Most Popular Assassin’s Creed Games of All Time
The Assassin's Creed games franchise stands as one of the most popular and beloved series in the world, it has captured the hearts and minds of players all the way since its inception in 2007. With its interesting and fascinating historical settings, rich storytelling, and immersive gameplay, it is absolutely no surprise that these Ubisoft games have become one of the most popular titles in the gaming world.
Through the years the studio has delivered massive hits that are still quite popular and there is certainly no doubt that the series has produced some remarkable entries. These games have taken players on so many exciting journeys through various historical settings, crafting an intricate narrative filled with loads of intrigue, action and adventure.
With its complex storyline, daring moves, and exciting gameplay, the franchise has managed to garner a truly dedicated fan base that always eagerly awaits each next entry in the series.
In this article, we are going to delve into some of the most popular Assassin's Creed games of all time. The list is not coming in a specific rating order and is going to cover which entries in the series are among the more prominent ones that in our opinion you should not miss out on!
Get ready to experience it all; from risky adventures on the high seas to the deep mysteries of ancient civilizations and dark conspiracies that nobody should discover, the Assassin's Creed Ubisoft games have something to offer for any fan of open-world action-adventure games.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
As the most recent 19th entry in the mainline series we have Assassin's Creed Mirage which takes us to the exotic setting of ancient ninth-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, and to be even more precisely said, during the Anarchy at Samarra, which was actually a period of extreme internal instability during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphate, thus adding a really unique flavor to the franchise.
Its vibrant, sand-swept landscapes and rich cultural references make Mirage a delightful addition to the Assassin's Creed universe. Players step into the shoes of Basim Ibn Is’haq, a skilled assassin that we know from AC Valhalla, in a story filled with much political intrigue, all while on the search for a very powerful artifact.
The game's cultural immersion and greater focus on the parkour and stealth gameplay mechanics make it a hidden gem to be discovered and appreciated in the series. While it may not yet have grabbed the same attention as other titles of the Assassin’s Creed games, "Mirage" offers the latest in terms of graphics and performance making it a must-play for any fan of the franchise looking for a different and interesting setting.
Assassin's Creed: Origins
Assassin's Creed: Origins marked a fresh start for the series, taking us back to the origins of the Assassins and Templars. Set in ancient Egypt, this installment was a breath of fresh air for the series, introducing us to Bayek, a Medjay and one of the first Assassins.
The shift towards a more RPG-focused mechanics and approaches brought depth to the character progression and a more diverse combat system. Origins reinvigorated the franchise, adding a much-needed layer of depth to the series and a really expansive world to explore.
The game delivers a stunning way to recreate ancient Egyptian times that is a really marvelous sight to enjoy, offering a very detailed landscape full of historical sites, hidden-away tombs, and ancient mysteries. Assassin's Creed: Origins has also laid the groundwork for the series' new combat system, going towards a more action-based direction.Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Setting sail next on our list is Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. This game entry in the series is known for its innovative and exciting naval combat gameplay. It introduced us to the high seas, set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean; players take on the role of Edward Kenway, a charming Welsh pirate that turned into an assassin.
The game combines the thrill of exploration, naval combat, island exploration, and treasure hunting; Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag definitely offers a unique perspective and an exhilarating multiplayer experience.
The open world filled with multiple islands, hidden bounty, and great opportunities for piracy all bring a sense of freedom and adventure like no other entry in the series. Edward's character development as well as the major conflicts he encounters, as he steps around the blurred line between assassin and pirate does add quite a bit of depth to the story.
Assassin's Creed II
Here comes the turn for an established hit of the Assassin’s Creed games that cemented the franchise as a true contender for glory in the gaming world - Assassin's Creed II. This entry marked a significant improvement over its predecessor, by greatly refining and expanding the gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
With its captivating Renaissance Italy storyline setting, the protagonist Desmond Miles relives the genetic memories of his ancestor Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a charismatic and skilled assassin who has discovered important information about a massive Templar conspiracy during the Renaissance Italy times. A story that unfolds with a blend of history and fiction, this entry set a high bar for the ones after it in the series.
The game introduced many new parkour moves, combat systems, and a vast, visually stunning world that enhanced the experience further. With a captivating storyline, extensive character development, and the shadowy conspiracy surrounding the Templars and Assassins made it into one of the most appreciated fan favorites. Assassin's Creed II was the foundation for many of the series' core elements and actually became a turning point for the franchise.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Next is Assassin's Creed Odyssey which takes a bold leap into the violent age and realm of ancient Greece. This installment offers players the choice to play as either Alexios or Kassandra on an expansive and mythic epic adventure. Explore the stunning world, take on various side quests, and of course enjoy the personal odyssey filled meaningful choices that significantly impact the narrative that made this game an unforgettable experience.
The game builds up on some of the RPG elements that were introduced in "Origins" and offers even more customization features for your character; it also includes branching dialogue choices and the function to direct and shape the destiny of your character.
The ancient Greek setting comes paired with the inclusion of legendary creatures as well as the elements from Greek mythology that adds a unique flavor to the overall gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Another quite the worthy mention is Assassin's Creed Syndicate which takes us to Victorian-era London, at the height of the industrial revolution and offers a much more refined and dynamic take on the series' mechanics.
Players assume the roles of a dynamic duo of assassins: Jacob and Evie Frye as they navigate through the criminal underworld of London with the aim to liberate the city from the grips of Templar control. With such a historical backdrop and an engaging storyline Assassin's Creed Syndicate became a direct standout in the series.
The game presents a more brutal fighting system as well as a variety of new gameplay elements, such as the rope launcher for quicker traversal, fully systemic vehicles and more robust navigation and stealth. The portrayal of Victorian London is both captivating and immersive at the same time, with even historical figures making appearances throughout the story.
The dynamic between the two protagonists, Jacob and Evie, adds lots of depth to the narrative, making this title into one of the more memorable entries in the series.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
It is time for an impressive entry from the more recent games in the franchise - Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Taking place during the ninth-century Viking invasion of England, Valhalla immerses players in a massive open world full of intense battles, and a deep exploration of Norse mythology.
As Eivor Varinsdottir the Viking raider, you are the leader of a Norse warrior clan on their quest to settle and thrive in the yet untamed lands of England. An impressive entry in the series that is a true testament towards the ability of the Assassin’s Creed games to evolve and adapt with the times.
What you get is an open world experience filled with stunning landscapes, engaging characters, and a deep branching narrative. It further expands on the RPG elements that were introduced in "Origins" and "Odyssey," providing even more settings for character customization and storyline choices. The Viking experience comes with a brutal combat style and a plethora of Norse mythology elements, once again adding another angle to the series.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Let us not also forget about Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. This title takes us back to Renaissance Italy and continues on the story of Desmond Miles and his distant ancestor Ezio Auditore da Firenze. It improved upon the gameplay style of Assassin's Creed II and included the innovative multiplayer mode, which was both thrilling and engaging at once.
Here is the moment we got introduced to the concept of managing and expanding the Assassin Brotherhood. The recruitment of fellow Assassins, and the ability to send them on missions added depth and strategy to the gameplay and expanded on the intrigue of Renaissance Rome which made this game unforgettable.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is not only the compelling story continuation of Ezio but also a significant step forward in terms of gameplay mechanics, offering a magnificent blend of action, stealth, and management elements as well as a better mission variety that kept players fully engaged and immersed.
Assassin’s Creed III
A pivotal entry in the series is Assassin’s Creed III from 2012, marking the end of the Desmond Miles' journey and introducing a new protagonist, Connor. With the entirety of the events going on during the 18th century American Revolution, it featured an expansive world coming with the inclusion of some historical figures and even events from colonial times.
Even though it had a tight schedule and a bumpy ride to stores Assassin’s Creed III presented fans with a big variety of new mechanics, including a hunting system, a weather system, and the then newly introduced naval warfare to name just a few.
The main storyline, which really delved quite deep into complex themes such as struggle for freedom and the price of revenge, was particularly gripping, making it one of the most thought-provoking entries in the series for us.
Assassin’s Creed
Last but not least is the game that has started it all, simply titled Assassin's Creed. This 2007 release introduced players to the timeless conflict between the Assassins and Templars and the use of the Animus to relive the memories of ancestors. Being set in two timelines; a modern one where you play as Desmond Miles who is a descendant of a long line of Assassins and at the same time has another parallel set during the Third Crusade, where players assume the role of Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin on a quest against the Templars.
Altair Ibn-La'Ahad's journey built the foundation for the entire series ahead. While it may lack the expansive open world and RPG elements of the more recent entries, the original Assassin's Creed really set the stage for the franchise's success with its unique premise and innovative gameplay ideas. This entry introduced us to the iconic parkour traversal system and the innovative stealth gameplay. The game's blend of historical settings and sci-fi elements made it a compelling experience for fans all across the world. While the series has significantly evolved and improved over the years, the original "Assassin’s Creed" formula remains a nostalgic, fundamental and essential title in the whole franchise.
The Assassin's Creed series has absolutely delivered some of the most memorable experiences in more recent gaming history. Each of the entries has its own unique character and charm, and while some fans could prefer the historical richness of Italy in Assassin's Creed II, others may be drawn to the Viking adventures of Valhalla, or perhaps the brutality of Odyssey, with such a big variety and perspectives each game brings something different to the table.
Ultimately, Assassin's Creed games are trying to represent the series' enduring appeal and its ability to captivate players with the thrilling historical narratives, immersive and beautifully crafted worlds, and engaging gameplay style. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, these games offer a journey through history like no other, and they're definitely worth your time. We really hope you liked and agree with our suggested list for most popular Assassin’s Creed games.