The Assassin’s Creed series has remained a cornerstone of gaming since its debut, with each new installment bringing unique historical settings and gameplay innovations. As we move through 2025, fans continue to debate which entry deserves the title of best Assassin’s Creed game. While opinions vary widely, recent rankings consistently place Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Black Flag, and Origins among the top contenders, with each offering distinctive experiences that showcase the series at its finest.
The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows has generated significant buzz by taking players to Feudal Japan, a setting fans have requested for years. This latest entry aims to combine the best elements of previous games while introducing new mechanics tailored to its Japanese setting. Ubisoft’s approach to open-world design continues to evolve, with each game expanding on the formula that has made the franchise successful.
Best Assassin’s Creed Game
Since 2007, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series has evolved from historical stealth adventures to massive open-world RPGs. With over a dozen mainline titles and spin-offs, the “best” game depends on what you value most — story, gameplay, setting, or exploration.
(Sources: GamesRadar+, TechRadar, IGN, Metacritic)
🏆 Overall Best Assassin’s Creed Game (2025): Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Release: 2013
Setting: Caribbean, Golden Age of Piracy (1715)
Main Character: Edward Kenway
Why it’s the best:
- Seamlessly blends naval combat, open-world exploration, and classic stealth.
- Features one of the most charismatic protagonists in the series.
- Offers freedom unlike any other AC game — explore islands, dive for treasure, and command your own ship.
- Still holds up graphically and mechanically, even a decade later.
Perfect for: Adventure lovers, pirates-at-heart, and fans of exploration-heavy games.
🟢 Critics and fans consistently rank Black Flag as the top Assassin’s Creed experience — it’s the perfect mix of old-school and modern AC gameplay.
🥈 Runner-Up: Assassin’s Creed II
Release: 2009
Setting: Renaissance Italy (Florence, Venice, Rome)
Main Character: Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Why it’s iconic:
- Introduced Ezio, the franchise’s most beloved character.
- Vastly improved parkour, combat, and storytelling over the original.
- Rich historical detail and emotional character development.
Perfect for: Players who want a classic, story-driven Assassin’s Creed experience.
🥉 Best Modern RPG Entry: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Release: 2018
Setting: Ancient Greece (Peloponnesian War)
Main Character: Kassandra or Alexios
Why it stands out:
- Massive open world with RPG dialogue choices, leveling, and branching storylines.
- Deep combat customization and naval battles.
- Kassandra’s performance and writing are standout highlights.
Perfect for: Fans of The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring who want a huge, choice-driven experience.
⚔️ Best for Stealth Purists: Assassin’s Creed Unity
Release: 2014
Setting: Paris during the French Revolution
Main Character: Arno Dorian
Why it’s underrated:
- After patches, Unity became one of the most beautiful and detailed AC games ever.
- Focuses heavily on stealth, parkour, and crowd blending.
- Features co-op missions and intricate level design.
Perfect for: Longtime fans who miss the classic stealth gameplay of early AC titles.
🌄 Best for Exploration: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Release: 2020
Setting: England & Norway during the Viking Age
Main Character: Eivor
Why it’s great:
- Immense world with settlement building and raiding mechanics.
- Blends Norse mythology with real history.
- Offers 100+ hours of content and deep customization.
Perfect for: Players who love open-world RPGs with tons of side quests and lore.
🥷 Newest Entry: Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025)
Release: November 2025
Setting: Feudal Japan
Main Characters: Naoe (Shinobi) & Yasuke (Samurai)
What makes it special:
- First mainline AC set in Japan, a long-requested fan dream.
- Dual protagonists offer stealth and combat-focused gameplay styles.
- Dynamic weather and seasons affect stealth and exploration.
- Built on the Anvil Pipeline with next-gen visuals and seamless transitions between characters.
Perfect for: Fans of Ghost of Tsushima, Japanese history, or stealth-action hybrids.
🟢 Early reviews praise its world design, stealth systems, and character depth — making it a strong contender for best AC game overall.
🕰️ Best Classic Assassin’s Creed (Pre-RPG Era)
| Title | Setting | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010) | Rome | Refined Ezio gameplay, introduced Brotherhood mechanics |
| Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011) | Constantinople | Emotional conclusion to Ezio’s story |
| Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014) | North Atlantic | Unique twist — play as a Templar |
| Assassin’s Creed III (2012) | Colonial America | Ambitious, though divisive, with naval combat roots |
⚙️ Best Assassin’s Creed Game by Category
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Storyline | Assassin’s Creed II | Deep character arc and emotional payoff |
| Best Combat | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | RPG mechanics and skill variety |
| Best Parkour | Assassin’s Creed Unity | Smooth, realistic climbing system |
| Best Exploration | Assassin’s Creed Black Flag | Open-world sailing and discovery |
| Best Setting | Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Feudal Japan, dual protagonists |
| Best for Beginners | Assassin’s Creed Origins | Balanced mix of old and new mechanics |
🧭 Final Verdict
If you’re new to the series:
- Start with Assassin’s Creed II or Origins to understand the lore and mechanics.
- If you want the most fun, go for Black Flag.
- If you want modern, massive RPG gameplay, play Odyssey or Valhalla.
- If you want the latest and most advanced, check out Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025).
🏁 Summary: Top 5 Assassin’s Creed Games (2025)
| Rank | Game | Year | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | 2013 | Caribbean |
| 🥈 2 | Assassin’s Creed II | 2009 | Renaissance Italy |
| 🥉 3 | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 2018 | Ancient Greece |
| 4 | Assassin’s Creed Shadows | 2025 | Feudal Japan |
| 5 | Assassin’s Creed Unity | 2014 | Paris, France |
Key Takeaways
- The best Assassin’s Creed games balance historical immersion with engaging gameplay mechanics that evolve with each release.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents Ubisoft’s response to long-standing fan requests for a Feudal Japan setting.
- Open-world exploration and narrative depth remain the core elements that distinguish the most highly-ranked games in the series.
Game Overview and Release
Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents Ubisoft’s latest entry in their flagship historical action series. The game returns to its stealth-focused roots while expanding on the RPG elements introduced in recent titles.
Setting and Historical Context
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes players to 16th-century feudal Japan, a setting fans have requested for years. The game world captures Japan during the Sengoku period, a time of political intrigue and social transformation.
Players can explore bustling towns and serene countryside, with authentic cultural elements like tea ceremonies integrated into gameplay. The historical backdrop features real political tensions of the era, including conflicts between various daimyo (feudal lords) and the influence of foreign traders.
Ubisoft has meticulously recreated iconic Japanese castles, villages, and natural landscapes. The game’s attention to historical detail extends to clothing, weapons, and architecture, making 16th-century Japan feel alive and immersive.
Main Characters and Plot
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features two playable protagonists: Yasuke and Naoe. Yasuke is based on the historical figure known as the “Black Samurai” who served under Oda Nobunaga. He brings powerful combat abilities and a unique outsider perspective to Japanese society.
Naoe, a skilled female shinobi, provides a contrasting gameplay style focused on stealth and agility. The dual-protagonist approach allows players to experience the story from different viewpoints and utilize varied combat techniques.
The narrative centers on the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars in feudal Japan. Players will navigate political alliances while uncovering a deeper conspiracy threatening Japan’s future. Both characters bring personal motivations to their missions, creating emotional depth to the storyline.
Release Date and Platform Availability
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release in late 2025. The game will be available on multiple platforms including:
- Next-Gen Consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- PC Systems: Windows PC, Steam, and Mac
- Streaming Services: Ubisoft+ and Amazon Luna
- Mobile Devices: iPad and Steam Deck compatibility
Pre-orders include special editions with exclusive in-game items and early access benefits. Ubisoft has announced post-launch content including free updates and expansion packs.
The game features enhanced graphics and performance options specific to each platform. Cross-save functionality allows players to continue their progress across different devices through their Ubisoft account.
Mechanics and Gameplay Experience
Assassin’s Creed games have evolved dramatically in their mechanics and gameplay systems. From the original stealth-focused approach to the newer RPG elements, each entry offers unique experiences that shape player engagement.
Gameplay and Mission Structure
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has transformed its mission structure over time. Early games like Assassin’s Creed II featured more linear missions with defined stealth objectives and assassination targets. These missions often took place in meticulously designed historical settings, allowing players to blend with crowds and strike from the shadows.
Black Flag introduced naval exploration with Edward Kenway’s pirate adventures, expanding the gameplay loop significantly. Players could sail the Caribbean, attack enemy ships, and discover hidden treasures.
Recent titles have embraced open-world design with multiple approaches to completing objectives. Players can choose stealth, direct combat, or environmental manipulation to achieve goals. This flexibility makes the games more accessible to various playstyles.
Side missions have become more meaningful, with narrative connections rather than simple collectathons. This change has created more engaging worlds where exploration feels rewarding.
Combat System and Character Progression
Combat has undergone dramatic changes throughout the series. Early games used counter-based systems where timing was crucial. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate introduced dual protagonists with different fighting styles, adding variety to combat encounters.
The newer RPG trilogy (Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla) implemented:
- Hitbox-based combat mechanics
- Diverse weapon types with unique movesets
- Skill trees for character customization
- Gear systems with statistics and perks
The iconic Hidden Blade has remained central to the experience, though its implementation has changed. Early games featured one-hit kills, while newer titles tie assassination power to character progression and stealth approach.
Level gating in recent entries forces players to engage with side content to progress through the main story. This design choice has been controversial among fans who prefer the more straightforward progression of earlier titles.
DLC, Language Support, and Accessibility
DLC content has expanded significantly, offering substantial gameplay extensions. Story expansions like The Curse of the Pharaohs for Origins and Fate of Atlantis for Odyssey provide dozen-hour experiences in fantastical settings.
Accessibility features have improved with each release, including:
- Customizable control schemes
- Difficulty options for combat and stealth
- Visual assistance modes
- Subtitle customization
Language support has broadened to include more voice acting and text options, making games accessible to international audiences. Some entries include historical language options for greater immersion.
New player onboarding has been refined, with tutorials becoming less intrusive while still teaching core mechanics. This balance helps newcomers understand complex systems without overwhelming them with information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans of the Assassin’s Creed series often wonder which games stand out among the franchise’s many offerings. The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows set in feudal Japan has generated excitement, while classics like Black Flag remain beloved by many players.
What are the most highly rated Assassin’s Creed games as of now?
The most highly rated Assassin’s Creed games currently include Assassin’s Creed II, Black Flag, and Origins. These titles consistently appear on top-ranked lists across gaming publications.
Black Flag is praised for its revolutionary pirate gameplay mechanics and expansive naval exploration. Assassin’s Creed II remains a fan favorite for its compelling story following Ezio Auditore.
Origins rejuvenated the franchise with its RPG elements and detailed recreation of ancient Egypt. Brotherhood also receives high acclaim for refining the mechanics introduced in Assassin’s Creed II.
How does the latest Assassin’s Creed title compare to previous entries in the series?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set for release in 2025, represents a return to stealth-focused gameplay that defined earlier entries. The feudal Japan setting fulfills a long-requested time period from fans.
Initial previews suggest Shadows may be among the most visually impressive games in the series. The dual-protagonist approach with both shinobi and samurai playable characters offers distinct gameplay styles.
Compared to the RPG trilogy (Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla), Shadows appears to balance action and stealth more evenly. The game maintains open-world elements while promising more focused mission design.
What improvements have been made in the newest Assassin’s Creed game?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features significantly improved stealth mechanics that fans have requested since earlier installments. The combat system has been refined to better represent samurai and ninja fighting styles.
Visual fidelity has reached new heights with detailed recreation of 16th century Japan. The AI systems governing NPCs have been enhanced to create more realistic historical environments.
The parkour system has reportedly been revamped to feel more fluid and responsive. Load times have been reduced substantially on current-generation consoles and PC.
Which platform offers the best experience for the latest Assassin’s Creed game?
PC versions typically offer the highest visual fidelity for Assassin’s Creed games with proper hardware. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X provide nearly comparable experiences with faster load times than previous consoles.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on Ubisoft+ at launch. The game will not be immediately available on Game Pass or PS Plus subscription services.
Performance modes prioritizing framerates are available on current-gen consoles. The Nintendo Switch is not expected to receive a version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Can you rank the Assassin’s Creed games from best to worst?
While rankings are subjective, many critics place Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed II, and Origins in the top positions. Brotherhood, Odyssey, and Unity (after patches) typically follow in the middle tier.
Valhalla receives mixed placement, with some praising its Norse setting while others criticize its length. Syndicate and Revelations often land in mid-tier rankings despite having dedicated fans.
The original Assassin’s Creed and Liberation frequently appear lower in rankings due to outdated mechanics. Rogue and Chronicles titles usually occupy lower positions in comprehensive rankings.
What distinguishing features of the top-rated Assassin’s Creed game?
Black Flag’s naval exploration and pirate-themed gameplay remains unmatched in the series. Its balance of traditional assassin mechanics with ship combat created a unique gaming experience.
Assassin’s Creed II’s Renaissance setting and Ezio’s character development set the standard for storytelling in the franchise. The game perfected the social stealth mechanics introduced in the original.
Origins’ recreation of ancient Egypt offered unprecedented historical immersion. Its RPG elements, combat overhaul, and character progression systems revitalized the franchise after declining interest.
