vinci kept gameplay fresh. Set during the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and seamlessly connected the historical and modern-day narratives, culminating in an unforgettable ending.

1. Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduces a unique protagonist, Edward Kenway, who is a pirate first and an assassin second. This shift results in a thrilling adventure set in the Caribbean, featuring a sandbox playground filled with islands, treasure, and activities. The game's upgrade system and engaging naval combat make sailing a highlight, allowing players to choose between strategic ship battles or direct confrontations. Black Flag's seamless transition between land and sea, combined with its pirate-themed gameplay, cements it as not only one of the best Assassin's Creed games but also one of the greatest pirate games ever.

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 wondering what's coming next in the world of Assassin's Creed, there are a few titles to keep on your radar. Assassin's Creed Shadows has just released and sees you following the path of both a shinobi and samurai in Feudal Japan. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is also in the works for mobile devices, but has no confirmed release date yet. If that's not enough Assassin's Creed goodness for you, beyond those we have Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe to look forward to, the mysterious and occult-looking adventure that's set to bring new ideas to the series.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From 2007's debut title to the upcoming console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is the entire Assassin's Creed series in one list. Log in to track which ones you've played. See All