Assassin's Creed Games Ranked: A Tier List

Ubisoft's latest addition to the iconic stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, set against the backdrop of 16th-century Japan. This 14th mainline installment follows a rich lineage that began in 2007 with Desmond Miles exploring his ancestor Altaïr's memories through the Animus. Now, players take on the roles of Naoe and Yasuke, marking another thrilling chapter in this enduring saga.

But where does Assassin’s Creed Shadows fit in the series? That's a question we're putting to you. With over 30 games under the Assassin’s Creed banner, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries here, leaving out mobile, side-scrolling, VR, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.

I've taken a stab at ranking the mainline games using an IGN Tier List, based on my personal enjoyment. Here's how I've categorized them:

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick, cherished for its blend of island exploration, ship combat, and vibrant characters, making it the quintessential Assassin’s Creed experience in my eyes. It shares the S-tier with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, Valhalla earns a spot, perhaps surprisingly to some, due to its engaging Viking-inspired combat and my fondness for the Orlog minigame. It's joined by Unity, whose breathtaking recreation of Revolutionary-era Paris continues to impress even a decade on.

Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla overly bloated or believe Assassin’s Creed 2 to be overrated. Feel free to create your own tier list below, categorizing the mainline Assassin’s Creed games into S, A, B, C, and D tiers. Compare your rankings with the broader IGN community.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where in the world would you like the series to venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know your reasoning behind your console rankings.