Assassin's Creed Origins stands out as an action RPG adventure game that transports players to ancient Egypt during a time of political intrigue and hidden conflicts. Released in 2017, it follows the journey of Bayek, a Medjay protector, as he uncovers conspiracies and forms the foundations of the Assassin Brotherhood. With a vast open world filled with historical landmarks, this title emphasizes exploration, combat, and narrative depth, making it a compelling choice for those interested in history-infused action RPG experiences.
Gameplay
In Assassin's Creed Origins, the core loop revolves around traversing a massive recreation of Ptolemaic Egypt, where players engage in stealth, combat, and parkour. The overhauled combat system shifts to a hitbox-based approach, allowing for precise strikes, dodges, and blocks with a variety of weapons like swords, spears, and bows. RPG elements shine through in the skill tree, where players allocate points to enhance abilities in hunter, warrior, or seer paths, tailoring Bayek's capabilities to preferred playstyles.
Exploration plays a key role, with activities such as synchronizing viewpoints to reveal map sections, hunting wildlife for crafting materials, and raiding enemy camps for loot. Naval elements let players sail the Nile to discover hidden tombs or engage in ship battles. Quests often involve investigating clues, assassinating targets, or aiding locals, blending action with puzzle-solving in environments like pyramids and oases.
Game Modes
The game focuses on a single-player experience, centered around the main campaign that spans dozens of hours. Players progress through a linear yet branching narrative, completing story missions that advance Bayek's quest for vengeance and justice.
Beyond the core story, side quests offer additional content, ranging from short encounters to multi-part adventures involving characters across Egypt. An educational Discovery Tour mode provides a non-combat way to explore the world, learning about historical sites and daily life in ancient Egypt without gameplay restrictions.
Setting and Factions
Set in 49-43 BCE during Cleopatra's reign, the game depicts a turbulent Egypt under Roman influence. Players navigate regions from Alexandria's bustling streets to the arid deserts of Sinai, encountering wildlife and ruins that reflect the era's architecture and culture.
Key factions include the Phylakes, elite hunters who pursue Bayek, and the Order of the Ancients, a secretive group pulling strings behind the scenes. Interactions with these groups drive conflicts, requiring strategic approaches to infiltration and combat. Mechanics like eagle vision, using Senu the eagle for scouting, add layers to reconnaissance and planning assassinations.
Is It Worth Playing?
Assassin's Creed Origins holds up well in 2026, with its detailed world and refined mechanics continuing to draw players. It earned an 81 Metacritic score on PC, reflecting praise for its visuals, story, and gameplay innovations. The game receives ongoing support through compatibility updates, ensuring smooth performance on modern hardware.
For those who enjoy open-world action RPGs with historical settings, it remains a strong recommendation. The mix of exploration, meaningful progression, and engaging narratives makes it suitable for solo players seeking depth, though it might feel repetitive for those preferring fast-paced multiplayer action. With no active seasons or major updates since 2018, its value lies in the complete package available today.
