Are All Assassin’s Creed Games Connected? Unraveling the Threads of History and Conspiracy

Yes, all Assassin’s Creed games are interconnected, albeit in varying degrees of significance. While each game often features a self-contained historical narrative, they are all bound together by a complex web of shared lore, recurring characters, overarching themes, and the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. The Isu, the precursor race, and the modern-day storyline involving Abstergo Industries also serve as crucial connective tissues throughout the franchise.

Understanding the Interwoven Narrative

The Assassin’s Creed series is more than just a collection of historical adventures. It’s a sprawling tapestry woven with threads of conspiracy, ancient mysteries, and the enduring struggle for free will. Let’s delve into the key elements that create this interconnected universe:

• The Assassin-Templar Conflict: This is the foundational conflict that drives the entire series. Every game explores a different facet of this age-old struggle, showcasing how it has manifested throughout history in various cultures and time periods.

• The Isu (Those Who Came Before): The Isu are an ancient, highly advanced civilization that predates humanity. Their technology and influence are woven into the fabric of the games, often serving as the source of powerful artifacts and cryptic prophecies. Understanding the Isu is crucial to grasping the grand narrative.

• Abstergo Industries and the Modern-Day Storyline: Abstergo, a front for the modern-day Templars, utilizes the Animus to explore the genetic memories of its subjects, seeking to uncover Isu technology and manipulate the world. While the focus has shifted over time, the modern-day storyline provides context and consequences for the historical events players experience.

• Recurring Characters and Lineages: While each game primarily focuses on a new Assassin protagonist, certain characters and family lines reappear throughout the series. Understanding these connections can significantly enhance the player’s appreciation for the overall narrative. The legacy of Desmond Miles, who experienced the memories of Altaïr, Ezio, and Connor, is central to the initial games.

Chronological Order vs. Release Order: Navigating the Timeline

While the release order provides a good starting point, the chronological order within the Assassin’s Creed universe can be a bit more convoluted. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Set in ancient Greece, it predates the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood, focusing on the conflict between the Isu factions.
2. Assassin’s Creed Origins: Explores the birth of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, in ancient Egypt.
3. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and the establishment of a new Assassin presence in England.
4. Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A return to the series’ roots, set in 9th-century Baghdad.
5. Assassin’s Creed (2007): The original, set during the Third Crusade.
6. Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations: The Ezio Auditore trilogy, set in Renaissance Italy and Constantinople.
7. Assassin’s Creed III: The American Revolution.
8. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag: The Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean.
9. Assassin’s Creed Rogue: Follows a Templar perspective during the Seven Years’ War.
10. Assassin’s Creed Unity: The French Revolution.
11. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate: Victorian London.

Playing the games in chronological order can offer a different perspective, highlighting the evolution of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order, but release order is still recommended for the narrative beats and gameplay progression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

H3 Do I have to play all the Assassin’s Creed games in order?

Technically, no. You can jump into the series at any point. However, understanding the overarching lore and the connections between characters and events will be significantly easier if you play them in release order, or at least familiarize yourself with the lore through resources like The Assassin’s Creed Wiki.

H3 Can I skip any Assassin’s Creed games?

While all the games contribute to the overall narrative, some are considered less essential than others. The article suggested skipping Brotherhood, Revelations and Black Flag. This is entirely subjective. It is best to research which is more appealing and relevant to the player.

H3 Are all the Assassins in Assassin’s Creed related?

Up to Assassin’s Creed Rogue, many of the main Assassin protagonists were connected through the genetic lineage of Desmond Miles. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Connor Kenway, Edward Kenway, and Haytham Kenway are all ancestors of Desmond. Aveline de Grandpré is the exception to this rule. Later entries, like Odyssey and Valhalla, explore different lineages and origins of the Assassin Brotherhood.

H3 Do all Assassin’s Creed games follow the same story?

No. Each game tells its own self-contained story set in a specific historical period. However, all these stories are connected by the overarching conflict between the Assassins and Templars, the influence of the Isu, and the modern-day narrative. Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood are a direct continuation of each other.

H3 Who was the first Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?

This depends on how you define “Assassin.” Bayek and Aya (Amunet) in Assassin’s Creed Origins are considered the founders of the Hidden Ones, the organization that eventually became the Assassin Brotherhood. However, Darius, an assassin who lived centuries before Bayek, predates them and is widely considered to be one of the earliest known wielders of the Hidden Blade.

H3 Are Altaïr and Ezio connected?

They are not directly related by blood. However, they are both ancestors of Desmond Miles. Altaïr is an ancestor of Desmond’s mother, while Ezio is an ancestor of Desmond’s father. The Animus allows players to experience their memories through Desmond’s genetic lineage.

H3 Who is the strongest Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?

This is highly debated among fans. Ezio Auditore is often cited as one of the most skilled and influential Assassins due to his long and impactful career. Edward Kenway is also considered a powerhouse, thanks to his skills as a pirate and a natural fighter.

H3 Is Ezio in every Assassin’s Creed game?

No, Ezio is only the main protagonist in Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations. He also appears in the short films Lineage, Ascendance, and Embers. While his presence is deeply felt throughout the series, he is not a character in every game.

H3 Can I start with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

Yes, Odyssey is a viable starting point, especially for players new to the series. Its story is largely self-contained and explores a period before the formal establishment of the Assassin Brotherhood. It has minimal dependency on understanding the complexities of the modern-day narrative or previous games.

H3 Who is the weakest Assassin?

Again, this is subjective and depends on how you define “weak.” Some players consider Arno Dorian from Assassin’s Creed Unity to be among the weaker Assassins due to his perceived lack of focus and personal struggles.

H3 What is the most violent Assassin’s Creed game?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is widely regarded as the most violent installment in the series due to its focus on Viking culture and warfare. The game features graphic depictions of combat, blood, and gore.

H3 Which Assassin’s Creed is the most fun?

This is a matter of personal preference. Black Flag is often praised for its engaging pirate gameplay and open-world exploration. Origins and Odyssey are commended for their revamped combat systems and RPG elements. The Games Learning Society can provide insights into the design elements that make certain games more engaging and enjoyable for different types of players. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

H3 What is the smallest Assassin’s Creed game in terms of file size?

Assassin’s Creed Rogue tends to have one of the smallest file sizes of the main titles in the series. Please check the platform of choice for up-to-date information.

H3 How long does it take to finish every Assassin’s Creed game?

Completing the main story of all Assassin’s Creed games can take around 447.5 hours. For completionists, it can take upwards of 1164.5 hours. These are estimates and the time required can vary based on playstyle and difficulty settings.

H3 Should I let my 12-year-old play Assassin’s Creed?

This depends on the specific game and the individual child. The Assassin’s Creed series often contains mature themes, violence, and suggestive content. Parents should research each title and consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play. Parental controls and content filters can also be utilized.

Conclusion: A Connected Universe Worth Exploring

The Assassin’s Creed franchise presents a rich and interconnected universe that rewards players who delve deeper into its lore and history. While it’s not always necessary to play the games in order, understanding the connections between them can significantly enhance the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Assassin or a new recruit, there’s always something new to discover in this sprawling saga of conspiracy, history, and the enduring struggle for freedom.