Over the past 18 years, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise has taken players on an epic journey across five continents, from the ancient civilizations of Greece to the bustling streets of Victorian London, covering a staggering 2,300 years of history through 13 mainline games. As we eagerly anticipate the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, let's delve into the comprehensive chronology of the Assassin's Creed timeline, focusing solely on the mainline entries that shape the core narrative of this beloved series.

For a deeper understanding of the historical contexts within the Assassin's Creed games, be sure to explore our comprehensive 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?

Currently, the Assassin's Creed series boasts 14 mainline games and an additional 17 spinoff titles. Beyond the gaming world, the franchise extends to an Assassin's Creed board game and a forthcoming TV series on Netflix.

Which Assassin's Creed Game Should You Play First?

Choosing where to start in the Assassin's Creed timeline can be daunting, but it's best to pick a game set in an era that piques your interest. For those seeking compelling narratives, the Ezio trilogy (Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is highly recommended due to its exceptional storytelling. If you're drawn to more recent titles, consider diving into Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag for its thrilling pirate adventures, or Assassin's Creed Odyssey to explore the vibrant world of ancient Greece.

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Ezio Trilogy

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Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Trilogy

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

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PS4, Xbox One, PC

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey

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How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

There are two primary ways to experience the Assassin's Creed series: by following the modern-day storylines or by exploring the historical settings.

The first method involves playing the games in the order of their modern-day narratives, which is ideal for those interested in the overarching story that connects each game through the present-day perspective. This approach also allows you to witness the evolution of the series from stealth-action to open-world RPGs. If you're committed to playing the entire franchise, we recommend this order for a cohesive experience.

The second method lists the games according to their historical settings. While these stories are less interconnected than their modern-day counterparts, they offer a fascinating journey through various historical periods. This approach is particularly useful for those interested in specific eras.

The Assassin’s Creed Games in Chronological Order

Below are brief plot synopses with mild spoilers to help series newcomers understand the broad strokes, historical settings, and character introductions.

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

Primary setting: Ancient Greece
Historic Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Set nearly 400 years before any other mainline game, Assassin's Creed Odyssey fully embraces RPG elements, taking players back to the heart of the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. You assume the role of Cassandra or Alexios, the grandchildren of King Leonidas I, navigating a world filled with historical figures like Hippocrates, Socrates, and Plato, alongside mythical creatures like the Sphinx and Medusa. Although set before the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders, Odyssey features the Spear of Leonidas, a crucial Piece of Eden.

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 Egypt
Historic Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Origins marks a soft reboot of the series, introducing RPG mechanics and setting the stage in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra. The game follows Bayek and Aya as they seek vengeance for their son's death, uncovering the proto-Templar organization known as the Order of the Ancients and eventually forming the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassins. In the modern-day storyline, Layla Hassan is introduced as the protagonist for 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/A

Released in 2023, Assassin's Creed Mirage returns to the series' stealth-focused roots with a more narrative-driven experience. Set in 9th Century Baghdad, the game follows a young Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief with nightmarish visions, as he navigates his path to becoming a key figure in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Unlike other entries, Mirage does not prominently feature the modern-day storyline.

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 Norway
Historic Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan

Assassin's Creed Valhalla immerses players in Norse history and mythology, offering one of the series' largest game worlds. Set during the Viking Age, players control Eivor, navigating the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while leading their clan from Norway to England. The game concludes the modern-day arc of Layla Hassan.

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-Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The original Assassin's Creed game introduces Altair Ibn'La-Ahad, a master assassin during the Third Crusade. This game lays the foundation for the series, introducing core gameplay elements like climbing and assassinations, as well as the time-hopping narrative involving the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. The modern-day story introduces Desmond Miles and the ongoing Assassin-Templar conflict.

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

6. Assassin's Creed II (1476 – 1499)

Primary setting: 15th Century Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Assassin's Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the franchise's most beloved protagonists. Set in Renaissance Italy, Ezio's journey begins with a quest for vengeance that leads him into the heart of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game features historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and introduces Desmond to the modern-day 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 Italy
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Continuing Ezio's story, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees him rebuilding the Assassins' Guild in Rome while pursuing the Apple of Eden. In the modern day, Desmond and his team seek the same artifact to prevent a prophesied 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 Constantinople
Historic Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

The final chapter of Ezio's trilogy takes him to Constantinople in search of Altair's library. Revelations intertwines Ezio's journey with Altair's memories, revealing their roles in the wider Assassin's Creed narrative. In the present day, 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 Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Modern Protagonist: N/A

Set in the late Sengoku period of Feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Their paths converge in a quest for vengeance amidst the civil wars. Unlike other recent games, Shadows does not feature a dedicated modern-day protagonist but introduces the Animus Hub, enhancing the overall Assassin's Creed experience.

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 Islands
Historic Protagonist: Edward Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Abstergo Employee

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is renowned for its naval gameplay and follows pirate Edward Kenway, grandfather of Connor Kenway from Assassin's Creed III. The game features historical pirates like Blackbeard and introduces Adéwalé, the protagonist of Freedom Cry. The modern-day story involves an Abstergo employee exploring Connor's life to create a film.

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 Northeast
Historic Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac
Modern Protagonist: Abstergo Employee "Numbskull"

Assassin's Creed Rogue bridges the narrative between Assassin's Creed III and IV, focusing on Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. The story involves the hunt for a Piece of Eden, with appearances by Haytham Kenway. In the modern day, you play as another Abstergo employee, dubbed "Numbskull," aiding the 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 America
Historic Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké:ton "Connor" Kenway
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin's Creed III follows Connor Kenway as he protects his tribe and seeks to prevent the Templars from accessing the First Civilization's Grand Temple. The game features historical figures like George Washington and concludes Desmond's modern-day arc.

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 France
Historic Protagonist: Arno Dorian
Modern Protagonist: Unnamed Helix Player

Assassin's Creed Unity is set during the French Revolution, following Arno Dorian as he navigates the Assassin-Templar conflict and seeks vengeance. The modern-day story involves a player using Helix, Abstergo's gaming software, but has minimal impact on the overall 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 Player

Assassin's Creed Syndicate features twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they work to liberate London from Templar control and seek a Piece of Eden. The modern-day storyline continues with the same Helix player from Unity, aiding the Assassins in their quest.

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

The next installment in the Assassin's Creed series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is slated for release on March 20. While details on future mainline games remain scarce, Ubisoft's CEO has confirmed that several remakes of older Assassin's Creed games 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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