Conquering the Creed: A Deep Dive into 100% Completion Times for All Assassin’s Creed Games
So, you’re thinking of becoming a true Assassin, a master of the Creed, a completionist extraordinaire? You want to know how long it will really take to 100% complete all the Assassin’s Creed games? Buckle up, Initiate, because this is a commitment. Expect to invest roughly 1164.5 hours across all mainline titles to see everything they have to offer, but this can greatly vary on your playstyle. This estimate comes from calculating completion times for all available Assassin’s Creed games. This number can be affected by your skill level, how quickly you adapt to each game’s unique mechanics, and whether you opt for strategies that accelerate your progress. This journey will take patience, dedication, and maybe a few strategically timed breaks. But the reward? The ultimate Assassin’s Creed bragging rights. Let’s delve into the details, shall we?
Understanding Completion Times: More Than Just Main Quests
Before we break down the individual games, it’s crucial to understand what we mean by “100% completion”. This isn’t just finishing the main story. Oh no, it’s much more involved than that. A true completionist dives deep, tackling:
- All Main Story Missions
- All Side Quests and Activities
- Collecting all collectibles (Feathers, Shards, Artifacts, etc.)
- Syncing all Viewpoints
- Upgrading all equipment and skills
- Completing all challenges and achievements/trophies
- Exploring every nook and cranny of the map
Basically, if it’s in the game, you’re doing it. Now, let’s break down the behemoth.
Individual Game Completion Times: A Creed Odyssey of Hours
Here’s a general breakdown of estimated completion times for the mainline Assassin’s Creed games, based on average player experiences:
- Assassin’s Creed (2007): 31 hours
- Assassin’s Creed II (2009): 35 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010): 25 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011): 30 hours
- Assassin’s Creed III (2012): 45 hours
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013): 60 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Rogue (2014): 30 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Unity (2014): 50 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (2015): 55 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Origins (2017): 80 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (2018): 143 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla (2020): 170 hours
- Assassin’s Creed: Mirage (2023): Estimated 40 hours (based on reviews and early playthroughs)
Note: These are estimates. Your mileage may vary. Some players are naturally faster, while others enjoy taking their time and soaking in the atmosphere. Also, these times do not account for potential remakes, re-releases, or newly added DLC.
Factors Influencing Completion Time
Several factors can significantly impact how long it takes you to achieve 100% completion:
- Playstyle: Are you a methodical explorer or a speedrunner wannabe?
- Difficulty: Playing on higher difficulties may require more time due to increased enemy strength and resource scarcity.
- Experience with the Franchise: Veterans will naturally be faster than newcomers.
- Guides and Walkthroughs: Using guides can save time, but it can also detract from the exploration experience.
- DLC Content: Extra DLC content can substantially increase the completion time, especially in games like Odyssey and Valhalla.
- Glitches and Bugs: Unfortunately, some Assassin’s Creed games are known for glitches, which can sometimes hinder progress.
- Game Updates: Games can get patches or updates that may affect game play.
Is it Worth it? The Completionist’s Dilemma
That’s a lot of hours. Is it worth it? That depends entirely on your personal gaming philosophy. 100% completing the Assassin’s Creed series is an epic undertaking, but you will get a deep understanding of the world. If you’re interested in learning from games, consider joining the Games Learning Society, a group of scholars who study how we learn through games, at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Your Assassin’s Creed Completion Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you on your quest:
How long does it take to beat just the main story of all Assassin’s Creed games?
Expect to spend roughly 447.5 hours on the main story missions of all currently released mainline Assassin’s Creed games. This is significantly less than the 100% completion time.
Which Assassin’s Creed game is the longest to 100%?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the longest, typically taking around 170 hours for 100% completion. The vast open world and extensive side content contribute to its lengthy playtime.
Which Assassin’s Creed game is the shortest to 100%?
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is the shortest, typically taking around 25 hours for 100% completion. This makes it a good starting point for completionists.
Is it possible to 100% complete all Assassin’s Creed games without using guides?
Yes, it’s possible, but it will significantly increase your playtime. Exploring without guidance can be more rewarding but also more time-consuming.
What’s the hardest Assassin’s Creed game to 100%?
Many players consider Assassin’s Creed Unity to be the most challenging due to its difficult combat, glitches, and demanding parkour.
Do DLC packs count towards 100% completion?
Generally, yes. If you’re aiming for true 100% completion, you’ll need to complete all DLC content as well. This can add dozens of hours to games like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla.
What’s the best order to play the Assassin’s Creed games for story continuity?
The generally recommended order is the release order: Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations, III, Black Flag, Rogue, Unity, Syndicate, Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage.
Can I speedrun 100% completion of Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, it is possible to speedrun 100% completion, but it requires extensive knowledge of the game, optimized routes, and skillful execution. Look for existing speedrun communities for tips and strategies.
Are there any Assassin’s Creed games where 100% completion is missable?
Some games have achievements or collectibles that are only available during specific missions or time-limited events. Be sure to research each game beforehand to avoid missing anything.
Which Assassin’s Creed game has the most collectibles?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has a massive number of collectibles scattered throughout its vast world, contributing to its long completion time.
Is it better to focus on the main story first or explore from the beginning?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to complete the main story first and then focus on side content, while others enjoy exploring the world from the start.
What’s the best Assassin’s Creed game to start with for new players?
Assassin’s Creed II is often recommended as a great starting point due to its compelling story, improved gameplay mechanics, and engaging world.
Is 100% completion of Assassin’s Creed games necessary to understand the overarching story?
No, it’s not strictly necessary, but it can provide deeper insights into the lore, characters, and events of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
How often do Assassin’s Creed games go on sale?
Assassin’s Creed games frequently go on sale on various digital storefronts, so it’s worth waiting for a discount before purchasing them.
Does 100% completion of Assassin’s Creed games unlock any special rewards?
In some cases, yes. Completing certain tasks or challenges can unlock special outfits, weapons, or other cosmetic items.
Conclusion: The Path to Completion
100% completing all Assassin’s Creed games is a monumental task. It requires a significant time investment, unwavering dedication, and a love for the franchise. But for those willing to embark on this epic journey, the rewards are immeasurable: a deep understanding of the Assassin’s Creed universe, a sense of accomplishment, and the ultimate bragging rights among your fellow Assassins. Good luck, and may the Creed guide you.