What is the name of the fictional artifacts central to the Assassin's Creed series?

The fictional artifacts central to Assassin's Creed are called the Pieces of Eden.

The Pieces of Eden are powerful objects created by the Isu, the ancient civilization that existed before humanity's recorded history. Different Pieces have different abilities, including influencing minds, projecting illusions, and storing or transmitting information. Their power makes them valuable to both the Templars and the Assassins.

The Apple of Eden is the best-known example, but it is only one type of Piece. Other examples include the Staff of Eden and the Sword of Eden. The artifacts connect the series' ancient mythology to both its historical adventures and its modern-day storyline.

The Animus is not a Piece of Eden. It is a machine used to access genetic memories, and it was developed by modern humans using knowledge connected to the Isu. The distinction matters because the Animus enables the storytelling framework, while the Pieces are ancient objects within the fiction.