Ubisoft's latest addition to the iconic stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, bringing players 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 the series began in 2007 with Desmond Miles exploring the memories of Altaïr, over 30 games have been released under the Assassin’s Creed banner. However, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
I've taken the liberty of ranking these mainline games based on my personal enjoyment, using an IGN Tier List. Here's a glimpse at my rankings:
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick, cherished for its blend of island exploration, ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters, making it the quintessential AC experience for me. It shares the S-tier with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might raise eyebrows, but I thoroughly enjoyed its Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Joining it is Unity, whose depiction of French Revolution-era Paris remains breathtaking even a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too expansive or believe Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? You have the chance to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the IGN community.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where do you think the series should venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how you've ranked the mainline games and why.
