Best Assassin’s Creed Starting Point by Style or Setting

The best Assassin’s Creed starting point depends on what you value most: if you want a tight, story-driven experience, start with Assassin’s Creed II; if you want a massive open-world RPG with deep systems, start with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Origins. This guide breaks down the best entry points by story, setting, and gameplay style so you can pick the one that fits you.

How the Series Evolved

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has gone through two distinct eras. The first era (2007–2015) focused on stealth, parkour, and a linear story with a modern-day framing device. Games like AC II, Brotherhood, and Black Flag are tighter, with a clear protagonist and a narrative that unfolds over 15–30 hours. The second era (2017–present) shifted to action-RPG mechanics: level-gating, skill trees, dialogue choices, and massive maps that can take 60–100+ hours to complete. Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla are the big three of this era. Your choice of starting point should align with which of these styles appeals to you.

Best for Story: Assassin’s Creed II

If you care most about a compelling, character-driven story, Assassin’s Creed II (2009) is the gold standard. You play as Ezio Auditore, a young nobleman whose family is betrayed, and you watch him grow from a reckless youth into a master assassin. The game has a clear three-act structure, memorable supporting characters, and a satisfying revenge arc. It also introduces the modern-day protagonist Desmond Miles, whose story runs through AC II, Brotherhood, and Revelations. Starting here gives you the best narrative foundation, and you can continue with Ezio’s trilogy if you want more.

Best for Setting: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Origins

If the setting matters more than the story, pick based on which historical period fascinates you. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018) drops you into ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. You can climb the Parthenon, sail the Aegean, and meet figures like Socrates and Alcibiades. Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017) is set in Ptolemaic Egypt, just before the Roman conquest. You explore the pyramids, the Nile Delta, and Alexandria, with a more grounded story about the birth of the Assassin Brotherhood. Both are visually stunning, but Origins has a tighter narrative, while Odyssey offers more player choice and a bigger world.

How to Choose by Gameplay Style

Your preferred gameplay mechanics should also guide your choice. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Stealth and parkour purists: Start with Assassin’s Creed II or Assassin’s Creed Unity. These emphasize social stealth, rooftop traversal, and assassination contracts. The modern RPGs de-emphasize stealth in favor of combat.
• RPG fans who love loot and builds: Start with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It has a deep skill tree, gear with stats, and multiple endings. You can play as a warrior, assassin, or hunter.
• Naval combat enthusiasts: Start with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It’s a pirate game with excellent ship-to-ship combat and a decent story, but the Assassin vs. Templar conflict takes a backseat.
• Historical tourism: Choose by era: Egypt (Origins), Greece (Odyssey), Viking England (Valhalla), Renaissance Italy (AC II), or Paris during the Revolution (Unity).

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Many newcomers bounce off the series because they pick a game that doesn’t match their expectations. If you start with Odyssey and expect a classic Assassin’s Creed stealth game, you’ll be disappointed. Conversely, if you start with AC II and want a huge open world with dialogue choices, you’ll find it dated. Another common issue is starting with a sequel. For example, Assassin’s Creed III assumes you know the modern-day story from previous games. To avoid confusion, either start with AC II (the beginning of the Desmond arc) or with Origins (a soft reboot that doesn’t require prior knowledge).

Comparing the Top Entry Points

Here’s a side-by-side of the three most recommended starting games:

• Assassin’s Creed II (2009): Linear story, 20–30 hours, stealth-focused, no level-gating. Best for story and classic AC feel. Available on most platforms via remaster.
• Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017): Open world, 40–60 hours, action-RPG with light stealth. Best for a balanced experience with a strong protagonist (Bayek). Introduces the modern-day story in a new way.
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018): Massive open world, 60–100 hours, heavy RPG with dialogue choices and multiple endings. Best for those who love Greek mythology and player agency.

Cost and Platform Considerations

Older games like AC II are often very cheap, especially during sales. Newer ones like Odyssey and Valhalla are still full-priced or mid-priced, but they go on sale frequently. If you’re on a tight budget, start with AC II or Black Flag. If you have a modern console or PC, the newer games offer better graphics and performance. All mainline games are available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, but some older titles are not available on current-gen consoles unless you buy the remastered versions (like AC II in the Ezio Collection).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play the Assassin’s Creed games in order?

No. Each game has a self-contained story, but the modern-day framing connects them. If you start with AC II, you’ll understand the modern-day plot better, but you can jump into any game and follow the historical story without prior knowledge. Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla are particularly standalone-friendly.

Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey a good starting point?

Yes, if you like action-RPGs and don’t mind a huge time investment. It’s set in ancient Greece and offers a lot of freedom, but it doesn’t feel like a traditional Assassin’s Creed game. If you want a more classic experience, choose AC II or Origins.

Which Assassin’s Creed has the best story?

Many fans consider Assassin’s Creed II to have the best story, thanks to Ezio’s character arc. Others prefer Black Flag for its emotional ending, or Origins for its grounded narrative. It’s subjective, but AC II is the safest bet for a story-focused start.

Can I skip the first Assassin’s Creed game?

Yes. The first game (2007) is dated and repetitive, and its story is recapped in AC II. You won’t miss much by skipping it. Start with AC II instead.

Which Assassin’s Creed is the most historically accurate?

No game is fully accurate, but Origins and Odyssey are praised for their attention to historical detail in architecture and culture. However, they take creative liberties with events and characters for gameplay purposes. If you want a more grounded historical feel, Origins is a good pick.

Are the newer games too long?

Odyssey and Valhalla can take 80–100 hours to complete, which can be overwhelming. If you prefer a shorter experience, stick with the older games like AC II (20–30 hours) or Black Flag (30–40 hours). Origins is a middle ground at around 50 hours.

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