Hey everyone! It's 2026, and looking back at the Assassin's Creed series, one thing is crystal clear: Ubisoft has absolutely NAILED historical tourism! 🎮✨ While we all have our hot takes on gameplay mechanics or story arcs, can we all just agree that exploring these incredible recreations of the past is the real MVP of the franchise? I mean, think about it—where else can you climb the Duomo in Renaissance Florence one minute and be singing sea shanties in the Caribbean the next? It's pure magic!
So, I've been diving back into the Animus (figuratively, of course... or am I? 😉), revisiting some classics and the newer hits, and I've put together my personal ranking of the top 10 settings. This isn't just about pretty visuals; I'm talking atmosphere, world-building, side activities, and that special feeling you get when you're fully immersed. Let's jump in!
10. East End of Victorian London (Assassin's Creed Syndicate DLC)
Assassin's Creed Gets Its Steampunk & Gritty On!
Okay, so Syndicate already gave us a solid, smoggy Industrial Revolution London, right? But the Jack the Ripper DLC? That's where things got DARK and I was totally here for it! The main game's London felt oppressive, but the East End in this expansion? It's like they turned the grit dial to 11. Playing as Evie hunting down the infamous serial killer was the highlight for me—finally, she got some much-deserved spotlight beyond just being "Jacob's sister." The atmosphere was thick with tension, perfect for a stealthy, high-stakes mystery.
The Catch? It was over way too soon! 😭 Roughly three hours of content left me wanting SO much more. It was a fantastic concept—Assassin's Creed meets true crime thriller—that just needed more meat on its bones.
9. The Holy Land (Assassin's Creed)
The OG Trip Down Memory Lane!
We gotta pay respects to where it all began! The Holy Land during the High Middle Ages holds a special place in my heart purely for nostalgia. This was our first-ever trip in the Animus! The sense of discovery, the birth of the Assassin-Templar war through Altair's eyes... it was groundbreaking for its time.
Let's be real, though: revisiting it now shows its age. The parkour feels clunky compared to the fluidity we're used to, and the world can feel a bit empty and repetitive (how many flags did we all collect, honestly?). But without this first step into the past, would we have Florence or the Caribbean? Probably not. It's the foundational stone, and for that, it earns its spot.
8. Baghdad (Assassin's Creed Mirage)
A Vibrant Cultural Hub with Stunning Architecture!
Mirage was a welcome return to a more focused, city-based experience, and Baghdad during the Golden Age of Islam is a marvel. The diversity! The scholars! The circular city walls! Ubisoft captured the feeling of a thriving, intellectual, and trade-centric metropolis beautifully. Just wandering the bustling streets and taking in the architecture was a joy.
My main gripe? The side content sometimes fell into a repetitive loop. Treasure hunts and short citizen tales started to feel formulaic after a while. I also kind of missed that distinct "Animus layer" that reminds you you're in a simulation—it's part of the series' unique charm! Still, a visually and culturally rich setting that deserved more unique quests.
7. Rome (Assassin's Creed Brotherhood)
Renaissance Grandeur with a Sinister Undertone!
Brotherhood gave us Rome, and it gave us MORE Ezio—what's not to love? This wasn't just a backdrop; it was a character. You could feel the weight of history and the corruption of the Borgias in every district. Taking down their towers, recruiting assassins, and exploring those ancient tombs made the world feel alive and interactive.
Watching Ezio grow from a vengeful noble into a wise Mentor was the emotional core. If I'm being nitpicky, the visuals haven't aged as gracefully as the memories. Some textures could have been richer to make those iconic landmarks truly pop. But the vibe? The atmosphere of a beautiful city under a dark shadow? Unbeatable for its time.
6. Asgard (Assassin's Creed Valhalla DLC)
When Vikings Meet Mythological Epicness!
Valhalla's England was cool, but the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC? That's where they went full-on mythological fantasy, and it WORKED. Playing as Odin (through Eivor) in the breathtaking realm of Asgard was a bold and fantastic change of pace. The visuals were packed with magical details, from glowing flora to majestic, godly architecture.
Meeting figures like Loki, Fenrir, and Baldur in this interpretation was just pure fun. This DLC is arguably the most impressive expansion in the series' history, offering a meaty 20+ hours of content with little filler. It proved that the Animus could handle myth as compellingly as history.
5. Paris (Assassin's Creed Unity)
"We'll Always Have Paris"—And Its Revolutionary Crowds!
Yes, Unity had a... rocky launch. But can we please appreciate the absolute technical achievement that is its Paris? Even now, in 2026, the scale and density of the crowds during the French Revolution are mind-blowing. The city feels ALIVE, chaotic, and on the brink. The architecture of Notre-Dame alone is worth the price of admission.
Just free-running across rooftops and taking in the view is a legitimate gameplay loop. My issue was always with the story and characters—they never quite grabbed me like the world did. The world-building is S-tier, but it needed an A-tier narrative to match. Still, for pure atmospheric immersion, revolutionary Paris is untouchable.
4. Ancient Greece (Assassin's Creed Odyssey)
An Epic, Myth-Infused Playground!
Kicking a Spartan hoplite off a cliff. Climbing the giant statue of Zeus. Sailing the sparkling Aegean. Odyssey didn't just give us Ancient Greece; it gave us the FANTASY of Ancient Greece, and it was glorious. The map is staggeringly beautiful, seamlessly blending historical recreation (the Acropolis!) with mythological adventures.
Facing off against Medusa or the Minotaur in those special quests was a childhood dream come true. And let's talk about Kassandra/Alexios—their personal family drama added a layer of characterization that some earlier titles lacked. My only wish? That those amazing mythological boss fights were longer, more involved storylines rather than cool-but-brief diversions.
3. Feudal Japan (Assassin's Creed Shadows)
The Samurai/Ninja Fantasy We've All Been Waiting For!
FINALLY! After years of fan requests, we got Feudal Japan in Shadows, and Ubisoft did not disappoint. This setting is a masterclass in atmosphere. From the serene beauty of bamboo forests to the imposing might of Osaka Castle, every location feels meticulously crafted and iconic.
The dual protagonist system with Yasuke (the samurai) and Naoe (the shinobi) was a genius move. It let the game explore two distinct playstyles and perspectives within the same rich world. Exploring as Naoe, using shadows and stealth, then switching to Yasuke for head-on, standoff combat? It kept the gameplay fresh and deeply connected to the setting. A fantastic open world that lived up to the hype.
2. Florence (Assassin's Creed 2)
The Setting That Made Us All Fall in Love with the Series!
This. This is where it clicked for so many of us. Renaissance Florence in AC2 isn't just a location; it's a feeling. It's the soundtrack, the golden light, the thrill of the parkour as Ezio Auditore. This game took the foundation of the first and built a living, breathing, unforgettable world on top of it.
The fast-climbing mechanic was a game-changer, making traversal an absolute joy. Building a friendship with Leonardo da Vinci, uncovering conspiracy in the Palazzo della Signoria... it was magical. Florence, along with Venice and Rome, crafted an Italian tour that defined a generation of gaming. I would give anything to experience climbing the Duomo for the first time again. Pure, nostalgic perfection. ❤️
1. The Caribbean (Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag)
The Ultimate Pirate Fantasy—Sea Shanties Included!
And here we are. Number one. Was there ever any doubt? 🏴☠️ For me, Black Flag isn't just the best Assassin's Creed setting; it's one of the best video game worlds EVER created. The Caribbean is pure, unadulterated joy. The moment you step onto the deck of the Jackdaw, hear your crew start singing "Leave Her, Johnny," and see a storm brewing on the horizon... you're not just playing a game, you're living a fantasy.
Let me break down why it's perfect:
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Atmosphere: Sunny beaches, treacherous jungles, bustling pirate havens. The vibe is immaculate.
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Scale & Variety: Three major cities, countless islands, underwater shipwrecks. It's huge but never feels empty or repetitive.
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Activities: Naval combat (still the best in any game, fight me!), whaling, harpooning, treasure hunting, fort assaults... the list goes on.
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The Magic: It's the ultimate blend of freedom, adventure, and heart. Edward Kenway's journey from greedy pirate to... well, less-greedy-but-still-badass pirate with a cause is fantastic.
So, what do you think, fellow initiates? Do you agree with my ranking? Is the Caribbean your number one, or are you a die-hard Florence fan? Maybe you think Baghdad or Feudal Japan should be higher! Let me know in the comments—and until next time, may your hidden blade always strike true! ✌️