Assassin's Creed Story Order: A Complete Guide To The Franchise's Narrative Journey

In the expansive universe of video games, few franchises have captured the imagination of players quite like Assassin's Creed. This iconic series, developed by Ubisoft, intricately weaves history and action, inviting players to explore various time periods through the eyes of skilled assassins. Understanding the Assassin's Creed story order is essential for both newcomers and seasoned fans who wish to experience the narrative in a cohesive manner. The Assassin's Creed series spans multiple games, spin-offs, and even animated films, each contributing to a broader narrative that delves into themes of freedom, control, and the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.

The franchise's rich storytelling and complex lore can be daunting, especially for those who are just beginning their journey. By following the proper story order, players can fully appreciate the character development, plot twists, and historical contexts that define the series. This guide will explore the chronological order of the main games, highlighting key events and characters that shape the Assassin's Creed universe.

In addition to the games, we will also touch on important spin-offs and related media that enrich the lore. Whether you're a veteran looking to revisit the series or a newcomer eager to dive in, this comprehensive guide to the Assassin's Creed story order will serve as your roadmap through this captivating world.

1. The Origins of Assassin's Creed
2. The Main Games in Chronological Order
3. Spin-Offs and Side Stories
4. Related Media and Adaptations
5. Key Characters in the Series
6. Themes and Philosophies
7. Future of the Assassin's Creed Franchise
8. Conclusion

1. The Origins of Assassin's Creed

The Assassin's Creed franchise began in 2007 with the release of the first game, which introduced players to the conflict between the Assassins and Templars. Set during the Third Crusade, players guided Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, a master Assassin, as he navigated the political and social turmoil of the era. The game was groundbreaking, featuring an open-world environment and a unique parkour system that allowed players to traverse cities with fluidity.

As the franchise evolved, so did its lore and gameplay mechanics. Each subsequent title expanded upon the foundational narrative, introducing new historical settings, characters, and gameplay innovations. The Assassin's Creed story order is essential for understanding how each entry connects to the overarching narrative.

2. The Main Games in Chronological Order

To fully appreciate the Assassin's Creed story, it is crucial to play the games in chronological order. Below is a list of the main entries along with their historical settings:

Assassin's Creed Odyssey (431-422 BC) - Set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War.
Assassin's Creed Origins (49-43 BC) - Focuses on the founding of the Assassin Brotherhood in Ancient Egypt.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla (873-878 AD) - Follows Eivor, a Viking raider, during the Viking invasion of England.
Assassin's Creed (1191 AD) - The story of Altair during the Third Crusade.
Assassin's Creed II (1476-1492 AD) - Introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze in Renaissance Italy.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (1500-1507 AD) - Continues Ezio's journey as he builds the Brotherhood in Rome.
Assassin's Creed Revelations (1511-1512 AD) - Concludes Ezio's story while exploring Altair's legacy.
Assassin's Creed III (1754-1783 AD) - Set during the American Revolution, featuring Connor Kenway.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (1715-1722 AD) - Explores the Golden Age of Piracy through Edward Kenway.
Assassin's Creed Rogue (1752-1760 AD) - Follows Shay Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate (1868 AD) - Set in Victorian London, focusing on twins Jacob and Evie Frye.
Assassin's Creed Unity (1789-1799 AD) - Explores the French Revolution through Arno Dorian.
Assassin's Creed Chronicles (China, India, Russia) - Three separate stories set in different regions and time periods.

3. Spin-Offs and Side Stories

In addition to the mainline games, the Assassin's Creed franchise has produced several spin-offs that explore side stories and characters. Some notable titles include:

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines - A PSP title that continues the story of Altair.
Assassin's Creed: Liberation - Follows Aveline de Grandpré, a female Assassin in 18th-century New Orleans.
Assassin's Creed: Chronicles - A series of games featuring different assassins in various locations.
Assassin's Creed: Recollection - A strategy card game that expands on the lore of the series.

4. Related Media and Adaptations

The Assassin's Creed franchise has also transcended video games, branching out into other forms of media that enrich its narrative. The following are noteworthy adaptations:

Assassin's Creed (2016 Film) - A live-action movie that introduces a new character while exploring the Animus technology.
Assassin's Creed: Embers - An animated short film that concludes Ezio's story.
Assassin's Creed: Lineage - A series of short films that explore the backstory of Ezio's father.

5. Key Characters in the Series

The Assassin's Creed series is populated by a variety of memorable characters, each contributing to the overarching narrative. Some of the most significant characters include:

Altair Ibn-La'Ahad - The protagonist of the first game, a master Assassin.
Ezio Auditore da Firenze - One of the most beloved characters, featured in multiple titles.
Connor Kenway - The protagonist of Assassin's Creed III, a half-English, half-Mohawk Assassin.
Desmond Miles - A modern-day Assassin connected to the historical figures through the Animus.

6. Themes and Philosophies

At its core, Assassin's Creed explores complex themes such as free will, morality, and the struggle for power. The ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars represents a broader philosophical debate about control versus freedom. Key themes include:

Freedom vs. Control - The central conflict between the Assassins and Templars symbolizes the struggle between personal freedom and authoritarian control.
History and Memory - The use of the Animus allows players to explore historical events while questioning the nature of memory and its impact on identity.
Legacy - Characters often grapple with their legacies and the impact of their actions on future generations.

7. Future of the Assassin's Creed Franchise

The Assassin's Creed franchise continues to evolve, with Ubisoft consistently releasing new titles and updates. The future of the series looks promising, with upcoming games exploring new historical periods and innovative gameplay mechanics. Players can expect:

New Game Releases - Ubisoft has announced several upcoming titles that will expand the lore and gameplay of the franchise.
Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics - Future titles are expected to introduce new mechanics and features that enhance the player experience.
Continued Exploration of History - The franchise