Which Assassin‘s Creed Game Should I Play First? An In-Depth Guide for Newcomers

As a long-time gamer and content creator focused on the Assassin’s Creed series, the question I get asked most often by newcomers to the franchise is: which Assassin’s Creed game should I play first?

With over a decade of history spanning numerous protagonists and time periods, it‘s a fair question – and my unequivocal recommendation is to start with 2009‘s Assassin’s Creed II.

Building on the foundation of the original game, AC2 improves upon almost every aspect, from the free-running parkour to the refined combat and stealth systems. Most importantly, it introduces one of gaming‘s most charismatic heroes in Ezio Auditore da Firenze and sets you on an unforgettable 60+ hour adventure across 15th century Italy.

In this extensive guide for AC newcomers, I’ll explain in depth why Assassin‘s Creed II stands out as the ideal starting point by highlighting its strengths. I‘ll also provide an overview of the different AC games and tips for getting into the acclaimed action/RPG franchise.

Why Start Your Assassin’s Creed Journey with AC2

When advising new players on where to kick off their AC experience, Assassin’s Creed II remains my firm recommendation for several key reasons:

Self-Contained Story Featuring an Iconic Protagonist

As introduced in the original Assassin’s Creed, the franchise features a meta-narrative split across two timelines: the present day and various historical settings. While the modern storyline continues across entries, the past storyline in AC2 stands completely on its own.

It centers on Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who emerges from a tragic backstory to become a legendary assassin, while getting entangled in the political machinations of Renaissance Italy. This well-contained narrative arc allows new players to easily follow the story without needing background on the broader lore.

And Ezio has become one of gaming’s most beloved protagonists thanks to his charisma, signature look, and blend of roguish charm and moral integrity. Experiencing his full origin story gives long-lasting emotional investment that pays off across later games.

“Ezio Auditore is assuredly one of the greatest game characters of the 2000s” – GamesRadar

Refined Gameplay and Mission Design

While the original AC introduced the distinctive free-running traversal and stealth-focused action the franchise is known for, many critics agreed that the repetitive mission design hampered the experience.

AC2 brings vast improvements to mission structure through greater variety, environmental navigation challenges, and intuitive control scheme changes. Combined with a new economic system and the ability to upgrade weapons/armor, this keeps the core gameplay feels fresh all the way through Ezio’s 60+ hour saga.

This refined gameplay resulted in AC2 receiving widespread critical acclaim, including IGN rating it 8.9/10 and EDGE magazine giving a near-perfect 9/10 score.

“Assassin‘s Creed II improves upon the original in almost every way…with better mission variety and a lengthy campaign” – TrustedReviews

Expanded Open World and Scope

The Italian Renaissance setting of AC2 allows for diverse locations, with Ezio journeying across Florence, Tuscany, Venice and Rome on his quest for vengeance and self-discovery. This was a major expansion from the enclosed city of Jerusalem in AC1.

These stunningly-realized historical cities are packed with detail and brimming with atmosphere, from Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral to the rolling vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. It set a high benchmark for transporting players convincingly into past worlds that AC games have continually built on since.

“Assassin‘s Creed II offers an astonishing world…An exhilarating sense of freedom and immersion.” – The Guardian

An Overview of the Different Assassin‘s Creed Games

Beyond AC2, the Assassin’s Creed series has explored numerous eras and locations offering hundreds of hours worth of history-infused gameplay. Here‘s a high level overview of the mainline single-player AC releases:

From pirates in the Caribbean (Black Flag) to ancient Egypt (Origins), the franchise balances history with fantastical elements from the war between the secret Templar and Assassins orders.

For new players I always emphasize starting with AC2 and the Ezio trilogy, then exploring these other settings after getting invested in the AC universe.

Tips for Getting Started

For those preparing to embark on their inaugural Assassin‘s Creed adventure with AC2, here are some helpful tips:

• The parkour traversal takes practice – don‘t worry about frequently stumbling at first as controlling Ezio across rooftops takes skill and familiarity. Eventually chaining leaps and climbs together feels intuitive.
• Blend into crowds and break line of sight when detected to safely escape pursuers when seen during missions. Guards lose you quickly if you dip into hiding spots.
• Take time to enjoy simply existing in the world of Renaissance Italy outside main quests – the joy of AC is inhabiting history.
• Seek out viewpoints to synchronize and reveal side activities on your map like Assassination Contracts or Courier Assignments. These reward you with XP and currency.

Most importantly have fun touring this incredibly-realized historical open world that game designers have been trying to replicate for over a decade since!

In Summary…Start Your Journey With Assassin’s Creed II

Despite more recent entries boasting visual splendor unimaginable during Ezio Auditore‘s era, Assassin‘s Creed II remains the quintessential franchise entry point I recommend for all first-time players.

From the self-contained storyline spotlighting one of gaming‘s most magnetic protagonists to vastly improved gameplay and mission design, AC2 laid the framework for future entries and remains incredibly enjoyable to revisit today.

So whether you‘re eager to master effortless parkour movement across 15th century Italian architecture or stay engrossed in Ezio‘s epic 60+ hour quest for vengeance, begin your own Assassin‘s Creed adventure by diving into AC2 first.

“I can unreservedly recommend Assassin‘s Creed 2 to absolutely anyone that wants an open world action game. It still stands as the series‘ apex.” – GR+

Those craving more exotic historical eras can venture onwards to the American Revolution, Ancient Egypt or Viking England. But heed the Creed – your journey should start with Ezio Auditore‘s Italian Renaissance epic that raised the bar for the entire franchise.