Assassin’s Creed: Which Games Can You Skip Without Missing Out?
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So, you’re diving into the sprawling world of Assassin’s Creed, eh? Smart choice! But with over a dozen main entries, spin-offs, and a whole lot of history (both in-game and real-world inspired), it can feel like climbing Mount Everest with a butter knife. The burning question on everyone’s mind: which Assassin’s Creed games can you skip without missing out on the core experience?
The answer, thankfully, isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you’re looking for in an Assassin’s Creed game. But, let’s break it down into categories:
If you’re primarily interested in the overarching modern-day story and the Assassin/Templar conflict:
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Skippable, but with caution: Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed: Rogue, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.
While Black Flag and Rogue are fantastic pirate adventures, their direct contribution to the overarching Assassin/Templar storyline is relatively minimal. Odyssey, while chronologically the first game, stands mostly self-contained and its modern-day elements are sparse and introductory. They offer great gameplay, but you won’t lose core plot threads by skipping them.
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Definitely Play: Assassin’s Creed I, II, Brotherhood, Revelations, III, Unity, Syndicate, Origins, Valhalla, Mirage.
These entries weave significant parts of the overarching plot that connects the modern day with the ancient wars of the Assassins and Templars.
If you’re focusing on gameplay and historical settings:
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Skip based on preference: Assassin’s Creed I, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Assassin’s Creed: Unity, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate.
Assassin’s Creed I is where it all began, but its gameplay feels dated compared to later entries. Revelations, while concluding Ezio’s story, recycles many assets and gameplay elements from Brotherhood. Unity and Syndicate, while visually stunning, are divisive in terms of gameplay and story. These are safe skips without missing integral parts of the lore.
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Consider playing: Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Black Flag, Rogue, III, Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, Mirage.
These games are generally considered to have the most refined gameplay mechanics, compelling stories, and engaging historical settings.
Bottom Line: You can skip games, and many do! Focus on entries that spark your interest based on setting, time period, or protagonist, but understand that the modern-day story will become more confusing if you skip too many of the main numbered entries. However, don’t let that deter you from enjoying the rich history and well-crafted story that each unique game has to offer. You can learn more about the educational aspects of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to play all the Assassin’s Creed games in chronological order?
Technically, no. Each game tells a self-contained story within the broader universe. However, the overarching modern-day narrative and the recurring characters and historical events will make more sense if you play them in (or close to) release order.
2. Is it okay to start with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, Odyssey is a good entry point. As the earliest chronologically in the timeline, it has minimal reliance on previous games’ plotlines. You might miss some subtle references, but the core experience won’t be significantly impacted.
3. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best story?
This is subjective, but Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag are frequently cited for their compelling narratives and well-developed characters. Origins and Brotherhood also receive high praise.
4. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best gameplay?
Again, subjective, but Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla feature a more RPG-focused gameplay loop, with deeper customization and combat systems. Black Flag stands out for its naval combat.
5. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the largest open world?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has the largest landmass, followed closely by Valhalla.
6. Which Assassin’s Creed game is the hardest?
Assassin’s Creed Unity is often cited as the most difficult due to its challenging combat mechanics, glitches, and demanding parkour.
7. Which Assassin’s Creed game is the longest to complete?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the longest, with completion times often exceeding 100 hours, especially with DLC content.
8. Can I skip the Ezio trilogy?
No, absolutely not! The Ezio Auditore da Firenze trilogy (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations) is considered the heart of the franchise. Skipping these would be a disservice to the overall narrative and character development.
9. What about the modern-day story? Is it important?
The importance of the modern-day story is debated among fans. If you’re primarily interested in the historical settings and gameplay, you can largely ignore it. However, it provides the overarching context for the entire series and explains the Animus technology.
10. Is Assassin’s Creed Rogue just a reskin of Black Flag?
Rogue utilizes the same engine and mechanics as Black Flag, but it tells a unique story from the perspective of a Templar. While similar, it offers a different perspective and is worth playing if you enjoyed Black Flag.
11. What about the spin-off games like Assassin’s Creed Chronicles?
The Chronicles games are side-scrolling stealth platformers and are considered non-essential to the main storyline. Play them if you’re looking for a different gameplay experience within the Assassin’s Creed universe.
12. Is Assassin’s Creed Unity worth playing, despite the glitches at launch?
Unity’s launch was plagued with glitches, but many have been patched. It features stunning visuals of Revolutionary Paris and an interesting story, though its gameplay is divisive. Give it a try if the setting appeals to you, but be prepared for some jankiness.
13. How does Assassin’s Creed Mirage connect to the other games?
Mirage is a return to the series’ roots, focusing on stealth and parkour. It serves as an origin story for Basim, a character introduced in Valhalla, and bridges the gap between the classic and modern Assassin’s Creed gameplay styles.
14. Should I watch a story recap instead of playing certain games?
Watching a recap is a viable option if you’re short on time or uninterested in the gameplay of specific titles. However, you’ll miss the immersive experience and character development that comes with playing the game.
15. Which Assassin’s Creed game is the best for beginners?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is considered a great starting point due to its refreshed gameplay, engaging story, and relatively self-contained narrative. Odyssey also works well. Both offer easier entry points than the earlier titles.
Ultimately, the decision of which Assassin’s Creed games to skip is a personal one. Consider your priorities, interests, and time constraints, and choose the games that will provide the most enjoyable and rewarding experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorites!