Let us take a look at the top 7 Assassin’s Creed Protagonists that defined that franchise and turned it into what it has become today.
-Robin Bhuyan
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is one of the most popular gaming franchises that exist, despite the fact that many players now feel it is losing its charm. However, players are still drawn to its unique blend of stealth, action, and cinematic storytelling that transports them to different eras across centuries. What makes these adventures even more memorable are the heroes at the center of it all. Each of these Assassin’s Creed protagonists has left a distinct mark on the franchise, shaping the Creed and its fight against the Templars. From warriors to visionaries, these characters built the foundation of one of gaming’s most beloved universes.
7. Connor Kenway
Connor, also known as Ratonhnhaké:ton, he is remembered as the Assassin who helped secure America’s freedom from the clutches of the Templars. Connor rebuilt the Colonial Brotherhood from near ruin, ensuring the Assassins had a presence in the new United States. His contribution lies not only in defeating powerful Templar agents during the American Revolution but also in laying down the roots of the Brotherhood in the New World. Trained in both native hunting techniques and Assassin combat, his specialties lie in wilderness survival, tomahawk combat, and naval warfare with the ship Aquila.
6. Aya
Aya, later known as Amunet, stands as one of the founders of the Hidden Ones. Her specialties were political maneuvering, infiltration, and silent assassinations. Unlike her husband/lover Bayek, Aya’s journey took her across seas, eventually establishing the order in Rome and giving it a presence beyond Egypt. She eliminated dangerous enemies of the Creed such as Septimius and worked in the shadows against corruption in Cleopatra’s court. Aya’s legacy lives on as the one who helped define the rules of the early Brotherhood, emphasizing discipline and restraint while expanding their reach into Europe.
5. Edward Kenway
Edward Kenway is the most unlikely Assassin. Beginning as a pirate with dreams of fortune, Edward’s specialties lay in naval battles, sword combat, and… well, opportunism. As captain of the Jackdaw, he dominated the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Over time, his reckless lifestyle gave way to loyalty toward the Brotherhood. Edward Kenway secured the Observatory, disrupted Templar control in the Caribbean, and opened trade routes for the Assassins. His contributions are also deeply personal, as his bloodline continued the conflict through his son Haytham and grandson Connor, leaving an unforgettable family legacy in Assassin’s Creed. What makes Edward Kenway special is that despite being a greedy and selfish pirate- he chose the Assassin life out of conscience not out of revenge and pain like Ezio and Connor.
4. Desmond Miles
Desmond Miles is the first and the most important protagonist who connected the historical stories with the modern era. A bartender at first, his specialty came from his bloodline. Through the Animus, he inherited the skills of his ancestors Altaïr, Ezio, and Connor. Desmond quickly mastered parkour, combat, and Eagle Vision without traditional training. His greatest contribution was his sacrifice to save the world from destruction. Desmond activated ancient Isu technology, preventing a solar catastrophe, even at the cost of his own life. His role ensured humanity’s survival and his memories continued to be exploited by Abstergo, making him one of the most important Assassin’s Creed Protagonists. Players still believing that his death was not just tragic, but it was a mistake by Ubisoft as after his death, there has been no modern-day protagonist people could connect with.
3. Bayek of Siwa
Bayek of Siwa, the last Medjay of Egypt, is among the most honorable figures in Assassin’s Creed. His specialties included expert tracking, combat versatility, and using his eagle companion Senu to scout the battlefield. Bayek’s personal tragedy turned into a greater cause as he and Aya eventually founded the Hidden Ones. His greatest contribution was transforming his grief of losing his only son into a mission that gave rise to the Brotherhood. Bayek defined early tenets of the Creed, such as protecting innocents, and laid the moral foundation for generations of Assassins. His role makes him one of the most influential characters in the franchise.
2. Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is the face most players think of when they hear Assassin’s Creed. He is no doubt among the most beloved video game protagonists. His charisma, leadership, and mastery of Assassin skills made him the perfect protagonist. Ezio specialized in inspiring others, uniting fragmented factions, and helping expand the Brotherhood across Europe. From a young noble seeking vengeance to the wise Mentor of the order, Ezio’s journey represents growth and purpose. His greatest contribution was ensuring the Brotherhood’s survival during one of its most critical times. Ezio’s legacy continued shaping the order for centuries and continues to inspire both players and characters within the series.
1. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
At the top of the list is undoubtedly Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, the Assassin who began the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and transformed the Brotherhood into what it is. Altaïr’s specialties included mastery of stealth, combat, and investigation. However, his true brilliance lay in leadership and innovation. After reforming the Brotherhood, he wrote the Codex that outlined the Creed’s philosophy and tactical knowledge. His contributions went beyond his victories over the Templars, as he established the order’s discipline, structure, and global vision. Although Altair is not that popular since the only game we got about him is the first Assassin’s Creed, without Altair, the Assassins might not have evolved from the Hidden Ones into a lasting force. He is the foundation of the series and the most legendary of all Assassin’s Creed Protagonists.
Read more about why Altair and Ezio are considered the best protagonists in the AC franchise
Which one among these Assassin’s Creed Protagonists is your Favorite?
Each of these Assassin’s Creed Protagonists played a vital role in shaping the Brotherhood, the fight against the Templars, and the franchise itself. Their stories show why Assassin’s Creed remains a beloved franchise by millions of fans. Together, they remind us that the Creed is not just about stealth or combat, but about ideals that transcend generations.
