What Should I Play Before AC Origins?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is the tenth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, and for new players, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Should you play the entire series in chronological order, or jump right into Origins without knowing the backstory? In this article, we’ll break down the essential games you should play before diving into AC Origins.
A Brief History of the Series
Before we dive into the specific games you should play before AC Origins, it’s essential to understand the general storyline of the Assassin’s Creed series. The series revolves around two rival secret societies, the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order, who have been locked in a centuries-long conflict. The Assassin Brotherhood, led by the Hashashin, seeks to protect humanity from the Templars’ attempts to control it.
The Must-Play Games
The Assassin’s Creed series is notorious for its complex timeline and interconnected storylines, but fear not! Here are the essential games you should play before AC Origins:
- Assassin’s Creed (2007): This is where the series began, introducing the world to Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad, a rebellious Assassin who seeks to destroy the Templar Order. While the game has its flaws, it sets the stage for the series.
- Assassin’s Creed II (2009): This is considered one of the best games in the series, following the story of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a young Italian Assassin who seeks to avenge his family’s murder.
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010): This game continues Ezio’s story, as he battles against the Templars in Renaissance Italy.
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011): This game takes a step back in time to the Crusades, where Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad (yes, the same guy from the first game) is back, fighting against the Templars.
- Assassin’s Creed III (2012): This game takes a huge leap forward in time to the American Revolution, following the story of Connor, a half-Breed Assassin who seeks to free the colonies from British rule.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013): This game takes the series to the Golden Age of Piracy, following the story of Edward Kenway, a British pirate who becomes embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict.
Optional but Still Worth Playing
If you have the time and want to get a deeper understanding of the series’ lore, you may want to consider playing the following games:
- Assassin’s Creed: Unity (2014): Set during the French Revolution, this game follows the story of Arno Dorian, a young Assassin seeking to avenge his adopted father’s death.
- Assassin’s Creed: Rogue (2014): This game is a spin-off set in the 18th century, following the story of Shay Patrick Cormac, a Templar-turned-Assassin.
A Summary of the Games
Here’s a quick summary of the games you should play before AC Origins:
| Game | Release Year | Setting | Main Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed | 2007 | Crusades | Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad |
| Assassin’s Creed II | 2009 | Renaissance Italy | Ezio Auditore da Firenze |
| Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood | 2010 | Renaissance Italy | Ezio Auditore da Firenze |
| Assassin’s Creed: Revelations | 2011 | Crusades | Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad |
| Assassin’s Creed III | 2012 | American Revolution | Connor |
| Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | 2013 | Golden Age of Piracy | Edward Kenway |
AC Origins: The Start of a New Era
AC Origins marks a new era for the Assassin’s Creed series, introducing a new protagonist, Bayek, and a new setting, ancient Egypt. The game promises a fresh start for the series, with a new narrative, characters, and gameplay mechanics. While it’s not essential to play the entire series before jumping into Origins, playing the above-mentioned games will give you a deeper understanding of the Assassin-Templar conflict and the world of Assassin’s Creed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re new to the Assassin’s Creed series and looking to play AC Origins, it’s recommended to play the following games before jumping into the new installment:
- Assassin’s Creed (2007)
- Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011)
- Assassin’s Creed III (2012)
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
By playing these games, you’ll gain a better understanding of the series’ lore, characters, and plot, making your experience in AC Origins even more enjoyable.