Best Assassin’s Creed Game
If you have ever had an inkling of interest in the entire franchise of Assassin’s Creed but were confused as to which game has too many titles, you must know you are not alone. With over twelve mainline games and various spin-offs, from the dawn of civilization to modern day, selecting the best Assassin’s Creed game to dive in with is akin to jumping into a pool, minster first with a hidden blade.
Stealth, history, or huge open worlds-your reasons for visiting have been considered so that we can help new players select the best game to start with for 2025. So, let us discuss the best options for newcomers, depending upon their styles, interests, and preferences.
Top Pick for Story and Accessibility: Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
Assassin’s Creed II (2009) is an obvious choice – its story is far more compelling and the gameplay is significantly more accessible. The plot follows Ezio Auditore, a young nobleman in 15th century Italy, who attempts to uncover a larger conspiracy and gain revenge for his slain family. It’s a mixture of a great historical setting, rich narrative, and an engaging story with intrigue, politics, and memorable characters.
The game delivers more mission variety than its predecessor, and a much more rewarding skill progression system and better control schemes make it easier for new players to get involved. The game balances well between the story and gameplay, and it remains a favorite for many fans of the series because of the rich, engaging plot and a story that feels fluid and effortlessly accessible.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Offers a well-paced introduction to both the gameplay and lore
- Balanced mix of stealth, exploration, and combat
- Features historical icons like Leonardo da Vinci
- Available as part of The Ezio Collection (remastered for modern platforms)
Best for: Story lovers, classic action-adventure fans, and players who want a solid narrative foundation.
Best Entry Point for Historical Immersion: Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)
Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017) received praise for its significant shift in entry-points for historical immersion. Ancient Egypt has an abundance of richly detailed open-world experience featuring history, architecture, culture, and actual historical characters.
Origins finally transitioned the series into an RPG experience with a slower play-style, feeling a little more exploratory, containing a rich story that mingles various mythologies and histories.
Obviously it would appeal to those who were looking to interpret a context of the setting, instead of just automatically being bombarded with set-piece action.
Mechanical concerns, and accessible world design for players coming into the series encourage them to interact with the constraints of the world while gaining awareness to the depth of that historical period.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Soft reboot with no prior knowledge required
- Strong protagonist (Bayek) and deeply emotional story
- Heavy RPG elements: skill trees, loot, crafting, etc.
- A fantastic blend of history and mythology
Best for: Open-world RPG fans and players new to the series who love games like The Witcher 3 or Ghost of Tsushima.
Best for Action and Sea Exploration: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) has been considered the best one in the series, depending on your interest in the action genre and the sea. The game is set during the Golden Age of Piracy and features you, the pirate Edward Kenway, turned assassin, as you navigate various dangers, riches, and naval battles. Its uniqueness is the attention it gives to ship combat and completely open-sea exploration.
You command the ship called the Jackdaw, upgrade your ship over different missions, pursue naval battles with other ships, search for treasure and loot on the sea, and complete missions on isolated islands.
The gameplay on-foot still incorporates stealth, acrobatics and climbing, while managing the pirate ship adds an interesting level of complexity. This combination of pirate ocean exploration makes Black Flag different, fun and a must play if you like adventure, freedom and frenetic fast paced combat.
What You’ll Love:
- Gorgeous Caribbean setting and ship customization
- Naval battles that are genuinely fun and tactical
- A standalone story that doesn’t require playing previous titles
- Charming lead (Edward Kenway) with a rebellious edge
Best for: Adventure seekers, pirate fans, and players who want to explore land and sea alike.
Best for Classic Stealth Fans: Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023)
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) is perhaps the best installment for action and exploration at sea. Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, it combines engaging land-based combat with an expansive naval experience.
Players access the ship Jackdaw, sail the Caribbean, engage in ship battles, and uncover various hidden islands. The combination of fluid combat, stealth, and open-world exploration made gameplay fun and dynamic.
The naval mechanics were a standout and provided an entirely new mechanic that the series has not produced. The mixture of action and exploring the maritime world gives Black Flag a unique spot in the franchise as there are many that enjoy fast-paced fighting and the experience of an open sea.
Key Highlights:
- Set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age
- Emphasizes stealth, parkour, and strategic assassinations
- Arabic voice acting for cultural authenticity
- Minimalist UI and mission structure make it beginner-friendly
Best for: Fans of stealth games like Hitman or Dishonored, and players wanting a tight, focused Assassin’s Creed experience.
Best for Modern Visuals and Dual Playstyles: Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025) is a standout option for players looking for modern graphics and the ability to play as two different characters. Set in 16th-century Japan during the Sengoku period, the game features two playable characters.
Naoe, a shinobi assassin from the historical Iga Province, and Yasuke, a real-life historical African samurai. By including two playable characters, players will experience the story and gameplay from two separate viewpoints, while still having multiple combat styles and abilities.
What Makes Shadows Special:
- Two playable protagonists with unique mechanics
- Gorgeous environments, stunning architecture, and vibrant world-building
- Perfect mix of stealth and action combat
- Designed to be welcoming for newcomers
Best for: First-time players in 2025 looking for the freshest Assassin’s Creed experience with modern polish.
Games to Avoid Starting With
While every Assassin’s Creed game has its merits, not all are beginner-friendly. We suggest avoiding these as your first game:
- Assassin’s Creed (2007) – Clunky mechanics, dated design
- Assassin’s Creed III (2012) – Confusing pacing, divisive protagonist
- Assassin’s Creed Rogue – More of a side story, lacks impact without prior context
Bonus: The Ezio Trilogy (II, Brotherhood, Revelations)
If you enjoy Assassin’s Creed II, it’s worth continuing Ezio’s story with:
- Brotherhood – Builds on gameplay with Rome as your playground.
- Revelations – A reflective, emotional finale to Ezio’s arc.
All three are available in The Ezio Collection and provide a satisfying narrative arc for new players.
Quick Recommendations Based on Your Preferences:
| Your Gaming Preference | Recommended Game |
|---|---|
| Classic story and stealth | Assassin’s Creed II |
| Historical deep dive | Assassin’s Creed Origins |
| Open world with naval combat | Assassin’s Creed Black Flag |
| Streamlined stealth experience | Assassin’s Creed Mirage |
| Latest visuals and storytelling | Assassin’s Creed Shadows |
| RPG-focused gameplay | Assassin’s Creed Odyssey |
So, what’s the best Assassin’s Creed game to start with? It depends on your taste:
- Want the most iconic experience? Start with Assassin’s Creed II.
- Prefer modern RPG elements? Origins or Shadows are excellent choices.
- Love pirates and sea battles? Black Flag is your best bet.
- Prefer shorter, stealthier experiences? Mirage is tailor-made for you.
Whichever path you choose, you’re in for a journey through time filled with secret blades, ancient conspiracies, and unforgettable characters. Your leap of faith into the Assassin’s Creed universe starts now.