Top 10 Assassin's Creed Games Ranked

Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on an exhilarating journey through time, exploring a diverse array of historical settings from Renaissance Italy to Ancient Greece. Ubisoft's commitment to weaving educational elements into its open-world games sets Assassin's Creed apart, offering a unique blend of action, adventure, and historical exploration that distinguishes it from other titles in its genre, which often favor fantasy or contemporary settings.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed have remained consistent across its 14 mainline entries, the series has evolved significantly, introducing innovative approaches to player progression and expanding its worlds to new heights. This evolution has sparked debates among fans about which games stand out as the best in the series. After careful consideration, we've compiled a list of our top 10 Assassin's Creed games, aiming to highlight the cream of the crop in this beloved franchise.

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 provided a poignant conclusion to the stories of Altair Ibn-La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore. Despite some less impactful additions like the Den Defense mode, the game delivered a thrilling and memorable farewell. From exhilarating zipline descents in Constantinople to engaging with Leonardo Da Vinci, Revelations was filled with captivating adventures. As the final chapter for these iconic characters, it served as both a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future of the series.

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 Syndicate's setting in 19th Century Victorian London during its industrial boom is among the most memorable in the series. The game's environment, from factory infiltrations to horse-drawn carriage races and confrontations with Jack the Ripper, adds a layer of realism to its fantastical narrative. The distinctive string-heavy score by Austin Wintory, along with unique soundtracks for protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, enhances the immersive experience. Moreover, the effective combat with a cane is reminiscent of the finesse seen 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

While Assassin's Creed Valhalla did not overhaul the series like Origins did, it introduced significant changes that enhanced gameplay. The combat felt more impactful, and traditional side quests were replaced with world events that made exploration feel more organic. The reduction in overwhelming loot made rewards feel more meaningful. Eivor's engaging narrative, blending historical fantasy with Norse mythology, offers a rich experience, especially for fans of Thor and Odin's tales, with an expansion that feels akin to 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 continued Ezio Auditore da Firenze's saga, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite. Focusing on an expanded Rome, the game built upon the mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed II, including swimming, property management, firearms, and recruitable allies. The charm, wit, and drama of Ezio's story, coupled with updated combat, allowed players to embrace the role of an aggressive combat assassin. Additionally, Brotherhood introduced multiplayer, adding a competitive edge to the series.

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 marked a pivotal shift in the series, transforming it into an expansive open-world RPG. Beyond its historical significance, Origins is a standout Assassin's Creed game. The compelling story of Bayek and Aya, set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, is enhanced by the shift to loot-based progression and action RPG combat, reinvigorating the series for 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

Assassin's Creed Unity returned to the series' original tone after Black Flag's pirate adventure. Launched as a graphical showcase on next-gen consoles, Unity's detailed recreation of Paris remains visually impressive. Despite a rocky start with bugs and an overburdened map, subsequent patches have elevated it to a fan favorite. Its enhanced parkour system, strategic assassination missions, and the breathtaking Notre Dame make Unity a standout entry.

4. Assassin's Creed Shadows

Developer: Ubisoft Quebec | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: March 20, 2025 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed Shadows review

Assassin's Creed Shadows fulfills the long-standing desire for a game set in Feudal Japan. With its focus on stealth and assassinations, Shadows brings a more balanced experience compared to its predecessors. Featuring two playable protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, players can alternate between stealthy infiltration and samurai combat. The game's dynamic landscapes, changing with the seasons, offer an unparalleled exploration 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 role-playing elements, set against the epic backdrop of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Its expansive world, stunning vistas, and engaging naval warfare create an immersive experience. The notoriety system and nation struggle add tension and depth, while the compelling story and charismatic protagonist make Odyssey a joy to explore, even after the main quest.

2. Assassin's Creed II

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: Ubisoft Montréal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release date: November 17, 2009 | Review: Read IGN's Assassin's Creed 2 review

Assassin's Creed II solidified the series' potential, introducing dynamic assassination missions, enhanced combat, and the ability to swim. The Italian Renaissance setting, combined with the introduction of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, provided a rich narrative backdrop. New features like catacomb missions, an upgradeable villa, and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions kept gameplay fresh. The game's bold narrative conclusion, intertwining past and present, left an indelible mark on the series.

1. Assassin's Creed IV: 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 IV: Black Flag introduced a pirate-centric narrative, blending seamlessly with the assassin theme. Set in the Caribbean, the game offered a vast sandbox filled with treasure and activities. The upgraded naval combat system transformed sailing into a thrilling core mechanic, whether engaging in ship-to-ship battles or hunting wildlife. Black Flag's seamless transition between land and sea, along with its engaging pirate fantasy, makes it not only a standout Assassin's Creed game but also one of the best pirate games ever created.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

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These are our top picks for the best Assassin's Creed games. If you have a different favorite or think another entry deserved a spot, we'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Upcoming Assassin's Creed Games

Looking ahead, Assassin's Creed fans have much to anticipate. Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in Feudal Japan, has just been released, offering players a dual perspective through a shinobi and a samurai. Assassin's Creed Jade, set in ancient China, is in development for mobile platforms, though a release date remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Assassin's Creed: Codename Hexe promises to introduce new, mysterious elements to the series, focusing on the occult.

Assassin's Creed: The Complete Playlist

From the series' debut in 2007 to upcoming projects across consoles, PC, mobile, and VR, here is a comprehensive list of all Assassin's Creed titles. 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