What Country is Assassin’s Creed Set In? A Global Tour Through History

The Assassin’s Creed franchise doesn’t limit itself to just one country! It’s a historical playground spanning continents and centuries, meticulously recreating iconic locations and pivotal moments in time. From the Holy Land during the Third Crusade to the American colonies on the brink of revolution, each game drops players into a vividly realized setting, blending historical fact with thrilling fiction.

A World of Assassins: Exploring the Series’ Diverse Settings

The beauty of Assassin’s Creed lies in its willingness to explore a vast range of historical periods and geographical locations. This allows players to not only engage with the core gameplay mechanics of assassination and parkour but also to learn about different cultures, historical figures, and events. Let’s take a look at some of the key countries and regions that have featured prominently in the series:

• Holy Land (1191): The original Assassin’s Creed introduced players to the world of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad and the Crusades, primarily set in cities like Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus.

• Italy (1476-1503): Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations largely take place in Italy, following the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze through cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, and then to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey) in Revelations.

• Colonial America (1754-1783): Assassin’s Creed III dives into the American Revolution, featuring locations like Boston, New York, and the vast American frontier. Assassin’s Creed Rogue also includes portions set in New York City, along with the North Atlantic and fictional River Valley.

• Caribbean (Early 18th Century): Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag sets sail in the Caribbean, exploring islands like Jamaica (Kingston), Cuba (Havana), and The Bahamas (Nassau) during the Golden Age of Piracy.

• France (1789-1794): Assassin’s Creed Unity takes place in Paris during the French Revolution, offering a stunning recreation of the city at a tumultuous time.

• England (1868): Assassin’s Creed Syndicate transports players to Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution.

• Egypt & Libya (49-44 BCE): Assassin’s Creed Origins journeys back to Ptolemaic Egypt and eastern Libya, exploring a rich and ancient civilization.

• Norway & England (9th Century CE): Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes place in Norway and England during the Viking Age, depicting the invasion of the British Isles. It also features a side region in North America called Vinland.

• Iraq (9th Century CE): Assassin’s Creed Mirage returns to a more focused, stealth-oriented experience, set primarily in Baghdad, Iraq during the Islamic Golden Age.

• China (3rd Century BCE): Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade, available on iOS and Android, is set in China following the Warring States period.

The sheer variety of settings is a testament to the franchise’s ambition and its dedication to providing players with immersive historical experiences.

Expanding the Narrative: Beyond the Main Locations

While each game focuses on a primary country or region, the Assassin’s Creed universe often expands beyond these core settings through DLC, spin-offs, and even the overarching modern-day narrative. For instance, even though Assassin’s Creed Valhalla primarily takes place in Norway and England, a significant portion of the game takes place in mythical Norse realms and the aforementioned Vinland (North America). This interconnectedness adds depth to the lore and provides opportunities for future installments to explore even more corners of the world.

Historical Accuracy vs. Fictional Narrative

It’s important to remember that while Assassin’s Creed draws heavily from history, it is still a work of fiction. The games often take creative liberties with historical events and figures to create a compelling narrative. The Templars are always the bad guys. For example, while the settings in Assassin’s Creed: Unity are painstakingly rendered and based on historical maps of Paris, the game’s plot and character interactions are largely fictionalized. This balance between accuracy and entertainment is a key element of the franchise’s success.

FAQs: Dive Deeper into Assassin’s Creed Locations

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the diverse and captivating settings of the Assassin’s Creed games:

Is there an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan?

While there has never been a main installment of the Assassin’s Creed series set in Japan, many fans have expressed interest. Although, not an official AC title, there is the title called Sekiro.

Which Assassin’s Creed is set in Greece?

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War.

Which Assassin’s Creed is set in Ireland?

The Wrath of the Druids DLC for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set in Ireland.

What language is Isu?

Isu is the fictional language of the advanced civilization central to the Assassin’s Creed lore.

Is America in AC Valhalla?

Yes, a region of North America called Vinland is accessible in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Is Basim Altair’s father?

No, Basim is not Altaïr’s father. However, there may be a direct ancestry between the two characters.

Is Basim Loki in Mirage?

Yes, in Assassin’s Creed lore, Basim is revealed to be the reincarnation of the Norse god Loki.

What year is AC Mirage set in?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set in 861 CE.

Which Assassin’s Creed is the best?

That’s subjective, but Assassin’s Creed II is often cited as a fan favorite.

Is there ever a real Assassin’s Creed?

No, the events of the Assassin’s Creed games are fictional, although inspired by historical events.

Who is the real enemy in Assassin’s Creed?

In the franchise, the Templars are often portrayed as the primary antagonists, but the nuances of the story can complicate this.

Does AC Mirage have a female character?

The player character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage is Basim, who is male.

Who is the first assassin?

Bayek is considered the first true Assassin, although Darius predates him in terms of wielding a hidden blade.

What is the oldest Assassin’s Creed game?

The oldest Assassin’s Creed game is simply titled Assassin’s Creed, released in 2007.

Which Assassin’s Creed is based in America?

Assassin’s Creed III is primarily set in Revolutionary America, and Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag has segments in the Caribbean with American connections.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to captivate players with its rich historical settings and thrilling narratives. By blending fact and fiction, these games offer a unique and engaging way to explore the past. You can learn more about the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.