The latest addition to Ubisoft's renowned series of stealth-action open-world games, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has finally arrived. As fans dive into the adventures of Naoe and Yasuke in 16th-century Japan, a pertinent question arises: where does this game stand among its predecessors? With over 30 games under the Assassin's Creed banner, we're focusing solely on the mainline entries for this discussion, excluding mobile, side-scrolling, VR, and spin-offs like Bloodlines or Liberation.
The Assassin's Creed saga began in 2007 with Desmond Miles exploring his ancestor Altaïr's past through the Animus. Now, 18 years later, we find ourselves in feudal Japan with the 14th core installment. I've taken the liberty of ranking these games in an IGN Tier List based on my personal enjoyment. You can view my tier list below:

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remains my top pick, cherished for its blend of island exploration, thrilling ship combat, and a vibrant cast of characters, offering what I believe is the quintessential Assassin's Creed experience. It shares the S-tier with Assassin’s Creed 2, the game that truly propelled the series into the spotlight. In the A-tier, I've placed Valhalla, which might raise some eyebrows, but its Viking-themed combat and the addictive Orlog minigame won me over. Also in A-tier is Unity, admired for its breathtaking depiction of Paris during the French Revolution, even a decade on.
Do you disagree with my rankings? Perhaps you find Valhalla too expansive or consider Assassin’s Creed 2 overrated? You have the chance to create your own tier list below and compare your S, A, B, C, and D rankings with the wider IGN community.
Are you enjoying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Where in the world would you like the series to venture next? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how you've ranked the games and why.