Every Mainline Assassin's Creed Game, Ranked

July 11, 2026 - 09:01

From the 2007 original that redefined open-world stealth to the latest feudal Japan epic, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on a wild ride through history. Some entries soared, while others stumbled. Here is the definitive ranking of every mainline game.

At the bottom sits Assassin's Creed: Unity. Its ambitious Paris setting was ruined by a disastrous launch and clunky combat. Just above it, Assassin's Creed III suffers from a slow start and a protagonist, Connor, who never quite matches the charisma of his predecessors. The first game, while revolutionary for its time, feels painfully repetitive today, landing it near the bottom.

The middle tier is crowded with solid entries. Syndicate brought Victorian London to life with fun grappling hooks but forgettable characters. Rogue offered a fresh perspective as a Templar, though it felt like a glorified expansion. Revelations closed Ezio's story with emotional weight but recycled too much from Brotherhood.

The top five is where the series shines. Black Flag remains a pirate masterpiece, with its ship combat and sea shanties overshadowing the actual Assassin plot. Origins revitalized the franchise with a massive RPG overhaul and a stunning recreation of Egypt. Odyssey doubled down on that formula, offering hundreds of hours of Greek mythology and player choice.

The crown, however, belongs to Assassin's Creed II. Ezio Auditore's journey from reckless youth to master assassin set the gold standard. Its vibrant Renaissance Italy, memorable characters, and tight story remain unmatched. Close behind is Brotherhood, which perfected the formula with Rome as a playground and the introduction of the brotherhood mechanic. Assassin's Creed Shadows, the newest entry, lands in the upper middle for its gorgeous dual-protagonist system and refined stealth, but it lacks the narrative punch of the classics.