Does the Order of Assassin’s Creed Games Matter? A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re diving into the sprawling world of Assassin’s Creed, huh? Excellent choice! But a question likely plagues your mind: Does the order I play these games actually matter? The short answer is: yes and no. Let me elaborate.

While each Assassin’s Creed installment offers a unique historical setting and protagonist, a larger, overarching narrative threads through the entire franchise. This narrative primarily unfolds in the modern-day storyline, following different characters (like Desmond Miles initially) who are connected to the historical Assassins through the Animus. Playing in release order allows you to experience this modern-day story as it was intended, witnessing the gradual unveiling of mysteries and the evolution of the overarching plot involving the First Civilization (Isu) and the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.

However, the historical storylines within each game are often self-contained or loosely connected. You can generally jump into a game like Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey or Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla without feeling completely lost, as their connections to the main overarching narrative are more thematic and less reliant on specific prior knowledge.

Ultimately, if you want the richest, most complete experience of the Assassin’s Creed lore, playing in release order is highly recommended. If you’re more interested in exploring specific historical periods or gameplay styles, you can be more flexible.

Release Order vs. Chronological Order: A Breakdown

Release Order

Playing in release order (as outlined in the source text) offers several benefits:

• Understanding the Modern-Day Story: The narrative involving Abstergo, the Isu, and the overarching conflict between Assassins and Templars unfolds gradually, making more sense when experienced in the order it was presented.
• Gameplay Evolution: You’ll witness the evolution of gameplay mechanics over time, from the more rigid parkour of the original to the more fluid and open-world elements of later installments. This allows you to appreciate the improvements and changes made to the franchise.
• Character Development: Recurring characters in the modern-day storyline (and even some in the historical timelines) have arcs that develop over multiple games.

Chronological Order

Playing in chronological order (based on the historical setting) can also be interesting:

• Historical Immersion: You experience the history of the Assassin-Templar conflict from its earliest points, potentially offering a different perspective on the overall narrative.
• Character Backstory: Games set earlier in the timeline may provide context for characters or events referenced in later games. For example, playing Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (set in ancient Greece) before Assassin’s Creed: Origins (set in ancient Egypt) provides background on the Isu, a precursor race that plays a key role in both storylines.

However, chronological order can be confusing because the modern-day story won’t make sense, and the gameplay mechanics might feel inconsistent as you jump between different generations of the engine.

Finding Your Own Path: How to Decide

Ultimately, the best order depends on your personal preferences. If you’re a lore enthusiast, release order is the way to go. If you’re more interested in a specific historical setting or gameplay style, you can be more flexible.

FAQs: Your Assassin’s Creed Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further guide your Assassin’s Creed journey:

1. Which Assassin’s Creed games can I skip?

According to the source, one opinion is that you can skip Brotherhood and Revelations if you don’t like Ezio, and Black Flag because it supposedly does nothing for the lore (though many would disagree with this!). The suggestion is to play 1, 2, 3, Rogue, Unity, Origins, and Odyssey for the best story progression. However, this is a very subjective opinion and skipping any game means missing part of the overall story, characters or mechanics.

2. Does it matter which Assassin’s Creed I start with?

Not entirely, but starting with Assassin’s Creed II (the beginning of Ezio’s story) is a good starting point for many. It is seen by a large amount of the community as the best place to start, as the original Assassin’s Creed can be a bit slow or clunky for modern gamers.

3. Is Origins or Odyssey first chronologically?

Odyssey is first. It is set four centuries before the events of Origins, during the Peloponnesian War.

4. Are Assassin’s Creed games connected?

Yes. Key factors like recurring characters, the Isu, the Templar Order, Abstergo, and the modern-day storyline connect each game.

5. What is the least liked Assassin’s Creed game?

According to some opinions, Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014) is the least liked, due to janky controls, cookie-cutter gameplay, and intrusive microtransactions (though many of these issues have been addressed with patches).

6. What is the longest Assassin’s Creed game to beat?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the longest, with an average playtime of 60 hours.

7. Is Ezio in every Assassin’s Creed game?

No, but his story is chronicled in Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations, as well as related short films and spin-off media.

8. Is Bayek the first assassin?

Yes, Bayek and his wife Aya are credited as being the original founders of the Hidden Ones, the initial incarnation of the Assassin Brotherhood.

9. What order should I play the Ezio Collection?

Play them in order: Assassin’s Creed 2, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, then Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.

10. What year is AC Odyssey set?

AC Odyssey is set in 431–422 BC.

11. Can I directly play Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?

Yes. While it’s part of the same universe, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is standalone enough that you can jump in without prior knowledge.

12. What year does Assassin’s Creed Black Flag take place in?

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag spans from 1713-1722.

13. What year is AC Valhalla set in?

AC Valhalla is principally set in the years 872–878 AD.

14. What is the hardest Assassin’s Creed game?

Assassin’s Creed Unity is often considered the hardest, particularly due to its challenging combat mechanics.

15. Which Assassin’s Creed has the best story?

Opinions vary, but Assassin’s Creed II is frequently cited as having the best story.

Conclusion: Your Assassin’s Creed Adventure Awaits

Ultimately, the order you choose to play the Assassin’s Creed games is a personal decision. Consider what aspects of the series appeal to you most – the overarching narrative, specific historical settings, or the evolution of gameplay – and tailor your experience accordingly. No matter what path you choose, get ready to explore history, uncover secrets, and become a master Assassin! For more on the educational impact of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.