Assassin's Creed: Full Timeline Revealed

Assassin's Creed Shadows marks the latest installment in the iconic series, set during the feudal Japan of the Sengoku period, placing it at a fascinating point in the franchise's timeline. Unlike many series that follow a strict chronological order, Assassin's Creed jumps through time, exploring pivotal moments from ancient history to the early 20th century. This non-linear approach allows the series to delve into diverse historical settings and narratives, making each game a unique exploration of human history and the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.

With 14 mainline games and counting, the Assassin's Creed timeline has become increasingly intricate. To help fans navigate this complex saga, IGN has meticulously analyzed the lore to create a comprehensive timeline. This timeline not only organizes the key events chronologically but also weaves together the overarching narrative that spans centuries.

The Isu Era

75,000 BCE

Before diving into the timeline, it's essential to understand the foundational lore of the Assassin's Creed universe. Far back in time, a civilization of advanced beings known as the Isu ruled Earth. These god-like beings created humanity as their servants, controlling them with powerful artifacts called the Apples of Eden. However, humans, led by Eve and Adam, rebelled against their oppressors, sparking a war. This conflict was abruptly ended by a catastrophic solar flare that wiped out the Isu, leaving humanity to rise from the ashes and inherit the planet.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

431 to 422 BCE - Peloponnesian War

During the tumultuous Peloponnesian War in Greece, mercenary Kassandra uncovers the sinister Cult of Kosmos, a group manipulating the conflict from the shadows. Her journey reveals that her brother Alexios, kidnapped by the Cult as a child, has been transformed into a powerful weapon due to his Isu lineage, a direct descendant of Spartan King Leonidas. Kassandra's mission to stop the Cult leads her to destroy an Isu device they use to predict and control the war's outcome. In her quest, she reunites with her father, Pythagoras, who entrusts her with the Staff of Hermes, granting immortality and the guardianship of Atlantis.

Assassin's Creed Origins

49 to 43 BCE - Ptolemaic Egypt

In the era of Cleopatra's reign, the Order of the Ancients, another shadowy faction allied with the Cult of Kosmos, targets peacekeeper Bayek and his family. Seeking an Isu vault, they kidnap Bayek's son, resulting in a tragic accident that fuels Bayek's quest for vengeance. Alongside his wife Aya, they dismantle the Order's control over Egypt, which extends to manipulating Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. Their fight against the Order leads to the founding of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood, dedicated to resisting global tyranny.

Assassin's Creed Mirage

861 - Islamic Golden Age

A century later, the Hidden Ones have expanded their influence, establishing strongholds like Alamut in Iran. Here, Basim, once a street thief from Baghdad, is trained as an assassin to counter the Order of the Ancients' resurgence. His mission uncovers an Isu temple beneath Alamut, where he discovers his past life as the Isu Loki, vowing revenge against those who imprisoned him.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

872 to 878 - Viking Invasion of England

Basim joins a Viking clan in England, led by Sigurd and his sibling Eivor, to pursue remnants of the Order. As they navigate alliances and conflicts, they uncover the tyrannical ambitions of King Alfred, a key member of the Order. Eivor and Sigurd's journey leads them to Isu artifacts that reveal their past lives as Odin and Týr, respectively, and Basim's vendetta against them. Eivor ultimately traps Basim in an Isu simulation and assumes leadership, returning to England to defeat Alfred and solidify their legacy.

Assassin's Creed

1191 - Third Crusade

By the late 11th century, the Hidden Ones have evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood, facing off against the newly formed Knights Templar, who continue the Order of the Ancients' quest for global domination. During the Third Crusade, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad undertakes a mission to retrieve an Apple of Eden from the Templars. His journey involves assassinating nine Templar leaders, revealing a plot to use the Apple's power. In a twist, Altaïr discovers his mentor, Al Mualim, had betrayed the Brotherhood for the Apple, forcing Altaïr to confront and defeat him, taking leadership of the Assassins.

Assassin's Creed 2

1476 to 1499 - Italian Renaissance

In Renaissance Italy, Ezio Auditore da Firenze joins the Assassin Brotherhood to avenge his family's murder by the Templars. Armed with his father's assassin tools and innovations from Leonardo da Vinci, Ezio battles the Templar-aligned Borgia family. His quest leads him to an Isu vault beneath the Vatican, where he encounters the Isu Minerva, who warns of an impending apocalypse in 2012. Ezio learns of a global network of Isu vaults that might hold the key to humanity's survival.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

1499 to 1507 - Italian Renaissance

Despite defeating Pope Rodrigo Borgia, Ezio faces further challenges when the Borgia forces seize his home and the Apple of Eden. He rebuilds the weakened Assassin Brotherhood, becoming its leader in Italy. The Assassins overthrow the Borgia regime in Rome, reclaiming the Apple and securing it in an Isu vault beneath the Colosseum.

Assassin's Creed Revelations

1511 to 1512 - Ottoman Civil War

Seeking more knowledge about the Isu, Ezio travels to Masyaf to explore Altaïr's library. The Templars are also after the library's secrets, prompting Ezio to ally with the Ottoman Assassins in Constantinople. Inside the library, Ezio finds Altaïr's remains and an Isu message from Jupiter about data crucial for surviving future apocalypses. Honoring Altaïr's sacrifice, Ezio leaves the Apple secured and retires, eventually succumbing to his injuries.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

1579 - Sengoku Period

Set during Japan's Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces Yasuke, an African mercenary turned samurai under the command of Oda Nobunaga. His journey intertwines with Naoe, a shinobi from the Iga province, as they navigate the conflicts of the era. Their paths converge in a shared pursuit, though the details of their story remain largely undisclosed.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

1715 to 1722 - Golden Age of Piracy

During the Golden Age of Piracy, Edward Kenway becomes entangled in a Templar plot to control The Observatory, an Isu device capable of surveillance. Seeking personal gain, Edward allies with pirates to locate the Observatory's key, the Sage Bartholomew Roberts. After a tumultuous journey involving betrayal and revenge, Edward destroys the Observatory, thwarting the Templars' plans and returning to England to live with his family.

Assassin's Creed Rogue

1752 to 1776 - French and Indian War

Shay Patrick Cormac, once an Assassin, defects after causing an earthquake in Lisbon while retrieving an Isu artifact. Joining the Templars, he rises through their ranks, thwarting the Assassins' efforts to find more Isu temples. His actions during the French and Indian War and later in the lead-up to the American Revolution shape the ongoing conflict between the two factions.

Assassin's Creed 3

1754 to 1783 - American Revolution

Haytham Kenway, son of Edward, seeks to unlock the Isu Grand Temple. His journey leads him to the American Colonies, where he fathers a son, Ratonhnhaké:ton, later known as Connor. Amidst the American Revolution, Connor battles Templars, including his father, to protect the Grand Temple key, ultimately burying it to prevent its misuse.

Assassin's Creed Liberation

1765 to 1777 - Spanish Occupation of Louisiana

Aveline de Grandpré, an Assassin in New Orleans, uncovers a Templar plot to control Louisiana through slavery and Isu artifacts. Her quest leads her to confront her stepmother, the 'Company Man,' and activate the Prophecy Disk, revealing the story of Eve's rebellion against the Isu.

Assassin's Creed Unity

1789 to 1794 - French Revolution

Orphaned Arno Dorian joins the Assassin Brotherhood to avenge his adoptive father's murder. His investigation reveals a Templar faction led by François-Thomas Germain, sparking the French Revolution. Arno and his sister Élise track down Germain, who attempts to use an Isu weapon, the Sword of Eden. The weapon's explosion kills Élise, and Arno seals Germain's remains in the Paris Catacombs.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate

1868 - Victorian England

In Victorian London, twin Assassins Jacob and Evie Frye seek the Isu Shroud, facing off against the Templars who have infiltrated the city's power structures. Jacob focuses on eliminating Templar leaders, while Evie races to find the Shroud. After thwarting the Templars' plans, the twins secure the Shroud and continue their fight against the Templars, with Evie eventually confronting Jack the Ripper.

Transition Period

1914 to 2012

The Assassin's Creed series also features a modern-day narrative that frames the historical events. During this transition period, the Templars establish Abstergo Industries, a front for their quest to control the world through technology. Abstergo develops the Animus, allowing them to explore ancestral memories and hunt for Isu artifacts, setting the stage for the modern storyline.

Assassin's Creed 1, 2, Brotherhood, Revelations, and 3

2012

In 2012, Desmond Miles, a descendant of several key Assassins, is abducted by Abstergo to locate Isu artifacts. With help from an Assassin mole, Lucy Stillman, Desmond escapes and joins the modern Assassin Brotherhood. Through the Animus, he explores the memories of Altaïr and Ezio, uncovering warnings of an impending apocalypse. Desmond's journey leads him to the Isu Grand Temple, where he sacrifices himself to prevent the apocalypse, releasing the Isu Juno.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

2013

Abstergo continues its search for Isu technology using Desmond's genetic material, focusing on Edward Kenway's memories. A researcher, known as "The Noob," is manipulated by the modern-day Sage, John Standish, who aims to release Juno. However, Standish's plan is thwarted when he is killed by Abstergo security.

Assassin's Creed Unity

2014

Abstergo releases Helix, a public software that allows users to experience genetic memories. An Assassin initiate, guided by Bishop, explores Arno Dorian's life to locate the remains of Sage François-Thomas Germain, ensuring they remain out of Abstergo's reach.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate

2015

The initiate's next mission involves tracking the Isu Shroud in London through the memories of Jacob and Evie Frye. Abstergo beats the Assassins to the Shroud, intending to use it to create a living Isu. Juno, meanwhile, manipulates events to sabotage Abstergo's plans.

Assassin's Creed Origins

2017

Layla Hassan, an Abstergo researcher, develops a new Animus that can explore memories directly from DNA. In Egypt, she discovers Bayek and Aya's remains, reliving the origins of the Hidden Ones. Layla is recruited by the modern Assassin Brotherhood led by William Miles.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

2018

Using DNA from the Spear of Leonidas, Layla explores Kassandra's memories, uncovering Atlantis and the eternal guardian Kassandra. Kassandra reveals Layla's role in maintaining balance between the Assassins and Templars and passes on the Staff of Hermes before dying.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

2020

Layla investigates magnetic field disturbances linked to Desmond's actions in 2012, exploring Eivor's memories to locate the Yggdrasil computer. Inside the simulation, she works with a manifestation of Desmond's mind to prevent future apocalypses. Basim, freed from the simulation, joins the Assassins and begins his quest for Loki's children.