Assassin’s Creed first made its mark in 2007, combining historical intrigue, science fiction, and thrilling parkour action. This unique blend captured the attention of gamers everywhere, launching a series enriched with deep lore, memorable characters, and spanning across various media, including games, comics, and even a Hollywood flick.
With Assassin’s Creed Shadows gearing up for its grand entrance on PlayStation 5 this March 20, there’s no better time to dive deep into the lineage of the series’ 13 main titles.
### Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
This groundbreaking game introduced us to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a deadly assassin from the 12th century. Thanks to the Animus, a machine allowing people to experience their ancestors’ memories, players navigated both the Third Crusade and contemporary challenges through Altaïr’s modern-day descendant, Desmond Miles. The game was a trailblazer, laying the foundation for its subsequent, even more celebrated sequel.
For those on PlayStation 4 and 5, you can explore three of these early adventures through Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
### Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Ezio Auditore da Firenze took us all by surprise, whisking players away to the vibrant Italian Renaissance. Unlike its predecessor, this sequel gave more depth to Desmond’s tale, while entangling him with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. People fell in love with Ezio, helping the series sharpen its iconic gameplay and storytelling style.
### Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up immediately after Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood zeroed in on Ezio as he sought to expand the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. With fresh mechanics like on-horse assassinations, heavy weapon throws, and a new multiplayer mode, this entry kept fans engaged with its innovative twists and strategic depth.
### Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Ezio’s saga concluded as he ventured to Constantinople. Tasked with uncovering secrets left by Altaïr, he set out to end the age-old conflict between Templars and Assassins. The game introduced nifty tools like the Hookblade for quicker traversal and NPC interactions that spiced up the adventure.
### Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Shifting gears to North America, this installment wrapped up Desmond’s journey against a looming catastrophe. Through the eyes of Connor, an 18th-century assassin, players engaged in everything from dual-wielding combat to naval battles, each enriching this American chapter with revolutionary mechanics.
### Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Taking to the high seas during piracy’s golden age, Black Flag expanded on the series’ naval elements with adventures on both land and sea. As Edward Kenway, players relished the chance to tackle legendary pirates like Blackbeard while enjoying the freedom of diverse gameplay modes.
### Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue flipped expectations, placing you in the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. Set in the icy expanses of the North Atlantic and a detailed mid-1700s New York, it offered thrilling twists that kept players on edge.
### Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Alongside Rogue, Unity made its debut on PS4, letting players navigate revolutionary Paris. Notable for its co-op campaign, Unity encouraged collaboration and allowed the customization of weapons and gear, crafting a distinctly personal experience.
### Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Victorian London served as the backdrop where twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye brought a dual dynamic to the gameplay. Evie’s introduction as a playable female assassin and mechanics like carriage use and enemy kidnaps added new layers to the open-world strategy.
### Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Revisiting ancient Egypt, Origins revamped the series with RPG elements, crafting and combat mechanics, and a deep dive into Assassin and Templar origins through Bayek’s story—a narrative enriched by the modern-day perspective of Layla Hassan.
### Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set in mythic Greece, Odyssey allowed players to steer their narratives through dialogue choices, relationships, and branching quests. Kassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas, offered diverse storylines amidst historical and mythical figures.
### Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Drawing players into the Viking Age, Valhalla unfolded Eivor’s saga amidst the Viking invasion, refining established mechanics while incorporating new activities like fishing, competitions, and the revival of settlement features.
### Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Returning to the series’ roots with a focused narrative and emphasis on stealth, Mirage let players roam 9th Century Baghdad as Basim Ibn Ishaq, balancing the scales back to the franchise’s initial allure.
With 16th-century Japan set as the next stage, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to carry fans into another chapter this coming March. Remember, “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
