The latest installment in Ubisoft's renowned stealth-action franchise, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, setting the stage for players to explore 16th-century Japan with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th entry in the core series, it's time to reflect on where it stands among its predecessors. Since the inception of the series in 2007 with Desmond Miles' journey through the Animus as Altaïr, the franchise has evolved significantly.
Below, I've shared my personal ranking of the mainline Assassin's Creed games, organized into a tier list based on my enjoyment of each title. This list excludes mobile games, side-scrollers, VR experiences, and spin-offs such as Bloodlines or Liberation.
At the pinnacle of my list, in the S-tier, sits Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Its blend of island exploration, exhilarating ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters makes it my top pick for the quintessential Assassin's Creed experience. It's joined by Assassin's Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series into the spotlight with its compelling narrative and refined gameplay.
In the A-tier, I've placed Assassin's Creed Valhalla, despite its polarizing reception due to its extensive length. I was particularly drawn to the Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Alongside it is Assassin's Creed Unity, which continues to impress with its stunning recreation of Revolutionary Paris, even a decade after its release.
If you find yourself disagreeing with my rankings—perhaps you believe Valhalla's length detracts from its quality or that Assassin's Creed 2 is overrated—I encourage you to create your own tier list. Compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the broader IGN community to see where your preferences align or diverge.
### Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier ListEvery Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you diving into Assassin's Creed Shadows? Where do you think the series should venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how you've ranked the mainline games and why.
