Emerging suddenly yet decisively in 2007, Assassin’s Creed captivated audiences with its distinctive blend of history, science fiction, and parkour-driven action. The series not only left a remarkable footprint in the gaming world but also expanded into comics and even a Hollywood movie, creating a vast universe filled with rich narratives and memorable characters.
With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows set to launch on the PlayStation 5 on March 20, now is the perfect moment to get acquainted with the main titles of this iconic series comprised of 13 games.
### Assassin’s Creed (2007) – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
In the original game, players meet the 12th-century assassin, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, and experience the groundbreaking concept of the Animus—a device enabling users to relive their ancestors’ genetic memories. Desmond Miles, Altaïr’s unsuspecting descendant in the 21st century, sees his ancestor’s story unfold during the Third Crusade, establishing a complex plot across two timelines. This entry laid the groundwork for an influential and enduring series, setting the stage for its legendary successor.
On the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, three key titles are bundled together in Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection:
### Assassin’s Creed II (2009) – PlayStation 3 / 2016 PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
This sequel takes players on an unexpected journey from Altaïr to the Italian Renaissance, following Ezio Auditore da Firenze on a quest for revenge. Alongside him, luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli play pivotal roles. Meanwhile, Desmond becomes increasingly involved in the modern-day Assassin Brotherhood. If the first game was a revelation, Assassin’s Creed II refined the formula, solidifying Ezio as a fan-favorite character.
### Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010) – PlayStation 3 / 2016 PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up right where Assassin’s Creed II left off, Brotherhood allows players to further explore Ezio’s world as he recruits new members for the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. The game introduced mounted assassinations, heavy weapon combat, and apprentice missions, enhancing its predecessor’s mechanics. Additionally, Brotherhood was the first in the series to offer a captivating multiplayer mode, adding a thrilling new dimension to the gameplay.
### Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011) – PlayStation 3 / 2016 PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Ezio’s trilogy concludes with his journey to Constantinople, where he seeks keys to unlock Altaïr’s library—a potential turning point in the Templar-Assassin war. Simultaneously, Desmond must achieve full Animus synchronization to save himself. Revelations enriches the gameplay with innovations such as zip lines and the Hookblade, while unpredictable NPC interactions keep players engaged.
### Assassin’s Creed III (2012) – PlayStation 3 / 2019 PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Venturing into North America for the first time, Assassin’s Creed III continues Desmond’s mission through the eyes of 18th-century Templar Haytham Kenway and his son, the assassin Connor. The game introduces wilderness exploration, complex combat dynamics, and the series’ lauded naval battles—effectively capturing the essence of its new American Revolutionary setting.
### Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) – PlayStation 3 and 4 – Ubisoft
Building on the naval exploration elements of its predecessor, Black Flag embarks on an adventurous journey during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players follow Welsh pirate Edward Kenway across sprawling seas, battling enemy ships, exploring underwater treasures, and encountering infamous pirates. This installment masterfully intertwines naval and land exploration, offering a truly open-world experience.
### Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014) – PlayStation 3 / 2018 PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Offering a fresh perspective, Rogue flips the narrative by putting players in the role of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar. Set in the icy North Atlantic and New York City, the game retains prior features like naval combat while introducing unique missions and weapons, challenging players as they fend off Assassin adversaries.
### Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014) – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Launching alongside Rogue, Unity marks the series’ debut on the PS4. Set during the French Revolution, it offers a cooperative multiplayer campaign—an exciting first for Assassin’s Creed. Playing as Arno Dorian, players leverage collaboration and custom gear to navigate a beautifully recreated Paris.
### Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015) – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
This installment takes players to Victorian-era London with twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye. The introduction of a playable female assassin in the main series is notable, as are gameplay enhancements like carriage transportation and a ‘kidnapping’ mechanic for covert operations.
### Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017) – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Returning to ancient Egypt, Origins revitalizes the series by exploring the foundations of the Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order. With Bayek of Siwa as the protagonist, the game introduces RPG-inspired systems, sophisticated combat mechanics, and a richer narrative ambiance.
### Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018) – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece, Odyssey expands on Origins’ RPG elements, adding dynamic dialogue choices, character relationships, and multiple endings. Utilizing naval combat and immersive mythological encounters, players choose between two protagonists as they explore the ancient world.
### Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) – PlayStation 4 and 5 – Ubisoft
Valhalla dives into the Viking Age, offering a choice between male and female versions of the protagonist, Eivor. With advanced mechanics and player community features from previous games, it enriches the narrative with regional conquests, settlement building, and captivating side activities.
### Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023) – PlayStation 4 and 5 – Ubisoft
Mirage returns to the roots of the series with its linear story and renewed focus on stealth, set in 9th-century Baghdad. Players step into the shoes of Basim Ibn Ishaq, experiencing a refined narrative filled with intricate parkour movement and traditional Assassin intrigue.
Looking ahead, the epic saga continues with the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, set amongst the rich histories of 16th-century Japan. As always, the series reminds us: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
