The Assassin’s Creed series generates diverse opinions among players, yet a common consensus among fans is the franchise’s unparalleled variety in historical settings. This series brilliantly transports players through time, showcasing eras and locations that spark curiosity and imagination.
While fantasy adventures can be thrilling, the allure of exploring meticulously crafted interpretations of real historical events provides a unique immersive experience. From the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance to the chaos of the French Revolution and the adventure-laden Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy, each setting offers its own distinct charm.
Since its inception in 2007, Ubisoft has continuously delivered rich experiences through the Assassin’s Creed series, transporting players to stunning historical landscapes. In this article, we highlight some of the most compelling settings in the franchise, taking into account factors such as atmosphere, world design, and intriguing side quests.
Join us as we delve into a selection of cities, regions, and expansive areas featured throughout the games.
10. East End of Victorian London (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate DLC)
A Dark City with Steampunk Vibes
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate effectively encapsulates the essence of 19th-century industrial London, creating an atmosphere that immerses players in its oppressive environment. The first major DLC, centered around the infamous Jack the Ripper, introduces a darker, more intense storyline within the East End.
This expansion gives players the chance to control Evie, further balancing the narrative between her and her brother, Jacob—something that felt somewhat unbalanced in the main game. While the DLC provides a tantalizing glimpse into Evie’s character, its short duration of approximately three hours leaves much to be desired in terms of content.
9. The Holy Land (Assassin’s Creed)
A Nostalgic Journey to the Past
Reflecting on the Holy Land during the High Middle Ages in the inaugural Assassin’s Creed game brings forth a wave of nostalgia. It marked players’ first historical adventure through the Animus, offering a profound sense of exploration and freedom amidst the budding conflict between Assassins and Templars.
However, compared to subsequent entries, the Holy Land’s offerings feel somewhat limited and repetitive, usually revolving around collecting flags and defeating Templars. Moreover, the game has not aged well, with its parkour mechanics appearing clunky relative to more modern titles in the series.
8. Baghdad (Assassin’s Creed Mirage)
A Tapestry of Culture and Architecture
Set during the Golden Age of Islam, Assassin’s Creed Mirage showcases Baghdad as a thriving trade hub filled with cultural diversity and rich history. The game’s attention to detail shines through in its world-building, with vibrant streets and unique architecture inviting exploration.
Mirage smartly acknowledges the desert’s vastness, yet it could benefit from more engaging quests, as some activities feel overly formulaic. Additionally, the absence of the Animus element, crucial to the franchise’s historical grounding, was missed.
7. Rome (Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood)
A Masterpiece of Renaissance Corruption
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood immerses players in a visually captivating and historically rich representation of Rome, capturing the essence of a once-glorious city now marred by corruption. The evolution of Ezio Auditore as a Master Assassin unfolds against this backdrop, with engaging activities such as dismantling Borgia towers and exploring ancient tombs.
Some visual aspects could have been enhanced, such as more vivid textures that would better highlight Rome’s architectural beauty, potentially elevating its ranking among the series’ settings.
6. Asgard (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla DLC)
Embracing the Viking Spirit
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla presents a stunning depiction of the Viking Age, but the Dawn of Ragnarök DLC transforms the experience, immersing players into the mystical realms of Norse mythology, particularly Asgard. With its breathtaking visuals and intricate details, this expansion breathes life into the mythos, allowing players to embody the legendary figure of Odin.
Featuring iconic mythological characters like Fenrir and Loki, this exceptional expansion stands out for its depth and engaging narrative, collectively offering more than 20 hours of compelling gameplay without excessive filler content.
5. Paris (Assassin’s Creed Unity)
A Timeless City of Revolution
Although Assassin’s Creed Unity faced criticism at launch, its portrayal of revolutionary Paris is nothing short of impressive. The capital comes alive with meticulously crafted environments showcasing extraordinary architecture, all amid a backdrop of social upheaval.
Exploring the neighborhoods filled with bustling crowds reinforces the sense of a city in turmoil, allowing players to appreciate the rich world-building. However, some narrative aspects and character development left room for improvement.
4. Ancient Greece (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
A Dynamic Athens Infused with Mythology
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey invites players to immerse themselves in the splendor of Ancient Greece, offering a vibrant world filled with picturesque landscapes and monumental ruins, all while exploring the dynamic relationships among its protagonists, Kassandra and Alexios.
Additionally, the incorporation of Greek mythology into engaging quests allows players to confront legendary figures like Medusa and the Minotaur, although some activities could have benefited from greater length and depth.
3. Feudal Japan (Shadows)
A Richly Realized Samurai Experience
Feudal Japan, a cherished setting in various storytelling mediums, is masterfully depicted in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, featuring stunning recreations of renowned locations like Osaka Castle and the Honnō-Ji Temple. This expansive game allows players to explore iconic sites, creating immersive experiences throughout the setting.
Offering dual protagonists—Yasuke and Naoe—adds complexity and depth to the narrative while emphasizing the universal themes of samurai honor and bravery, enhancing the overall exploration and combat experience.
2. Florence (Assassin’s Creed 2)
Assassin’s Creed 2 marked a significant evolution for the series in 2009, with Florence emerging as one of its most iconic settings. Players traverse this stunning backdrop alongside Ezio Auditore, whose captivating tale brings the city to life through improved gameplay mechanics and stunning world-building.
As the first title to feature fast climbing mechanics, exploring Florence becomes a thrilling endeavor, enhanced by memorable quests, including interactions with the legendary Leonardo Da Vinci, making it an unforgettable journey for players.
1. The Caribbean (Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag)
A Swashbuckling Adventure Filled with Sea Shanties
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag offers an enthralling experience set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, filled with an exhilarating mix of naval combat, exploration, and pirate lore, which evokes lasting memories for many players.
The richly populated world showcases vibrant climates, stunning beaches, and a captivating pirate lifestyle. Its balanced size supports a myriad of engaging activities, including whaling, diving, and exhilarating naval battles, all of which contribute to its monumental reputation within the franchise.
One can’t overlook the joy of sailing the high seas while the crew sings spirited sea shanties, adding to the immersive pirate experience!
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