The Assassin's Creed saga order is essential for both new players and seasoned fans to fully appreciate the intricate storytelling and character development that the franchise offers. With its rich historical settings and complex narratives, understanding the chronological order of the games can greatly enhance your gaming experience. In this article, we will explore the Assassin's Creed series, providing an in-depth look at the order of the games, their connections, and the overarching themes that define this beloved franchise.
As we delve into the Assassin's Creed saga order, we will categorize the games, including main titles, spin-offs, and mobile games. This comprehensive guide aims to outline how each installment fits into the larger narrative framework, thereby helping you navigate this expansive universe. Whether you're looking to replay the series or jump in for the first time, knowing the proper order will ensure you don't miss any critical plot points.
Join us as we embark on this journey through time, unraveling the mysteries of the Assassin's Creed saga. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of the order in which to play the games, alongside insights into their development and impact on the gaming world.
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview of Assassin's Creed
- 2. Assassin's Creed Saga Order: Main Titles
- 3. Spin-offs and Mobile Titles
- 4. Thematic Elements Across the Series
- 5. Chronological Order vs. Release Order
- 6. Essential Assassin's Creed Lore
- 7. Future of the Assassin's Creed Series
- 8. Conclusion and Recommendations
1. Overview of Assassin's Creed
The Assassin's Creed franchise, developed by Ubisoft, first launched in 2007 and quickly became a hallmark of action-adventure gaming. The series is renowned for its unique blend of historical fiction, stealth-based gameplay, and open-world exploration. Each title transports players to different historical periods, allowing them to interact with real-world events and figures.
At its core, the series revolves around the conflict between two factions: the Assassins and the Templars. The Assassins seek to promote freedom and free will, while the Templars strive for order and control. This ideological battle unfolds across centuries, resulting in a compelling narrative that spans numerous games and media adaptations.
As we progress through the article, we will analyze how these themes are woven into the saga order, enriching the player's experience and understanding of the overarching storyline.
2. Assassin's Creed Saga Order: Main Titles
The main titles of the Assassin's Creed series are pivotal for grasping the overarching narrative. Below is a list of the main games in the series along with a brief description of each:
- Assassin's Creed (2007): The game that started it all, introducing players to the conflict between Assassins and Templars through the eyes of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.
- Assassin's Creed II (2009): Following Ezio Auditore, players explore Renaissance Italy, experiencing a personal vendetta against the Templar Order.
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010): A direct sequel to Assassin's Creed II, focusing on Ezio's efforts to establish the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome.
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011): This installment concludes Ezio's story while introducing players to Altair's past.
- Assassin's Creed III (2012): Set during the American Revolutionary War, players control Connor, a half-British, half-Native American Assassin.
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013): Players take on the role of Edward Kenway, a pirate Assassin navigating the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy.
- Assassin's Creed: Unity (2014): Set during the French Revolution, Unity focuses on Arno Dorian, who seeks redemption and justice.
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015): Players control twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye in Victorian London, battling the Templar influence over the city.
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017): A prequel to the series, exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood in Ancient Egypt.
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018): Set in Ancient Greece, players choose between Alexios or Kassandra, exploring the Peloponnesian War.
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020): Players step into the shoes of Eivor, a Viking raider exploring England during the Dark Ages.
3. Spin-offs and Mobile Titles
In addition to the main series, several spin-offs and mobile titles expand the Assassin's Creed universe:
- Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines (2009): A PSP title continuing the story of Altaïr.
- Assassin's Creed: Recollection (2011): A strategy card game for iOS set in the Assassin's Creed universe.
- Assassin's Creed: Pirates (2013): A mobile game focused on naval combat and exploration.
- Assassin's Creed: Chronicles (2015-2016): A series of 2.5D games set in China, India, and Russia.
While these spin-offs may not be essential for understanding the main narrative, they provide additional context and depth to the Assassin's Creed lore.
4. Thematic Elements Across the Series
The Assassin's Creed series is rich in thematic elements that resonate throughout its various titles. Some key themes include:
- Freedom vs. Control: The constant struggle between the Assassins and Templars embodies the conflict between individual freedom and societal control.
- Historical Accuracy: The franchise is known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, allowing players to engage with real-world events and figures.
- Legacy and Rebirth: Many characters grapple with their legacies, exploring how their actions impact future generations.
Understanding these themes enhances the player's connection to the narrative and provides a deeper appreciation for the series as a whole.
5. Chronological Order vs. Release Order
When exploring the Assassin's Creed saga order, it's important to differentiate between the chronological order of events and the order in which the games were released. Here’s a brief overview:
Chronological Order
This order is based on the timeline of events within the game world:
- Assassin's Creed: Origins
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
- Assassin's Creed (Altaïr)
- Assassin's Creed II (Ezio)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations
- Assassin's Creed III (Connor)
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Edward)
- Assassin's Creed: Unity (Arno)
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (Jacob & Evie)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (Eivor)
Release Order
This order reflects the sequence in which players first encountered the games:
- Assassin's Creed
- Assassin's Creed II
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations
- Assassin's Creed III
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
- Assassin's Creed: Unity
- Assassin's Creed: Syndicate
- Assassin's Creed: Origins
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
- Assassin