When Assassin’s Creed first landed in 2007, it emerged like a hidden blade, slicing through the gaming world with its unique mix of history, science fiction, and parkour action. This groundbreaking concept left a lasting mark on players, creating a series that not only expanded into comic books and a Hollywood film but also became a treasure trove of lore and memorable characters.
As we edge closer to the March 20 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PlayStation 5, it’s a great moment to gear up with essential insights into the series’ main storyline spanning 13 titles.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
This initial entry introduced players to the 12th-century assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad and featured the Animus, a device enabling people to relive their ancestors’ genetic memories. Through Desmond Miles, a modern-day descendant, players navigate Altaïr’s life during the Third Crusade. The game not only set the standard for future titles but paved the way for its hugely successful sequel.
The next three titles are accessible on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility in Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 | 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
As the follow-up to Altaïr’s tale, Assassin’s Creed II cleverly transitioned into the vibrant era of the Italian Renaissance. Ezio Auditore da Firenze took center stage in a gripping revenge story interwoven with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. As Desmond becomes more entrenched in the Assassin Brotherhood’s modern-day operations, Ezio’s character shines, making him a fan-favorite.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 | 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up right where the second game left off, Brotherhood follows Ezio as he expands and recruits for the Assassin Brotherhood across Rome. It introduced new gameplay features like assassinations on horseback, heavy weapon throws, and the use of a crossbow, as well as apprentice assassins who could assist on missions. The biggest addition was the multiplayer mode, allowing players to stealthily hunt down opponents and disappear into the crowd.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 | 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Concluding the Ezio trilogy, Revelations follows an older Ezio as he travels to Constantinople in search of keys to Altaïr’s secret library—a discovery that could end the conflict between Templars and Assassins. The game enhanced mobility with zip lines and introduced the Hookblade for quick traversal and combat. Players also had to stay alert for random NPC events and Templar ‘stalkers.’
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 | 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Taking the adventure to North America, Assassin’s Creed III highlights Desmond’s quest to avert a global disaster using the memories of 18th-century Templar Haytham Kenway and his son, Connor. This installment offered vast improvements, featuring enhanced combat and the exciting additions of animal hunting and naval battles, reflecting on the revolutionary spirit of the time.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and 4 – Ubisoft
Building on the naval combat introduced in its predecessor, Black Flag plunged players into the Golden Age of Piracy. With Edward Kenway at the helm, players enjoyed battles at sea, treasure hunts, and oceanic side quests. Kenway’s ability to wield multiple weapons and interact with historical figures like Blackbeard added layers to the immersive experience.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 | 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue flipped expectations by placing players in the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar. This new perspective retained classic elements like naval combat while introducing new weapons and the constant threat from fellow Assassins seeking retribution.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Launched alongside Rogue, Unity brought the series to PS4 with a new engine, setting players amidst the French Revolution’s chaos. Introducing a co-op campaign, players could now experience teamwork in the series, sharing resources and customizing gear as they navigated through the eyes of Arno Dorian.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set in Victorian London, Syndicate added innovations with twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, marking the first female Assassin in mainline titles. Players could seamlessly switch between them as they navigated a mission to reclaim London from Templar clutches with the aid of new mechanics like carriage transport and ‘kidnapping.’
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Back in Ancient Egypt, Origins introduced the origins of the Assassin Brotherhoods and rekindled the core rivalry with the Order of the Ancients. The game emphasized RPG elements, with Bayek of Siwa taking center stage in a narrative driven by nostalgia and conflict.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Odyssey embraced Ancient Greece’s mythology and expanded on RPG elements, introducing branching narratives, complex NPC interactions, and choice-driven endings. Players experienced epic sea battles and encountered legendary creatures while following the descendants of King Leonidas.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and 5 – Ubisoft
Valhalla immersed players in the Viking invasions of 873 AD, enhancing previous mechanics like settlement building and adding activities like fishing and flighting battles. The Assassin vs. Templar war roared back, this time through the journeys of Eivor, engaging with the lore’s rich historical context.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and 5 – Ubisoft
Mirage shifted focus back to stealth and parkour, honing in on a linear storyline that emphasized a return to the series’ roots. In 9th Century Baghdad, players follow Basim Ibn Ishaq as he transitions from street thief to Master Assassin.
We’re now on the cusp of a new chapter in the saga. Shadows beckon players into the 16th-century world of Japan in March, promising thrilling new adventures with shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and legendary samurai Yasuke.
As always, remember the creed: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
