On July 9th, Edward Kenway sets sail again – but this is no simple graphics update. Ubisoft has given the pirate classic new story missions, fresh crew members and even 10 additional sea shanties. Even those who know the original inside and out will see something new here.
The most important information about the release
Before we get into the details, here are the hard facts you’ve been waiting for:
- Release date: The pirate adventure stands out July 9, 2026 at sea.
- Platforms: You can open the sails PC (Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S set.
How much does the fun cost? The editions at a glance
You have the choice between three different versions:
- Standard Edition (59.99 euros): Includes the main game.
- Deluxe Edition (69.99 euros): Includes the base game and two cosmetic skin packs for Edward and his ship.
- Collector’s Edition (199.99 euros): The ultimate collector’s package with an Edward Kenway statue, steelbook, cloth world map, shanty sheet music and all of the Deluxe Edition digital content.
As a pre-order bonus, you will also receive Blackbeard’s “Blood Red Package” with an exclusive outfit.
Finally Fixed: What Makes the Remake Better
Ubisoft has not only polished the graphics, but above all has improved the gameplay. Instead of completely overhauling the game, the most annoying aspects of the original were specifically revised and old strengths were further expanded.
» Watch video: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced – graphics comparison 2013 vs. 2026
No more instant game over
The infamous eavesdropping and tracking missions are still there, but they no longer stop immediately if you are discovered. Instead, your targets react, draw their weapons and you have the chance to resolve the situation in combat. This finally gives you multiple ways to complete a mission instead of punishing yourself mercilessly.
Sneak like a real assassin
What was missing in the original is now standard: you can duck and sneak manually at any time at the push of a button. You no longer have to rely on waist-high bushes to move around unnoticed.
Ubisoft is also making adjustments to the equipment. The dart is unlocked in sequence 3 and not in sequence 11 as in the original. This means that important stealth tools are available to you much earlier and more missions can be tackled silently right from the start.
Faster battles without RPG baggage
The combat system has been modernized and now feels faster and more action-packed. The animations are more fluid and the familiar counterattack and attack chains look better. But don’t worry: Ubisoft emphasizes that Black Flag Resynced remains an action-adventure and will not be transformed into a role-playing game with a level system and a jumble of numbers.
Ubisoft consciously remains true to the spirit of the original. Although some systems are based on modern series parts, classic RPG mechanics such as dialogue options or branching decisions are not included. According to game director Richard Knight, Edward Kenway’s story will be told exactly as it was in 2013 – including his development from self-interested pirate to assassin.
Parkour with more precision
The parkour system is also getting an upgrade. Inspired by newer series installments, Ubisoft promises more precise controls and higher speed as you climb over the rooftops of Havana or through the jungle.
More options for assassinations
Ubisoft is expanding numerous assassination missions with optional objectives, hidden rewards and additional background information on the targets. Anyone who eavesdrops on guards or explores alternative paths can discover new clues and learn more about their goals.
This content is completely new
In addition to the gameplay improvements, you can also expect fresh content that will surprise even those who know the original.
- New stories and deeper characters: Experience new adventures with well-known characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, which are seamlessly integrated into the main story. Even Edward’s wife Caroline, who was left behind in England, is said to play a larger role. In the present-day story in the Animus, the office exploration of the original is replaced by new “rifts” that focus more on Edward’s internal struggles. In these optional sections, you will experience alternative “what if” scenarios. Ubisoft would like to provide additional background information about Edward and his companions and at the same time continue the current Assassin’s Creed framework.
Despite the new content, Ubisoft does not fundamentally change Edward’s character. The developers emphasize that Edward initially remains a “really bad assassin” in the remake (source: Gamesradar). His greed, his questionable decisions and his mistakes are an important part of his development and are therefore retained unchanged.
- New story missions: Ubisoft has now also revealed details about the scope of the new story content. The new chapter “A World Without Gold” awaits you in the endgame, which includes a total of eight additional missions related to Blackbeard. The studio is also adding a new treasure hunt related to the infamous pirate in Sequence 8.
In addition, a new treasure hunt related to Blackbeard awaits you in sequence 8. Stede Bonnet also receives an additional quest series that sheds light on his legacy.
- Reinforcements for the Jackdaw: Recruit three brand new officers to your ship: Lucy Baldwin, the “Padre” and Dead Man Smith. Each of them comes with its own quest line and powerful new ship upgrades. For example, Dead Man Smith allows you to fire your broadside cannons twice.
Navigation on the high seas will also become more comfortable. With the new one Pathfinder system The game automatically shows you the best route to your destination. If you want to enjoy the Caribbean in a relaxed manner, you can also use the function “Follow Sea” activate. The Jackdaw takes over the controls and automatically sails to the marked destination.
- Animal Crew Members: Hire the ship’s own cat or monkey! A small but nice detail for the atmosphere.
- Seamless Caribbean: Thanks to the power of the new Anvil engine, loading times when driving to cities are a thing of the past. You sail directly from the open sea to the major ports of the Caribbean without loading screens interrupting the immersion.
The game world also benefits from high-resolution textures, completely new lighting and a significantly expanded weather system. Huge storms, strong winds and realistic wave movements are said to make the Caribbean appear more alive than ever before. Also new are various types of waterspouts and lightning strikes, which can even cause damage on the high seas.
According to Ubisoft, the game world reacts more dynamically to changes in the weather. The forces of nature should not only look spectacular, but also have a direct influence on naval battles and exploration.
- More freedom and comfort at sea: In addition to the major gameplay changes, Ubisoft has given the remake several convenience features. The popular Sea Shanties are celebrating their return – including all 35 songs from the original. There are also ten new shanties that you can unlock as you progress through the game. There is also a new shanty wheel with which you can select your favorite songs. Alternatively, the music can be deactivated completely if you would rather listen to the sounds of the sea.
What’s missing in the remake
In order to fully focus on Edward Kenway’s single-player experience, two major features had to go over the plank:
- The multiplayer mode of the original is not part of the remake.
- Also the popular story expansion “Cry for Freedom” with Adéwalé is not included.
Despite numerous innovations, Ubisoft is not pursuing a complete reorientation of the series with Resynced. The game remains a classic action-adventure and deliberately avoids many of the RPG elements of the newer Assassin’s Creed parts. The developers therefore speak of a modernization of the original and not of a reinvention.
FAQ
Can I transfer my old save game?
No, since this is a completely new game, it is not possible to transfer the old save from the original.
Why was the Cry for Freedom DLC removed?
Ubisoft wants to focus 100% on Edward Kenway’s story. Adéwalé’s story, while fantastic, would have softened that focus, according to the developers.