The Ultimate Guide to Playing Assassin’s Creed Games in Order

Ah, Assassin’s Creed—the franchise that’s given us everything from Renaissance Italy to Viking raids, all while making us climb every damn tower in sight. I’ve been watching this series since the original Assassin’s Creed dropped in 2007, and let me tell you, the ride hasn’t always been smooth. Some games were masterpieces; others, well, let’s just say Ubisoft’s quality control has had its moments. But if you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to play Assassin’s Creed games in order—and not just chronologically, but in a way that makes sense for storytelling, gameplay, and avoiding spoilers.

Here’s the thing: the series is a mess if you try to follow it strictly. The Assassin’s Creed games in order of release isn’t the same as the order of the historical settings, and the modern-day plots twist around each other like a well-worn rope. I’ve seen fans argue for years about the best way to play, and I’ve got my own take. Whether you’re a newcomer or a grizzled veteran who’s still bitter about Unity’s launch, I’ll break it down for you. No fluff, no filler—just the straight dope on how to experience this sprawling saga the right way.

Discover the Best Way to Play Assassin’s Creed Games in Order*

If you’re diving into the Assassin’s Creed series for the first time—or revisiting it—you’ve got options. Do you go by release date? Chronological order? Thematic arcs? I’ve seen players stumble by picking the wrong path. Here’s the breakdown.

First, the release order is the safest bet for newcomers. It’s how the story unfolds in the games’ intended narrative flow, with each title building on the last. Start with Assassin’s Creed (2007), then II, Brotherhood, Revelations, and so on. This way, you get the full emotional weight of Ezio’s saga without spoilers.

• Release Order:AC I, II, Brotherhood, Revelations, III, IV, Rogue, Unity, Syndicate, Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, Mirage
• Pros: Natural story progression, avoids spoilers, easier to follow tech improvements.
• Cons: Some older games feel clunky by today’s standards (looking at you, AC I).

But if you’re a completionist, chronological order might appeal. This jumps between eras, starting with Origins (ancient Egypt) and ending with Valhalla (Viking Age). It’s a mess, though—you’ll bounce between time periods like a time-traveling tourist.

My personal recommendation? A hybrid approach. Play Origins first to get the modern-day story, then II for the classic Ezio experience. Skip Unity unless you’re a masochist (seriously, that launch was a disaster). Save Odyssey and Valhalla for last—they’re RPGs in disguise, and their scale can overwhelm new players.

And if you’re short on time? The essential hits are II, Brotherhood, Origins, Valhalla. They’re the peaks of the series—skip the rest unless you’re a die-hard.

Bottom line: No wrong way, but some paths are smoother. Pick your poison, grab a hidden blade, and get stabbing.

Why Chronological Order Matters (And When to Break the Rules)*

Look, I’ve been covering video games for 25 years, and I’ve seen players obsess over the “right” way to play a series. With Assassin’s Creed, the debate over chronological order is especially heated. The games span centuries, from the Holy Land in 1191 to the near-future chaos of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. But here’s the thing: chronological order isn’t always the best way to experience the series. Sometimes, it’s better to follow release order—or even a hybrid approach.

Let’s break it down.

But here’s the catch: chronological order isn’t always fun. The first three games—AC1, AC2, Brotherhood—are rough by today’s standards. If you’re new to the series, jumping straight into Origins or Valhalla might be more enjoyable.

I’ve seen players get bogged down by “doing it right.” The truth? There’s no single right way. If you’re here for the story, go chronological. If you’re here for the gameplay, start with Black Flag or Origins. And if you’re just dipping your toes in? Try Valhalla—it’s the most accessible entry.

At the end of the day, the best order is the one that keeps you playing.

The Ultimate Assassin’s Creed Playlist: A 10-Step Guide for New Players*

If you’re diving into the Assassin’s Creed series for the first time, you’re in for a wild ride—one that spans centuries, continents, and some of the most iconic moments in gaming history. But before you jump into the chaos, let’s talk about the ultimate playlist. No, not the kind you’d find on Spotify—though that’s a great idea too. I’m talking about the order in which you should play these games to get the most out of the experience.

I’ve seen new players stumble into Assassin’s Creed blindly, only to get lost in the sprawling timeline or overwhelmed by the series’ evolution. Trust me, there’s a right way to do this. Below, I’ve broken it down into a 10-step guide that balances story, gameplay, and sheer fun.

Step 1: Start with the Classics

You can’t skip the foundation. Assassin’s Creed I (2007) is rough around the edges, but it’s essential. If you’re not feeling the nostalgia grind, Assassin’s Creed II (2009) is where the series truly finds its footing. Ezio’s story is the heart of the franchise, and this is where you’ll learn the ropes.

Step 2: The Renaissance Trilogy

Stick with Ezio. Brotherhood (2010) and Revelations (2011) expand on his story with some of the best gameplay in the series. If you’re short on time, Brotherhood is the must-play—it’s where the modern AC formula really clicks.

• Brotherhood: Recruitment system, Rome’s open world, and the birth of the modern Assassin.
• Revelations: A bit slower, but wraps up Ezio’s arc beautifully.

Step 3: The Modern Era

After Ezio, things get messy. Black Flag (2013) is the perfect palate cleanser—a pirate adventure with some of the best naval combat ever. Then, Unity (2014) and Syndicate (2015) bring you to the 19th century with mixed results. Unity is divisive, but Syndicate is underrated.

Step 4: The Modern Era (Cont.)

Skip Rogue unless you’re a completionist. Origins (2017) and Odyssey (2018) are where the series pivots to RPG mechanics. They’re massive, beautiful, and divisive. Origins is the better entry point, but Odyssey is more polished.

Step 5: The Future

If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready for Valhalla (2020) and Mirage (2023). Valhalla is a love-it-or-hate-it Viking epic, while Mirage is a back-to-basics return to form.

And that’s it. The playlist. No filler, no fluff—just the essentials. Now go forth, assassin.

The Truth About Assassin’s Creed’s Timeline (And How to Avoid Confusion)*

Look, I’ve been covering Assassin’s Creed since Brotherhood (2010), and even I’ll admit the timeline’s a mess. Ubisoft’s been juggling historical settings, modern-day storylines, and parallel timelines for 16 games and counting. If you’re diving in, here’s how to avoid the chaos.

First, the timeline isn’t linear. It’s a tangled web of historical assassins and modern-day Templars, with some games skipping decades or even centuries. AC1 (2007) kicks things off in 1191, but Origins (2017) jumps back to 49 BCE. Modern-day stories? They’re all connected, but AC2’s Desmond Miles is the anchor. Confused yet? You’re not alone.

Here’s the cheat sheet:

• Chronological Order:Origins → Odyssey → Valhalla → AC1 → AC2 → Brotherhood → Revelations → Rogue → Unity → Syndicate → Black Flag → Liberation → Freedom Cry → Identity → Chronicles → Unity’s Dead Kings DLC.
• Release Order:AC1 → Altair’s Chronicles → AC2 → Brotherhood → Revelations → 3 → Black Flag → Unity → Syndicate → Origins → Odyssey → Valhalla.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to play them in order. The modern-day stories are mostly self-contained. Want to skip Unity’s convoluted DLC? Go ahead. Prefer Black Flag’s pirate adventure? Start there. The only hard rule? If you care about the modern-day lore, play AC2 before Rogue.

Still lost? Here’s a table for the modern-day connections:

Bottom line? Play what excites you. The timeline’s a mess, but the games? They’re still worth it. Just don’t expect everything to add up.

5 Ways to Experience the Full Assassin’s Creed Story Without Overwhelming Yourself*

The Assassin’s Creed series is a beast—25+ games, spin-offs, and a sprawling narrative that spans centuries. If you’re diving in, you don’t need to play every single one to grasp the story. I’ve seen players burn out on the early entries, and honestly, some are skippable. Here’s how to experience the core narrative without losing your mind.

1. Play the “Canonical” Mainline Games

The backbone of the story is the numbered entries and a few key spin-offs. Stick to these:

• Assassin’s Creed (2007) – The origin story, but dated mechanics.
• Assassin’s Creed II – Where the series hits its stride.
• Brotherhood – The best DLC ever, but technically a sequel.
• Revelations – Wraps up Ezio’s arc.
• Black Flag – A standalone gem, but ties into the modern-day plot.
• Unity – Skippable unless you love Paris.
• Syndicate – Optional, but fun.
• Origins – The soft reboot, modernizes combat.
• Odyssey – RPG-style, but critical for the modern-day story.
• Valhalla – The most recent, ties everything together.

2. Watch Cutscenes for the Rest

Some games are skippable, but their stories matter. I recommend watching cutscenes on YouTube for:

• Assassin’s Creed III – Desmond’s climax.
• Rogue – Fills gaps between Black Flag and Unity.
• Freedom Cry – A Black Flag DLC with key lore.

3. Read the Comics and Novels

Ubisoft’s expanded universe is hit-or-miss, but a few are worth it:

4. Play the Mobile Games (If You’re Obsessed)

Yes, they exist. Identity and Rebellion are forgettable, but Pirates ties into Black Flag.

5. Skip the Spin-Offs (Unless You’re a Completionist)

Games like Chronicles and Altaïr’s Chronicles are rehashes. Save your time.

Bottom line: Play the mainline games, watch cutscenes for the rest, and don’t stress the extras. The story’s worth it—just don’t drown in it.

How to Unlock Hidden Connections in Assassin’s Creed by Playing in the Right Order*

I’ve spent years playing, reviewing, and dissecting every Assassin’s Creed game, and one thing’s clear: the series rewards players who follow the right order—not just for story coherence, but for hidden connections that deepen the experience. You won’t find these in the main campaign alone. They’re buried in side quests, collectibles, and even the loading screens if you know where to look.

Here’s the deal: the games are packed with Easter eggs and lore that tie into each other. For example, AC2’sAssassin’s Creed: Lineage animated short bridges the gap between Brotherhood and Revelations, but it’s only meaningful if you’ve played AC2 first. Skip that, and you miss the emotional weight of Ezio’s fall from grace.

Then there’s the modern-day stuff. Play Origins before Odyssey? You’ll miss Layla’s full arc. Jump straight to Valhalla? You won’t get why Odyssey’s ending is so damn important. The modern-day threads are fragile—break the order, and they unravel.

My advice? If you’re new, stick to the canonical order. If you’re a veteran, revisit older games with fresh eyes. You’ll see things you missed the first time—like how AC1’s Altair’s fate foreshadows Valhalla’s ending. The series is a puzzle, and the right order gives you the full picture.

Embarking on the Assassin’s Creed saga in order offers a richer experience, weaving together centuries of lore, character arcs, and historical intrigue. From Altaïr’s origins to Ezio’s legendary journey and beyond, each game builds on the last, rewarding players with deeper connections to the Brotherhood’s enduring struggle. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran revisiting the series, playing chronologically unlocks hidden details and thematic resonance that might otherwise go unnoticed. For the ultimate immersion, consider supplementing your playthrough with the accompanying novels or comics to expand the world even further. As you step into the shoes of history’s hidden warriors, one question lingers: which assassin’s story will leave the most lasting mark on your own journey?