Should I Play Assassin’s Creed In Order?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You want to follow the overarching narrative from its beginning, including the modern-day conflict surrounding Desmond Miles and the hidden war between Assassins and Templars that spans centuries. The earliest mainline games—Assassin’s Creed (2007), the Ezio trilogy (II, Brotherhood, Revelations), and Assassin’s Creed III—introduce core concepts, recurring symbols, and long-running mysteries that later entries reference or recontextualize. Experiencing these in release order makes character arcs, plot twists, and the series’ mythological elements easier to follow, because each game builds on information revealed in the previous ones.
• Good fit: You enjoy watching a long-running franchise evolve and are willing to tolerate rougher early entries for the sake of historical context. Playing in order lets you see how traversal, combat, stealth, naval exploration, and role-playing systems were added, refined, or replaced across console generations. This sequential perspective can deepen your appreciation for later innovations, since you understand exactly what each new installment changed or improved.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited gaming time and would prefer one polished, modern experience over a multi-game commitment. Assassin’s Creed spans more than a dozen mainline releases across multiple hardware generations, and a strict sequential playthrough can require a substantial time investment. Older entries can also feel slower and less user-friendly than contemporary games, with less generous checkpointing, more rigid stealth rules, and mission structures that repeat similar objectives.
• Warning sign: Your tastes lean toward the action-RPG direction the series took starting with Assassin’s Creed Origins. Earlier games emphasize social stealth, linear main missions, and relatively simple combat, whereas Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla feature level scaling, branching dialogue, and equipment systems closer to modern RPGs. Starting with the oldest entries may misrepresent what the franchise eventually became and could make the early games feel like a chore rather than a prelude.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Coherent lore and emotional payoff. Many of the series’ most memorable moments rely on knowledge accumulated across multiple games. By playing in order, you avoid spoilers for earlier reveals and can understand references to characters, organizations, and artifacts that appear in later titles. This continuity is especially valuable during the modern-day sequences, which shift perspective and tone across the saga.
• Clear sense of progression and improvement. Sequential play highlights quality-of-life upgrades, visual enhancements, and new mechanics as they were introduced. Moving from the original game to the Ezio trilogy, for instance, shows how climbing, combat, and side activities were streamlined, while later entries demonstrate the shift toward naval warfare and then toward open-world RPG design.

Cons

• Pacing fatigue and mechanical repetition. Several early Assassin’s Creed games share similar mission templates: tailing targets, eavesdropping, performing synchronized assassinations, and escaping pursuers. Playing these back-to-back can make the experience feel formulaic, even though individual settings and stories differ. This repetition can reduce enthusiasm before you reach the more varied later entries.
• High barrier to entry. A chronological commitment spans many games released across multiple hardware generations. Some older titles may be harder to access or run smoothly on current platforms, and the time investment can turn a leisure activity into an obligation.

Decision Checklist

• Do you care about the overarching modern-day and First Civilization storyline, or are you mainly interested in standalone historical adventures where each game can be enjoyed independently?
• How many hours can you realistically devote over the coming months, and will pushing through older or slower games reduce your overall enjoyment of the franchise?
• Do you have reliable access to the earlier titles on your preferred platform, including any remasters, subscription services, or backward-compatibility options, and are you willing to deal with dated controls?

Alternatives to Consider

If a strict chronological order feels daunting, you can start with one of the most widely praised standalone entries and expand outward. Assassin’s Creed II is often recommended as the best introduction because it refines the original formula and begins the beloved Ezio saga. Black Flag appeals to players who want naval combat and a pirate setting, while Origins, Odyssey, or Valhalla suit players who prefer large action-RPG worlds. Another strategy is to follow mini-arcs: finish the Ezio trilogy as a self-contained story, then sample later or earlier games based on whichever historical setting interests you. You can also treat the series as an anthology, picking games by time period or gameplay style rather than release date, since most historical stories are largely self-contained.

Final Recommendation

Playing Assassin’s Creed in order makes the most sense if you are a lore-focused player with plenty of time and a high tolerance for older design conventions. It preserves narrative continuity, protects you from spoilers, and lets you observe the franchise’s mechanical evolution firsthand. However, if you prefer modern gameplay systems, have limited time, or are unsure whether you will enjoy the series, starting with a celebrated entry such as Assassin’s Creed II, Black Flag, or Origins is a more practical and lower-risk approach. You can always return to earlier games later if you want more context. Because this is an entertainment decision, prioritize the path that keeps the experience enjoyable rather than one that creates a sense of obligation. For high-stakes personal, legal, financial, or medical decisions, consult a qualified professional.

FAQ

Should I play Assassin's Creed in order?

It depends on your priorities. If you want the fullest understanding of the modern-day storyline and enjoy watching a franchise evolve, playing in order is rewarding. If you prefer modern gameplay or have limited time, starting with a highly regarded entry like Assassin's Creed II, Black Flag, or Origins is a sensible alternative.

What should I consider before I play Assassin's Creed in order?

Consider how much time you can commit, whether you enjoy older stealth mechanics, and whether you care about the overarching lore. Also check whether the earlier games are available on your platform through purchases, remasters, or subscription services.

Can I skip Assassin's Creed 1?

Yes, though it introduces foundational characters and mechanics. Many players find the story recaps in later games sufficient, but skipping it means missing some original context and the beginning of the Desmond Miles arc.