Since Assassin’s Creed burst into the scene back in 2007, we have gone on thousands of adventures set in historical periods. From the city of Paris to Jerusalem to the Arctic – we have explored lots of places and done lots of things throughout these years. However, if you are an Assassin’s Creed fanboy just like me who has played every Assassin’s Creed title and can’t wait for the latest addition in the AC franchise – Assassin’s Creed Mirage that comes out on 5th October 2023, you might want to look at some of the best games like the Assassin’s Creed.
In this post, we intend to do just that by listing some of the best games to try to get the same feel as Assassin’s Creed.
Historical Settings in Video Games
While gameplay and plot play a huge role in drawing gaming enthusiasts to a title, the settings of that game also matter a lot. Games like Assassin’s Creed have grabbed specific historical periods and incorporated them into their games for gamers to explore.
They have taken the players through numerous periods with each new title, often even bringing them face-to-face with famous historical figures from those periods.
Such video games based on historical settings not only entertain the players but also familiarize them with society, politics, culture, economy, religious customs, and more of a bygone era. Also, by playing these titles, gamers feel a kind of compassion for the people of that time.
The Assassin’s Creed series reiterates the fact that if the developers do their research while making a game, it can sometimes also compel players to fall in love with the locations, time periods, historical figures, etc., they come across in-game.
Although, indeed, the particular needs of a game may not allow it to be 100% historically accurate, it would not hamper the gaming experience. Instead, this allows developers to be more creative and give players a memorable experience.
Speaking of history-based games, the Assassin’s Creed franchise’s new addition – Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be another game set in a historically relevant timeline of the 861 Baghdad. Interestingly, the game is the successor to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – another fan-favorite title that came out in 2020. Here, players will play as Basim – a street thief who is on a quest for answers and justice with nightmares constantly haunting him. He joins an ancient organization and sets on a voyage through the olden city of Baghdad.
Why Fans of Assassin’s Creed Will Enjoy These Alternatives
Assassin’s Creed does a fantastic job of transporting players to many historical locations. The games we have handpicked below are also set in historical settings.
The open-world designs of these games make sure that the players have ample scope to explore the historical locations.
Also, like the Assassin’s Creed series, many of these titles focus on the aspect of stealth. If you are not stealthy enough, you risk yourself getting noticed and getting into serious trouble.
Another factor that makes these games viable alternatives to games from the AC franchise is their atmospheric setting. The maps where the players roam are full of fun, adventurous things to do.
They get a wide range of cool weapons, parkour opportunities, engaging fights, etc., that all Assassin’s Creed fans are bound to enjoy.
Let us now take a look at some of the finest games that can go toe-to-toe with Assassin’s Creed:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players take the role of Geralt – a powerful Witcher to protect those he adores and save the world. The game is a standalone addition to the Witcher world. That means even those who have not played the first two installments can enjoy this game thoroughly.
Fascinatingly, the decisions the players make throughout the game influence the story, game world, and outcome. The Witcher 3 puts you in an atmospheric open world set in medieval times where the characters are striking, and the dialogues leave a mark on your mind.
The locations include mountains, seas, ruins, plains, caves, and more. Geralt will have to traverse through all these unique locations and ultimately defeat an ancient threat. Put years of training to use and slay monsters who come your way.
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Xbox One | 833 Reviews |
$22.30 |
Buy on Amazon |
As if the gameplay and fantastic graphics were not enough, the engaging story keeps players hooked until the last minute.
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Publisher: CD Projekt Red
Release Date: May 18, 2015
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure title where the players step into the shoes of the Ghost – one of the last surviving samurais. The game draws heavy inspiration from Japanese myths and folk tales.
The story is set in the year 1274 when the island of Tsushima suffered from the ruthless offensives of the formidable Mongol Empire. The entire situation of doom in Japan has forced your hands to abandon the tactics of honor and embrace the ways of the Ghost.
As the protagonist of the game, players have to combat their foes using unconventional methods to make Japan free again. The game puts utmost focus on the aspect of stealth. And considering the unconventional war that the protagonist has to wage, it is only natural.
Ghost of Tsushima succeeds in telling an interesting story of war-ridden Japan in a way that captivates the players. Besides dynamic 4K graphics, the game utilizes Tempest 3D AudioTech which creates an atmospheric experience.
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Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut (PS4) | 872 Reviews |
$34.88 |
Buy on Amazon |
There is also an online co-op mode known as Ghost of Tsushima: Legends that allows players to choose from four available classes – Samurai, Assassin, Ronin, and Hunter and play with friends or via online matchmaking. Overall, it’s one of the best PS4 Samurai games that you can play today!
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: July 17, 2020
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor & War
Both Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor & War are some of the most amazing games set in the mighty world of Middle-earth, which you might remember from ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies or novels by J.R.R Tolkien. The game has everything from mighty Mordor monsters to a powerful Sauron army and definitely an interesting plot to bind everything together.
You get to play Talion, who is a former Ranger in the land of Gondor and who decides to take revenge against Sauron’s forces for killing him and his family. Though the plot seems cliche, don’t dismiss these games yet and classify them as another one of open-world action games. Everything from the in-game combat to the well-thought enemy progression makes this franchise a wonderful delight for all Assassin’s Creed fans. This is also one of the best fantasy games that you can play right now!
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Middle-Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition - PlayStation 4 |
$14.30 |
Buy on Amazon |
If you have the Definitive Edition of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor & War, you can play as Baranor – the Captain of the Tower from Minas Ithil, thanks to The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion.
As Baranor, players have to cross the enemy’s territory in the Eastern Deserts of Mordor and take charge of an Easterling Army to get the upper hand in the Shadow War. Together with Torvin – the legendary Dwarven Hunter to fight off the notorious Were-wyrms.
Developer: Monolith Productions
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Games
Release Date: Shadow of Mordor – 30 September 2014, Shadow of War – 10 October, 2017
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’s storyline revolves around a Persian prince along with his father – the king defeating the influential Maharajah of the land and looting his palace.
Among the looted treasures, there is an hourglass and a dagger, both shrouded in mystery. These two things are extremely powerful and can provide their possessor with immortality and the capability of governing time itself.
The prince is unaware of this fact and falls prey to a dying Vizier’s evil intentions and deceit to unleash the Sands of Time. This has brought about the destruction of a flourishing kingdom and made its population violent demons.
Now, the young but courageous Prince of Persia has to pull out all the stops to protect his kingdom and reverse the unwanted outcome.
The game excels in almost every aspect imaginable in modern gaming history – be it gameplay, story, physics, graphics, and more.
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Prince of Persia: Sands of Time - PC | $1.11 | Buy on Amazon |
Defy gravity with stunning acrobatics, overwhelm the enemy with amazing combos, and bend time to obtain what you want.
The game offers a scenic world to explore, which, combined with the adventure that waits in every corner, gives you an unforgettable taste of medieval Persia.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 2, 2003
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
If you like story-driven open-world RPGs, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a must-play for you. The game makes you journey through the Holy Roman Empire.
In Bohemia, the death of Emperor Charles IV invoked a dark time in the kingdom. War, sleaze, lack of harmony among the population, etc., is gradually destroying the kingdom. While the Emperor was loving and compassionate towards his people, his heirs were not cut from the same cloth. After Charles’ death, one of his sons, namely Wenceslas – a hedonistic, naive, apathetic individual inherited the vacant throne.
Wenceslas’ half-brother, Sigismund the Red Fox, senses this incompetency and abducts him to get his hands on the riches of Bohemia.
Here, gamers have to play as Henry – a blacksmith’s son whose village has suffered destruction at the hands of King Sigismund. Being among the few survivors of this cruel massacre, you start serving Lord Radzig Kobyla and join the resistance against the King.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Standard Edition - PlayStation 4 | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
A victim of fate, you find yourself amid a bloody war that will determine the future of the kingdom of Bohemia.
With spectacular graphics, top-notch gameplay, realistic fights, and more, Kingdom Come: Deliverance succeeds in becoming a nail-biting history-based title that will remain relevant for years to come.
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Publisher: Warhorse Studios, Prime Matter
Release Date: February 13, 2018
Dishonored 2
In Dishonored 2, players reprise their role as a supernatural assassin from the first installment. A worthy sequel, this first-person game masterfully blends mysticism and industrialism.
You can either play as Emily Kaldwin – the Empress, or Corvo Attano – Emily’s father and the Royal Protector.
Dishonored 2 employs an interesting non-linear gameplay. So, there is more than one way to finish the missions. Players get the opportunity to pass through the levels using stealth or making themselves known utilizing the full array of brutal fighting tactics the game has to offer.
Dishonored 2’s storyline is set 15 years after the events of the first game, where an unearthly being has usurped the Empress’ throne.
The game responds according to the choices you make throughout the game. So, based on your choices, there could be numerous possible outcomes.
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Dishonored 2 - PC |
$14.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
Dishonored 2 has environmental storytelling with a large map that has a lot to explore. The fictional city of Karnaca, where the events of the game occur, is based on real-life Larnaca city and Mediterranean nations like Spain, Greece, and Italy. Drawing heavy influences from the architecture, style, and technologies of 1851, Dishonored 2 creates a scenic open world that is a treat to explore.
Developer: Arkane Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: November 11, 2016
Hitman 3
In Hitman 3, you become Agent 47 and suit up to put your stealth and lethal abilities to the test. The game is the third edition and the fantastic ending to the World of Assassination trilogy.
Hitman 3 takes the players on an adventurous journey throughout a plethora of sandbox locations to perform several high-profile contract killings.
It challenges the creativity of players and compels them to stay aware of their environs all the time. Stealth is the most important part of being a hitman.
Hitman 3 requires you to assess your surroundings and chalk out strategies on the fly to carry out assassinations. You need to disguise, dodge CCTV surveillance, and evade other hurdles to reach your targets and put them to eternal sleep.
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Hitman 3 for PlayStation 4 | $28.99 | Buy on Amazon |
While the awesome graphics, nail-biting storyline, the advanced combat system do a great job of keeping players hooked by themselves, the experience elevates while using VR. This is one of the best Hitman games that you’ll ever get to play!
Developer: IO Interactive A/S
Publisher: IO Interactive A/S
Release Date: January 20, 2022
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
History lovers will adore Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, as the game deals with the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.
A strange one-eyed mercenary named Snake with a prosthetic arm has shown up in the country during the Cold War. Ocelot – an old ally of Snake, accompanies him.
After Cipher – a U.S. private intelligence network, left him in a comatose state, nobody has heard of him till now. But as the Soviet Forces hold Snake’s former partner Kazuhira Miller captive, Snake embarks on a solo mission to rescue him. Players – as Snake – have to take revenge on Cipher, the group responsible for his misery, and then put the Soviet Forces in their place.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain employs an explorable open world, freedom to be creative with the strategies, real-time weather, etc., to enhance the gameplay.
The game also focuses on multiplayer content, marking the homecoming of Metal Gear Online, the online multiplayer mode of MGS V.
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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - PlayStation 4 | $4.38 | Buy on Amazon |
With the malice and tragic environment of war prevailing in the storyline, the game leaves no stone unturned to familiarize the players dark side of humanity that they are afraid to acknowledge.
Developer: KONAMI
Publisher: KONAMI
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice empowers players to explore late 1500s Sengoku Japan, as they play as the ‘One-armed Wolf’. The protagonist of the game is a fallen, scarred warrior who came back from near-death.
Now, the One-armed Wolf is hellbent on guarding a young lord known as Kuro, The Divine Heir, who comes from an ancient lineage. This makes various deadly foes come at the protagonist, including the terrifying Ashina Clan.
With the boy falling victim to an abduction, players have to combine their Ninja skills with fatal prosthetic weapons to confront and win against their formidable adversaries to save Kuro.
They also have to use proper stealth and instincts to overpower whoever threatens the security of the young lord.
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Sekiro Shadows Die Twice - PlayStation 4 | 4,497 Reviews |
$44.08 |
Buy on Amazon |
In his bloody path, the One-armed Wolf will get a chance to redeem his lost honor. But the road to redemption is bumpy and takes valor, strategic aptness, combat expertise, resilience, and will to kill to achieve greatness.
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Activision (Excluding Japan and Asia), FromSoftware (Japan), 方块游戏 (Asia)
Release Date: March 22, 2019
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Experience England’s Dark Ages with all its darkness, by playing as Eivor – a mythical Viking raider out to attain glory with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Players have to provide leadership to make Viking raids against the Saxon troops and citadels a success.
The graphics are excellent, the sound design brings immersion, and the open world is simultaneously full of beauty and danger. Not only is the plot appealing, but the gameplay is cutting-edge.
With a wide range of weaponry, outstanding characters, and choices directly impacting your clan’s settlement – Assassin’s Creed Valhalla secures its position among the industry hotshots in the action RPG category. Also, if you love Viking games, based on the Norse warriors and Scandinavian mythology, you can’t afford to miss this one!
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Assassin's Creed Valhalla PS4 |
$29.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
Plus, the offerings of the game comprise the Forgotten Saga – a brand new rogue-lite game mode for all AC aficionados.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 6, 2022
Conclusion
To conclude, it is undeniable that no single game can ever replace the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Even after all these years, the Assassin’s Creed name is an emotion to us all. The anticipation and never-ending discussions regarding the arrival of Mirage prove this point again.
Nevertheless, the games we have listed above are behemoths in their own rights and provide a feel that is easily comparable to the Ubisoft-born action-adventure and stealth classic. Play them today and delve into the mesmerizing world of these one-of-a-kind titles. Happy gaming!
If you’ve already played Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and loved its setting, you should also check out our recommendations for the best medieval games on the PS4 console!
