The latest addition to Ubisoft's acclaimed stealth-action open-world series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived, taking players back to 16th-century Japan with protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. As the 14th installment in the core series, it prompts us to reflect on where it stands among its predecessors. Since the inception of the franchise in 2007 with Desmond Miles stepping into the Animus to explore the life of Altaïr, Assassin’s Creed has evolved significantly. Now, we invite you to weigh in on how Shadows compares to the other mainline games, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR entries, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
To provide a starting point for your consideration, I’ve crafted a personal tier list based on my enjoyment of each title. At the top of my S-tier, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag reigns supreme. The blend of island exploration, exhilarating ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters makes it my favorite all-around experience in the series. Joining it in the S-tier is Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly catapulted the franchise into the mainstream spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which might surprise some due to its length, but I adored the Viking-themed combat and the addictive Orlog minigame. Unity also makes it to A-tier, thanks to its breathtaking recreation of Paris during the French Revolution, which remains visually impressive even a decade later.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you believe Valhalla is overly bloated or that Assassin’s Creed 2 is overrated? We encourage you to create your own tier list and compare your S, A, B, C, and D tiers with the broader IGN community. Share your thoughts and rankings in the comments section below.
Every Assassin's Creed Game Tier List
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where do you think the series should venture next? Share your ideas in the comments, along with your reasons for ranking the mainline games in the order you've chosen.
