Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting players to Japan’s Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set in 1579, the game introduces historical figures such as Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, these characters are seamlessly integrated into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, weaving a tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder—albeit with a playful nod to Yasuke needing to gather XP for a gold-tier weapon.

It's essential to remember that Assassin’s Creed is historical fiction. The series thrives on filling historical gaps with a science fiction conspiracy involving a secret society aiming to dominate the world through the mystical powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft meticulously researches to create immersive open-world playgrounds, but these are not history lessons. The developers often adjust historical facts to enhance the storytelling experience.

Here are ten notable instances where Assassin’s Creed creatively rewrites history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

The notion of a centuries-long conflict between the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar is a cornerstone of the Assassin’s Creed narrative, yet it's entirely fictional. Historically, the Assassins were established in 1090 AD and the Templars in 1118, both disbanding by 1312. Their only common involvement was in the Crusades, and there is no evidence suggesting ideological opposition between them.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood center on Ezio’s battles with the Borgia family, portraying Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as the Templar Grand Master who becomes Pope Alexander VI. While the Templars did not exist during the late 1400s, the game's depiction of the Borgias, including Cesare as an incestuous psychopath, strays from historical accuracy, relying instead on rumors rather than verified facts.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Niccolò Machiavelli is portrayed as Ezio’s ally, leading the Italian Assassins and opposing the Borgias. However, historical evidence suggests Machiavelli's philosophies and actions did not align with the Assassin’s Creed ideology. He viewed Rodrigo Borgia as a successful deceiver and respected Cesare Borgia as a competent ruler.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin’s Creed 2 showcases Ezio's friendship with Leonardo da Vinci, accurately capturing his charisma and wit. However, the game adjusts da Vinci's timeline, placing him in Venice rather than Milan. While the game brings his designs to life, including a flying machine, there is no historical evidence that these inventions were ever built or functional.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party, a peaceful protest in reality, is transformed into a violent confrontation in Assassin’s Creed 3. Protagonist Connor, dressed as a Mohawk, kills numerous British guards during the event, a stark contrast to the non-violent nature of the historical protest. The game also attributes the event's organization to Samuel Adams, despite historical ambiguity regarding his involvement.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin’s Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, aligns with the Patriots against the British, contrary to historical alliances where the Mohawk sided with the British. While inspired by figures like Louis Cook, Connor's story represents a "what if?" scenario, exploring the complexities of a Mohawk siding with the American revolutionaries.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin’s Creed Unity's portrayal of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy as the root cause, including fabricating a food crisis. In reality, the revolution was the result of multiple natural disasters and societal issues. The game also simplifies the Reign of Terror as the entirety of the revolution, which was just one aspect of a multifaceted event.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Unity depicts the vote to execute King Louis 16 as a close call influenced by a single Templar vote, while historically, the vote was a clear majority. The game also downplays the King's attempt to flee France and his accusations of treason, presenting a softer view of the French aristocracy than was historically accurate.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin seeking to control the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist diverges significantly from the historical serial killer, whose identity and victim count remain a mystery.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin’s Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination as a plot against a proto-Templar leader. The game's portrayal of Caesar as a tyrant opposed to the people's interests contradicts his historical efforts to redistribute land and reform politics. His death in the game is framed as a victory, yet historically, it led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.

While the Assassin’s Creed series strives for historical authenticity, these creative liberties highlight its nature as historical fiction. What are your favorite examples of the series bending historical truths? Share your thoughts in the comments below.