Assassin's Creed: Chronological Play Guide

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has traversed an expansive narrative landscape over its 18-year history. From the sands of Ancient Egypt to the cobblestone streets of Victorian London, the saga of the Assassin-Templar conflict has enthralled players across five continents, covering 2,300 years of history across 13 mainline games. As we approach the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, we present a comprehensive chronology of the Assassin’s Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline entries to provide a clear narrative path through this epic series.

For more in-depth information on the historical eras featured in Assassin's Creed games, please explore our full 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?

The Assassin's Creed series currently boasts 14 mainline games and 17 additional spinoffs, showcasing the franchise's extensive reach beyond video games. Fans can also look forward to an Assassin's Creed board game and a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing a starting point in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but selecting a game that resonates with your historical interests is a great approach. The Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended for its compelling narrative. For those interested in more recent titles, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an engaging pirate-themed experience, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonNintendo Switch### Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

0See it at AmazonPS4, Xbox One, PC### Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games In Order

The Assassin’s Creed series can be experienced in two distinct orders:

1. In the order of the games’ modern-day storylines: This approach follows the progression of the overarching narrative through the modern-day segments. To experience the series this way, refer to the section on how to play the Assassin’s Creed games by release date. This is ideal for those wishing to follow the evolution of the franchise's narrative and gameplay from stealth-action to open-world RPGs.

2. In order by their historic settings: This method presents the games based on their historical timelines. While the historical stories are less interconnected, they offer a rich exploration of various periods. This approach is more suited for those interested in the historical context rather than a continuous narrative.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

With series newcomers in mind, the following plot summaries include only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient GreeceHistoric Protagonist: Cassandra or AlexiosModern Protagonist: Layla HassanSet nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraced RPG elements, marking the franchise's shift from stealth-based action to open-world RPGs.

Players can choose to embody Cassandra or Alexios, the grandchildren of Sparta's legendary King Leonidas I. Set during the Peloponnesian War, Odyssey features interactions with historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, and weaves Greek mythology into its narrative with encounters involving the Sphinx, Cyclops, and Medusa.

Although set before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders, Odyssey introduces a key Piece of Eden in the form of the Spear of Leonidas.

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 EgyptHistoric Protagonist: Bayek of SiwaModern Protagonist: Layla HassanFollowing a brief hiatus, Ubisoft returned with Assassin's Creed Origins in 2017, a soft reboot that introduced RPG mechanics to the series.

Set against the backdrop of Ancient Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, Origins also touches upon Rome under Julius Caesar. The story begins as a tale of vengeance for Bayek and Aya, whose son's death propels their journey. As they progress, they uncover the Order of the Ancients, a proto-Templar organization, and lay the foundations for the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins.

The modern-day narrative introduces Layla Hassan, who continues as the protagonist through Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.

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/AReleased in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage marks a return to the series' roots with a $50 USD stealth-focused adventure. Described as an homage to the original games, Mirage offers a more narrative-driven experience.

Players follow the journey of 17-year-old Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with haunting visions, who eventually becomes a pivotal character in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Under the mentorship of Roshan, Basim's story unfolds as he seeks to escape Baghdad and reach the Hidden Ones' stronghold of Alamut.

Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature a modern-day storyline. For more details, refer to our full review of Assassin's Creed Mirage.

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 NorwayHistoric Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/VarinsdottirModern Protagonist: Layla HassanAssassin's Creed Valhalla ventures into the realms of Norse history and mythology, offering the largest game in the series to date. With a main story that takes approximately 60 hours to complete, Valhalla blends historical figures like King Harald Fairhair and King Aelfred the Great with mythological entities such as Fenrir and Odin.

The game continues the saga of the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients, while also telling the personal story of Eivor and their clan's migration from Norway to England.

The modern-day narrative seemingly wraps up Layla Hassan's three-game arc.

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-AhadModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesThe inaugural Assassin's Creed game, released in 2007, introduced players to Altair Ibn'La-Ahad and set the stage for the franchise's subsequent success. Set during the Third Crusade, the game established core gameplay mechanics such as climbing and assassinations, while also introducing key narrative elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus.

In the past, Altair hunts down nine Templars, while in the present, Desmond Miles begins his journey into the Assassin-Templar conflict that continues through Assassin's Creed III.

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

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476–1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesAssassin's Creed II introduces the beloved protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose story spans three games. Seeking vengeance for the deaths of his father and brother, Ezio's journey unfolds across Italy, from Florence to the Vatican, introducing players to historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli.

In the present day, Desmond begins his collaboration with the Assassins.

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 ItalyHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesAssassin's Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio's saga, as he rebuilds Rome's Assassins Guild and pursues the Apple of Eden. In the present, Desmond and the modern Assassins journey to Italy to locate the same artifact, crucial to preventing a prophesized catastrophe.

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 ConstantinopleHistoric Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da FirenzeModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesThe final chapter of the Ezio trilogy, Revelations, sees an older Ezio journeying to Constantinople in search of Altair's hidden library. Along the way, Ezio uncovers crucial memories from Altair's life, solidifying his place in the broader Assassin's Creed narrative.

In the present, a comatose Desmond navigates the Animus to escape "the Black Room."

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 YasukeModern protagonist: N/AThe latest addition to the series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period. Featuring dual protagonists, Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi-in-training, the game explores themes of vengeance and conflict.

Shadows does not feature a modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, a platform that unifies the Assassin's Creed experience and adds new modern-day subplots.

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 IslandsHistoric Protagonist: Edward KenwayModern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo EmployeeAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and follows Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather to Assassin's Creed III's Connor Kenway. Set in the Caribbean, the game features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, the protagonist of the spinoff Freedom Cry.

In the modern day, an unnamed Abstergo employee relives Connor's life to create a film, uncovering Abstergo's true intentions.

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 NortheastHistoric Protagonist: Shay Patrick CormacModern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"Assassin's Creed Rogue serves as a bridge between Assassin's Creed III and IV, following Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The game features Haytham Kenway, connecting it to the broader narrative.

In the present, players assume the role of another Abstergo employee, known as "Numbskull," working for the modern-day Templars.

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 AmericaHistoric Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké "Connor" KenwayModern Protagonist: Desmond MilesAssassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway during the American Revolution, as he seeks to protect his tribe and the First Civilization's Grand Temple from the Templars. The game features historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

The modern-day narrative concludes Desmond's arc as he and the Assassins work to prevent the prophesized end of the world.

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 FranceHistoric Protagonist: Arno DorianModern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix PlayerSet during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity follows Arno Dorian, a French Assassin caught in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte and King Louis XVI.

The modern-day story, told through cutscenes, involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's Animus-powered gaming software, to experience the narrative.

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 PlayerAssassin's Creed Syndicate introduces dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they work to liberate London from Templar control. Set in 1868, the game features historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin.

The modern-day narrative continues with the same Helix player from Unity, now working with the Assassins to locate another Piece of Eden.

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 is set to release on March 20. While no information is available on future mainline games, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older Assassin's Creed titles are in development.

Additionally, a live-action Assassin's Creed series is in production at Netflix, and Tencent's mobile-exclusive title, Assassin's Creed Jade, has been delayed to 2025.

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