Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series has been a thrilling journey through history since its inception in 2007. From the vibrant streets of Renaissance Italy to the ancient landscapes of Greece, Ubisoft's open-world series has captivated players with its rich tapestry of locations and settings. Each game serves as a semi-educational portal to the past, weaving intricate conspiracies with historical events. This unique blend sets Assassin's Creed apart from its genre peers, which often transport players to fantastical 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. Over the years, it has introduced new approaches to player progression and expanded its expansive worlds, ensuring each installment feels fresh and engaging.

Deciding which Assassin's Creed games stand out as the best is no easy feat. After thorough deliberation and spirited debates, we've narrowed down the top 10 mainline entries in the series. So, let's dive into 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 provides a compelling conclusion to 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. Players can experience exhilarating moments like flying down ziplines in Constantinople and interacting with Leonardo Da Vinci, ensuring a journey filled with fascinating adventures.

Revelations marks both an end and a beginning, celebrating the legacy of the first era of Assassin’s Creed while hinting at future directions. It allows players to witness the final adventures of Altair and Ezio, who have grown and evolved throughout their storied lives, and offers a poignant goodbye to the series' initial chapter.

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 renowned for their evocative settings, and Syndicate's 19th-century Victorian London, amidst the throes of industrialization, is one of the most memorable. Players can engage in stealth missions in factories, race horse-drawn carriages through the streets, and even confront Jack the Ripper, grounding the game in a setting that feels both fantastical and authentic.

The game's sense of place is enhanced by Austin Wintory's unique string-heavy score, which complements the dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, each with their own distinct soundtrack. These small yet impactful details contribute to Syndicate’s cohesive world. Additionally, the game's combat system allows players to wield a cane with deadly precision, reminiscent of the stylish combat found 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

Assassin's Creed Valhalla, while not as revolutionary as Origins, still introduced significant changes. It features weightier, more impactful combat, replaces traditional side quests with organic world events, and streamlines the loot system to make rewards feel more meaningful.

Eivor's story, whether played as male or female, is engaging and seamlessly blends historical fantasy with Norse mythology. The game is a treat for fans of Norse lore, with sagas playing a crucial role in the main campaign and an expansive DLC set in the realms of Thor and Odin, making Valhalla akin to a cousin of God of War.

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 journey, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite protagonist. The game shifts from the varied locales of Assassin’s Creed 2 to an expanded Rome and its countryside, enhancing mechanics like swimming, property management, firearms, and ally recruitment. This installment is rich with charm, wit, and drama, and its updated combat system allows players to embrace the role of an aggressive assassin.

Brotherhood was also the first to introduce multiplayer, letting players experience the game from the Templar's perspective and compete with friends to determine the best assassin or hunter. While it may not have pushed the formula as far as its predecessor, it remains beloved by many as one of the best entries.

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

Assassin's Creed Origins marks a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it from a stealth-focused action-adventure into a full-fledged open-world RPG. Yet, beyond its historical significance, Origins stands out as a stellar Assassin’s Creed game in its own right.

The central narrative follows Bayek and Aya as they seek justice for their murdered son and ultimately found the Assassin’s Brotherhood. The exploration of ancient Egypt is breathtaking, and while subsequent games refined many mechanics, Origins' shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat revitalized the series, captivating both new and returning fans.

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, Assassin’s Creed Unity returned to the series' roots with a focus on stealth and precision. As the first AC game exclusive to next-gen consoles and PC, Unity showcased stunning graphics and detailed recreations of Paris, with bustling crowds that remain impressive even today.

Though plagued by bugs and an overwhelming map at launch, Unity has since been polished through numerous patches, earning its place as a favorite among fans. Its refined parkour system offers fluid and elegant movement, perfect for hit-and-run tactics, and its assassination missions provide multiple infiltration methods. Experiencing the grandeur of Notre Dame alone justifies the game's 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-requested world of Feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers precisely what fans hoped for. It refocuses the series on stealth and infiltration, offering a more balanced experience than the expansive RPG elements of Odyssey and Valhalla.

Featuring dual protagonists for the first time since Syndicate, Naoe specializes in stealth with her grappling hook and climbing abilities, while Yasuke embodies the samurai spirit with his combat prowess. Exploring the dynamically changing landscapes of Japan through both characters' eyes provides an immersive and engaging experience.

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 expands on Origins' combat and RPG elements, setting the action against the backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. The game's vast world is filled with stunning vistas both on land and at sea, with engaging naval warfare returning in full force.

The revamped notoriety system adds tension to the gameplay, while the nation struggle feature allows players to participate in large-scale battles. Odyssey boasts a compelling narrative and eccentric side quests, enhanced by a charismatic protagonist, whether male or female. Even after completing the main story, the world remains ripe for exploration and discovery.

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 solidified the series' formula but also delivered on the promise of the original game. It introduced dynamic assassination missions with multiple approaches, improved combat and mobility, including swimming, and added new catacomb missions for parkour enthusiasts. The upgradeable villa provided incentives for collecting items, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions added fresh gameplay elements.

Set in the Italian Renaissance, the game introduced the iconic protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze and enhanced the present-day narrative, culminating in a memorable confrontation with the Pope and an otherworldly twist. Assassin’s Creed 2 demonstrated the series' potential and remains a benchmark for excellence.

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

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag introduced a fresh perspective with a protagonist who was a pirate first and an assassin second. Set in the Caribbean, the game offered a vast sandbox filled with treasure and activities, complemented by an engaging upgrade system that made hunting and exploration enjoyable.

Black Flag elevated naval combat, building on Assassin’s Creed 3’s framework to make sailing the highlight of the game. Players could engage in thrilling ship battles, seamlessly transitioning between land and sea. Whether outmaneuvering enemies or boarding ships for intense melee combat, Black Flag not only stands as one of the best Assassin’s Creed games but also as a premier pirate adventure.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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And that's our ranking of the top Assassin’s Creed games. Do you agree with our list, or do you think another game should have made the cut? Share your favorite Assassin’s Creed in the comments below.

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

For those eager to see what's next in the Assassin's Creed universe, several exciting titles are on the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, offering players the chance to experience the life of both a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile devices, though a release date has yet to be announced. 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' debut in 2007 to the latest console, PC, mobile, and VR projects, here is a comprehensive list of all Assassin's Creed games. 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