Are you a fan of the Assassin's Creed series and wondering how to play the games in the right order? The Assassin's Creed series is one of the most popular action-adventure video game franchises, known for its rich storytelling and historical settings. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to play the Assassin's Creed games in order, ensuring you experience the full depth of the narrative.
In the world of video gaming, few franchises have captured the imagination of players as effectively as Assassin's Creed. From its inception in 2007, the series has expanded into a vast universe filled with memorable characters, intricate plots, and historical events. Understanding the chronological order of the games can significantly enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to appreciate the overarching storyline and character development.
This article will take you through the Assassin's Creed series in order, including mainline games, spin-offs, and remastered versions. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan looking to revisit the series, this guide will help you navigate through the complex timeline and enjoy each installment to its fullest.
Table of Contents
- 1. Assassin's Creed Series Overview
- 2. Mainline Assassin's Creed Games
- 3. Spin-off Titles
- 4. Remastered Versions
- 5. Assassin's Creed Timeline
- 6. Gameplay Elements of Assassin's Creed
- 7. Conclusion
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Assassin's Creed Series Overview
The Assassin's Creed series is developed by Ubisoft and is renowned for its unique blend of historical fiction and action-adventure gameplay. The primary narrative revolves around the conflict between the Assassins, who fight for freedom, and the Templars, who seek control and order. This age-old battle unfolds across various time periods and locations, allowing players to explore richly detailed historical settings.
2. Mainline Assassin's Creed Games
The mainline entries in the Assassin's Creed series are crucial to understanding the overarching story. Below is a list of the core games in the order of their release:
- Assassin's Creed (2007)
- Assassin's Creed II (2009)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Assassin's Creed III (2012)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
- Assassin's Creed: Rogue (2014)
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015)
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020)
2.1. Assassin's Creed (2007)
The initial game introduces players to the Animus, a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors. Set during the Third Crusade, players control Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin who seeks to regain his place in the Brotherhood.
2.2. Assassin's Creed II (2009)
Building on its predecessor, Assassin's Creed II follows Ezio Auditore da Firenze through the Italian Renaissance. This installment is praised for its engaging story and character development.
2.3. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
Continuing Ezio's story, Brotherhood introduces multiplayer elements and expands on the mechanics of recruiting and managing Assassins.
2.4. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
This game concludes Ezio's journey and delves into the story of Altair, providing a rich narrative that ties the two characters together.
2.5. Assassin's Creed III (2012)
Set during the American Revolution, players control Connor Kenway, who battles against the Templar order during a pivotal time in history.
2.6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
Featuring a pirate setting, this installment allows players to explore the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, blending naval combat with traditional Assassin gameplay.
2.7. Assassin's Creed: Rogue (2014)
Rogue presents a unique perspective by allowing players to experience the story from the viewpoint of a Templar, Shay Patrick Cormac.
2.8. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015)
Set in Victorian London, players control twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye, tackling the industrial revolution's challenges.
2.9. Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017)
Origins shifts the gameplay mechanics, introducing RPG elements and exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood in Ancient Egypt.
2.10. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018)
Set in Ancient Greece, Odyssey expands the RPG elements further, allowing players to make choices that affect the story's outcome.
2.11. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020)
The latest mainline entry, Valhalla, explores the Viking invasion of England and follows Eivor, a Viking raider.
3. Spin-off Titles
In addition to the mainline games, several spin-off titles offer unique experiences within the Assassin's Creed universe. Here are some notable ones:
- Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (2009)
- Assassin's Creed: Discovery (2009)
- Assassin's Creed III: Liberation (2012)
- Assassin's Creed Chronicles (2015-2016)
4. Remastered Versions
Several remastered versions of the original games have been released, enhancing graphics and gameplay. Notable remasters include:
- Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection (2016)
- Assassin's Creed III Remastered (2019)
- Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection (2019)
5. Assassin's Creed Timeline
Understanding the timeline of the Assassin's Creed series can be complex due to its historical settings. Here’s a simplified timeline of the key events:
- Ancient Egypt (Assassin's Creed: Origins)
- Ancient Greece (Assassin's Creed: Odyssey)
- Italian Renaissance (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations)
- American Revolution (Assassin's Creed III)
- Golden Age of Piracy (Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag)
- Victorian Era (Assassin's Creed: Syndicate)
- Viking Age (Assassin's Creed: Valhalla)
6. Gameplay Elements of Assassin's Creed
The Assassin's Creed series is known for its unique gameplay elements that blend stealth, parkour, and combat. Key gameplay features include:
- Parkour and Urban Exploration
- Stealth Mechanics
- Historical Figures and Events
- Assassin's Creed's Unique Combat System
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Assassin's Creed series is a rich tapestry of history, gameplay, and storytelling. Playing the games in order, from the original Assassin's Creed to the latest installment, Valhalla, provides a comprehensive understanding of the narrative and character arcs. Whether you are a new player or revisiting the series, following this guide will enhance your experience. Consider diving into each installment and explore the intricacies of the Assassin's Creed universe!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to play the Assassin's Creed series?
A: The best way is to play the mainline games in order of release or in chronological order to appreciate the storyline fully.
Q: Are there any games I can skip?
A: While each game offers unique experiences, some spin-offs and less popular titles can be skipped if you are primarily focused on the main storyline.