As someone passionate about immersive, lore-rich gaming worlds, you‘ve likely heard tales of the Assassin‘s Creed franchise‘s sprawling historical saga. But with over 200 million games sold across many console generations, where should you dive in?
That‘s why Reddit, the populous online forum community, proves an invaluable compass for navigating Assassin‘s Creed‘s best titles. Across subreddits like r/assassinscreed, r/PS4, and r/xboxone, thousands of dedicated gamers have shared perspectives on their most cherished franchise entries.
In this guide specifically tailored for you, I‘ve compiled insight from numerous Reddit threads to spotlight the 7 Assassin‘s Creed games rising to the top as community favorites. From swashbuckling adventures on the high seas to grand odysseys across ancient worlds, let‘s delve into the series hallmarks you should play today!
Why Trust Reddit for Guidance?
Before highlighting the top entries, it helps to examine why Reddit makes for a trusted source. Unlike lone reviews from sites like IGN or GameSpot, Reddit amalgamates opinions from countless passionate players. Across posts and comments, redditors offer valuable discourse and debate on each game‘s merits.
These aggregated perspectives provide a far more complete evaluation on what Assassin Creed games soar above the rest. As an active member of gaming subreddits myself, I‘ve engaged in many of these enlightening discussions about franchises like AC with fellow players. It‘s a communal celebration of interactive art.
So in unison, Reddit helps identify both the objectively and subjectively best AC experiences, backing choices with tremendous passion.
Now let‘s dive deeper into the cream of the gaming crop!
1) Assassin‘s Creed IV: Black Flag
This sixth mainline franchise entry sailed the series to new heights when it launched across PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii U in 2013. Through the lens of Welsh pirate captain Edward Kenway, Black Flag whisked players away to early 18th century Caribbean during the "Golden Age of Piracy".
You‘ll explore lush tropical islands, dive hidden shipwrecks, gather your scurvy sea dog crew, and even rub shoulders with legends like Blackbeard himself – all while influencing the region‘s imperial conflicts as an Assassin.
But arguably Black Flag‘s crowning achievement was introducing open world naval exploration and ship-to-ship battles to the AC formula. Taking the helm of your customizable Brigantine class galleon proves endlessly exciting, unleashing swivel cannons and mortar fire during enthralling high seas warfare.
These engrossing seafaring mechanics catapulted Black Flag to many critics 2010s Game of the Year lists.
And the Reddit community wholeheartedly agrees. As one elegantly states:
"From the adrenaline pumping ship battles to the sounds of shots being fired and pirates dying, this game nails the pirate theme perfectly."
Others praise Edward‘s charisma and the game‘s vibrant tropical environment, deeming it "near perfect open world pirate fun."
For hardcore AC fans, Black Flag remains an absolute must play. Ubisoft even incorporated its naval features into sequels like Odyssey and Valhalla – but the original still conquers the high seas!
Key Features
- Massive open world Caribbean islands
- Intense real-time naval battles
- Play as Welsh pirate Captain Edward Kenway
- Influential historical setting and characters
- Elaborate oceanic exploration opportunities
2) Assassin‘s Creed Brotherhood
Series protagonist icon Ezio Auditore da Firenze returns in this well-received 2010 sequel set within 16th century Rome. With the Eternal City under tyrannical Borgia family rule, Brotherhood tasks players with restoring the Assassin Brotherhood‘s former glory from the shadows.
Core gameplay still marries white knuckle stealth action with Ezio‘s signature agility enhancing moves like chain assassinations. However, Brotherhood also pioneered new features that alter strategy.
You can directly influence historical events by recruiting Assassin disciples and sending them to carry out missions across Europe. Or summon reinforcements in open combat when surrounded by the Pope‘s Guard. Brothehood‘s virtual Rome feels alive with possibility.
Longtime fans also fondly remember flying Da Vinci‘s wacky prototypes as Ezio took to the sky for the first time. These innovations left indelible impressions back in 2010.
As one Redditor recounts:
>"I just remember the feeling of stepping into Saint Peter‘s Basilica within the Vatican…or scaling famous Roman architecture like it was my own jungle gym. The atmosphere and gameplay mix so perfectly."
Praise also goes towards the musical score and intriguing conspiratorial narrative. All said, if you seek more of Ezio‘s charismatic presence alongside emergent new features, Brotherhood beckons.
Key Features
- Return of fan favorite Ezio Auditore
- Recruit assassin followers
- 16th century Rome recreation
- Da Vinci inventions/blueprints
- Expand the iconic Brotherhood
3) Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey
This 2018 prequel entry ushers players further back than ever to the Peloponnesian War in Ancient Greece as mercenary outcast Alexios or Kassandra. With dialogue choices and multiple endings influencing the journey, Odyssey took the franchise in a fresh RPG direction.
You can customize combat abilities via branching skill trees, tailor gear loadouts to preferred playstyle, and influence political conflicts between Athens and Sparta. The world reacts dynamically to the choices you make – giving Odyssey stronger replay value.
Being set in golden era Greece also means no shortage of myths and legends. Face off against Minotaurs inside the bowels of labyrinths or challenge the godly finger of Zeus himself!
Furthermore, Odyssey renders beautiful Grecian vistas, making marble temples like the Parthenon glimmer in Mediterranean sunlight. As Redditors declare:
>"It just hit different strolling the very halls within Athens where Socrates and Plato themselves debated philosophy and politics!"
With over 200 hours of content, others praise Odyssey‘s "sheer scope" and "visual splendor." Whether battling gods or exploring historical ruins, Embark on this grand Greek odyssey!
Key Features
- Story choices with multiple endings
- Ancient Greece at its height
- Signature AC combat/exploration
- Customizable RPG builds
- Mythological creatures
4) Assassin‘s Creed Rogue
Something of a forgotten gem, Rogue turns convention upside down by letting you finally experience the AC universe through villainous Templar eyes for the very first time in 2014.
Set during the 18th century‘s Seven Years War, the story follows former Assassin Shay Cormac‘s disillusionment with the Brotherhood after tragedy forces his defection to the Templar Order. With targets now on former allies, the line between good and evil blurs.
As one of the few major territory entries, Rogue also revisits AC3‘s wintry Northeast American frontier while adding fresh arctic environments.
You‘ll need to adapt on the fly by using new weapons like grenade launchers, air rifles, and hunter-killer poison darts. These creative twists help separate Rogue as an offbeat challenge.
As Reddit testimonials state:
>"It was brilliant seeing the Assassins portrayed as destructive anarchists for once."
>"The atmosphere just pulls you in…the cold biting you relentlessly during climbs really adds drama!"
So for aConflicted story that flips traditional allegiances set across snow-cloaked British/French occupied lands ripe for sabotage, Rogue should make its way onto your playlist!
Key Features
- Play as a former Assassin turned Templar
- Unique arctic weather traversal
- Story reveals Assassin fallibility
- New gameplay modifiers like grenades
- Set during the Seven Years War
5) Assassin‘s Creed Origins
As the title suggests, Origins dials the clock back to Ancient Egypt near the onset days of the Assassin Brotherhood itself. The 2017 chapter also revamped franchise combat, gearing, and progression to feel refreshingly modern.
Against the sweltering backdrop of Pharaoh rule circa 50 BCE, you play as Medjay protector Baeyek seeking answers behind a mysterious paramilitary group exploiting Egypt. This quest unveils secrets guarded by the Great Pyramids themselves!
Vast swaths of crushingly beautiful Egyptian wilderness can be explored by horseback or camelback interchangeably. Gameplay incentivizes completing area objectives and leveling skills/gear organically through action rather than monotonous grinding.
These refinements earned Origins critical adoration upon launch. As one player recounts:
>"I still get nostalgic thinking of galloping through vibrant Souks on the backs of wild zebras to uncover crypts filled with glittering pharaoh treasure."
Another Redditor praises sharply improved graphics and lighting that make ancient structuresoptimizeristically convincing. From shimmering oasis grottos to golden Egyptian palaces, few games capture regional intricacy quite like Origins.
Key Features
- Stunning recreation of Ancient Egypt
- Introduction of more RPG mechanics
- Play as Medjay protector Bayek
- Story reveals early Assassin origins
- Massive country spanning world
6) Assassin‘s Creed Unity
Often labeled as sorely underappreciated, 2014‘s Unity stands out through jaw dropping attention to detail reviving 18th century Paris at its late French Revolution apex.
Series newcomer Arno Dorian maneuvers through insomnia-fueled political intrigue PK that transforms Paris into a volatile warzone. The narrative intertwines with actual history by incorporating Georges Danton, Maximilien Robespierre and Napoleon Bonaparte himself!
But beyond storytelling, Unity‘s atmosphere enraptures. Sumptuous Versailles Palace silverware glints as vibrant candles illuminate spiraling architecture to create unmatched authenticity. This astonishing environmental ambience has won Unity modern acclaim.
As one gamer fondly reminiscences:
>"I‘ll never forget slow dancing with Templar agent Élise during a lavish banquet one moment then escaping across Notre Dame‘s stained glass rooftop the next!"
Another Redditor praises the game‘s "astoundingly accurate depiction of late 1700s Parisian lifestyle" down to the cobblestone streets. From fashion to politics, Unity brought astonishing dedication.
For anyone seeking revolutionary upheaval within an unparalleled recreation of storied Paris, Unity deserves laurels!
Key Features
- Late 1700s Paris amidst the French Revolution
- Assassination plots tying into real history
- Arno Dorian‘s personal redemption
- Next generation graphics/lighting showcase
- Parkour navigation innovations
7) Assassin‘s Creed III
Rounding things out, the fifth console entry dials back the clock to New World colonial times at the onset of the United States Revolutionary War throughout 1760s Boston and New York. For history buffs, it‘s the pinnacle.
The excellent 12+ hour narrative witnesses Mohawk tribe member Ratonhnhaké:ton side with iconic figures like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and George Washington against British abuses as an Assassin disciple. You influence major events like the famed Boston Tea Party and Battle at Bunker Hill.
Navigating snowy Northeastern American frontier by tree running or canoe showcases lush denied terrain that contrasts colonial urbanity. This proud focus on accurate period detail has stood the test of time per fans.
As one declares:
>"As an American, I loved how intricately Ubisoft wove Connor‘s journey with people and events that shaped the country."
Others praise the engaging struggle of half-English/half-Native protagonist Connor who personifies internal cultural conflict. For a stirring trip into Revolutionary War intrigue, AC3 belongs on your list!
Key Features
- Revolutionary War historical figures/events
- Massive frontier + East Coast cities
- Play as Native American protagonist Connor
- Seasonal weather alters traversal
- Memorable Revolutionary era storyline
Community Curated Classics
Alongside these monumental series entries, the Assassin‘s Creed community also adores the Ezio Collection available on modern PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles.
This compilation bundles AC2 main character Ezio Auditore‘s complete saga across 3 separate classic games from the late 2000s:
- Assassin‘s Creed II
- Assassin‘s Creed Brotherhood
- Assassin‘s Creed Revelations
Together they chronicle an epic decades long story arc following Ezio‘s life from vengeance fueled roots to wise mentor status that long time fans revere as the franchise gold standard.
So for devotees seeking more acclaimed stealth action in Renaissance Italy, the Ezio Collection is equally endorsed!
In Summary
Hopefully this guide has spotlighted Assassin Creed‘s most revered modern franchise entries backed by aggregated Reddit perspectives from countless dedicated players.
Black Flag‘s unrivaled piratesque conquests, Odyssey‘s beautifully vibrant Ancient Greece, Unity‘s startlingly realistic French Revolution depiction – each acclaimed title pioneering new gameplay avenues within one interconnected lore universe stretching across centuries.
These games don‘t just offer target assassinations – they serve players wholesome and historied snapshots into eras past transformed into spectacular worlds filled with secrets to uncover.
So whatever piques your interest most, dive deeper with Assassin‘s Creed through the recommendations your fellow redditors proudly endorse! Game on!