Worst Assassin's Creed Games for Newbies: A Ranked List

Summary

Assassin’s Creed games vary in accessibility for newcomers based on complexity.
Some titles, like Origins and Valhalla, have RPG mechanics that may be overwhelming.
Starting with an entry like Revelations in an ongoing trilogy can confuse newcomers.

For nearly two decades now, the Assassin’s Creed series has produced games set in various historical eras. Though not all titles have had follow-ups to further develop a character’s narrative, the games still provide enjoyment, despite players perhaps feeling less connected to the main assassins compared to their bond with Ezio across his trilogy.

Certain Assassin’s Creed games prioritize providing an optimal gameplay experience, whereas others lean heavily on their storyline to compensate for mechanical flaws. It’s important to note that the following Assassin’s Creed games are not recommended for beginners due to their complexity and inaccessibility within the franchise, rather than their quality.

In some Assassin’s Creed games, the gameplay experience is emphasized over everything else, while others rely heavily on storytelling as a way to mask potential mechanical shortcomings. This list highlights those Assassin’s Creed titles that are least suitable for newcomers because they are too intricate or challenging within the series, rather than being poor in terms of quality.

7. Assassin’s Creed 3

The Introduction Of Naval Combat Can Be A Bit Much

Good story, although some characters lacked depth
New game mechanics that can often feel overwhelming

In a nutshell, Assassin’s Creed 3 isn’t necessarily the top game in the series due to certain characters not having enough depth. The story set during the American Revolution and featuring historical figures was engaging, but there’s always space for refinement. However, it made the list not because of its narrative, but primarily because it introduced fresh game mechanics that long-term fans may appreciate, but could be challenging for new players.

Incorporating sea battles, such as the one developed by Ubisoft, is an ingenious move; however, it could catch first-timers off guard.

6. Assassin’s Creed Rogue

The Story Isn’t The Best, So It Might Be Hard For Newcomers To Get Hooked On The Franchise

Good leading character, but others have been better
Since it serves as a bridge between previous titles, some parts of the narrative can be confusing for newcomers

The game “Assassin’s Creed Rogue” isn’t the most well-known in the series, not because it’s poorly made but due to its storyline being less developed compared to other standout narratives within the franchise. Being a link between previous games and set just before “Assassin’s Creed Unity”, new players might find some aspects or characters unfamiliar.

Shay Patrick Cormac makes for a fine main character, yet he’s not quite as captivating or multifaceted as Ezio, Bayek, or Arno.

5. Assassin’s Creed Unity

Known For Being Quite Buggy

Beautiful rendition of 18th-century France
Bugs and glitches were prominent in this title

As a dedicated fan, I must say that diving into Assassin’s Creed Unity was an immersive journey through a stunningly realistic France during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution. The game introduced some groundbreaking mechanics and showcased incredible attention to detail. Yet, despite these captivating features, the game was marred by technical issues that left many players frustrated and dissatisfied.

Despite numerous fixes over time to eliminate bugs and major issues, it’s possible that some lingering problems remain which could negatively impact the experience for new players. The use of mods can exacerbate these issues, so those seeking a smooth, uncomplicated playthrough might want to approach with caution.

4. Assassin’s Creed Origins

The Franchise’s First Full-Fledged RPG Title

First Assassin’s Creed title to introduce full RPG mechanics
Newcomers should play previous titles that still had the classic formula

Assassin’s Creed Origins has stirred up a lot of debate within the series, marking a significant departure from its traditional formula for an immersion into RPG-style gameplay. For the large part, it lives up to expectations and is genuinely enjoyable to experience.

For those newcomers seeking the traditional Assassin’s Creed experience, it would be wiser to begin elsewhere than with the original game starring Altair. Experiencing Altair’s story by completing the first Assassin’s Creed is still recommended, despite the fact that its mechanics might feel somewhat awkward.

3. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

The Map Is Quite Large And Can Be Daunting For Newcomers

Ancient Greece holds many secrets
The map can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers

As a gamer, I can confidently say that diving into Ancient Greece feels like stepping right into one of history’s grandest chapters. Famous philosophers, epic battles, and literature that continues to captivate us today – it’s all here! Assassin’s Creed Odyssey doesn’t just follow the legacy set by its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed Origins, but expands upon it masterfully. New characters, a gripping narrative, and refined mechanics make this game an unforgettable journey through time.

For beginners just joining the Assassin’s Creed series, it might be more enjoyable to begin with games set in the RPG era first, as starting with “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” from the post-RPG period could pose a few difficulties. However, for those who have previously completed this game multiple times, there are some creative options available to make a repeat playthrough more exciting.

2. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Strategic Approaches And Wiser Combat Moves Are Required

Several game mechanics that can be overwhelming
The Viking era makes for an interesting setting

Prior to the launch of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, many enthusiasts of the Assassin’s Creed series had been eagerly anticipating a game set in the Viking age for quite some time. Upon its release, some players praised it, while others voiced concerns over the downloadable content and certain historical inconsistencies that detracted from the game’s storyline.

New players embarking on their initial Assassin’s Creed journey with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla may face a similar challenge to those venturing into other series titles in the post-RPG era: an overabundance of game mechanics and a shift away from the traditional focus on assassinating targets. While the game offers enjoyable gameplay, it might not be the ideal introduction for newcomers to this universe. Those who have already completed the game once may seek novel methods to add excitement to their second playthrough.

1. Assassin’s Creed Revelations

Diving Into The Franchise On The Third Installment Of A Trilogy Can Result In Many Things Not Making Sense

The epic conclusion to Ezio’s Trilogy
Set in Renaissance Constantinople

Among longtime enthusiasts of the Assassin’s Creed series, the Ezio Trilogy is widely considered as the franchise’s finest. This isn’t just because players have grown attached to the character over three games, but also because it unfolds in the fascinating historical eras of Renaissance Italy and Constantinople. These periods provide a wealth of intrigue for exploration.

Playing Assassin’s Creed Revelations might not be the best choice for those new to the series, as it concludes the Ezio Trilogy and delves into both Ezio’s and Altair’s stories. Consequently, newcomers may find themselves perplexed by numerous events that unfold throughout the game’s narrative due to their lack of prior knowledge about these characters.

2025-02-02 11:35

Worst Assassin’s Creed Games for Newbies: A Ranked List