Ubisoft's latest addition to its beloved stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, taking us to 16th-century Japan with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th installment in the core series, it's time to reflect on where it stands among its predecessors. Since its inception in 2007 with Desmond Miles and Altaïr, the franchise has seen over 30 releases. Here, we'll focus solely on the mainline games, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs such as Bloodlines or Liberation.
I've taken the liberty of creating a tier list based on my personal enjoyment of each mainline Assassin’s Creed game. You can view my rankings in the image below:
Topping my S-tier list is Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, which remains my favorite due to its engaging blend of island exploration, ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters. It's joined by Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly brought the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might surprise some due to its length, but I was captivated by the Viking-inspired combat and the Orlog minigame. Unity also finds a spot here, appreciated for its breathtaking recreation of Paris during the French Revolution, even a decade later.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe Valhalla is too expansive, or that Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? Feel free to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community using the tool below:
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where would you like to see the series venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments section, and let us know the reasoning behind your console rankings.