Ubisoft's latest addition to the beloved stealth-action open world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, thrusting players into the heart of 16th-century Japan with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th installment in the mainline series, it's time to reflect on where it stands among its predecessors. Since the inception of Assassin’s Creed in 2007 with Desmond Miles and Altaïr, the franchise has evolved significantly, and now, we invite you to rank these mainline entries, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
I've taken the liberty of creating a personal tier list based on my enjoyment of each game, which you can view below:
For me, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains the pinnacle of the series, earning its spot in the S-tier. The blend of island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast creates an unparalleled AC experience. It's joined in the S-tier by 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 some eyebrows, but the Viking-inspired combat and the addictive Orlog minigame won me over. Unity also sits in the A-tier, its breathtaking recreation of French Revolution-era Paris still impressing a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too expansive or believe Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? Now's your 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 your reasoning behind your console rankings.