While players certainly have many different opinions about the Assassin’s Creed series, one thing that many fans certainly agree is that the other series aren’t that prominently stand out due to its diverse historical environment alone.
Yes, fantasy is cool, but exploring the take of a world that we know has existed in some way in the past can be very special and exciting. Exploring the Italian Renaissance, part of the French Revolution, and even listening to sea huts in the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy, is all unique treats.
Ubisoft has replicated this kind of experience in the series since the original in 2007, taking us to a truly amazing place at the time. We’ve ranked some of the best franchise settings. It takes into account factors such as its atmosphere, world maps, and some of the side quests offered.
Let’s take a look at some of the cities, regions and wider areas in the game to showcase the wider range of locations offered in the series.
10
Victorian London East End (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate DLC)
The creed of assassins with a steampunk atmosphere and dark city
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a major realization of industrial London in the 19th century, with an atmosphere that makes players feel oppressed. However, the game’s first major post-release DLC was exactly what I wanted for this period setting.
This expansion adds a much darker tone and a more gritty urban style to the eastern edge of London, and explores another story that focuses on the elusive serial killer, the infamous Jack’s ripper.
We also managed to play a little more as Evie. This is a great touch as I felt that the game often prioritizes her brother, Jacob. I wanted to play high stakes missions more as her during the main story.
But the bad news is that the expansion is too short for my taste and lasts around 3 hours. There wasn’t enough content here.
9
Holy Land (Assassin’s Creed)
The first trip back to the past
Its setting is unparalleled in terms of nostalgic sense, so take a little trip from the original assassin’s beliefs to the medieval sacred sites.
The war between the assassins and the Templars was just beginning to unfold, and the game was the peak of the game.
However, compared to later titles, the Holy Land is so ongoing, and can repeat a bit over time, with only the flag being captured and some Templars can be defeated as optional content. Also, the game isn’t that aging, and parkour gameplay isn’t as fluid and faster as the newer games in the franchise, which can make it feel a bit clunky these days.
But hey, it was the first step in the franchise, so we can’t just ignore it.
8
Baghdad (Assassin’s Creed Mirage)
Vibrant culture and really cool architecture
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set in the golden age of Islam, and Baghdad serves as an important trade route for the world. This made the city full of diversity, scholars, traders and a very rich culture.
The best part is that it’s all translated into the world building of the game. The streets are filled with a variety of people, and the buildings have this really cool architecture, with city walls in circles, and the size of their world map is formidable.
It’s also interesting that the game respects the emptiness of the desert. The title has more unique quests, hopefully fewer activities that can feel stylistic, such as repetitive treasure hunts and short (very rewardless) stories involving random citizens.
It also missed an animustouch, which is important for the franchise’s historical concept.
7
Rome (Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood)
Renaissance Rome with famous landmarks and ominous atmosphere
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood does an incredible job of presenting a visually stunning and charming Rome, along with the atmosphere of an old and beautiful city that has been corrupted over the years. In addition to the settings, you can see the growth of Ezio Auditore as Master Assassin unfolds.
There are also several challenging activities, such as facing the Tower of Borgias, exploring ancient tombs, and getting along with the sects.
However, Rome was a bit visually disappointed in some respects. The crisper textures of the buildings could have made urban architecture more pop and perhaps even secured a higher place in the rankings.
6
Asgard (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla DLC)
I love the vibe
While the Viking-era recreation of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is aesthetically pleasing, the dawn of Ragnarok DLC is a truly unique experience within its setting.
This extension essentially places Aver within Norse mythology, particularly the famous mystical realm of Asgard. Asgard in particular is beautiful, completely packed with unique visual details, giving it a truly magical atmosphere. There’s also a special touch. You can play as the reincarnation body of the Almighty Odin himself.
The result is the appearance of Fenrir, Loki, Baldur and other iconic figures, resulting in a very pleasant and ambitious interpretation of the Nordic gods. This is the most impressive expansion from the Assassin’s Creed series so far, and it’s almost a filler to deliver over 20 hours of content.
5
Paris (Unification of Assassin’s Creed)
We always have Paris
Despite the controversial release, Assassin’s Creed Unification does a spectacular job of recreating one of the most intense periods in European history, and that’s why we should remember.
In this game, the French capital is alive and has beautifully designed scenarios, amazing architectural buildings and a hypnotism atmosphere. There are so many people, so many crowds, so they get rioted and create a sense of urbanity.
Just wandering around the city while enjoying the scenery and unique atmosphere. That said, Unity is a game with great worldbuilding, but its storytelling and characterization lacks something to hold back the game.
4
Ancient Greece (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
Magnificent Athens with a touch of mythology
From being able to climb a giant statue of Zeus to kicking enemies off the cliff with a Spartan kick, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey brings us the wonderful, brutal spirit of ancient Greece.
Its open world is visually astounding, full of devastated temples, beautiful beaches and, of course, exciting recreation of Athens’ city to explore. Kassandra and Alexios’ dynamic and family dramas offer characterizations that lack titles such as Unity.
The game also does an amazing job of implementing Greek myths in a special quest, bringing players to face Medusa and Minotaurs and trying to answer the strange mysteries of the Sphinx. The only bad news is that these activities are too short.
3
Feudal Japan (shadow)
Amazing open world in Samurai style
Feudal Japan is one of the most beloved historical environments in all mediums, and Ubisoft has made its advantages in the shadow of the Assassin’s beliefs.
For example, you can invade Osaka Castle, visit Honnoji Temple, pray at Kasuga Shrine, or even pass the Seta Bridge. All of these experiences are very unique.
Rather than having two main characters, Yasuke and Naoe, it gives space to tell two different stories, giving Samurai’s emphasis on exploring the world and fighting.
2
Florence (Assassin’s Creed 2)
An impressive and unforgettable view of Italy
The Italian Renaissance of Assassin’s Creed 2 was the first big leap in the 2009 series (yes, dear reader, we’re a bit old).
Ezio Auditore and his thrilling story have led thousands of players to fall in love with the city. And the world building and gameplay improvements are pretty impressive. It was also the first time that Assassin Creed Game had fast climbing mechanics.
Adding to the iconic Italian vibe, the incredible missions through the city (like making friends with the iconic Leonardo da Vinci) make this experience one of the things you’d like to forget to perform it for the first time.
1
Caribbean (Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag)
There’s nothing like naval combat, sea sheds, pirate vibes
Black Flag was my first assassin creed experience, and the Caribbean setting is heartwarming and seductive.
Its world map is filled with life with bright, sunny climates, beautiful tropical beaches and a seductive pirate atmosphere. Its size is at the point, too big or too small, explored by three different cities, the Jungle Islands and various small settlements.
And there are so many different activities, such as whaling, sailing, diving, and amazing naval combat. Many may not remember that the latter is in fact the reason why the skull and bones were created.
Take me to the boat. You can hear more sea huts from the pirate crew!
