One of the fundamental principles for an assassin is the importance of remaining undetected; it’s far more advantageous to exist as a shadow than to wield a blade recklessly in plain sight.
This philosophy was deftly grasped by Ubisoft when they launched the groundbreaking Assassin’s Creed franchise. In its early days, before the proliferation of anachronistic boss fights and level limitations, the series excelled in strategic stealth gameplay, focusing on discreetly reaching your target and executing the mission efficiently, albeit not always subtly.
In this article, I will analyze the main entries within the Assassin’s Creed series to identify which games succeed in delivering a stealth-centric experience.
For clarity, this ranking includes only titles from the main series. The selections are based not only on stealth mechanics but also on how those mechanics enhance the overall gameplay and level design.
10 Assassin’s Creed
The Game That Launched a Franchise
Placing the original Assassin’s Creed in the top position is challenging due to its dated gameplay dynamics, which encourage players to engage in stealthy tactics when approaching targets.
While the experience of traversing the tumultuous landscapes of the Levant during the Third Crusade and carefully eliminating Templar leaders embodies what the series strives for, my nostalgia for this title outweighs its current gameplay effectiveness.
Despite its initial impact, the 2007 release now feels outdated, with simplistic map layouts and repetitive stealth options, like hiding on benches, diminishing the fun factor after just a couple of hours.
9 Assassin’s Creed Revelations
Ezio’s Bold Approach
As an older and more formidable Ezio, there’s a marked reduction in incentives to utilize stealth tactics.
The missions lean toward encouraging direct confrontation, as Ezio’s combat abilities overshadow stealth mechanics. Although armed with an arsenal of weapons for silent takedowns, the level design offers little motivation to remain covert.
At times, I found myself embracing Ezio’s persona as a fierce gang leader rather than a stealthy assassin, strolling through the vibrant streets of old Constantinople with a sense of ownership.
8 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
A Shift in Focus
While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a visually stunning game, it largely neglects the core essence of its franchise.
Building on the gameplay structure introduced in Origins, players embark on an extensive action RPG adventure that, unfortunately, neglects the series’ foundational stealth elements.
Though players can utilize environmental elements for stealthy maneuvers — with the introduction of a crouch button enhancing out-of-sight tactics — the notion of checking gear levels before an assassination detracts significantly from the experience.
In essence, while the sandbox gameplay and diverse builds provide room for creativity, the feeling of truly being an assassin is notably absent in Odyssey.
7 Assassin’s Creed II
The Origin of a Legend
Rather than throwing players directly into the fray, Assassin’s Creed II carefully develops the narrative of Ezio’s transformation into an assassin, making it a memorable title largely due to its level design.
This sequel takes the technological limitations of its predecessor and expands upon them, creating a classic that successfully incorporates stealth mechanics into numerous missions, including mandatory stealth segments.
However, revisiting this title revealed some clunky and outdated gameplay elements. Many main missions, despite potential stealth encounters, felt laborious due to excessive repetition and unnecessary gameplay padding.
6 Assassin’s Creed III
Navigating the American Terrain
Assassin’s Creed III introduced a revamped parkour system allowing players to traverse the American wilderness by climbing trees, hiding in tall grass, and stealthily moving toward their targets.
However, this game limits its stealth capabilities, as players primarily benefit from environmental enhancements rather than a redefined stealth experience.
While the immersion of playing as Connor in a reimagined New World is palpable, Assassin’s Creed III primarily served as a precursor to transformative changes in the franchise’s future installments.
5 Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
The Duality of Gameplay
The introduction of the rope launcher in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate revolutionized mobility within the game’s urban environment.
While the emphasis on stealth is not as pronounced, players can leverage high-speed parkour alongside Evie’s unique skill tree to explore London’s rooftops interestingly.
Notably, Evie’s Chameleon ability, which allows her to become invisible when stationary, stands out as a remarkable feature.
Despite leaving behind certain innovations from Assassin’s Creed Unity for a more action-centric approach, Syndicate still offers moments of strategic gameplay.
However, it should be noted that while the cover system and grappling mechanics provide some variety, they do not introduce substantial new gameplay elements.
4 Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Embracing Stealth
Though recent entries in the series have strayed from the core stealth elements, Shadows emerges as a standout title for fans of infiltration.
This installment introduces the ability to go prone and navigate through tight spaces, which enhances stealth capabilities significantly. The option to hide in shadows brilliantly complements the gameplay of a Samurai assassin.
One of the game’s most appealing aspects is the freedom of choice; players can select Naoe for a stealthy approach or Yasuke for an aggressive, direct assault.
The contrast between Naoe’s subtle tactics and Yasuke’s raw power creates a flexible gameplay experience that enriches the game’s stealth elements.
3 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Subtlety Amidst Piracy
Praising Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag for its stealth mechanics may seem counterintuitive, given its focus on piracy and naval warfare. However, this installment successfully builds on the stealth foundations laid in Assassin’s Creed III.
Edward Kenway proves to be surprisingly adept at stealth; the thrill of stealthily liberating Caribbean forts and sugar plantations often overshadows the excitement of naval battles.
Black Flag heightens the stakes for players pursuing a stealth approach by significantly increasing the difficulty of missions if players fail to sabotage alarm systems.
2 Assassin’s Creed Mirage
A Return to Stealth
Mirage is heralded as a comeback for the franchise’s signature stealth roots, shedding the RPG mechanics that overshadowed recent titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
Set in the vibrant city of Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, Mirage emphasizes cunning and stealth, reminiscent of the series’ origins, inviting players to slip past guards and expertly navigate perilous situations.
Unlike other protagonists who often exude invincibility, playing as Basim as a secluded agent in enemy territories instills a sense of vulnerability and urgency.
1 Assassin’s Creed Unity
Stealth Reimagined
If not for the technical issues that plagued its launch, Assassin’s Creed Unity could have set a new standard in stealth-action gameplay. Today, many players regard it as an overlooked gem, a near-cult classic hampered by performance glitches.
My first encounter with Unity in 2014 was remarkable; the game provides incredible freedom within the thriving streets of Paris.
The intricately designed environments encourage players to utilize windows, indoor spaces, and the bustling crowds to approach their targets seamlessly.
Assassin’s Creed Unity stands out as a title that fully immerses players in the experience; it was one of the first games in the franchise where I felt completely lost in its world, forgetting I was even playing a video game.
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