Ubisoft's latest addition to the renowned stealth-action open-world series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, set in 16th-century Japan. As players step into the shoes of Naoe and Yasuke, we can't help but wonder: where does this game stand among its predecessors? With over 30 titles released under the Assassin's Creed banner, we're focusing on the mainline games, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The journey began in 2007 with Desmond Miles entering the Animus to embody his ancestor Altaïr. Fast forward 18 years, and the series has evolved significantly. Assassin's Creed Shadows marks the 14th entry in the core series. I've taken the liberty of ranking them in a personal tier list, based on my enjoyment of each game. Check out my tier list:
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick, cherished for its blend of island exploration, ship combat, and vibrant characters, offering what I believe is the quintessential AC experience. It shares the S-tier with Assassin's Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series to fame. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might surprise some, but I adored the Viking-themed combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Joining it is Unity, whose depiction of Paris during the French Revolution remains breathtaking even a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you think Valhalla is overly expansive, or that Assassin's Creed 2 is overrated? You can create your own tier list, categorizing the mainline AC games into S, A, B, C, and D tiers, and compare your rankings with the IGN community.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin's Creed Shadows? Where would you like the series to venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know your rankings and the reasoning behind them.