What Is the Assassin’s Creed Story So Far? Here Is a Simplified Timeline of the Franchise’s Story

Published 10/01/2023, 2:20 PM EDT

Follow Us

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is known for its complex narrative, spanning various historical periods and intertwining storylines. Following the first title released back in 2007, many gamers have now become dedicated fans of the series.

While there are 12 Assassin’s Creed mainline games out now, fans are waiting for AC Mirage to drop on October 5, 2023. Although there has been a new AC game released almost every year, the games do not follow a chronological progression. For fans curious to know the order of each game with respect to the timeline, here is a list of every AC game in order of the time they are set in.

Foundation games of the Isu in the Assassin’s Creed series

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (431 B.C.–422 B.C.)

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Isu play a significant role, particularly through the introduction of a powerful piece of Eden known as the Spear of Leonidas. Set during the Peloponnesian War in Ancient Greece, this installment offers players a rich historical backdrop. It introduces RPG elements, allowing players to choose between Cassandra and Alexios as the protagonist.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Notably, it predates the formation of the Assassin and Templar orders but introduces a significant Piece of Eden, connecting it to the broader series lore.

2. Assassin’s Creed Origins (49 B.C.–44 B.C.)
Transporting players to Ancient Egypt, this game revolves around Bayek and Aya, characters deeply rooted in the AC lore. It delves into the origins of the Assassins as the Hidden Ones and their ongoing conflict with the Order of the Ancients. The game also features Layla Hassan in the modern-day storyline, a character who becomes pivotal to the series. The game introduces the concept of the Apple of Eden, another powerful Isu artifact, and shows how these artifacts have influenced humanity throughout history.

3. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (861–???)

Mirage takes a unique narrative approach by following Basim Ibn Ishaq, a 17-year-old in Baghdad. Although many details about Isu’s involvement in Assassin’s Creed Mirage are not available. However, given the series’ history, it’s likely that Isu elements and artifacts will play a role in the narrative, adding depth to the storyline.

4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (872–878 AD)
Valhalla offers players an immersive journey into Viking history and mythology, with Eivor as the protagonist. The game continues the Hidden Ones’ struggle against the Order of the Ancients and concludes the modern-day narrative arc of Layla Hassan. In Valhalla, players encounter Isu artifacts known as “Isu weapons” that possess extraordinary powers. These weapons are remnants of the Isu civilization and can be wielded by the protagonist, Eivor.

5. Assassin’s Creed (1191)
The original Assassin’s Creed game lays the groundwork for the Isu’s presence in the series. It introduces the concept of Pieces of Eden, particularly the Apple of Eden, as Isu artifacts with immense power.

It introduces players to Altair Ibn-La’Ahad, who becomes a central figure in the series, along with pivotal concepts like the Animus and Pieces of Eden.

6. Assassin’s Creed II (1476–1499)
It features arguably the most beloved Assassin in the franchise, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This game immerses players in Renaissance Italy. Further, it unveils a deeper conspiracy involving the Assassins and Templars, while advancing the modern-day storyline through Desmond. The game continues to expand on the Isu’s role in human history. It introduces Isu sites, glyphs, and messages that provide deeper insights into their technology and influence.

7. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (1499–1507)
This direct sequel to AC II follows Ezio’s quest and his efforts to rebuild the Assassins in Rome. In the modern-day, Desmond and his team seek the powerful Apple of Eden, connecting the past to the present. Brotherhood maintains Isu’s presence through the pursuit of the Apple of Eden by both assassins and Templars. Ezio’s interactions with this artifact reveal more about the Isu’s intentions and their impact on the world.

8. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (1511–1512)
Revelations further explore Isu’s history as Ezio searches for Altair’s library. In the modern-day, Desmond is trapped in the Animus, exploring deeper mysteries. R Players learn about Isu memories and artifacts, connecting the stories of both Altair and Ezio to the Isu civilization.

Post Ezio Era

9. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (1715–1722)
Introducing players to the pirate era, this game stars Edward Kenway and features naval gameplay. In AC IV, the Isu are significant as players delve into the rich lore of the First Civilization. The game offers insights into Isu artifacts, particularly the Observatory, which was built by the Isu and has the ability to locate anyone in the world.

 

10. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (1752–1760)

Rogue bridges the narratives of AC III and AC IV and explores the significance of the Isu artifacts. Shay Patrick Cormac’s journey from Assassin to Templar is tied to the search for Pieces of Eden. Players assume the role of an Abstergo employee in the modern-day, working for the Templars to access the memories of Shay. This modern-day perspective adds layers to the ongoing Templar-Assassin conflict with Isu artifacts as key elements.

11. Assassin’s Creed III (1754–1783)
Set during the American Revolution, this game centers on Connor’s quest to protect his tribe and the Grand Temple. Historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin play significant roles, and the modern-day storyline concludes Desmond’s arc. In Assassin’s Creed III, the Isu play a pivotal role as players uncover the mysteries of the Grand Temple, an Isu structure. Connor’s quest to protect his tribe becomes intertwined with the First Civilization’s legacy

12. Assassin’s Creed Unity (1789–1794)
Unity provides minimal Isu presence in its narrative, with a focus primarily on the French Revolution. While the Isu are not as prominently featured, historical figures like Napoléon Bonaparte interact with Isu-related artifacts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

13. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (1868)
Set in Victorian London, this installment features twin assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye. The modern-day character continues the search for pieces of Eden, while historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin add depth to the narrative. Syndicate maintains the ongoing search for pieces of Eden in the modern-day segments, connecting to the broader Isu narrative. The historical setting in Victorian London sees the twins encountering Isu-related artifacts.

Players can choose to play these games in chronological order or by their release date, depending on whether they want to follow the modern-day storyline or historical settings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Additionally, Ubisoft has plans for more AC projects, including Codename Jade, Nexus VR, Infinity, and Codename Red, offering fans new experiences in the AC universe. While there are a few more new games ready to launch, it will be interesting to see where they fit in the timeline.

Watch This Story: Assassin’s Creed Mirage Drops a Stunning Show at PlayStation Showcase 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Viren Mirpuri

868Articles

One take at a time

Viren is an Esports Writer at EssentiallySports. With a Mass Media degree in one hand and a gaming controller in another, he is set to document every milestone in the gaming industry. As an Esports journalist, he has covered over 500 articles about what is fresh in the scene.
Show More>

Edited by:

Rohan Karnad