Assassin's Creed is one of the most popular video game franchises in history, captivating millions of players around the world. The series, developed by Ubisoft, combines historical fiction with action-adventure gameplay, allowing players to explore various historical settings while unraveling a complex narrative. If you're new to the series or looking to revisit it, understanding the order of the Assassin's Creed games is essential for fully appreciating the storyline and character development.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to play the Assassin's Creed games in order, detailing the chronological timeline and release order. We will also explore the main characters, the settings of each game, and how they interconnect within the franchise. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide will enhance your gaming experience and understanding of the Assassin's Creed universe.
As we delve into the timeline and release order, we will also touch upon the significance of each installment and its impact on the overall narrative. The Assassin's Creed series has evolved over the years, introducing new gameplay mechanics, settings, and characters, making it crucial to know the proper order to enjoy the complete experience.
Table of Contents
- Release Order of Assassin's Creed Games
- Chronological Order of Assassin's Creed Games
- Biographical Overview of Key Characters
- Gameplay Mechanics Across the Series
- World-Building in Assassin's Creed
- Cultural Impact of Assassin's Creed
- The Future of Assassin's Creed
- Conclusion
Release Order of Assassin's Creed Games
The Assassin's Creed franchise began in 2007 and has seen numerous releases across various platforms. Below is a list of the mainline games in the order they were released:
- 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: Unity (2014)
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015)
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020)
In addition to these mainline titles, there are also spin-offs, mobile games, and remastered versions that contribute to the overall lore of the series.
Chronological Order of Assassin's Creed Games
Understanding the chronological order of the Assassin's Creed games helps players follow the storyline more effectively. The timeline of events is not linear, and different games explore different periods in history. Here’s the chronological order based on the historical events depicted in the games:
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431-422 BC)
- Assassin's Creed Origins (49-43 BC)
- Assassin's Creed (1191 AD)
- Assassin's Creed II (1476-1499 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (1500-1507 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (1511-1512 AD)
- Assassin's Creed III (1754-1783 AD)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (1715-1722 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Rogue (1752-1760 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Unity (1789-1799 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (1868 AD)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (872-878 AD)
Biographical Overview of Key Characters
Each Assassin's Creed game features a rich cast of characters, many of whom play significant roles across different titles. Below is a table summarizing some of the key characters in the franchise:
| Character Name | First Appearance | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altair Ibn-La'Ahad | Assassin's Creed (2007) | Protagonist | 1191 AD |
| Ezio Auditore da Firenze | Assassin's Creed II (2009) | Protagonist | 1476-1524 AD |
| Connor Kenway | Assassin's Creed III (2012) | Protagonist | 1754-1783 AD |
| Edward Kenway | Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) | Protagonist | 1715-1722 AD |
| Friedrich “Fritz” Abstergo | Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015) | Protagonist | 1868 AD |
| Eivor Varinsdottir | Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020) | Protagonist | 872-878 AD |
Gameplay Mechanics Across the Series
The Assassin's Creed franchise has evolved significantly in terms of gameplay mechanics. Here are some key features that define the series:
- Parkour and Free Running: Players can traverse the environment fluidly, climbing buildings and jumping across rooftops.
- Stealth Mechanics: The games emphasize stealth, allowing players to eliminate targets discreetly or avoid detection.
- Combat System: The combat varies across games, with each installment introducing new mechanics and weapon types.
- Exploration: Players can explore historically accurate open worlds, completing side missions and uncovering collectibles.
- Skill Trees: Many games feature RPG elements, allowing players to upgrade their character’s abilities and skills.
World-Building in Assassin's Creed
The Assassin's Creed series is known for its rich world-building, immersing players in different historical periods. Key elements include:
- Historical Figures: The games often feature real historical figures, intertwining them with the fictional narrative.
- Cultural Context: Each game explores the culture, politics, and social issues of its time, providing depth to the storyline.
- Modern-Day Storylines: The narrative often shifts between historical events and modern-day settings, creating a unique dual-timeline experience.
Cultural Impact of Assassin's Creed
Since its inception, Assassin's Creed has made a significant impact on gaming and popular culture, including:
- Influence on Game Design: The series has set standards for open-world game design and narrative structure.
- Spin-Off Media: Assassin's Creed has expanded into films, novels, and comics, enriching its lore.
- Community Engagement: The franchise has a dedicated fan base, participating in discussions, theories, and fan art.
The Future of Assassin's Creed
With the franchise's ongoing success, Ubisoft continues to explore new narratives and gameplay mechanics. Upcoming titles and expansions are expected to push the boundaries of the series further, promising exciting adventures for fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the order of the Assassin's Creed games enhances the gaming experience, allowing players to appreciate the intricate narrative and character development. Whether you choose to follow the release order or the chronological
