The Assassin's Creed series has captivated millions of gamers worldwide since its debut in 2007. With its rich historical narratives, stunning graphics, and immersive gameplay, this franchise has transformed the action-adventure genre. If you're looking to dive into this epic saga or revisit its storied past, understanding the chronological order of the Assassin's Creed games is essential. This article will guide you through the entire series, detailing each game's unique contributions to the overarching narrative and gameplay mechanics.
The Importance of Playing in Order
Understanding the Assassin's Creed series in order is crucial for a more profound narrative experience. Each game builds on the lore established in previous installments, and playing them in sequence allows players to fully appreciate character development and plot twists. Additionally, some titles introduce gameplay mechanics that evolve throughout the series, enhancing your gaming experience.
Main Content
H2: The Assassin's Creed Timeline
The Assassin's Creed series spans numerous historical periods and locations, allowing players to experience diverse cultures and events. Below, we break down the games in chronological order, providing insights into their settings and gameplay.
H3: 1. Assassin's Creed (2007)
- Setting: 1191 AD, during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land.
- Key Characters: Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, Al Mualim, and the Templars.
The original game introduces players to the conflict between Assassins and Templars, where Altaïr must reclaim his title after a failed mission. The gameplay mechanics, such as parkour and stealth, set the foundation for future titles.
H3: 2. Assassin's Creed II (2009)
- Setting: Late 15th century, Renaissance Italy (Florence, Venice, Rome).
- Key Characters: Ezio Auditore, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rodrigo Borgia.
Building on the original’s mechanics, Assassin's Creed II follows Ezio as he seeks revenge against the conspirators who murdered his family. The game introduces new features like a more expansive open world, improved combat, and the famous "flying machine."
H3: 3. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Setting: Early 16th century, Rome.
- Key Characters: Ezio Auditore, Cesare Borgia.
Brotherhood continues Ezio's journey as he attempts to unite the Brotherhood against the Templar order in Rome. This title introduces multiplayer modes and the ability to recruit and train Assassins, enhancing the strategic elements of gameplay.
H3: 4. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Setting: 1511 AD, Constantinople.
- Key Characters: Ezio Auditore, Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, and Suleiman.
In Revelations, Ezio seeks to uncover the secrets of Altair's past while also confronting new threats in Constantinople. This installment emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving, particularly through the use of the Hook Blade.
H3: 5. Assassin's Creed III (2012)
- Setting: Late 18th century, during the American Revolution.
- Key Characters: Connor Kenway, Haytham Kenway, and George Washington.
Shifting to a new protagonist, Connor, players experience the American Revolution's chaos and complexity. The game introduces naval combat, allowing players to command ships and engage in maritime battles.
H3: 6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
- Setting: Early 18th century, Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy.
- Key Characters: Edward Kenway, Blackbeard.
Black Flag expands on the naval mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed III, offering a vast open world filled with islands to explore and enemies to engage. Players navigate the high seas, embodying the life of a pirate while still facing the Templar threat.
H3: 7. Assassin's Creed: Rogue (2014)
- Setting: Mid-18th century, North America.
- Key Characters: Shay Patrick Cormac, Achilles Davenport.
Rogue presents a unique twist by allowing players to experience the story from a Templar's perspective. This game highlights the conflict's moral ambiguity and provides players with new gameplay mechanics like the ability to hunt Assassins.
H3: 8. Assassin's Creed: Unity (2014)
- Setting: Late 18th century, during the French Revolution.
- Key Characters: Arno Dorian, Elise de la Serre.
Unity features a cooperative multiplayer mode and refined parkour mechanics, allowing for more fluid movement through Paris. The game emphasizes customization and character progression, adding depth to the Assassin experience.
H3: 9. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015)
- Setting: 1868, Victorian London.
- Key Characters: Jacob and Evie Frye.
Syndicate introduces dual protagonists, each with unique skills. Players can switch between Jacob and Evie to tackle missions in their own styles. The game also features the introduction of carriages for transportation across the sprawling city.
H3: 10. Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017)
- Setting: 49-43 BC, Ancient Egypt.
- Key Characters: Bayek of Siwa, Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar.
Origins marks a significant shift in the series, incorporating RPG elements and a more immersive combat system. Players explore the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood, delving into Egypt's rich history and mythology.
H3: 11. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018)
- Setting: 431-422 BC, Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War.
- Key Characters: Alexios/Kassandra, Socrates, and Leonidas.
Odyssey further expands the RPG mechanics, allowing players to choose their protagonist and make decisions that affect the story's outcome. The game features naval combat reminiscent of Black Flag and emphasizes exploration.
H3: 12. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020)
- Setting: 872-878 AD, during the Viking invasion of England.
- Key Characters: Eivor Varinsdottir, Sigurd, and King Alfred.
Valhalla combines the series' traditional elements with new features, such as settlement building and a more extensive skill tree. Players navigate the tensions between Vikings and Saxons while uncovering the hidden truths of the Assassin and Templar conflict.
H2: Spin-offs and Mobile Titles
In addition to the main series, several spin-offs and mobile titles enrich the Assassin's Creed universe. Some notable mentions include:
- Assassin's Creed: Liberation (2012) – Focuses on Aveline de Grandpré, the first female Assassin, set in 18th-century New Orleans.
- Assassin's Creed Chronicles (2015-2016) – A trilogy featuring 2.5D gameplay set in China, India, and Russia.
- Assassin's Creed Rebellion (2018) – A mobile strategy RPG that allows players to build their Brotherhood.
H2: Conclusion
The Assassin's Creed series has evolved dramatically from its inception in 2007, offering players a rich tapestry of historical narratives and gameplay innovations. By understanding the series' chronological order, players can fully appreciate the intricate storytelling and character arcs that define this iconic franchise. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning fan, the Assassin's Creed saga promises an unforgettable journey through history.
As you embark on this adventure, consider revisiting or starting with the games in order to fully appreciate the evolution of the series. Which installment are you most excited to explore? Dive into the Assassin's Creed universe and uncover the secrets that await!
