Which Assassin’s Creed are Connected?
The Assassin’s Creed series has grown to include numerous games, each with its own unique storyline and characters. But are all the games connected, or can you play them in any order? In this article, we’ll explore the connections between the Assassin’s Creed games and provide guidance on the best way to play through the series.
Desmond Miles and the Founders
The Assassin’s Creed series began with Desmond Miles, the protagonist of the first game. Desmond is a modern-day protagonist who relives the memories of his ancestors through the Animus, a device that allows him to experience the past. The first three games, Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed II, and Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, are all connected through Desmond’s storyline. These games follow the lives of Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and Connor Kenway, three assassins who played key roles in the Assassin-Templar conflict.
The Assassin-Templar War
The Assassin-Templar war is a central theme throughout the Assassin’s Creed series. The war between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order has been ongoing for centuries, with each side seeking to shape the course of human history. The games are structured around this conflict, with each game building upon the events of the previous one.
Connections Between Games
While the first three games are directly connected through Desmond’s storyline, later games in the series have their own connections to each other. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, for example, takes place in the early 18th century and follows the adventures of Edward Kenway, a pirate and grandfather of Connor Kenway. Although the game is set hundreds of years after the events of the first three games, it is connected to them through the character of Edward and his relationship to Connor.
The Legacy of Layla Hassan
The modern-day storyline of Assassin’s Creed: Origins introduces Layla Hassan, a character who plays a significant role in the series’ future. Layla is a young woman who becomes embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict and sets the stage for the events of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and beyond. Although Origins is a standalone game, it sets the stage for the connections between the series’ modern-day games.
Connections to the Original Trilogy
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the latest game in the series, is set in the Viking Age and follows the adventures of Eivor Varinsdottir. The game is connected to the original trilogy through the character of Layla Hassan, who plays a significant role in the game’s storyline. Valhalla is also connected to Black Flag through the character of Edward Kenway, who is an ancestor of Eivor.
The Order of Playing the Games
So, which Assassin’s Creed games should you play in what order? While the series can be played in any order, here is a suggested order:
- Assassin’s Creed
- Assassin’s Creed II
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
- Assassin’s Creed: Rogue
- Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate
- Assassin’s Creed: Origins
- Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
- Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed series is complex and multifaceted, with many games and characters connected through a shared storyline. While the games can be played in any order, following the series’ chronology and exploring the connections between the games can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the series.