Summary

  • Gameplay in Assassin's Creed is influenced by mechanics, characters, and narrative.
  • Each game in the series offers unique settings and historical contexts.
  • The franchise's best gameplay includes titles like Assassin's Creed 2, Black Flag, and Valhalla.

The Assassin's Creed franchise has been around for more than 17 years, captivating millions of players and introducing them to this amazing world full of parkour, excitement, and lots of history. While some titles in the franchise are undoubtedly more immersive than others, sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint which one offers the best gameplay overall.

Featured image for Assassin's Creed Unity showcasing gameplay screen
Assassin's Creed Unity: 10 Best Mods

These Assassin's Creed Unity mods transform the game into an even more immersive and refined experience.

Good gameplay doesn't only come from realistic graphics, but also from interesting game mechanics, likable characters, and a compelling narrative that forces players to become invested. To rank every Assassin's Creed game by gameplay, a deep analysis is needed. Here are some Assassin’s Creed games with the best gameplay.

8 Assassin's Creed Syndicate

A British Setting That's Interesting, Even When Gameplay Isn't As Much

Assassin's Creed Syndicate
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Released
October 23, 2015
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Amazon Luna
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
  • The game retains some of the franchise's key elements and innovates in others
  • Mixed response from players

Set in London in 1868, Assassin's Creed Syndicate follows the story of twin assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye. Similar to other installments in the franchise, this title will have players running through the various alleyways and rooftops of England while fighting organized crime and the infamous Templars.

Although Assassin's Creed Syndicate was criticized for not innovating enough and overall for not presenting an enticing story to players, it still deserves a spot on the list thanks to its design, and the attention to detail that seems to have gone into making it.

7 Assassin's Creed Unity

The French Revolution Has Many Things To Show Players

Assassin's Creed Unity
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Released
November 11, 2014
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
Genre(s)
Action, Open-World
  • Beautiful reconstruction of 18th-century Paris
  • The French Revolution makes the gameplay experience very interesting

The Assassin's Creed franchise has always been known for its faithful reconstructions of ancient cities that welcome players to explore them while learning about world history. As technology got better, Ubisoft was able to craft more detailed and complex city representations, which likely peaked with Assassin’s Creed: Unity.

Assassin's Creed Games With The Best Open-Worlds
All Assassin's Creed Games, Ranked By Best Open World

Assassin's Creed is synonymous with expansive open worlds, but which entry in Ubisoft's franchise is the best in this area?

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Arno's story is very interesting and the in-depth look that the game gives players into the French Revolution and the sociopolitical conflicts that were present at the time are captivating. This alone makes the gameplay experience great—even when there are also tons of bugs that can sometimes affect immersion.

6 Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Norway's Vastness, Along With Its Mythology, Keep The Game Interesting

Assassin's Creed Valhalla
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Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Genre(s)
RPG, Action
  • The Viking period is worth exploring
  • New game mechanics add to the gameplay experience

As players know, the Assassin's Creed franchise has never been one to release its titles in chronological order. In fact, there have been considerable time jumps throughout the years that, at a glance, don’t seem to make sense. When Ubisoft decided to go from the 18th century with Assassin’s Creed: Unity, to the 1st century B.C. With Assassin’s Creed Origins, players were taken by surprise.

And the same happened when there was another time jump from the 5th century B.C. With Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, to the 9th century A.D. With Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Eivor’s story presents players with an interesting look into Viking clans and the violence of this period, which, along with other new game mechanics, make the gameplay experience quite enjoyable.

5 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Exploring The Splendor Of Renaissance Rome Has No Comparison

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
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Released
November 16, 2010
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Platform(s)
PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, macOS, Switch
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
  • Renaissance Rome is beautifully crafted
  • Chain kill system that was praised by fans

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is the sequel to Assassin's Creed 2, which most fans consider to be the peak of the franchise. Continuing Ezio's story, players will now get to go to Renaissance Rome to fight the Borgia and any others who stand in Ezio’s way.

Brotherhood not only allowed players to climb some of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, but also introduced what would become one of the most complex and enjoyable chain kill systems in the franchise. Moreover, the exploration of underground areas and the ancient Lairs of Romulus add another layer of fun. While Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood isn’t hard to replay nowadays thanks to Steam, finding a physical copy is rare.

4 Assassin's Creed Odyssey

A Game That Keeps Building On Ubisoft's Risky RPG Efforts

Assassin's Creed Odyssey
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Action RPG
Open-World
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Released
October 15, 2018
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Quebec
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Open-World
  • Players can either play as Kassandra or Alexios
  • Bringing down the Cult of Kosmos is a daunting task

Set during the Peloponnesian War, one of Greece's most important periods in history, Assassin's Creed Odyssey will let players take on the role of either Alexios or Kassandra, who are none other than the grandchildren of King Leonidas I of Sparta.

Along with having to eliminate the Cult of Kosmos, players will have to perform various tasks throughout the game that complement the gameplay experience greatly. Moreover, the RPG mechanics, locations, and overall design of the game are great, contributing even more to making this title enjoyable.

3 Assassin's Creed: Origins

The Introduction Of RPG Mechanics Makes Gameplay Feel More Complete

Assassin's Creed Origins
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Action RPG
Open-World
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Released
October 27, 2017
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Platform(s)
Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Open-World
  • Bayek is an interesting character to play with
  • The game combines combat, RPG mechanics, and even some learning opportunities

One would think that, since Assassin's Creed: Origins is set during the 1st century B.C. In Egypt, it wouldn't have as many interesting things about it, as the Egyptian Empire’s peak was actually between the 16th-11th century B.C.

However, even with that being the case, Assassin's Creed: Origins still manages to deliver an amazing gameplay experience that is very fun thanks to its newly implemented RPG mechanics. Many players argue that straying from the formula the franchise had been following so far and delving into the RPG world was a huge risk, but it luckily paid off.

2 Assassin's Creed 2

A Title Many Consider To Be The Peak Of The Franchise

Assassin's Creed 2
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Released
November 7, 2009
Developer(s)
Ubisoft
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
  • Arguably the best installment in the franchise
  • There's no shortage of fun and things to do

For many players who've been part of the Assassin's Creed franchise since the first game came out way back in 2007, Assassin’s Creed 2 is the peak in every single way. Not only does this title introduce players to the iconic Ezio Auditore da Firenze, but also allows them to explore various Italian regions during the Renaissance. On top of this, the Auditore family’s hideout, Villa Auditore in Monteriggioni, is arguably the best hideout in the series.

A grid showing the cities in the Assassin's Creed games of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, and Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed: Best Cities In The Games, Ranked

The Assassin's Creed series is home to some truly great explorable areas; here are the best cities that appear in the games.

Assassin's Creed 2 tells a tale of loss, tragedy and revenge, which makes it very interesting to play for the first time and gives it tons of replay value as well. Whether it is collecting Petruccio’s feathers to honor his memory, causing trouble in Venice, or doing renovations to Villa Auditore, there’s always something to do in every Memory Sequence of Assassin’s Creed 2.

1 Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

Pirates, Sea Shanties, And Ocean Exploration—What's There Not To Love?

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag (2013)
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Released
October 29, 2013
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Montreal
Genre(s)
Action, Open-World
  • Sea shanties and battleships
  • Beautiful locations that reinforce the pirate atmosphere

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is considered by many to have the best gameplay in the series, but not necessarily because of the combat mechanics themselves, but rather because of the game’s setting. Following this story of Edward Kenway during the 18th century, this title covers interesting concepts, such as maritime trade, battleships, and piracy, which is always something worth exploring.

This, along with the beautifully designed locations in the game and the sea shanties that players can sing along to throughout the title's Memory Sequences, make Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag an all-around masterpiece.

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Assassin's Creed: Every Game, Ranked By How Long They Take To Beat

Assassin's Creed is one of the best franchises gaming has to offer, but the different entries in the series take varying lengths of time to beat.