Welcome to the world of the Assassin's Creed. For over a decade, this groundbreaking franchise has invited players to journey through pivotal moments in history, embodying the shadows of the Brotherhood and the deadly dance between Assassins and Templars. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just beginning your descent into the Animus, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about the sprawling universe of Assassin's Creed.

At its core, Assassin's Creed is more than just a video game series; it's a narrative tapestry woven with historical accuracy, philosophical intrigue, and thrilling action. Players step into the roles of various Assassins, members of a secret order dedicated to preserving free will against the Templars, who seek to impose order and control through manipulation and power. These conflicts unfold across meticulously recreated historical periods, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.

The Grand Narrative: Assassins vs. Templars

The central conflict driving the entire Assassin's Creed saga is the age-old war between the Assassins and the Templars. This isn't merely a clash of swords; it's a battle of ideologies. The Assassins, guided by the Creed, champion freedom, believing humanity must forge its own destiny, even with the risks that entails. Their iconic motto, "Nothing is true, everything is permitted," reflects this philosophy, encouraging critical thinking and personal responsibility.

Conversely, the Templars, or Order of the Ancients as they are sometimes known, believe that true peace and order can only be achieved through absolute control and by guiding humanity down a predetermined path. They see themselves as benevolent guardians, albeit ones who are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their vision of a perfect society. Their pursuit of order often involves acquiring powerful artifacts, such as Pieces of Eden, which have immense influence over the human mind.

The modern-day storyline acts as a crucial bridge, connecting the historical narratives through the use of the Animus, a device that allows individuals to relive the memories of their ancestors. This allows players to experience firsthand the actions of past Assassins while also uncovering a present-day conspiracy involving Abstergo Industries, the modern-day front for the Templar Order. This dual narrative structure is a hallmark of the series, providing context and driving the overarching plot forward.

A Journey Through Time: The Games

The Assassin's Creed franchise boasts an impressive number of main installments, each taking players to a distinct historical setting and introducing new protagonists, gameplay mechanics, and narrative arcs. Here's a look at some of the most pivotal entries:

Early Innovations and Foundational Stories

• Assassin's Creed (2007): The game that started it all, set during the Third Crusade. Players control Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, a skilled Assassin tasked with assassinating key figures in the Holy Land. This entry introduced the core gameplay loop of stealth, parkour, and social stealth.
• Assassin's Creed II (2009): Widely considered a masterpiece, this game shifted the setting to Renaissance Italy and introduced Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the most beloved characters in gaming history. It expanded on the first game with a richer story, more varied missions, and enhanced gameplay.
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010): Continuing Ezio's story, this installment brought players to Rome and introduced the ability to recruit and command a brotherhood of Assassins, adding a strategic layer to combat and infiltration.
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011): Concluding Ezio's trilogy, this game sees an aging Ezio journey to Constantinople, searching for ancient Assassin secrets and uncovering more about the origins of the Brotherhood and the conflict.
• Assassin's Creed III (2012): This entry marked a significant shift, taking players to colonial America during the American Revolution and introducing Connor Kenway, a half-Mohawk, half-British Assassin.

Expanding Horizons and New Eras

• Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013): Shifting focus to the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, this game starred Edward Kenway, Connor's grandfather. It masterfully blended naval combat and exploration with traditional Assassin gameplay, earning critical acclaim.
• Assassin's Creed Rogue (2014): A unique entry, this game explored the Templar perspective through the eyes of Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin who defects to the Templars. It's set during the Seven Years' War.
• Assassin's Creed Unity (2014): Set during the French Revolution in Paris, this game featured Arno Dorian and aimed for a more immersive, detailed open world, though it faced a rocky launch.
• Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015): This game took players to Victorian London and introduced twin Assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye, each with their own distinct playstyles and abilities.

The RPG Renaissance

• Assassin's Creed Origins (2017): This title marked a significant reinvention of the series, transforming it into a full-fledged action RPG. Set in ancient Egypt, it introduced Bayek of Siwa, the last Medjay, and laid the groundwork for the series' new direction.
• Assassin's Creed Odyssey (2018): Transporting players to ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, Odyssey offered unprecedented player choice, a vast open world, and the ability to choose between two protagonists, Kassandra or Alexios. It further cemented the RPG mechanics.
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020): Set during the Viking Age, players assume the role of Eivor Varinsdottir (or Eivor Varinsdottir), a Norse raider exploring and conquering territories in England. This installment continued the RPG focus with deep combat, settlement building, and extensive exploration.
• Assassin's Creed Mirage (2023): A deliberate return to the series' stealth-focused roots, Mirage features Basim Ibn Ishaq in 9th-century Baghdad, offering a more condensed and stealth-centric experience reminiscent of earlier titles.

Beyond these main titles, the series has also seen spin-offs and mobile games like Assassin's Creed Identity (available on Android via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store), offering different gameplay experiences.

The Assassin's Creed Cinematic Universe

In 2016, the Assassin's Creed universe expanded beyond video games with the release of the live-action film, simply titled Assassin's Creed. Starring Michael Fassbender as Callum Lynch and his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, the film aimed to translate the core themes and gameplay elements of the series to the big screen. While it received mixed reviews, it introduced the franchise to a new audience and explored the Animus concept and the Assassin-Templar conflict through a cinematic lens.

Diving Deeper: Lore, Communities, and Fandom

The Assassin's Creed universe is rich with lore, historical details, and an active fan community. Exploring platforms like Reddit (r/assassinscreed is a popular hub) allows fans to discuss theories, share fan art, and stay updated on franchise news. The depth of the lore has also inspired a vibrant fan fiction scene, with platforms like Archive of Our Own (AO3) hosting countless stories that delve into character relationships and alternative storylines.

For those who enjoy exploring the more mature or niche aspects of fandom, terms like "rule 34 assassin's creed" indicate a search for fan-created content that often reimagines characters and scenarios in adult themes, a common aspect of many popular franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main premise of Assassin's Creed?

The Assassin's Creed series centers on the eternal conflict between the Assassins, who fight for free will, and the Templars, who seek to control humanity for perceived order. Players typically relive the memories of their Assassin ancestors through a device called the Animus.

Which Assassin's Creed game is the best to start with?

For a foundational experience, Assassin's Creed II is often recommended due to its compelling story, beloved protagonist Ezio, and refined gameplay. However, Assassin's Creed Origins is a great entry point for those interested in the modern RPG direction, offering a vast world and deep mechanics.

Are the historical settings in Assassin's Creed accurate?

Ubisoft, the developer, puts significant effort into historical research to create immersive and generally accurate settings. While creative liberties are taken for gameplay and narrative purposes, the games serve as excellent springboards for learning about different historical periods.

Is there a connection between the modern-day story and the historical games?

Yes, the modern-day narrative acts as a crucial narrative thread connecting all the historical entries. Players often control a modern-day character who uses the Animus to access their ancestor's memories, and the overarching conspiracy unfolds in the present.

The Legacy Continues

From its humble beginnings as a stealth-action game focused on historical tourism and a unique narrative device, Assassin's Creed has evolved dramatically. It has embraced RPG elements, explored new genres, and expanded its universe across different media. Whether you're drawn to the intricate stealth mechanics of early titles, the sprawling open worlds of the RPG entries like Odyssey and Valhalla, or the intriguing historical settings of games like Black Flag and Origins, there's an Assassin's Creed experience for every player.

The enduring appeal of Assassin's Creed lies in its ambitious storytelling, its dedication to historical immersion, and its timeless themes of freedom versus control. As the series continues to innovate, it promises to keep players engaged, challenging them to question the past and contemplate the future, one leap of faith at a time.