In 2007, Assassin’s Creed burst onto the scene, catching everyone’s attention with its unique blend of historical intrigue, sci-fi elements, and parkour-inspired action. This captivating mix quickly carved out a niche, leading to a rich tapestry of games, comics, and even a Hollywood film.
As we approach the March 20 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the PlayStation 5, it’s time for a refresher on the series’ 13 main titles.
### Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
This groundbreaking title introduced us to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a stealthy 12th-century assassin whose life unfolds through his modern-day descendant, Desmond Miles, courtesy of the Animus—a machine that lets people relive ancestors’ genetic memories. Set during the Holy Land’s Third Crusade, its complex storylines initiated a legacy that set the standard for action-adventure games and paved the way for a celebrated sequel.
Experience these key titles on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 via the Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
### Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 & 2016 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Leaving behind Altaïr’s era, this sequel immersed players in the vibrant Italian Renaissance, with a new protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This entry expanded on Desmond’s saga, deepening his involvement with the present-day Assassin Brotherhood while interweaving figures like Leonardo da Vinci into the rich tapestry of Ezio’s vendetta-fueled story. Ezio’s charm endeared him to fans, enhancing the impact of the series.
### Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 & 2016 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up right after the sequel, Brotherhood found Ezio aiming to strengthen the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. The series continued evolving with groundbreaking features like horseback assassinations, enhanced weaponry, and the strategic use of apprentice assassins. Brotherhood also introduced a thrilling multiplayer component, allowing players to bewilder their friends in a unique cat-and-mouse dynamic.
### Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 & 2016 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Closing the Ezio trilogy, Revelations followed an older Ezio as he searched for artifacts in Constantinople. Meanwhile, Desmond, trapped in a comatose state, struggled to synchronize his mind with Altaïr’s and Ezio’s memories to survive. This installment added new mechanics like zip lines and Hookblade, enriching the gameplay with faster traversal and new combat strategies.
### Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 & 2019 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Taking the narrative to North America, this installment focused on Desmond’s quest to avert an impending global disaster. His journey back in time led him to Haytham Kenway and his son, Connor, amidst the turmoil of the American Revolution. With innovative mechanics like dual-wielding and naval battles, it marked a significant evolution for the franchise.
### Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – Ubisoft
Building on Assassin’s Creed III’s naval themes, Black Flag set players on thrilling high seas adventures during piracy’s Golden Age. Players took on the role of Edward Kenway, navigating a world rich with maritime warfare, treasure hunts, and underwater explorations. The game’s expansive freedom, both on land and at sea, made it a standout entry.
### Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 & 2018 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue flipped the script by placing players in the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar. This fresh perspective added new dimensions to the gameplay, maintaining series staples like naval combat while introducing new challenges in icy landscapes. Players found themselves constantly navigating threats from their former comrades.
### Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – Ubisoft
Unity, launched alongside Rogue but for the then-new PS4, ventured into the French Revolution’s chaos. Featuring a powerful new game engine, it introduced cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to four friends to tackle missions together in the role of Arno Dorian, fostering resource sharing and strategic collaboration.
### Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – Ubisoft
Set in Victorian London, Syndicate introduced twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, and allowed for a unique dual-player experience. Evie’s inclusion marked a milestone as the first playable female Assassin in the main series. New features included carriage use and clever mechanics like ‘kidnapping’ to seamlessly navigate restricted areas.
### Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – Ubisoft
Origins took players to Ancient Egypt, unraveling the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order. Starring Bayek of Siwa, it revamped the series with RPG elements, deeper combat mechanics, and immersive narratives—laying the groundwork for a new era of Assassin’s Creed adventures.
### Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – Ubisoft
Pushing further into RPG territory, Odyssey continued to build on Origins’ foundation, offering a choice between protagonists Kassandra or Alexios in a tale rooted in Greek mythology. Its dynamic systems, branching storylines, and mythological beasts created a rich tapestry of choices and thrilling experiences.
### Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – Ubisoft
Valhalla drew players into Viking history, reliving the 873 AD invasions. It refined mechanics like settlement building, introduced in Black Flag, and featured activities from drinking contests to mercenary battles. Players navigated these trials as Eivor, featuring a customizable gender, maintaining the series’ epic storytelling.
### Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – Ubisoft
Mirage returned to the series’ stealth roots, focusing on the nimble movements of Basim Ibn Ishaq in 9th Century Baghdad. With a more linear narrative and reduced modern-day segments, it delivered a focused and classic Assassin’s experience.
Looking ahead, the saga of Assassins and Templars continues with a journey into 16th-century Japan, where players will meet shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows arriving on March 20. Remember, the creed of the Assassins: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
