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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes—you can play most Assassin’s Creed games on their own, and it’s fine to start with the historical era or protagonist that interests you. If you want the modern-day story and its reveals to unfold in their intended sequence, start with the first game and follow release order. Ubisoft describes the series as a centuries-spanning story designed to unfold in a particular order, but that does not make every entry a prerequisite.
Which play order should you choose?
| Your priority | Best route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the original connected story | Release order | Preserves the sequence of modern-day story developments and reveals. |
| Play a particular historical period | Start with the game set in that era | A practical way to sample the series; the modern-day thread may feel less continuous. |
| Follow events in historical time | Historical setting order | Organizes games by the period represented in their memories, not by the order their stories were released. |
| Play as much of the series as possible | Release order, with side games and expansions as desired | Optional entries can be added when their characters or story connections interest you. |
These are different ways of organizing the games, not rules that every player must follow. Ubisoft’s May 13, 2024 order guide explains the main story links and recommends release order for players who want the intended sequence.
Release order for the main connected stories
The original Desmond arc
For the classic modern-day storyline, play Assassin’s Creed, then Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations, and Assassin’s Creed III. The first game introduces Desmond experiencing Altaïr’s memories; the Ezio games continue Desmond’s story, and Assassin’s Creed III concludes that arc.
The Layla and Basim games
For the newer connected thread, play Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla in release order. Ubisoft identifies Origins as Layla’s introduction and says she anchors the next two games. Mirage focuses on Basim, the Master Assassin introduced in Valhalla, so playing Valhalla first gives that connection context.
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- BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
- A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
- THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
- EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.
These routes describe story continuity rather than a requirement to finish one game before enjoying another. If you jump in elsewhere, you can still follow the historical adventure, though some modern-day context may be unfamiliar.
Release order is not the same as historical order
The series moves between different periods of history. Release order follows when the games came out; historical order follows when the events in their past settings take place. The two sequences can differ, and arranging games by setting can shift the context in which modern-day developments and reveals appear.
Rank #2
- Play through three of the greatest entries in the acclaimed Assassin’s Creed series, featuring the franchise’s most iconic hero, Ezio Auditore.
- Immerse yourself in three classic adventures featuring enhanced visuals on the current generation of consoles.
- Experience every moment in legendary Assassin Ezio’s epic journey from a young nobleman to fearless leader of the Brotherhood of Assassins.
- Explore deeper into Ezio’s incredible saga with two bonus short films that go beyond the trilogy.
- Make history across 80 hours of gameplay including three complete games and all single-player add-on content previously released.
Choose historical order if moving forward through eras is part of the appeal. Choose release order if you want the connected modern-day story to arrive as players originally encountered it. Neither approach makes every game essential.
Starting with a newer game
You do not need to begin at the beginning to try the series. Pick a game whose setting, protagonist, or style appeals to you. Treat it as a self-contained entry if you prefer, and accept that recurring modern-day characters or plot threads may refer to events from other games.
Rank #3
- A BRASH REBEL ASSASSIN: Become Edward Kenway, a charismatic yet brutal pirate captain, trained by Assassins. Edward can effortlessly switch between the Hidden Blade of the Assassin's Order and all new weaponry including four flintock pistols and dual cutlass swords
- EXPLORE AN OPEN WORLD FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES: Discover the most diverse Assassin's Creed world ever created. From Kingston to Nassau, explore 50 unique locations where you can live the life of a pirate
- BECOME THE MOST FEARED PIRATE IN THE CARIBBEAN: Command your ship, the Jackdaw, and strike fear in all who see her. Plunder and pillage to upgrade the Jackdaw with ammunition and equipment needed to fight off enemy ships
- EXPERIENCE THE GRITTY REALITY BEHIND THE PIRATE FANTASY: Stand amongst legendary names such as Blackbeard and Benjamin Hornigold, as you establish a lawless Republic in the Bahamas and relive the truly explosive events that defined the Golden Age of Pirates
- MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE: Play with your friends in the ruthless and critically acclaimed multiplayer experience. Choose from an eclectic cast of characters from the Golden Age of Pirates and fight to the death in exotic locations
If a particular period draws you in, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a current entry to consider. Ubisoft lists it for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Apple silicon Macs, and Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Platform and edition availability may vary by region and change; check Ubisoft’s Shadows page for current details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need to play every game?
No. The series has connected story arcs, but a player can focus on the entries that interest them. For the clearest version of a particular modern-day arc, play its linked games in order; for a taste of the franchise, start with one game and continue only if you want more.
Rank #4
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content includes the base game and Sekiryu Character Pack
- Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
- Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles.
- Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
- Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
Ubisoft describes the franchise as a centuries-spanning metanarrative intended to unfold in a specific order. The same 2024 guide puts its count at “more than 18 games” in that publication context; that is not a current total. A complete release-order checklist should account for releases after the guide appeared rather than treating it as an up-to-date catalog of every entry.
Optional guide for Shadows
For players who choose Shadows, Ubisoft identifies The Complete Official Guide Assassin’s Creed Shadows by Piggyback as a physical companion guide. It is specific to that game, not a guide to franchise-wide play order. Check the edition and availability before buying.
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