Assassin’s Creed and History – Where Fiction Meets Reality

Many fans claim that playing Assassin’s Creed can be one of the first steps in learning more about the world’s history, but how accurate is it?

Almost 20 years have passed since the Assassin’s Creed series invited us to explore its rich world of conflict between ancient secret organizations - the Assassins and the Templars. During that time, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting many periods and events, including the French Revolution in 1789, the American Revolution in 1775, and ancient Greece in 431 BC. Ubisoft Montreal creatively used these past settings to create immersive action-adventure experiences, and starting March 20, 2025, we will have the opportunity to discover another one - feudal Japan in AC: Shadows.

click to enlarge

+ 3

If you've never played any of these video games or are looking for a new installment at the most reasonable price, G2A.COM gives you the perfect opportunity to explore these captivating worlds cheaper than ever. And if you are unsure which one to try or what to expect from their authenticity, you are in the right place. Here, we will discover to what degree the history of the Assassin’s Creed series merges with historical accuracy!

The Role of the Plot in the Series

The Assassin's Creed history revolves around a fictional conflict between the Templars and the Assassins. Although it never happened, the creators use this story to depict past events, locations, and characters. The series' core is to reveal how the playable characters use the Animus (time-traveling technology) to relive various time periods from their ancestors' point of view. That way, players can explore ancient cities, participate in significant events, and (partially) influence the future.

Although the plot isn't relevant to world history, the series uses it as a pretext to throw players in the middle of authentic events. During their adventures, they can freely explore highly detailed locations, interact with influential figures, and witness key affairs that shaped the world as we know it today.

Symbiosis of Fiction and Historical Authenticity

But to what extent does this plot connect with reality? The symbiosis of fiction and authenticity is one of the crucial factors in the series' success. Ubisoft created a unique combination of faithful events, locations, and characters with a fictional plot revolving around exciting intrigue and adrenaline-fueled action.

The realistic representation of places, events, and characters sets this title apart from similar games. Virtual and interactive versions of cities like Rome, London, and Cairo allow players to explore architecture and immerse themselves in the era's atmosphere. They can participate in the French Revolution, chat with Leonardo da Vinci, or witness the fall of the Borgias. No other game offers such a detailed vision of past events, which players can experience firsthand while exploring the exciting fictional plot.

click to enlarge

+ 3

But does this fictional story deprive the series of its educational value? Not necessarily. While the main plot of the Assassin’s Creed series revolves around an imaginary conflict, most of its setting, events, culture, and mythology existed (or still do). Moreover, players can interact with this fascinating environment by exploring the game’s main storyline and using the Discovery Tour mode introduced in Assassin’s Creed: Origins. This option lets them freely wander the world without engaging in combat or completing quests. By immersing themselves in a chosen setting, players can learn more about significant time periods and events, like the Italian Renaissance, the American Revolutionary War, or the culture of ancient Egypt. This video game series is not a legitimate history book, but it brilliantly encourages players to learn by allowing them to participate in events that actually happened. For many gamers, especially younger ones, this may be the first step toward developing their interest in world history.

click to enlarge

+ 3

"History is Our Playground"

The series' creators emphasize that history is their playground, and the Assassin’s Creed installments perfectly prove that fact. Set in true environments, Ubisoft’s games provide an excellent setting for combining fiction with the past.

While the main plot never happened, it gives players unlimited freedom to interact with real-world locations. Without this fictional story, players wouldn't emotionally invest in the experienced events. Although Ubisoft doesn’t follow history literally, these games promote educational fun and a creative approach to learning about the past.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Assassin’s Creed series is an excellent resource for learning about the world’s history. While it's not entirely accurate, it can be a first step in discovering more about our past. Exploring an interactive digital environment, players can learn how to connect facts and events to key characters. It’s not a faithful source but rather an inspirational and fun way to educate yourself about the old days.

If you feel inspired by its unique combination of fiction and reality, visit G2A.COM for AC: Shadows and other games in the series at the best prices. Who knows, maybe that will be your first step toward discovering the world’s history through the lens of the most cunning Assassin? It’s time to find out!