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The Assassin’s Creed franchise is one of the longest-standing in its genre and can easily be considered the flagship series of its publishing and developing studio, Ubisoft. What started as a stealth game in 2007 with clear inspiration from the Prince of Persia series, evolved into a series that expanded from its roots to encompass more modern gameplay elements. Relying on stealth, parkour, and combat at first, soon saw the introduction of RPG elements, multiplayer, and more in later instalments. There are 14 mainline Assassin’s Creed games, along with a series of off-shoots that include spin-offs, story expansions, and DLCs. We will list all of them in this article.
Assassin’s Creed (2007)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
The first game in the series, Assassin’s Creed, was released on November 13, 2007. The story recounts the memories of Altair Ibn-La’Ahad through the Animus device used by his descendant, Desmond Miles. The majority of the plot takes place during the First Crusade in the 12th century. This introduced us to the Assassin Brotherhood and their rivalry and struggles with the Templars. Gameplay-wise, the game’s stealth, mobility, and combat were standouts for players at the time, paired with an open world to explore.
Assassin’s Creed 2 (2009)
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed 2 had a staggered release schedule, depending on platform and region, which took place from November 17-20, 2009, to March 4-9, 2010, even up to November 15, 2016, for next-gen consoles, and 2022 for the Nintendo Switch. But that’s only deserving of one of the most famous and acclaimed games in the series. It introduced us to Ezio Auditore da Firenze, once again seen through the memories of Desmond Miles. While the conflict is still firmly between Assassins and Templars, this time it takes place across Renaissance Italy. With an updated engine, non-linear gameplay, and improvements to stealth and combat, AC2 has rightfully earned its place in gaming history.
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood was released on November 16, 2010. Following the success of the previous game, Brotherhood also focuses on Ezio Auditore, as told through Desmond MIles’ memories. The story takes place in Italy yet again, this time during the Italian Wars in the 16th century. Building upon the events of the previous game, Ezio comes into conflict with the Templars’ secret benefactors, the famous Borgias. The game once again features an open world, with further refinements to combat and stealth systems that garnered praise from the players, as well as multiplayer for the first time in the franchise. The game was critically acclaimed, though it didn’t quite reach the heights of the previous instalment.
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
The final part of the so-called “Ezio Trilogy”, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations was released on November 15, 2011. As we hinted, players were once again reunited with Ezio Auditore and now-comatose Desmond Miles. The story takes place several years after the events of Brotherhood, and Ezio is on a mission to Constantinople to find the keys necessary to unlock the library built by Altair himself – the first game’s protagonist. As is tradition, the Templars stand in his way and seek the keys for themselves. Most mechanics from previous games were still present, including multiplayer, but the lack of innovation was one of the main points of criticism for this release.
Assassin’s Creed 3 (2012)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed 3 was released on October 30, 2012. The fame shifts focus to the North American continent, following Connor Kenway, a Native American Assassin caught in the conflict with the Templars during the American Revolution in the 18th century. Told once again from Desmond’s perspective, the game explores the conflict, with the appearances of historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Major gameplay changes include a new parkour system, naval combat, and vast open-world environments. The game received praise for its ambition, historical setting, and characterization, but criticism for its gameplay issues, pacing and bugs. It was considered a strong, if imperfect, evolution of the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag (2013)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag was released on October 29, 2013. The game is set before its predecessor, while the modern-day storyline involving an Abstergo employee follows right after the events of AC3. The narrative follows Edward Kenway, a pirate and privateer caught between the Assassins and Templars during the era known as the Golden Age of Piracy. The main gameplay changes include expansive naval exploration and combat, as well as an open-world Caribbean environment. The introduction of ship customization and sea battles marked a significant departure from previous titles. Black Flag received widespread acclaim for its engaging naval mechanics, vibrant world, and engaging story, though some criticized its repetitive side missions.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Sofia
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Rogue was released on November 11, 2014, and represents a major departure from the usual formula of the series. You play as Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin who becomes a Templar after a betrayal during the Seven Years’ War in the 18th century. The plot revolves around Shay’s transformation, his disillusionment with the Brotherhood, and his quest to stop them from discovering a powerful precursor artifact. The gameplay once again focused on naval combat, similar to Black Flag, but with a more structured narrative and a Templar perspective. It introduces new mechanics, like the ability to hunt down Assassins. Ultimately, Rogue received praise for its twist in the formula and unique Templar viewpoint but was criticized for being too similar to Black Flag and for its technical issues.
Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Unity was released on the same day as Rogue, on November 11, 2014. The plot is set during the French Revolution and follows Arno Dorian, a former nobleman who becomes an Assassin after his adoptive father is killed. As Arno uncovers a conspiracy involving the Templars, he navigates the chaos of revolutionary Paris. The game introduces several key gameplay changes, including a revamped parkour system, up to 4-player co-op multiplayer, and a more detailed open-world environment. While Unity received praise for its stunning recreation of Paris, improved combat mechanics, and co-op gameplay, it was heavily criticized for a plethora of technical issues which included many bugs and performance problems, which impacted its overall reception.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate was released on October 23, 2015. The game is set in Victorian London and follows twin Assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye. Jacob seeks to liberate London from Templar control, while Evie pursues a more strategic goal of finding an ancient Piece of Eden. There are also gameplay segments set during WW1, following Jacob’s granddaughter Lydia. Syndicate introduces new gameplay elements, including the ability to switch between the twins, vehicle-based missions, and a focus on gang warfare with Jacob leading the Rooks. In addition, the open-world environment is larger and more dynamic than previous titles. The game received praise for its engaging character dynamics, improved combat mechanics, and vibrant setting, but some criticized its formulaic structure and overall lack of innovation.
Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Origins was released on October 27, 2017. Set to explore the dawn of the Brotherhood, the game follows Bayek of Siwa, an Egyptian Medjay who seeks vengeance for the death of his son. This leads him to uncover a hidden conflict between the Hidden Ones, precursors of the Assassins, and the Order of the Ancients, precursors to the Templars. Set in Ancient Egypt, the game features new RPG elements, including dialogue choices, a levelling system, and customizable gear. Combat is reworked with a more dynamic, free-flowing system, and exploration is emphasized with activities like ship sailing and hunting. Many felt that the RPG elements in Origins shifted the series’ focus too far from its roots, though the game received critical acclaim for its beautiful world, engaging story, and refreshed gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia
- Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was released on October 5, 2018. The story is set during a mythological reimagining of the Peloponnesian war between Sparta and Athens. Players can pick one of the two interconnected Spartan mercenaries as their character, either Alexios or Kassandra. They take part on both sides of the war, while seeking to uncover their mysterious family history and stop the Cult of Kosmos. Meanwhile, the conflict between the Assassins and Templars takes a back seat in this instalment. The game expands on the RPG elements introduced in Origins, including multiple dialogue choices, branching storylines, and a fully customizable skill tree. Naval combat returns, and players can explore the massive open world of ancient Greece. Odyssey received praise for its vast, immersive world and deep character customization, but some criticized its over-reliance on grindy mechanics, microtransactions, and the further drift away from the traditional Assassin-focused gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was released on November 10, 2020, bringing the franchise to Scandinavia and the world of Norse mythology. The story follows Eivor – with the player’s choice of character’s gender – a Viking raider seeking to settle in England during the 9th century. As Eivor builds a settlement, they become embroiled in the centuries-old conflict between the Assassins and Templars. This leads to the uncovering of a larger conspiracy surrounding the Isu, an ancient precursor race that even includes the Norse god Odin. The game emphasizes exploration, settlement management, and large-scale raids called Assaults, with an intricately revamped combat system that incorporates dual-wielding weapons for the first time. The RPG mechanics were expanded further, including choice-driven dialogue and skill trees. Valhalla received acclaim for its vast open world, engaging story, and stunning visuals, though some players criticized its repetitive missions and lengthy gameplay, feeling it lacked focus.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023)
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Amazon Luna
- Developer: Ubisoft Bordeaux
- Publisher: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Mirage was released on October 5, 2023. The game was originally planned as an expansion for Valhalla and was later expanded in scope to become a standalone product. The game is set in Baghdad in the 9th century, during the Islamic Golden Age. It follows Basim Ibn Ishaq (a side character in Valhalla), as a street thief in the city who joins the Hidden Ones after being mentored by the legendary Al Mualim. The story focuses on Basim’s journey to uncover his true identity while navigating the conflict between the two hidden factions. Unlike its RPG-focused predecessors, Mirage seeks to return to the franchise’s roots with a more linear structure, emphasizing stealth, parkour, and traditional assassin gameplay. The game received praise for its nostalgic return to the series’ origins, with positive feedback on its story, but some felt it was too short and lacked innovation compared to earlier titles.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (upcoming, 2025)
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Amazon Luna
- Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher: Ubisoft
After a series of postponements, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently planned for release on March 20, 2025. Bringing the series to Feudal Japan during the last days of the Sengoku period, we are led to believe that not even the Far East managed to escape the conflict between Templars and Assassins. Players will be able to choose between Naoe, a female shinobi, for the stealthy parts, and Yasuke, an African-born samurai, for when they need combat prowess. Meanwhile, you can freely switch between the two, depending on what the mission requires.
List of Assassin’s Creed spin-offs and expansions
Along with the series’ mainline games, there were nearly just as many spin-offs, along with expansions and DLCs. We’ll go over all of them in the tables below.
Assassin’s Creed spin-off games
Title | Release year | Platforms |
---|---|---|
Assassin’s Creed: Altair’s Chronicles | 2008 | Android, Symbian, iOS, webOS, Windows Phone, Nintendo DS |
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines | 2009 | PlayStation Portable |
Assassin’s Creed 2: Discovery | 2009 | iOS, Nintendo DS |
Assassin’s Creed: Project Legacy | 2010 | Browser-based |
Assassin’s Creed: Multiplayer Rearmed | 2011 | iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch |
Assassin’s Creed: Recollection | 2011 | iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch |
Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation | 2012 | PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia |
Assassin’s Creed: Pirates | 2013 | Android, iOS |
Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry | 2014 | PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch |
Assassin’s Creed: Memories | 2014 | iOS |
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China | 2015 | PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita |
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India | 2016 | PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita |
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia | 2016 | PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita |
Assassin’s Creed Identity | 2016 | Android, iOS |
Assassin’s Creed Unity: Arno’s Chronicles | 2017 | Android |
Assassin’s Creed Rebellion | 2018 | Android, iOS |
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR | 2023 | Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro |
Assassni’s Creed expansions and DLCs
Title | Base game |
---|---|
The Battle of Forli | Assassin’s Creed 2 |
Bonfire of the Vanities | Assassin’s Creed 2 |
Copernicus Conspiracy | Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood |
Animus Project Update 1.0 | Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood |
Animus Project Update 2.0 | Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood |
The Da Vinci Disappearance | Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood |
The Lost Archive | Assassin’s Creed Revelations |
The Tyranny of King Washington | Assassin’s Creed 3 |
The Hidden Secrets Pack | Assassin’s Creed 3 |
The Battle Hardened Pack | Assassin’s Creed 3 |
Freedom Cry | Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag |
Kraken Ship Pack | Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag |
Blackbeard’s Wrath | Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag |
Guild of Rogues | Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag |
Templar Legacy Pack | Assassin’s Creed Rogue |
Dead Kings | Assassin’s Creed Unity |
The Dreadful Crimes | Assassin’s Creed Syndicate |
Jack the Ripper | Assassin’s Creed Syndicate |
The Last Maharaja | Assassin’s Creed Syndicate |
The Hidden Ones | Assassin’s Creed Origins |
The Curse of the Pharaohs | Assassin’s Creed Origins |
Discovery Tour | Assassin’s Creed Origins |
Legacy of the First Blade | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
The Fate of Atlantis | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
Lost Tales of Greece | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
Legend of Beowulf | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
Wrath of the Druids | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
The Siege of Paris | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
Discovery Tour: Viking Age | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
A Fated Encounter | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
Dawn of Ragnarok | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
The Forgotten Saga | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
The Last Chapter | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
The Forty Thieves | Assassin’s Creed Mirage |