Top "Assassin’s Creed" Games Ranked

Ubisoft's newest stealth-action open-world entry, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has arrived. But how does it stack up against the rest of the franchise? We're putting that decision in your hands. With over 30 titles bearing the Assassin’s Creed name, we’re focusing solely on the "mainline" games—meaning no mobile, side-scrolling, VR, or spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation this time.

The series began in 2007 when Desmond Miles first entered the Animus as Altaïr, and now, 18 years later, it transports players to 16th-century Japan with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th core installment, Shadows has inspired me to rank the entire mainline series using IGN’s Tier List format—based entirely on my personal enjoyment of each game. Check out my rankings below:

For me, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains unmatched—its blend of island exploration, naval combat, and vibrant characters creates the ultimate AC experience. It shares S-tier status with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the franchise into mainstream success. Some may raise eyebrows at Valhalla in A-tier, but I adored its Viking-inspired combat and developed a genuine addiction to the Orlog dice game. Unity joins it there, thanks to its breathtaking rendition of Revolutionary Paris that still impresses today.

Disagree? Think Valhalla overstays its welcome or that AC2 doesn’t deserve the hype? Now’s your chance to weigh in! Rank all the mainline entries yourself using the interactive tier list below, then compare your S/A/B/C/D rankings with the wider IGN community.

Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List

What’s your take on Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where should the series venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments—along with the reasoning behind your console rankings.