Which Assassin’s Creed game was the first to introduce the modern-day character Layla Hassan?

Assassin’s Creed Origins was the first game to introduce the modern-day character Layla Hassan. Layla is a former Abstergo researcher who uses a modified Animus to explore the genetic memories of Bayek and Aya in ancient Egypt.

Her decision to work outside Abstergo’s control makes her a crucial modern-day figure. Through the Animus, Layla investigates the beginnings of the Hidden Ones while also uncovering information that connects the ancient story to the continuing Assassin–Templar conflict. Her technology allows Origins to frame the historical adventure through a new modern perspective.

Layla returns as the modern-day protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. She should not be confused with Desmond Miles, who leads the modern-day sections of the first several major games, or with Rebecca Crane and Shaun Hastings, members of Desmond’s team. Origins was released in 2017 and marked a major shift toward open-world role-playing systems.