Choosing your first foray into the vast and historical world of Assassin’s Creed can be daunting. With so many titles spanning different eras and protagonists, it’s a valid question: what Assassin’s Creed game should I play first? This guide will help you navigate the Animus and find the perfect entry point into this beloved franchise.
Navigating the Animus: Finding the Best Starting Point
The Assassin’s Creed series isn’t strictly linear, although some games do connect narratively. This can make picking a starting point tricky. Don’t worry, we’ll break down the best options based on different playstyles and preferences. We’ll explore everything from gameplay mechanics and historical settings to story arcs and character development, helping you pinpoint the ideal Assassin’s Creed experience for you.
The Classics: A Traditional Assassin’s Creed Experience
If you’re looking for a taste of the original formula that made the franchise famous, consider starting with Assassin’s Creed II. This game introduces Ezio Auditore da Firenze, one of the most beloved characters in the series, and features Renaissance Italy as its backdrop. The gameplay focuses on stealth, parkour, and assassinations, offering a solid foundation to understand the core mechanics.
Alternatively, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood continues Ezio’s story and expands upon the gameplay, adding the recruitment and management of assassins. This allows you to experience a more tactical and strategic layer to the combat and exploration.
Modern Beginnings: RPG Elements and Vast Open Worlds
For those who prefer a more modern RPG experience, Assassin’s Creed Origins is an excellent choice. Set in Ancient Egypt, this game introduces a vast open world with RPG elements like leveling, skill trees, and loot. It offers a fresh take on the combat system while maintaining the core tenets of the series.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey further expands on the RPG elements, offering dialogue choices and branching storylines. Set in Ancient Greece, this game boasts stunning visuals and a captivating narrative. You also choose between two playable characters, each with their own unique storyline.
A Linear Narrative: Experience the Viking Age
If you prioritize a strong narrative experience with a more linear structure, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a fantastic option. Set in the Viking Age, this game allows you to lead your clan in raids and conquests across England. While still retaining RPG elements, Valhalla emphasizes storytelling and character development.
Which Assassin’s Creed Should I Play First: Choosing Your Path
Ultimately, the best Assassin’s Creed game to play first depends on your personal preferences. Do you prefer a classic experience, a modern RPG, or a compelling narrative? Consider what aspects of the game are most important to you – the historical setting, the gameplay mechanics, or the story – and choose accordingly.
“Choosing the right entry point can significantly impact a player’s enjoyment of a long-running series like Assassin’s Creed,” says Emily Carter, a game designer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. “Understanding the nuances of each game’s mechanics and narrative structure can help players find the perfect fit.”
Viking raid in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Other Considerations When Choosing Your First Assassin’s Creed Game
Besides gameplay and setting, consider your preferred platform. Most titles are available on PC and consoles, but some older games might not be available on newer hardware. Also, consider the length of the game. Some games are significantly longer than others, which might be a factor if you prefer shorter, more contained experiences.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different entries in the series,” adds Carter. “Each game offers a unique experience, and you might find yourself drawn to unexpected eras and characters.” David Miller, a gaming historian, emphasizes the educational value of the series. “Playing Assassin’s Creed can spark an interest in history and different cultures. It’s a fantastic way to learn while having fun.”
So, What Assassin’s Creed Game Should I Play First? The Final Verdict
There’s no single right answer, but this guide provides a framework to help you decide. Whether you’re drawn to the Renaissance, Ancient Egypt, or the Viking Age, there’s an Assassin’s Creed game waiting to be discovered. Now, choose your blade, and leap into history!
FAQs
- Can I play the Assassin’s Creed games out of order? Yes, although some narrative connections might be missed.
- Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best story? This is subjective, but Assassin’s Creed II and Black Flag are often cited as fan favorites.
- What is the easiest Assassin’s Creed game to start with? Assassin’s Creed II is generally considered a good entry point due to its refined mechanics and engaging story.
- Which Assassin’s Creed game has the biggest map? Assassin’s Creed Valhalla currently boasts the largest map in the series.
- Do I need to play the earlier games to understand the later ones? No, each game has its own self-contained story, although there are overarching narrative threads throughout the series.
- Which Assassin’s Creed game is the longest? Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla are among the longest games in the series.
- What Assassin’s Creed game should I play first if I like RPGs? Assassin’s Creed Origins or Odyssey are great choices for RPG fans.
