What’s a decent game without a memorable protagonist? Let’s see which playable characters in the Assassin’s Creed series conquered fans’ hearts!
With the brand-new Assassin’s Creed Shadows just around the corner, fans of the series wonder if its two protagonists will be as fun to play as the trailers promise. After all, the franchise is known for its excellent merge of history with fiction, but does it always do as well at delivering the most unforgettable AC characters?
Unfortunately, not all heroes appealed to players as much as the developers initially hoped. Let’s find out which are most worth your time in this ultimate list of all Assassin’s Creed protagonists ranked!
- Connor Kenway/Ratonhnhaké:ton (Assassin’s Creed 3)
- Arno Dorian (Assassin’s Creed Unity)
- Shay Cormac (Assassin’s Creed Rogue)
- Jacob Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)
- Alexios (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
- Basim Ibn Ishaq (Assassin’s Creed Mirage)
- Eivor (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla)
- Evie Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)
- Bayek of Siwa (Assassin’s Creed Origins)
- Kassandra (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
- Edward Kenway (Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag)
- Altair Ibn-La’Ahad (Assassin’s Creed)
- Ezio Auditore Da Firenze (Assassin’s Creed 2)
13. Connor Kenway/Ratonhnhaké:ton (Assassin’s Creed 3)
The dualistic nature of AC3’s playable protagonist makes him the most controversial character in the entire series. On the one hand, he has a strong sense of justice and determination to fight for freedom and independence. On the other hand, players often perceive him as harsh, cold, and lacking depth compared to other characters.
He also tends to take a one-sided view, which makes him uninteresting or even predictable. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad character to play (after all, his backstory perfectly complements the entire series’ lore) – but he can fall flat compared to more exciting heroes.
12. Arno Dorian (Assassin’s Creed Unity)
Driven by a desire for revenge for his father’s death, Arno Dorian is often perceived as more emotionally profound than other characters in the series.
He genuinely wants to sacrifice himself for the greater good, admit guilt, and grow as a person. On the other hand, his drama-filled relationship with Elise can tire in the long run, so playing as this character frustrates players who would love to see him as more assertive and less hasty in his choices.
11. Shay Cormac (Assassin’s Creed Rogue)
Unlike other playable characters, Shay Cormac joins the Templars, which makes him the least-liked character. On the other hand, this unexpected plot twist makes AC Rogue fresh and unpredictable.
After all, who doesn’t love iconic bad guys like Darth Vader or Magneto? This trait, paired with a world of moral dilemmas and conflicts, proves that even typical “evil” characters create more engaging and relatable stories. He’s definitely a must-play!
10. Jacob Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)
In contrast to other characters in the series, Jacob Frye stands out as more fun, charismatic, confident, and adventurous. This guy doesn’t shy away from making vital changes and impulsive decisions.
This trait, however, can seem inappropriate in the context of more serious situations. Jacob often acts on emotions and devalues his sister’s (Evie) role in the battle for the greater good. He’s fun to be around but could take a slightly more sober approach to matters requiring cold calculation.
9. Alexios (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
Many series fans claim that Alexios should never have become the game’s protagonist, but that may be due to a misunderstanding of his personality. Some of his choices seem unsubtle or thoughtless, but he shines with charisma and confidence. The character’s relationships with others (especially family members) make him particularly fun to play, and many players appreciate his undeniable determination.
He may not match his sister’s personality, but the story wouldn’t be as compelling without this character. Also, he definitely makes up for this by transforming into Deimos, an alternative personality appearing during Kassandra’s gameplay.
8. Basim Ibn Ishaq (Assassin’s Creed Mirage)
Basim Ibn Ishaq is a highly regarded hero of Assassin’s Creed Mirage due to his mysterious aura, charisma, and decisive personality.
Players love him for his dedication to the Assassin Brotherhood’s goals and overall ambition. Furthermore, his search for the truth about his past and his relentless pursuit of his goals add a unique depth to the character – hard to find in other playable heroes. This guy exudes cunning, respect for his mentors and determination.
7. Eivor (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla)
Who doesn’t love a character with a selectable gender? Considering you can play Eivor as either a woman or a man, that alone makes discovering her story incredibly immersive. And that’s not all, as Eivor excels as a relentless warrior, clan leader, and strategist.
She’s one of the most inspiring playable characters, perfectly balancing brutality with gentleness. Moreover, her relationships with clan members and influence on the story feel authentic. Play this character if you’re looking for personalization and a realistic adventure!
6. Evie Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)
When it comes to fan favorites, Jacob’s sister is the more likable character. In contrast to her reckless brother, Evie represents a more thoughtful approach to conflicts and encountered events. Players appreciate her determination, commitment to fighting the Templars, and considerate actions.
Furthermore, her relationship with her brother adds an engaging dynamic and depth to the gameplay. It’s the perfect persona for players who want a protagonist with common sense and a productive approach to potential issues. However, the story of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate wouldn’t be as satisfying without both playable characters’ perspectives.
5. Bayek of Siwa (Assassin’s Creed Origins)
Bayek of Siwa gained recognition among AC fans for his deep backstory, loyalty, and a strong sense of justice. Fans appreciate him for his undeniable motivation that drives the entire plot and the emotional depth that comes with that goal.
Although seasoned by life, Bayek proves he can fight for those he considers his own, and his strong relationship with his wife, Aya, demonstrates they are both willing to deal with any adversity. It’s a truly inspiring character, combining a tragic backstory with an effective battle for justice.
4. Kassandra (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
This one of the most beloved characters is known for her determination, bravery, and extraordinary personality. Players love that (even in the face of challenging situations) she can maintain an unwavering composure and positive disposition. Furthermore, Kassandra has a vital impact on the plot’s development, so playing as this heroine provides a sense of greater control – a priceless feature in a highly immersive game like Assassin’s Creed.
Her journey through ancient Greece, filled with personal discoveries, sheds new light on the series’ lore, so this character is a total must-play if you want to learn more about the origins of the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars.
3. Edward Kenway (Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag)
Is there anything gamers love more than a charismatic protagonist who evolves from a reckless dude to an idealistic inspiration? Edward Kenway is exactly that, experiencing a challenging journey from zero to hero. Gamers love him for his humorous take on life, engaging backstory, and emotional investment in his relationships.
This character excels at combining personal goals with a fight for justice, which is, ultimately, extremely fun to play. This trait, paired with Black Flag’s pirate-themed gameplay, delivers a truly memorable adventure, completing the entire Assassin’s Creed universe.
2. Altair Ibn-La’Ahad (Assassin’s Creed)
The first playable protagonist of the Assassin’s Creed series conquered players’ hearts with his impressive evolution from an overconfident warrior to a responsible master. He started as a rebellious, arrogant youth, and in the face of life’s failures and mistakes, transformed into a wise and sensible legend of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Nothing pleases players like a developing playable protagonist, so his complicated personality is one of the best on this list. Furthermore, Altair consistently struggles with the consequences of his (often wrong) actions, which makes him relatable and authentic. It’s true that as the first series protagonist, he may seem a bit dull compared to later characters – but his story significantly helps us understand the series’ lore.
1. Ezio Auditore Da Firenze (Assassin’s Creed 2)
Our last protagonist is often considered the most likable in the entire series due to his emotional depth and complex development. Ezio is literally an Assassin’s Creed game! Starting as a vengeful, reckless youth, he must deal with the immense trauma of losing his family. Overcoming endless adversities, complex situations, and conflicts, he grows as a person and a member of the Assassin Brotherhood.
It’s challenging to describe his backstory without giving away spoilers! Still, no other protagonist in the series explains the eternal battle between the Templars and the Assassins as well as this one. Moreover, he perfectly combines strength, intelligence, and a sense of humor, so he’s ultimately the most enjoyable character to play. No other protagonist balances personal life with his fight for freedom so well, so definitely check out his story if you’ve ever considered playing an Assassin’s Creed game.
Conclusion
While this ranking organizes all Assassin’s Creed protagonists from worst to best, the story of each one is worth your time. Each represents a significant part of the series’ lore, unraveling how the Assassin Brotherhood and their conflict with the Templars evolved over the centuries.
All these video games do a fantastic job of showing how their playable characters advanced through their experiences, which is beautiful to witness from a player’s perspective. Some turned bad, others good, but each one is priceless as a source of inspiration and a display of humanity in the face of the most tragic events.