With over a dozen games spanning different time periods, characters, and mechanics, diving into the Assassin’s Creed franchise for the first time can feel like stepping into a labyrinth. Deciding where to begin might seem daunting, and that’s why we’re here to help! Think of us as your friendly guides through this historical playground of adventure. It’s worth considering what kind of experience you’re hoping for, whether it’s a deep dive into history, thrilling stealth action, or a sprawling open-world RPG. If you’re dealing with the question of “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, this guide is for you.
Which Assassin’s Creed Game Should You Play First?
So, which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think; it depends entirely on what you’re looking for in your Assassin’s Creed experience. Some entries are better suited for newcomers due to their accessible stories and gameplay mechanics, while others might be more appealing to those seeking intricate narratives or expansive open worlds. It really boils down to personal preferences, and we’re going to help you figure out the best starting point for you.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your First Assassin’s Creed Game
Before you leap into a historical adventure, let’s consider a few key factors to help you narrow down your choices. What draws you to the Assassin’s Creed series in the first place? Is it the lure of exploring meticulously recreated historical settings? Or perhaps you’re more interested in the core conflict between Assassins and Templars and the lore surrounding it? Or maybe you’re interested in RPG aspects and level mechanics.
1. Your Interest in Historical Settings
One of the defining features of the Assassin’s Creed series is its dedication to bringing historical eras to life. Each game transports you to a different time and place, from Ancient Egypt in Origins to Victorian England in Syndicate and the American Revolution in Assassin’s Creed III. When deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider which era appeals to you the most. If a specific historical period piques your interest, that could be a great starting point. For instance, the bustling streets of Renaissance Italy in Assassin’s Creed II might captivate you, or perhaps the allure of piratical adventures in the Caribbean of Black Flag is more your style.
2. Story Continuity vs. Standalone Experience
Something else you should keep in mind is that some Assassin’s Creed games are part of a connected narrative, while others offer more standalone experiences. The Ezio trilogy, consisting of Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations, tells a complete story arc focused on the iconic assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze while also expanding the modern-day storyline through the character Desmond Miles.
On the other hand, games like Black Flag and Origins have narratives that are more self-contained but still contribute to the broader Assassin-Templar conflict and the modern-day plotline. However, they require less prior knowledge of the series to enjoy.
3. Gameplay Preferences
Through time, the Assassin’s Creed series developed alongside its gameplay systems. The earlier releases within the franchise, including Assassin’s Creed II, concentrated primarily on stealth gameplay, parkour mechanics, and linear narrative progression. These games emphasized silent assassinations, social stealth (blending with crowds), and tightly structured storylines. On the matter of “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider if you prefer this classic stealth-focused gameplay.
The latest entries in the series—beginning with Assassin’s Creed Origins—have incorporated RPG elements through their massive open-world gameplay structures, customizable equipment systems, character progression, and multiple narrative paths. Games like Odyssey and Valhalla offer more player freedom through choice-driven dialogues, side quests, and skill trees, moving away from the series’ original stealth-focused roots.
4. The Time You Want to Commit
Think about which length of time you wish to dedicate to your Assassin’s Creed adventure. The gameplay duration in certain titles stays limited, while others expand into hundreds of hours of exploration and completion. Black Flag and Syndicate provide a harmonious mix between entertaining stories and avoidably overwhelming experiences, offering a more manageable time commitment without feeling bloated.
On the other hand, RPGs like Odyssey and Valhalla can consume hundreds of hours due to their extraordinary size and numerous side quests. These games feature expansive open worlds filled with activities, meaning players may get lost in their environments for a long time. The world of Odyssey, in particular, absorbed us completely, and we found ourselves getting lost within its borders for many wonderful weeks.
If you’re looking for a more time-efficient experience, the earlier titles and those with a more focused narrative (Black Flag, Syndicate) are great choices. But if you’re ready to dive deep into an expansive world with endless content, Odyssey and Valhalla are the ultimate time sinks. When deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider how much time you want to commit to the game.
Best Assassin’s Creed Games for Beginners
Moving forward, we will explore particular games that are optimal introductions for new Assassin’s Creed gamers. Out of all the Assassin’s Creed games, these titles stand as excellent starting points because they deliver customized encounters for various types of players.
1. Assassin’s Creed II: A Perfect Starting Point
If you’re looking for a classic Assassin’s Creed experience with a compelling story, Assassin’s Creed II is an excellent choice. As the start of the beloved Ezio trilogy, it introduces you to the world of the Assassins and Templars through the eyes of Ezio Auditore, a charismatic and relatable protagonist. It’s the game that got us hooked on the series, filled with iconic moments and unforgettable characters.
The game offers a good balance between stealth, parkour, and combat, making it accessible to newcomers while still providing depth for experienced players. The mechanics are intuitive enough for beginners, while its well-crafted narrative and open-world design ensure that experienced players can still enjoy a rewarding experience.
Assassin’s Creed II is often recommended as the entry point because it encapsulates the core aspects of the series, including the Assassins vs. Templars conflict, parkour-driven movement, and a compelling historical setting (Renaissance Italy). Therefore, when considering “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, Assassin’s Creed II is a strong contender.
2. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: For Those Who Enjoy Naval Exploration
Ahoy, mateys! If you’re a fan of pirates, naval combat, and open-world exploration, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is the game for you. Set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy, it puts you in the role of Edward Kenway, a privateer-turned-assassin. Black Flag stands out for its unique pirate-themed gameplay, which combines traditional Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics with thrilling naval battles, treasure hunting, and exploration on both land and sea.
The game also features an expansive open-world environment where you can sail the high seas, engage in ship-to-ship combat, and uncover hidden treasures. The rich historical setting and the pirate lifestyle offer a refreshing shift from the typical Assassin’s Creed formula.
The narrative is largely standalone, meaning you don’t need to worry about being familiar with previous games in the series. It’s accessible for newcomers while still offering a fresh experience for seasoned players, particularly those who enjoy exploration and action.
3. Assassin’s Creed Origins: A Fresh Start with Modern Design
Assassin’s Creed Origins marked a significant departure for the series, rebooting the franchise with an open-world RPG style and modernized mechanics. Set in Ancient Egypt, it tells the story of Bayek and his wife Aya, who become the founders of the Assassin Brotherhood. The game shifts from the more traditional stealth-action gameplay to include RPG elements such as leveling up, skill trees, and customizable gear, offering a fresh take on the series. So, when deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider if you’d prefer to start with this modern RPG-style entry.
Origins is an excellent starting point for players who appreciate expansive worlds, RPG-style gameplay, and a more grounded narrative. The game features a vast and visually stunning open world, filled with side activities, exploration, and combat that rewards both stealth and direct action. It also introduces a new combat system that is more dynamic and fluid compared to earlier titles.
In terms of lore, Origins serves as a chronological starting point for the series, set at the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood. This makes it an ideal entry for newcomers who want to dive into the series’ history without feeling lost in the complex web of modern-day storylines and past events.
4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: For Fans of Freedom and RPG Mechanics
The RPG features of Origins receive extensive advancement in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Players experience even greater freedom in Ancient Greece through branching storylines, dialogue choices, and character development. The game allows players to shape their protagonist’s path by selecting dialogue responses, skill upgrades, and decision-making, offering a more personalized experience.
In Odyssey, players can choose between Alexios or Kassandra as the playable character, each with their own distinct narratives and power sets. The game presents a highly customizable RPG experience, where players can tailor their character’s abilities to fit their playstyle, whether focused on combat, stealth, or ranged attacks. When considering “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, remember that Odyssey offers extensive RPG customization.
The vast open world of Odyssey lets players explore Ancient Greece without requiring knowledge of past lore, as the game applies little reference to previous entries in the series. The focus is on creating an immersive and expansive adventure that is accessible to both newcomers and long-time fans, offering an experience driven more by freedom and choice rather than tightly connected storylines.
5. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate: a compact historical tale set in Victorian London
You should consider Assassin’s Creed Syndicate when seeking a compact Assassin’s Creed adventure that provides all the essentials but without the extended world scale of Odyssey or Valhalla. Set in Victorian London, it follows twin assassins Jacob and Evie Frye as they lead the charge to free the city from Templar dominance. This makes Syndicate a great option for players who want a more focused experience with a clear narrative.
The gameplay in Syndicate offers a mix of stealth, parkour, and combat elements, while its well-curated open-world design makes the maps more navigable compared to other games in the franchise. Unlike the vast open worlds of later entries, London is detailed but manageable, with an emphasis on urban exploration and verticality, making it ideal for players who enjoy the series’ core mechanics without feeling overwhelmed by size. When deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider if you’d prefer a more manageable open world like Syndicate’s.
Syndicate strikes a balance between the more traditional Assassin’s Creed formula and the evolving design of the series, offering a great entry point for those seeking a more contained yet still rich historical experience.
Starting with the Original Game is the Question
The question stands: Should you initiate your Assassin’s Creed adventure by playing the original game? Although it marked the initial release of the series, it is not the optimal starting point for new players.
At the beginning of the Assassin’s Creed series, the core struggle between the Assassins and Templars is introduced, establishing the foundation for the future games in the franchise. However, the game shows its age through its antiquated controls, rigid mechanics, and aimless missions. These aspects make it a less enticing experience compared to the more refined and modern iterations of the series.
The original game is important for its historical value and foundation-laying role within the franchise. It sets up the core lore and the framework for the ongoing Assassin vs. Templar conflict. However, for beginners, the older mechanics and limited variety of missions can feel cumbersome compared to later titles, which offer more polished gameplay and richer narratives. While it can still be enjoyed by fans looking to understand the origins of the series, it is recommended to start with a more modern entry for a better overall experience. Therefore, when considering “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, the original game is generally not recommended for first-time players.
If you want to enter the Assassin’s Creed gameplay experience from its start, then which game sequence should you begin with?
Let’s get specific! The selection of Assassin’s Creed games should match your personal gaming preferences.
1. The Deepest Story and Lore
If you’re primarily interested in the overarching story of the Assassins and Templars, we recommend starting with Assassin’s Creed II or Origins. These games delve deeply into the core lore of the series, exploring the foundational conflict between the Assassins and Templars. Assassin’s Creed II introduces Ezio Auditore, a beloved character whose personal journey is integral to the series, while Origins explores the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood. Both titles offer engaging narratives, memorable characters, and deeper lore, making them ideal for players looking to immerse themselves in the series’ central story.
2. Expansive Open Worlds
For those who love exploring vast environments and getting lost in a game world, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Valhalla are excellent choices. These RPG-style games offer unparalleled freedom and exploration, with countless side quests, activities, and secrets to discover. When deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider if you prefer the expansive open worlds of Odyssey or Valhalla. Odyssey and Valhalla feature massive open worlds that let players roam across Ancient Greece and Viking-era England (and beyond), making them ideal for those who enjoy immersing themselves in expansive landscapes and creating their own adventures. The detailed world-building and choice-driven narratives also add a layer of depth to the exploration.
3. Shorter, Focused Gameplay
If you prefer a more concise and streamlined experience, try Assassin’s Creed Syndicate or Black Flag. These games offer compelling narratives and excellent historical settings without requiring the long commitment of more recent titles. Syndicate provides a focused story in Victorian London, and Black Flag offers a unique pirate adventure during the Golden Age of Piracy. Both titles feature strong characters, a rich historical backdrop, and accessible gameplay, making them great choices for those who want a shorter yet still satisfying experience.
4. Iconic Historical Eras
The beauty of Assassin’s Creed lies in its diverse settings. If you’re drawn to specific historical periods, these games provide a richly detailed, immersive experience that brings those eras to life, whether it’s the art and politics of the Renaissance, the seafaring adventures of pirates, or the ancient wonders of Egypt and Greece. The choice is yours! When deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, let your interest in a specific historical period guide your choice.
How the Modern-Day Story Impacts Your Decision
As if the historical settings and gameplay weren’t enough, the Assassin’s Creed series also features a modern-day storyline that ties all the games together. However, the importance of the modern-day plot has varied throughout the series.
The modern-day connections are stronger in earlier titles (AC I to AC III), where you play as Desmond Miles, a bartender who is a descendant of several historical Assassins. The modern-day plot focuses on Desmond’s journey as he relives the memories of his ancestors through the Animus and works with the Assassins to stop a global catastrophe. The connections between the modern-day characters and the historical ones are crucial for understanding the overarching story.
In later games (Origins onward), the modern-day storyline becomes less central. While still present, it takes a backseat to the historical adventures, and the focus is more on the past rather than the modern-day narrative.
You need to consider if you want to know the connections between the titles, as understanding the modern-day story helps explain why the characters want to relive these memories and the purpose behind each assassin’s journey. If you’re interested in the bigger picture, starting with the earlier titles will give you a better grasp of the full narrative. Therefore, when deciding “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?”, consider if you are invested in the modern-day storyline and how it connects to the historical segments.
Closing Things Up: Start Your Assassin’s Creed Journey!
So, which Assassin’s Creed game should you start with? The choice is ultimately yours, but we hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options. To recap, we recommend AC II for storytelling, Black Flag for exploration, and Origins for modern RPG mechanics. Whichever game you begin with, the Assassin’s Creed series offers a rich blend of history, gameplay, and storytelling. Don’t be afraid to explore different games based on your interests and gradually dive into the franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of assassins and Templars, there’s an Assassin’s Creed game out there for you. Happy gaming, and may the Creed guide your path! Ultimately, the question of “which Assassin’s Creed game should you play first?” is a personal choice, so choose the one that sparks your interest the most.
1. Are all Assassin’s Creed games open-world?
Yes, most Assassin’s Creed games since Assassin’s Creed II feature open-world environments that players can freely explore. However, the degree of openness and the types of activities available can vary.
2. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the most historical accuracy?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is highly praised for its deep dive into Ancient Egyptian culture, featuring realistic depictions of daily life, architecture, and religious practices. Developers consulted with historians and archaeologists to ensure accuracy, making it a standout title for historical fidelity.
3. Is it necessary to know the history of real-world events to enjoy the Assassin’s Creed games?
No, it is not necessary to have extensive historical knowledge to enjoy the games. While the games are set in real historical periods and incorporate historical events, the narratives are self-contained and provide enough context for players to understand the story.
4. How do the RPG elements in newer Assassin’s Creed games affect the core gameplay?
The RPG elements in games like Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla add depth by including features such as leveling systems, skill trees, gear management, and branching dialogue options. These RPG elements enhance the player’s agency and customization options, allowing for more personalized gameplay experiences.
