Summary
Assassin’s Creedis easily one of the most expansive and popular gaming series, with hundreds of millions of copies sold and a massive player base. Moreover, the series constantly evolves, shifting its appeal over the years and experimenting with new ideas — for better or worse. With its most recent release,Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the franchise expands once again, delivering a sprawling open-worldaction-adventure with deep stealth mechanics.
Over time, the recognizableAssassin’s Creedformula has influenced dozens of other popular games and series, often serving as a reference point for the open-world genre, especially for games rooted in history. Despite its evolution, the key pillars of the series remain largely the same: a vast and authentic open world, strong visuals, ahistorical setting, a certain level of realism, and the ability to play as a stealthy predator. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the best PS5 games that share similar elements withAssassin’s Creedand will likely appeal to its fans.
For relevance, only games released natively on PS5 (after November 2020) or those that have received a significant upgrade for current-gen platforms will be included.
Probably the most natural recommendation, especially forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsfans,Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cutis the definitive edition for PS5, featuring enhanced visuals and the sizableIki Islandexpansion. Thetwo games have been widely compared, and whileGhost of Tsushimawas undoubtedly inspired byAssassin’s Creed, many now seeShadowsas its successor, mirroring several aspects of Sucker Punch’s game.
Ghost of Tsushimadelivers the same core elements found in any modernAssassin’s Creedtitle: a historical setting (13th-century Japan during the Mongol invasion), a vast and stunning open world, and stealth-based assassin gameplay. UnlikeShadows, which separates its main characters for different playstyles,Ghost of Tsushimafeatures a single protagonist who embodies both samurai and shinobi, offering fluid and engaging combat regardless of the player’s approach.
Another natural recommendation for fans of bothAssassin’s CreedandGhost of Tsushima,Rise of the Roninoffers much of the same core appeal, with its detailed historical backdrop of 19th-century Japan during the Bakumatsu era, a vast open world to explore, and the ability to play as a ronin with assassin-like capabilities.
However, the game leans more toward direct combat, drawing inspiration from Team Ninja’s previous titles in the soulslike genre. WhileRise of the Roninmay not be a true soulslike, it is significantly more challenging thanAssassin’s CreedorGhost of Tsushima, requiring players to fully master their skills before taking on tough bosses in each region. One drawback, though, is the visuals: despite being a current-gen release,Rise of the Roninfalls short in this area and doesn’t quite hold up in direct comparison to laterAssassin’s Creedtitles.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2might not be the most obvious recommendation for anAssassin’s Creedfan, given how drastically different their approaches to historical settings are. Instead of the fast-paced, camp-clearing gameplay common in laterAssassin’s Creedtitles,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2offers ameticulous, slow-paced recreationof 15th-century Bohemia during the Holy Roman Empire’s turmoil, emphasizing historical depth and authenticity.
Still, with its vast scope and expansive open world, the game can be a compelling choice forAssassin’s Creedfans who enjoy exploration, especially drawing comparisons to the very first game in the series. While stealth is an option, it is far less cinematic and assassin-focused,offering a slower, more grounded experience— something to keep in mind when approaching the game.
From this point on, grounded historical settings take a backseat, but an open-world environment and rich stealth options remain essential.Cyberpunk 2077delivers both, adding a futuristic twist and offering one of the most unique settings available. Night City is a sprawling, dystopian metropolis with dense verticality and a high degree of freedom, easily meeting the scale and expectations of anyAssassin’s Creedfan, though traversal doesn’t fully live up to its promise of verticality.
On the other hand,Cyberpunk 2077’s stealth flexibility is impressive, allowing players to build their character as astealth-focused netrunner, blade-wielder, or silenced-gun specialist. With a vast arsenal of deadly tools and abilities, players can take out enemies in a sandbox-style assassination approach, eliminating or hacking them before they have a chance to react. Once mastered, thisplaystyle is arguably the most satisfying wayto playCyberpunk 2077.
Another great pick for fans of futuristic settings,Horizon Forbidden Westremains one of the most visually stunning PS5 gamesto date, with a post-apocalyptic world unlike any other. The blend of high-tech aesthetics and tribal societies helps the series stand out, while its massive and diverse open world is a paradise for exploration, packed with collectibles and side activities.
Horizon Forbidden Westalso places astrong emphasis on stealth-focused gameplay, allowing players to sneak through encounters and take down both machines and human enemies, resorting to direct confrontation only when necessary. Playing as a silent predator feels both satisfying and lethal, making it a compelling choice forAssassin’s Creedfans who enjoy tailoring their builds around stealth.
WhileStar Wars Outlawsinitially faced criticism for its stealth mechanics, Ubisoft’s ongoing support has addressed many of the game’s early issues. The open-world environments are richly detailed and visually stunning, featuring a mix of iconic planets and entirely new worlds. Players can explore these dense locations on foot, by speeder, or via spaceship, immersing themselves in side activities, syndicate missions, and dynamic encounters.
Though stealth inStar Wars Outlawsisn’t as refined as inAssassin’s Creed, it remains a core aspect of gameplay. Scoundrel Kay Vess is a thief with a killer’s edge, requiring players to master her skillset, including distractions from her companion Nix, sneaking, and executing takedowns with gadgets or melee. Post-launch updates havesignificantly improved stealth mechanics, removing instant-fail scenarios and enhancing overall flexibility, so it’s all but recommended to the fans of laterAssassin’s Creedentries today.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2stands as one of the best PS5 games from Sony’s first-party studios, refining the formula of its predecessors and expanding the open-world recreation of modern-day New York. The game is highly cinematic, with stunning visuals and a strong narrative,while its traversal, centered on web-slinging and acrobatics, bears a slight resemblance toAssassin’s Creed’ssignature parkour.
Beyond its vast world and fluid movement,Assassin’s Creedfans may particularly enjoy the stealth gameplay (although the sequel features less stealth-focused missions than the original), as both playable Spider-Men can take down enemies silently using gadgets and spectacular maneuvers, somewhat akin to theBatman: Arkhamseries. Not exactly an assassin, but your friendly neighborhood superhero can certainly feel like a predator hunting in the concrete jungle.
The acclaimedHitmanseries almost rivalsAssassin’s Creedin the number of main entries, allowing developer IO Interactive to refine the formula of being a professional modern-day assassin. WhileHitman 3, like its predecessors, forgoes a fully open world in favor of a mission-based structure, its levels are expansive, intricately designed, and open-ended, offering a true sandbox experience with countless ways to eliminate targets.
When it comes to stealth gameplay,Hitman 3is nearly unrivaled,giving players full control over their approach. From gadgets and fiber wire to silenced pistols and sniper rifles, the options for takedowns are vast. The real highlight, though, is the game’s wealth of hidden assassination methods that make eliminations look like mere accidents — the mark of a true professional.
