If you want the Assassin’s Creed story to unfold in its original order, start with Assassin’s Creed (2007) and follow the principal games by release date. If a particular setting or style matters more, you can start with a game that matches it; the trade-off is less context for connections between entries. Release order and historical chronology are different: the games jump between eras while also carrying a modern-day story across centuries.
Choose your starting point by what you want from the series
Ubisoft’s May 2024 guide counted more than 18 Assassin’s Creed games, spanning different periods and a continuing metanarrative. That does not mean every spin-off is essential for a first playthrough. The practical choice is between following the franchise as it developed, or beginning with the setting and gameplay that appeal to you most.
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- For the central narrative and the original progression of the series: begin with the 2007 game and use release order for the principal entries.
- For a role-playing adventure in ancient Egypt: consider Origins, which introduces Bayek and features an open world, eagle scouting, and expanded combat.
- For ancient Greece and a choice of protagonist: consider Odyssey, which lets you play as Alexios or Kassandra.
- For a Viking-era adventure: consider Valhalla, centered on Eivor in ninth-century England.
- For stealth, gadgets, and investigations: consider Mirage, a more focused story about Basim in ninth-century Baghdad.
- For pirates and naval exploration: consider Black Flag, set in the Caribbean and featuring Edward Kenway and an upgradable ship.
These are preference matches, not a claim that one entry is objectively best. Starting with a later game can make sense if its setting or style is the reason you are interested.
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What release order gives you
Release order follows the series’ development and places connected modern-day storylines in the order players originally encountered them. The opening run introduces Desmond Miles and Altaïr during the Third Crusade, then shifts to Ezio’s Renaissance-era story. The sequence continues through the early games before moving among later settings and protagonists.
#1 Best Overall
- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
Here is the principal release sequence covered by Ubisoft’s May 2024 guide. It is not a complete list of every spin-off.
| Release year | Principal entry |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Assassin’s Creed |
| 2009 | Assassin’s Creed II |
| 2010 | Brotherhood |
| 2011 | Revelations |
| 2012 | Assassin’s Creed III |
| 2013 | Black Flag |
| 2014 | Rogue and Unity |
| 2015 | Syndicate |
| 2017 | Origins |
| 2018 | Odyssey |
| 2020 | Valhalla |
| 2023 | Mirage |
The order is useful when you care about how the series’ mechanics and narrative connections changed over time. It is not a requirement to understand or enjoy an individual game.
Rank #2
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Why historical chronology is a different order
Historical chronology sorts games by the era they depict. It can be a satisfying way to visit the settings in sequence, but it does not reproduce the order of the modern-day storyline or the franchise’s original releases. A game set earlier in history may have been released much later and may connect to characters and events introduced in later-era releases.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Use historical chronology when moving through historical periods is your main interest. Use release order when you want the narrative and series development to unfold as players first experienced them. Neither ordering method is universally correct; they answer different questions.
Rank #3
- Includes both Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue, plus all single-player DLC.
- Become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag. Take part in an award-winning naval experience and explore a massive open world.
- Become the ultimate assassin hunter in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, and play as a Templar for the first time in franchise history.
- Additional bonus content: Black Beard: The Lost Journal (pp. 1– 55) and Assassin’s Creed: Awakening Volumes 1 & 2.
- Experience enhanced features like handheld mode, HD Rumble, a touch screen interface, and motion control aiming.
How later entries connect to different play styles
Black Flag: naval exploration and piracy
Black Flag moves the action to the Caribbean, where Edward Kenway’s story is built around pirate life and an upgradable ship. It is a natural fit if naval play is what draws you to the series. Ubisoft’s July 2026 article presents Black Flag Resynced as a ground-up remake; check the listing for your platform and region before buying, since availability and edition details can vary.
Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla: role-playing-focused adventures
Origins shifts toward open-ended role-playing combat in ancient Egypt and introduces Bayek. Odyssey takes place in ancient Greece and offers the choice between Alexios and Kassandra. Valhalla follows Eivor in ninth-century England and includes settlement-building. These entries suit readers looking for broad historical adventures rather than a starting point chosen solely to preserve release order.
Rank #4
- A BRASH REBEL ASSASSIN: Become Edward Kenway, a charismatic yet brutal pirate captain, trained by Assassins. Edward can effortlessly switch between the Hidden Blade of the Assassin's Order and all new weaponry including four flintock pistols and dual cutlass swords
- EXPLORE AN OPEN WORLD FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES: Discover the most diverse Assassin's Creed world ever created. From Kingston to Nassau, explore 50 unique locations where you can live the life of a pirate
- BECOME THE MOST FEARED PIRATE IN THE CARIBBEAN: Command your ship, the Jackdaw, and strike fear in all who see her. Plunder and pillage to upgrade the Jackdaw with ammunition and equipment needed to fight off enemy ships
- EXPERIENCE THE GRITTY REALITY BEHIND THE PIRATE FANTASY: Stand amongst legendary names such as Blackbeard and Benjamin Hornigold, as you establish a lawless Republic in the Bahamas and relive the truly explosive events that defined the Golden Age of Pirates
- MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE: Play with your friends in the ruthless and critically acclaimed multiplayer experience. Choose from an eclectic cast of characters from the Golden Age of Pirates and fight to the death in exotic locations
Mirage: a focused stealth-oriented option
Mirage follows Basim in ninth-century Baghdad, emphasizing stealth, gadgets, and investigations. Ubisoft connects Basim to Valhalla, so playing Valhalla first can add context to that connection. You can still choose Mirage first if its stealth-oriented focus is a stronger draw.
Check platform and edition before you buy
The right title is only part of the decision. Before purchasing, confirm that the specific listing matches your platform, region, and preferred edition. This matters especially for a newer release or remake: general franchise information does not establish current regional stock, price, platform support, or subscription inclusion. Check the relevant storefront for those purchase-time details.
- Choose a specific game rather than a generic franchise listing.
- Match the platform and regional edition to the system and account you will use.
- For Black Flag Resynced, verify the current platform-specific listing rather than assuming support based on the franchise or remake announcement.
- Check the storefront for current pricing, availability, and any edition or subscription terms.
For Ubisoft’s release-order overview and descriptions of the principal games, see Ubisoft’s May 13, 2024 guide. Ubisoft’s franchise page also covers the broader series. For remake context, consult Ubisoft’s July 2026 Black Flag Resynced article; use a current storefront to confirm whether a particular platform and edition are available where you live.
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