Over the past 18 years, Ubisoft’s iconic *Assassin’s Creed* franchise has journeyed across five continents and spanned more than two millennia. From the sun-scorched sands of Ancient Greece to the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London, players have witnessed 2,300 years of history unfold through the lens of the eternal Assassin-Templar conflict across 14 mainline titles.
With the release of *Assassin's Creed Shadows* on the horizon, we’ve compiled a comprehensive chronology of the series' mainline entries. This guide focuses exclusively on core games that contribute to the overarching narrative, as spinoffs often play a minor role in the broader story arc.
For deeper insight into each historical era featured in the games, be sure to explore our full guide to the *Assassin's Creed* timeline.
Mainline Assassin's Creed Games in Chronological Order
How Many Assassin’s Creed Games Are There?
As of now, there are 14 mainline *Assassin’s Creed* games and 17 spinoff titles. Beyond video games, the franchise has expanded into board games and is set to debut an original TV series on Netflix.
Which Assassin’s Creed Game Should You Play First?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but choosing a game based on your preferred historical era is always a solid start. The Ezio trilogy (*Assassin’s Creed II*, *Brotherhood*, and *Revelations*) is widely regarded as having some of the strongest storytelling in the series. For those who prefer modern gameplay mechanics, *Black Flag* offers thrilling naval exploration, while *Odyssey* delivers a deep RPG experience in ancient Greece.
How to Play the Assassin’s Creed Games in Order
There are two primary ways to approach the *Assassin’s Creed* series:
- By Modern-Day Storyline: This follows the progression of the present-day narrative, which ties together most of the series. If you're aiming to fully understand the overarching plot, this is the recommended path.
- By Historical Setting: This arranges the games based on their respective time periods. While the historical stories are largely standalone, they provide rich context and immersive experiences within each era.
Below is a detailed list of all mainline *Assassin’s Creed* games in chronological order, complete with brief summaries and key details.
1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)
Setting: Ancient Greece
Historical Protagonist: Cassandra or Alexios
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
Set during the Peloponnesian War, *Odyssey* marks the earliest point in the *Assassin’s Creed* timeline. It blends historical figures like Socrates and Plato with mythological creatures such as the Sphinx and Medusa. Though the Assassin and Templar orders haven’t yet formed, the Spear of Leonidas—a Piece of Eden—plays a central role in the story.
Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna
2. Assassin’s Creed Origins (49 B.C.–44 B.C.)
Setting: Ancient Egypt
Historical Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
A soft reboot for the series, *Origins* introduces RPG mechanics and sets up the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood. As Bayek seeks vengeance for his son’s death, he uncovers the proto-Templar Order of the Ancients and helps form the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins.
Available on: PS4, Xbox, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna
3. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (861–???)
Setting: 9th Century Baghdad
Historical Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
Modern Protagonist: N/A
Released in 2023, *Mirage* serves as a return to the series’ stealth-action roots. Focusing on a young Basim, it explores his early life before becoming a key figure in *Valhalla*. Unlike other titles, it does not feature a modern storyline.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Amazon Luna
4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (872–878)
Setting: 9th Century England and Norway
Historical Protagonist: Eivor Varinsson/Varinsdottir
Modern Protagonist: Layla Hassan
The largest entry in the series, *Valhalla* immerses players in Viking culture and Norse mythology. It continues the battle between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients while telling the personal story of Eivor’s clan seeking new lands in England.
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna
5. Assassin’s Creed (1191)
Setting: 12th Century Holy Land
Historical Protagonist: Altair Ibn-La Ahad
Modern Protagonist: Desmond Miles
The original *Assassin’s Creed* established the series' foundational gameplay and introduced key lore elements like the Pieces of Eden and the Animus. Altair hunts down nine Templars during the Third Crusade while Desmond Miles begins his fight against Abstergo.
Available on: PS3
