Assassin’s Creed Timeline – How to Play in Chronological Order

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has taken players on a journey through time, exploring iconic periods in history across five continents. With 13+ mainline games, navigating the historical timeline can be confusing—especially with Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the horizon.

If you’re looking to experience the series in historical order, this guide breaks down each game based on its setting, key characters, and how it fits into the broader Assassin-Templar conflict.

You can also read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Bold Step into Feudal Japan

Playing Assassin’s Creed in Historical Order

Each Assassin’s Creed game follows a different protagonist, weaving history with fiction. Below is the chronological timeline of every mainline game, from the earliest setting in Ancient Greece to the modern-day Assassin saga.

1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431–422 B.C.)

• Setting: Ancient Greece (Peloponnesian War)
• Protagonists: Kassandra or Alexios
• Modern-Day Connection: Layla Hassan
• Key Details: Takes place before the Assassins and Templars existed but introduces important Pieces of Eden.

2. Assassin’s Creed Origins (49–44 B.C.)

• Setting: Ancient Egypt (End of the Ptolemaic Dynasty)
• Protagonist: Bayek of Siwa
• Modern-Day Connection: Layla Hassan
• Key Details: Chronicles the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood, originally known as The Hidden Ones.

3. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (861 A.D.)

• Setting: Baghdad, during the Islamic Golden Age
• Protagonist: Basim Ibn Ishaq
• Modern-Day Connection: None (minimal present-day elements)
• Key Details: A return to stealth-based gameplay, focusing on Basim’s journey before Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (872–878 A.D.)

• Setting: Viking Age England & Norway
• Protagonist: Eivor Varinsdottir
• Modern-Day Connection: Layla Hassan
• Key Details: Expands on Norse mythology and the Hidden Ones’ influence in the Viking era.

5. Assassin’s Creed (1191 A.D.)

• Setting: Third Crusade (Holy Land)
• Protagonist: Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
• Modern-Day Connection: Desmond Miles
• Key Details: The first game in the series, introducing the Assassin-Templar conflict.

You can also read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Leak Sparks Spoiler Warnings Before Launch

6. Assassin’s Creed II (1476–1499 A.D.)

• Setting: Renaissance Italy
• Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
• Modern-Day Connection: Desmond Miles
• Key Details: One of the most beloved entries, following Ezio’s rise as an Assassin.

7. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (1499–1507 A.D.)

• Setting: Renaissance Rome
• Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
• Modern-Day Connection: Desmond Miles
• Key Details: Introduces Assassin recruitment mechanics and builds on Ezio’s story.

8. Assassin’s Creed Revelations (1511–1512 A.D.)

• Setting: Constantinople (Ottoman Empire)
• Protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze & Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
• Modern-Day Connection: Desmond Miles
• Key Details: The conclusion of Ezio’s trilogy and the final fate of Altaïr.

9. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (1581 A.D.)

• Setting: Feudal Japan (Sengoku Period)
• Protagonists: Naoe (Shinobi) & Yasuke (Samurai)
• Modern-Day Connection: TBD
• Key Details: The long-awaited Assassin’s Creed Japan game, featuring dual protagonists.

10. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722 A.D.)

• Setting: Golden Age of Piracy (Caribbean)
• Protagonist: Edward Kenway
• Modern-Day Connection: Anonymous Abstergo employee
• Key Details: Introduces naval combat, Assassin-pirates, and the Kenway lineage.

11. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752–1760 A.D.)

• Setting: Seven Years’ War (North America)
• Protagonist: Shay Patrick Cormac (Templar)
• Modern-Day Connection: Unnamed Abstergo employee
• Key Details: The only game where you play as a Templar.

You can also read: Assassin's Creed Shadows: Gameplay & Tips for Success

12. Assassin’s Creed III (1754–1783 A.D.)

• Setting: American Revolution
• Protagonist: Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor Kenway)
• Modern-Day Connection: Desmond Miles
• Key Details: Features George Washington and the fight against the Templars in America.

13. Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789–1794 A.D.)

• Setting: French Revolution
• Protagonist: Arno Dorian
• Modern-Day Connection: Helix Player (Unnamed)
• Key Details: Introduces parkour mechanics and multiplayer co-op.

14. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868 A.D.)

• Setting: Victorian London
• Protagonists: Jacob & Evie Frye
• Modern-Day Connection: Helix Player
• Key Details: Features Jack the Ripper DLC and fights against the Industrial Age Templars.

Assassins Creed FAQs

What is the best Assassin’s Creed game to start with?

It depends on your preference! If you want a classic experience, start with Assassin’s Creed II. If you prefer a modern RPG feel, begin with Origins or Odyssey.

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows connected to previous games?

While Shadows exists within the Assassin-Templar conflict, it doesn’t require playing earlier games to understand its story.

Do I need to play Assassin’s Creed in order?

No, each game tells a mostly standalone story. However, playing in order can enhance your understanding of the franchise’s lore.

Which Assassin’s Creed game has the biggest open world?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has the largest map, spanning Norway, England, Ireland, and France.

You can also read: Fallout 76: Ghoul Within Update – Everything You Need to Know

Final Thoughts – The Ultimate Assassin’s Creed Timeline Experience

Playing Assassin’s Creed in historical order offers a unique perspective on how the Assassin-Templar war shaped history. Whether you’re starting fresh or revisiting old favorites, this timeline helps you experience the saga as it unfolded through time.

With Assassin’s Creed Shadows releasing soon, now is the perfect time to dive into the series and uncover its deep historical storytelling.

Which Assassin’s Creed game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for more updates on GetJar!