Best Assassin's Creed Games
The Assassin's Creed franchise has captivated players for nearly two decades, offering a unique blend of historical fiction, stealth gameplay, and open-world exploration. From its initial foray into the Third Crusade to its more recent ventures into ancient mythologies and feudal Japan, the series has consistently delivered compelling narratives and iconic protagonists. This list aims to highlight some of the best entries in the Assassin's Creed saga, considering their impact on the series, innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and memorable worlds. Each game on this list has contributed significantly to the evolution of the franchise and continues to resonate with fans for its unique qualities and contributions to the overarching lore of the eternal conflict between Assassins and Templars. Selecting the "best" Assassin's Creed games is a subjective endeavor, as each title offers a distinct experience and appeals to different aspects of the series' core formula. Some entries are lauded for their groundbreaking innovations, such as introducing naval combat or vast open-world environments, while others are celebrated for their compelling characters and emotionally resonant narratives. This list attempts to strike a balance, showcasing games that not only excelled in their own right but also significantly influenced the direction of the franchise. Whether it's the revolutionary parkour of the early games, the swashbuckling adventure on the high seas, or the sprawling mythological landscapes of recent installments, each game presented here represents a pinnacle of the Assassin's Creed experience and a testament to the series' enduring appeal. Once you have finished exploring the list, don't forget to let us know which of these you think are better than others by submitting your ranking.
Introduction
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Assassin's Creed II
#11.0Widely considered a high point in the series, Assassin's Creed II built upon the foundation of its predecessor in almost every conceivable way. Introducing the charismatic Ezio Auditore da Firenze during the Italian Renaissance, the game offered a more personal and engaging story of revenge and self-discovery. The vibrant and detailed cities of Florence, Venice, and Rome provided a stunning backdrop for Ezio's acrobatic feats and thrilling missions. Assassin's Creed II refined the gameplay mechanics, adding more diverse mission types, a wider array of gadgets and weapons, and a more robust economic system. Beyond its gameplay improvements, Assassin's Creed II significantly expanded the lore of the series, delving deeper into the First Civilization and the mysteries surrounding the Pieces of Eden. Ezio's journey from a carefree nobleman to a master assassin is a captivating narrative arc, filled with memorable characters and dramatic twists. The game's blend of historical accuracy with a compelling fictional storyline, combined with its refined gameplay and stunning environments, solidified its status as a benchmark for the series and a fan favorite.
Assassin's Creed Revelations
#22.0The final chapter in Ezio Auditore's story, Assassin's Creed Revelations, took players to Constantinople, a vibrant hub of culture and intrigue. The game also featured segments where players controlled an aging Altaïr, bridging the narratives of the first and second games. Revelations introduced new gameplay mechanics such as bomb crafting and the hookblade, which enhanced traversal and combat. The narrative focused on Ezio's quest to uncover the secrets of Altaïr's library and the First Civilization, bringing his personal journey to a poignant conclusion. While Revelations might not have introduced as many sweeping changes as its predecessors, it provided a fitting and emotional end to Ezio's story, tying up loose ends and offering further insights into the overarching mythology of the series. The setting of Constantinople was richly detailed, offering a new and exotic environment to explore. The interludes with Altaïr provided a nostalgic connection to the original game and added depth to the lore. Assassin's Creed Revelations served as a respectful and satisfying conclusion to one of the franchise's most beloved characters.
Assassin's Creed
#33.0The game that started it all, Assassin's Creed introduced players to the world of the Third Crusade through the eyes of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Its groundbreaking parkour system allowed for unprecedented freedom of movement within meticulously recreated historical cities like Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus. The core gameplay loop of investigation, infiltration, and assassination laid the foundation for the entire franchise. While perhaps less refined than its successors, Assassin's Creed's innovative concepts and atmospheric presentation established a unique identity for the series, exploring themes of free will versus control within a historical context that was unlike anything seen before in gaming. The impact of the original Assassin's Creed cannot be overstated. It not only presented a fresh approach to open-world action-adventure games but also introduced the overarching narrative of the Assassin-Templar conflict and the importance of ancient artifacts. The Animus device, which allowed players to relive Altaïr's memories, provided a compelling framework for storytelling and connected the historical setting to a modern-day narrative. Despite some repetitive mission structures, the game's ambition and unique blend of history, stealth, and parkour cemented its place as a pivotal title that paved the way for one of gaming's most successful franchises.
Assassin's Creed III
#44.0Marking a significant shift in setting and protagonist, Assassin's Creed III transported players to the American Revolutionary War and introduced Connor, a half-Mohawk, half-British assassin. The game featured vast wilderness environments alongside colonial cities like Boston and New York, offering a different flavor of open-world exploration. Assassin's Creed III introduced naval combat, a feature that would become a staple of later games, and a more brutal and visceral combat system. The narrative explored the complexities of the American Revolution from a unique perspective, highlighting the conflict between freedom and control. Assassin's Creed III was ambitious in its scope, attempting to portray a pivotal moment in history through the lens of the Assassin-Templar conflict. Connor's journey as he navigates the political and social upheaval of the revolution offered a compelling, albeit sometimes divisive, narrative. The introduction of naval combat provided a thrilling new dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to command ships and engage in epic sea battles. While the game had its critics, its bold setting, new protagonist, and introduction of naval gameplay made it a significant entry in the series.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
#55.0Continuing Ezio's saga, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood introduced the innovative concept of recruiting and managing a brotherhood of assassins. Set primarily in Rome, the game allowed players to call upon their recruits for assistance during missions, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. The sprawling city of Rome was a playground for exploration, filled with Templar strongholds to liberate and secrets to uncover. Brotherhood further refined the combat system and introduced multiplayer to the franchise, expanding the Assassin's Creed experience beyond the single-player campaign. The introduction of the Assassin recruits was a significant evolution for the series, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger organization and providing tactical advantages in gameplay. The narrative focused on Ezio's continued fight against the Borgia family and their influence over Rome, offering a compelling story of leadership and the struggle for freedom. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood successfully built upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering new gameplay mechanics and a captivating storyline that further cemented Ezio's legendary status within the Assassin's Creed universe.
Assassin's Creed Unity
#66.0Set in Paris during the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity aimed to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience. It introduced Arno Dorian, a new assassin with a personal connection to the revolutionary events. Unity placed a greater emphasis on stealth and parkour, with a redesigned movement system that allowed for more fluid and intricate traversal. The game also featured cooperative multiplayer missions for the first time in the series, allowing players to team up with friends for specific objectives. While Unity was plagued by technical issues at launch, its ambition in recreating the tumultuous atmosphere of revolutionary Paris and its focus on stealth and intricate parkour were commendable. The Notre-Dame Cathedral was a particularly impressive feat of digital recreation. The cooperative multiplayer offered a new way to experience the Assassin's Creed gameplay. Despite its initial problems, Assassin's Creed Unity represented a significant step in terms of visual fidelity and gameplay design, laying the groundwork for future installments.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
#77.0Often cited as one of the best games in the series, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag embraced a swashbuckling pirate theme, casting players as Edward Kenway, a charismatic Welsh privateer turned assassin. The vast Caribbean open world allowed for unparalleled freedom of exploration, with players sailing their ship, the Jackdaw, to discover islands, hunt for treasure, and engage in thrilling naval battles. The game masterfully blended naval gameplay with traditional Assassin's Creed mechanics, offering a unique and exhilarating experience. Black Flag's success lay in its captivating pirate fantasy, combined with a compelling narrative that explored themes of freedom, greed, and redemption. Edward Kenway's journey from a self-serving pirate to a committed assassin is a well-written and engaging story. The naval combat was a standout feature, offering strategic depth and exhilarating action. The vibrant and diverse Caribbean setting, filled with secrets and opportunities, made exploration a constant joy. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag revitalized the series by offering a fresh and exciting take on the established formula.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
#88.0Assassin's Creed Valhalla transported players to the Viking Age, casting them as Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to settle in England. The game featured a large open world spanning Norway and England, with a focus on raiding, settlement building, and political alliances. Valhalla retained the RPG mechanics of the previous two installments while introducing new features such as settlement management and large-scale assaults. The narrative explored the Viking culture and their interactions with the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The Viking setting offered a fresh and brutal backdrop for the Assassin's Creed narrative. Eivor's story was a compelling tale of leadership, loyalty, and the clash of cultures. The settlement building aspect added a strategic layer to the gameplay, allowing players to develop their own Viking community. The large-scale assaults provided epic and challenging combat encounters. Assassin's Creed Valhalla successfully blended Viking lore with the established Assassin's Creed formula, offering a unique and engaging experience.
Assassin's Creed Origins
#99.0Assassin's Creed Origins marked a significant departure for the series, taking players to ancient Egypt and introducing RPG elements such as leveling, loot, and a more in-depth combat system. Players controlled Bayek, a Medjay protecting his people, whose journey leads to the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood. The vast and detailed open world of Egypt was filled with tombs to explore, wildlife to hunt, and a rich history to uncover. Origins offered a new perspective on the origins of the Assassin-Templar conflict. The shift towards RPG mechanics revitalized the gameplay, offering more customization and progression options. The world of ancient Egypt was beautifully realized, with stunning landscapes and intricate historical details. Bayek's story was a compelling tale of loss and revenge, laying the foundation for the Assassin Brotherhood. Assassin's Creed Origins successfully reinvented the franchise while staying true to its core tenets of historical exploration and the fight against oppression.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
#1010.0Continuing the RPG direction of its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Odyssey took players to ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Players could choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, Spartan misthios (mercenaries) with a legendary lineage. The game featured a massive open world consisting of mainland Greece and numerous islands, encouraging exploration and discovery. Odyssey introduced dialogue choices and branching storylines, further enhancing the RPG elements and allowing for more player agency. The vast and beautiful world of ancient Greece was a joy to explore, filled with mythical creatures, historical figures, and engaging quests. The choice between Alexios and Kassandra allowed for a personalized gameplay experience. The expanded RPG mechanics, including gear customization and skill trees, provided depth and replayability. Assassin's Creed Odyssey embraced its RPG elements to deliver an epic and immersive adventure in a fascinating historical setting.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
#1111.0Taking players to Victorian London, Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduced twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, two assassins fighting against the Templar control of the city. The game featured a sprawling open world with iconic landmarks and a new mode of transportation: the rope launcher, which allowed for quick traversal across rooftops and ziplining between buildings. Syndicate also introduced gang warfare mechanics, allowing players to recruit members and take over territories in London. The dynamic between Jacob and Evie Frye offered a fresh narrative approach, with their contrasting personalities and skills providing different gameplay styles. Victorian London was a richly detailed and atmospheric setting, brought to life with impressive accuracy. The rope launcher added a new dimension to traversal, making exploration faster and more fluid. The gang warfare mechanics provided a sense of progression and control over the city. Assassin's Creed Syndicate offered a unique blend of historical setting, engaging protagonists, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
#1212.0A return to the series' roots, Assassin's Creed Mirage is set in 9th-century Baghdad and follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The game emphasizes stealth gameplay, parkour, and a more linear narrative structure reminiscent of the earlier Assassin's Creed titles. Baghdad is a dense and vibrant city designed for vertical exploration and stealthy infiltration. Mirage focuses on a more intimate story and a tighter gameplay loop, harking back to the origins of the franchise. Assassin's Creed Mirage represents a deliberate effort to recapture the essence of the early Assassin's Creed games, with a strong focus on stealth, parkour, and a more contained open world. Basim's story as he rises through the ranks of the Hidden Ones offers a compelling narrative within the rich setting of Abbasid Baghdad. The game's design emphasizes navigating the urban environment with agility and utilizing stealth tactics to eliminate targets, appealing to fans who appreciate the classic Assassin's Creed gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Rogue
#1313.0Serving as a bridge between Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed III, Assassin's Creed Rogue offered a unique perspective by allowing players to step into the shoes of a Templar, Shay Patrick Cormac. Set during the Seven Years' War in the North Atlantic and the river valleys of North America, the game featured naval gameplay similar to Black Flag, with new weapons and ship upgrades. The narrative explored the Templar side of the conflict, offering a darker and more nuanced view of the ongoing war between the Assassins and Templars. Playing as a Templar provided a fresh and intriguing dynamic to the series, allowing players to hunt assassins and experience the conflict from a different ideological standpoint. Shay's journey from an Assassin to a Templar is a compelling narrative that sheds light on the motivations and beliefs of the Templar order. Assassin's Creed Rogue offered more of the beloved naval gameplay from Black Flag while providing a unique narrative perspective, making it a noteworthy entry in the franchise for its willingness to explore the other side of the conflict.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
#1414.0Set in feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows marks a highly anticipated new chapter in the series. Players will experience the story through the perspectives of two protagonists: Yasuke, a historical African samurai, and Naoe, a skilled shinobi assassin. The game promises to immerse players in the rich culture and landscapes of feudal Japan, with a focus on stealth and combat tailored to each character's unique skills. Shadows is expected to offer a blend of historical authenticity and the signature Assassin's Creed gameplay. The setting of feudal Japan has been a long-requested one by fans, and Assassin's Creed Shadows promises to deliver an authentic and engaging experience within this iconic historical period. The dual protagonist system, with Yasuke's samurai combat and Naoe's shinobi stealth, offers the potential for diverse gameplay styles and a compelling narrative exploring different facets of the era. The game is expected to leverage the series' established mechanics while introducing new elements inspired by the Japanese setting, making it a highly anticipated addition to the Assassin's Creed universe.
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