Every playable character in the Assassin's Creed franchise is a more than capable fighter in their own right, with each of them bringing different quirks, abilities, and skillsets to the table.
Assuming that the player controlling the assassin is capable and can utilize all available devices at their disposal for that specific assassin, and evaluating any fighting done during cut-scenes, it is possible to rank them all based on their fighting abilities. Each assassin is based in a different era, facing different weapons and technologies, but their capability to adapt and overcome can be directly compared to their fellow assassins.
11 Desmond Had The Potential & Capabilities To Be A Deadly Assassin
While it perhaps isn't entirely clear where Desmond should fall on a list including all these accomplished assassins and warriors, Desmond still ranks lower because of the limited combat he is shown engaging in across the games. In theory, the bleeding effect allowing him to accumulate the power and skills of the assassins he experiences in the Animus, would make him one of the most powerful assassins in the franchise— but again, there just isn't enough of it demonstrated to know for sure.
He shows glimpses of it, such as escaping from Abstergo in Assassin's Creed II as well as his rampage with blades and the Apple of Eden when trying to rescue his father in Assassin's Creed III.
10 Arno's Free-Running Made For Some Interesting New Combat Combos
Assassin's Creed: Unity introduced a new dimension to the franchise— on what were, at the time, "next-gen consoles"— with more freedom added to free-running, which in theory should have allowed for more exciting combat. Arno certainly had great skills and it looked flashy with some great choreography— but his fighting style at times could become slow and clunky, meaning that he doesn't rank anywhere near as high as most of the other assassins in the franchise.
He could still be extremely ruthless yet also stealthy, which, alongside his parkour skillset, still made him a more than capable fighter and assassin.
9 Shay Was A Brutal Fighter Despite Not Being The Most Memorable Of Main Characters
One of the more brutal assassins, Shay of Assassin's Creed: Rogue combined quick hidden blade attacks with a seriously fast quick-draw of his guns, allowing for a certain degree of variation. He was capable of a multitude of different executions, utilizing many different types of weapon from heavy axes to bayonets.
His reliance on guns for the most part rank him lower than most of the other assassins in the franchise, as guns seem to deviate away from the core of what Assassin's Creed games should be— not to mention that it doesn't take "fighting skills" per se to be able to handle a firearm well.
8 Evie Outclassed & Outgunned Her Brother
Evie completely outshines her brother Jacob in every way in Assassin's Creed: Syndicate, being the brains and muscle, while also fighting to fulfill a legacy as a true assassin.
Not surprisingly given the time period, the Frys have to deal with a lot of gunfire, which makes Evie's quickness and lethal use of multiple clean strikes incredibly important. She is more than capable with a gun herself, but her strikes allow her to flow almost gracefully through a fight without needing to resort to long-range weaponry.
7 Kassandra Was A More Iconic Character Than Alexios
Not only is Kassandra one of the most likable characters in the entire franchise, more-so than the male character choice (Alexios) in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, but she is also an exemplary fighter. A perfect blend of charisma and toughness, she is quick, powerful, and destructive in combat, especially when dual-wielding blades.
She eventually comes to wield the spear of Leonidas, allowing her to take on mythical beasts while giving her regenerative health and speed. Kassandra essentially carries Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, and it would certainly be interesting to see her face off against her fellow assassins.
6 Connor's Vengeful Aggression Was On Display Through His Combat
Despite not being the most likable nor favored character in the franchise, Connor was certainly one of the best fighters. His strikes could be devastating and brutal, with him often stringing together exceptional combinations to take out multiple enemies with ease.
His intensity was arguably fueled by his past trauma and strife, and while this sometimes made it hard for the player to support his actions, it certainly gave him a character built around cynicism and vengeance. Sometimes having to face multiple of varying types of enemies at once— swordsmen, gunmen, and even tanks— Connor's quickness and combinations allowed for quick maneuverability.
5 Bayek Was A Complete Assassin & Deadly Fighter
Assassin's Creed: Origins funnily enough was a much needed dive back to the roots and ancient history of the assassins. While Bayek was strong believer of fighting from the shadows, keeping it sneaky like a true assassin should, he was also more than capable in open battle.
His lightning-quick speed when facing opponents allowed him, if controlled precisely, to dodge incoming arrows and gain momentum before unleashing his brutal strikes on enemies. Making use of a shield to potentially stun or knock back enemies was also a good addition to his offensive arsenal, as well as the obvious defensive protection that a shield brings.
4 Eivor Was A True Viking
Arguably aided by the fact that Assassin's Creed: Valhalla has the advantage of being created for the most recent and most powerful consoles with a game engine to accentuate both its beauty and brutality, Eivor's sheer strength, grit, and deadly killing blows are all clear for everyone to see.
Utilizing throwable weapons leading into using overwhelming force to inflict instant death on his enemies, Eivor is a perfect example of why the world of Vikings is arguably the most brutal of all those that have been explored in the Assassin's Creed franchise so far, and will be hard to top going forward.
3 Edward Kenway's Sword & Pistol Combinations Made For Highly Enjoyable Gameplay
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag felt like a shift away from the core of the series which revolved around Desmond and assassins most of all. However, the introduction of Edward Kenway and the world of pirates didn't feel disjointed or out of place within the series. Edward almost immediately killing a traitorous assassin and taking on his identity not only shows his character, but also is an early indication of his combat skills.
Exploring the many islands in the game and progressing through the story, Edward can gain access to many exquisite blades and can eventually make use of four pistols within combat, making for some slick gameplay with many variants of possible combinations.
2 Altaïr Was Born With It
Although Altaïr was the first playable assassin in the series and all those that followed had the advantages of additional skills, tricks, and much more, his brutal nature and fighting prowess can not be disputed. He was raised to be an assassin from birth, so this is unsurprising.
His training made him fearless and he eventually became a master assassin still at a young age. If he had the opportunity to be in a game with the mechanics and gameplay that the modern Assassin's Creed entries have, it would make for an incredible and captivating playable experience for any player.
1 Ezio Was The Best Assassin Of Them All
Widely regarded as the best assassin in the series, Ezio had several games to impress players and become a fan favorite. He has to graft and go through a lot to work his way to the top and he manages it both alone and with assistance when needed, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood being a good example of the latter.
He makes handy use of dual hidden blades but is also more than capable using any weapon that his enemies drop. Ezio even makes deadly use of the Apple of Eden when needing to escape the Vatican by turning countless guards on each other with its horrifying powers.
0 Comments