Assassin’s Creed: The Ultimate Play Order Guide for Maximum Immersion
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So, you’re ready to dive into the sprawling world of Assassin’s Creed, a franchise spanning centuries of history and countless tales of Assassins versus Templars. But where do you even begin? The good news is, there’s no single right answer, but there are definitely paths that will enhance your experience. Here’s a breakdown of recommended play orders, catering to different priorities:
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Chronological Order (Historical Timeline): This order lets you experience the story as it unfolds in history, tracing the lineage and origins of the Assassin-Templar conflict. While not necessarily the best for understanding the overarching modern-day narrative, it offers a unique perspective on the world’s evolution and the lore’s roots.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431-422 BC)
- Assassin’s Creed Origins (49-44 BC)
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage (861-878 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (872-878 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed (1191 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed II (1476-1499 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (1499-1507 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Revelations (1511-1512 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715-1722 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752-1776 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed III (1754-1783 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789-1794 AD)
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868 AD)
Note: This order ignores the impact of the modern day story arc which is best understood by following release order through Assassin’s Creed III.
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Release Order (Best for Overall Story and Modern Day Narrative): This is arguably the most recommended order for newcomers. Playing the games in the order they were released allows you to experience the gradual evolution of the gameplay mechanics, the expanding lore, and most importantly, the unfolding modern-day storyline which ties everything together.
- 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)
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023)
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Ezio Trilogy (For Character Focus): If you’re drawn to character-driven narratives, focus on the Ezio Auditore da Firenze arc. This is a self-contained story with a satisfying beginning, middle, and end.
- Assassin’s Creed II
- Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
- Assassin’s Creed Revelations
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Standalone Approach: Some entries, like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Origins, Odyssey, and even Mirage, can be enjoyed as standalone experiences due to their relatively self-contained stories and less reliance on the overarching modern-day plot. These are good starting points if a particular historical setting or gameplay style appeals to you.
Ultimately, the best order is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Consider what aspects of the Assassin’s Creed universe interest you most – the historical settings, the overarching story, specific characters, or the evolving gameplay – and choose the path that aligns with your interests. Enjoy your journey through history!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to play Assassin’s Creed games out of order?
Yes, it is okay! While playing in release order enhances the experience, especially regarding the modern-day storyline, many games offer self-contained narratives. You can jump in with a title that interests you and explore others later. The important thing is to have fun!
Are all Assassin’s Creed games connected?
Yes, all the Assassin’s Creed games are connected through shared lore elements such as the Assassins, the Templars, the Isu, and the Animus. The modern-day storyline acts as a connective thread, although its importance varies across different titles.
What order should I play the Ezio Collection?
The Ezio Collection should be played in the following order to experience Ezio’s life chronologically: Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and then Assassin’s Creed Revelations.
Is Assassin’s Creed 1 included in the Ezio Collection?
No, Assassin’s Creed 1 is not included in the Ezio Collection. The Ezio Collection focuses solely on the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
Which Assassin’s Creed game is the longest?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the longest game in the series, with an average main story completion time of around 60.5 hours and a completionist run taking approximately 148 hours.
Which Assassin’s Creed game should I play first?
Assassin’s Creed II is often recommended as a great starting point for newcomers. It introduces Ezio, a compelling protagonist, and features an engaging story set in Renaissance Italy. It offers a well-rounded introduction to the series’ mechanics and lore. Alternatively, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Origins can be enjoyed with no prior knowledge.
Is Ezio in every Assassin’s Creed game?
No, Ezio is not in every Assassin’s Creed game. His story is primarily told in Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations. He makes a cameo in Soulcalibur V.
Who was the first Assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
Historically, there are numerous Assassin’s Creed protagonists based on real people. Darius, the man who killed Xerxes, is often referred to as the first Assassin as he followed those beliefs.
Is Bayek the first Assassin?
In terms of the established lore, Bayek and Aya are the first individuals to officially found the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood.
Where does Assassin’s Creed 1 take place?
Assassin’s Creed 1 takes place during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land (modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Syria).
Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey before Origins?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set approximately 400 years before Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Is Assassin’s Creed suitable for a 12-year-old?
This is a matter of personal preference and parental discretion. Assassin’s Creed games contain violence, and sometimes strong language. Parents should review gameplay footage and consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play. Most games offer options to reduce blood and violence in settings.
Do I need to play every Assassin’s Creed game?
You do not need to play every Assassin’s Creed game to enjoy the franchise. However, playing the games in release order, especially the earlier titles, provides a better understanding of the overarching storyline and the evolution of the gameplay mechanics.
How long does it take to beat all the Assassin’s Creed games?
Beating all the Assassin’s Creed games can take around 447.5 hours for the main story alone, and a completionist run can take approximately 1164.5 hours.
Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best story?
Assassin’s Creed II is widely considered to have one of the best stories in the series, thanks to its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and engaging historical setting. However, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Origins, and Odyssey are also frequently praised for their stories.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise offers rich historical settings and complex narratives, providing endless opportunities for learning and engagement. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.