Back in 2007, Assassin’s Creed introduced us to a captivating blend of history, science fiction, and thrilling parkour action, captivating audiences from the moment it arrived. The series, rich in lore and unforgettable characters, has expanded into games, comic books, and even inspired a Hollywood movie.
With Assassin’s Creed Shadows set to launch on the PlayStation 5 on March 20, it’s the perfect time to dive back into the 13 main titles of the series, brushing up on everything you need to know.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
In the debut game, we meet 12th-century assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, introduced in a groundbreaking sandbox action stealth format. The story unfurls the concept of the Animus, a machine enabling people to relive their ancestors’ genetic memories. The protagonist’s life during the Third Crusade is explored through Desmond Miles, his unsuspecting 21st-century descendant. This game set the tone for future titles and laid the groundwork for its even more successful sequel.
For those on PlayStation 4 or 5 (via backward compatibility), the next three titles are accessible as part of Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Continuing Desmond’s journey, this clever sequel surprised gamers, whisking them away to the Italian Renaissance. Here we follow Ezio Auditore da Firenze in a tale interwoven with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. As Ezio embarks on his quest for revenge, Desmond gains agency, becoming further involved with the modern-day Assassin Brotherhood. This installment sharpened the series’ impact, making Ezio a beloved character among fans.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Following directly from the events of Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood centers again on Ezio, now focused on growing the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. The game retained the notoriety system and introduced new mechanics like assassination on horseback, weapon throws, and a crossbow. A major addition was the ability to summon apprentice assassins for missions. Brotherhood also debuted a cleverly-designed multiplayer mode, letting players blend into crowds after scoring hits on friends.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Wrapping up the Ezio trilogy, Revelations sees an older Ezio in Constantinople, on a quest to find keys to Altaïr’s secret library, which could end the Templar-Assassin war. Meanwhile, Desmond, in a comatose state, must synchronize with Ezio and Altaïr to save his mind. Revelations introduced the zip line and Hookblade for quicker traversal and added unpredictable events with Templars to keep players alert.
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
The series’ third main installment transported the action to 18th-century North America, chronicling the final chapter of Desmond’s mission to avert a global catastrophe. Players experience the past through Haytham Kenway, a Templar, and his assassin son Connor. This game brought sweeping changes, focusing more on rural settings, dual-wielding combat, strategic counterattacks, and environmental interactions like naval combat and dynamic weather.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag took players to the high seas, expanding on naval combat and exploration. Edward Kenway, a Welsh pirate Assassin, embodies freedom as he navigates shipwrecks and battles the legendary pirates of the era. Black Flag combined land and sea exploration, offering a new level of player agency and adventure.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
This title flipped the script, letting players control an Assassin-turned-Templar, Shay Patrick Cormac. Rogue stayed true to naval exploration while adding environments like the icy North Atlantic and 18th-century NYC. Shay encounters various threats, including other Assassins, highlighting a fresh perspective within the series.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Debuting on PS4, Unity ushered in a new engine, even as Rogue focused on diverging narratives. Set during the French Revolution in Paris, it introduced a cooperative campaign for four players. Players could collaborate, share resources, and customize weapons as Arno Dorian.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
The series then moved to Victorian London, giving players dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye. These twins brought new dynamics, like kidnapping mechanics and carriage transport, to liberate the city from Templar control.
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Exploring the roots of the Assassin Brotherhood, Origins traveled back to ancient Egypt, blending RPG elements with dynamic combat and intricate crafting systems. Players assume the role of Bayek of Siwa, experiencing progress and skill development as they unravel the story.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Odyssey ventured into Ancient Greece, allowing players to explore mythological themes and historical narratives. Building on Origins, it added dialogue choices, complex NPC relationships, and multiple endings. Naval combat returned, alongside epic battles with mythical creatures.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
This iteration took on the Viking invasions of 873 AD, continuing Layla’s modern-day plot while delving back into the Assassin/Templar conflict. As Eivor, players shape their Viking settlement and engage in varied side activities like drinking contests and fish catching.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Returning to the series’ roots, Mirage focuses on stealth and parkour within a more linear narrative. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, players embody Basim Ibn Ishaq, introducing fresh elements to the longstanding battle between Assassins and Templars.
With the next release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, fans can anticipate a thrilling journey into 16th-century Japan, alongside shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and the legendary samurai Yasuke. As always, the series reminds us: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
