Assassin’s Creed Play Order 2026: Release + Chronological (incl. Shadows)

Looking for the best Assassin’s Creed play order? Here you will find both the release order and the chronological timeline of all main games. The Assassin’s Creed series from Ubisoft delivers an epic story about the centuries-long conflict between Assassins and Templars. With dozens of games, DLCs and spin-offs it can be hard to know where to start. Below are two clear orders: the release order (recommended for beginners) and the chronological timeline (ideal for lore fans).

Release Order (Launch Order)

Play the games in the order they were released. This is the best way to experience the evolution of gameplay and the modern-day story.

1. Assassin’s Creed (2007)
2. Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
3. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
4. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011)
5. Assassin’s Creed III (2012)
6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
7. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014)
8. Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014)
9. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)
10. Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)
11. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018)
12. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
13. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023)
14. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025)

Tip: Start with the Ezio Trilogy (AC II, Brotherhood, Revelations) if you want a strong entry point. These games are still highly loved and aged very well.

Chronological Timeline (Story Order)

Follow the historical periods for the best understanding of the overall lore.

• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431-422 BC, Ancient Greece)
• Assassin’s Creed Origins (49-43 BC, Ancient Egypt)
• Assassin’s Creed Mirage (861 AD, Baghdad)
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (872-878 AD, England/Norway)
• Assassin’s Creed (1191, Third Crusade)
• Assassin’s Creed II (1476-1499, Italian Renaissance)
• Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (1499-1507, Rome)
• Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (1511-1512, Constantinople)
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows (1579, Japan)
• Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715-1722, Caribbean)
• Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752-1760)
• Assassin’s Creed III (1754-1783, American Revolution)
• Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789-1794, French Revolution)
• Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868, Victorian London)

DLCs and expansions usually fit in the same time period (for example Freedom Cry with Black Flag).

Recommendation: New players should follow the release order. Want to dive deep into the history? Use the chronological order after the first few games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best Assassin’s Creed play order for beginners? The release order.
• Should I play the Ezio Trilogy first? Yes, it is an excellent starting point.
• Where does AC Shadows fit in the timeline? In 1579 in Japan, after Revelations.

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