Assassin's Creed Timeline: All Games in Order

The Evolution of the Assassin's Creed Franchise

As one of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time, Assassin's Creed has undergone significant changes over nearly two decades. Each entry in the series has experimented with new mechanics that either become mainstays or are quickly forgotten. This constant evolution can make it challenging to keep track of the entire series.

The franchise has also abandoned its confusing naming structure, making it difficult to follow the overarching storyline without a traditional numbering system. However, understanding the true release order of the 15 historical Assassin's Creed entries can help players navigate the series more effectively.

The Original Entry: Assassin's Creed (2007)

Set in 1191 AD, the original Assassin's Creed introduced players to the world of Assassins, Templates, and Desmond's character with Abstergo in the real world for the first time. This game is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore the stealth franchise. Loosely inspired by a novel, it offers unique mechanics and themes that still resonate with the series today. Revisiting this game provides an interesting comparison to the later entries.

Assassin's Creed 2 (2009)

Taking place between 1459 and 1499 AD, Assassin's Creed 2 expanded on the lore and developed the generational conflict between the Assassins and Templars. It introduced one of the most beloved protagonists in the series, Ezio Auditore. This game follows Ezio's journey from a simple noble to a master assassin, refining the gameplay loop of its predecessor with better stealth, parkour, and combat capabilities.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)

Set between 1499 and 1507 AD, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood was the first game in the series to adopt a more confusing naming scheme. It acts as a true sequel to Assassin's Creed 2, rather than a spinoff. This game introduced multiplayer with its PvP modes and continued Ezio's story as he fights the Templars in Rome. Meanwhile, Desmond attempts to find a solution to an apocalyptic scenario in the real world.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)

Spanning from 1511 to 1512 AD, Assassin's Creed: Revelations serves as the final chapter in Ezio's storyline. It is an excellent send-off to one of the series' most beloved characters and further refines the gameplay formula. While some experimental systems did not carry over to future entries, the game still offers creative mechanics that appeal to fans of the series.

Assassin's Creed 3 (2012)

Set between 1754 and 1783 AD, Assassin's Creed 3 was the first game to tackle a more recognizable historical setting for American audiences. Set during the American Revolution, it features some of the most infamous moments in the series. This game concludes Desmond's storyline after five entries over five years. It also marks a turning point for the series with new features such as seamless parkour, ranged combat, and future story expansions.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag (2013)

Taking place between 1715 and 1722 AD, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag embraces a Caribbean setting filled with pirates and customizable naval combat. Edward Kenway, the protagonist, is another fan-favorite. This game is enjoyable even without prior experience of the series and remains one of the most engaging pirate games available, despite some outdated stealth missions.

Assassin's Creed Rogue (2014)

Set between 1752 and 1776 AD, Assassin's Creed Rogue stands out as the first and only entry to let players play as an Assassin-turned-Templar with protagonist Shay Cormac. It takes place during the Seven Years' War and offers a nuanced perspective on the Assassin organization. The game also brings back and expands on stalker mechanics from Revelations with enemy assassins.

Assassin's Creed Unity (2014)

Set between 1776 and 1808 AD, Assassin's Creed Unity had a poor initial launch but eventually improved with updates. Its seamless parkour, iconic story set during the French Revolution, and co-operative multiplayer mechanics are among the best the series has ever seen. The immersive crowd simulations and visuals make it an incredibly engaging experience.

Assassin's Creed Chronicles (2015–2016)

This trilogy consists of three 2.5D side-scrolling action stealth games set in different historical periods. The first part takes place in 16th-century China with Shao Jun, the second in 19th-century India with Arbaaz Mir, and the third in 20th-century Russia with Nikolai Orelov. Each game offers unique gameplay elements, with the third entry standing out for its modern setting during and after the October Revolution of 1917.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015)

Set in 1868 AD, Assassin's Creed Syndicate follows the story of twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye as they work to liberate industrial London from the influence of the Templars. Although often overlooked, this game offers a refined version of the original series with surprisingly fun gang warfare mechanics.