As one of the Xbox One’s headline launch window games in November 2013, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag became synonymous with the console’s release. Many of you might have fond memories of picking up the two together, booting up the console for the first time, and stepping into the sun-drenched Caribbean rendered in higher definition than ever before, the lazy holiday period spread out in front of you. Bliss.

At Ubisoft, we wanted to capture the essence of that experience and recreate it for the current generation of hardware. This is Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, an enhanced, faithful remake of the original game built from the ground up in the latest version of the Anvil engine. We’re thrilled to share some of the game’s most important new features for those of you who journeyed alongside Captain Edward Kenway back in 2013 – as well as those excited to jump into Black Flag’s world for the very first time.

New Tech Means New Detail

Rendered in the Anvil Engine, Black Flag Resynced features ray tracing, Dolby Atmos and more, which means, among other things, that the world will feel and look more lived-in and vibrant.

The Anvil Atmos system allowed the developers at Ubisoft Singapore to create a dynamic weather system, which means you’ll experience winds and waves, violent storms and serene sun as you journey across the Caribbean Sea. Plus, loading screens are gone.

Quality of Life Improvements on Ground Level and At Sea

Everything has been designed to make Edward’s movements on ground level more fluid and snappier. There are a lot of improvements in this area which we’ll outline more thoroughly in the future, but we’re delighted to give you some highlights:

• Combat has been reworked to focus on visceral takedowns and new parrying mechanics, as well as quick-fire rope dart and pistol moves.
• Edward can now crouch any time, affecting enemy visibility at medium to long range.
• Tailing missions have changed. If you get spotted during a tailing mission in Assassin’s Creed Resynced, you’ll still be able to complete the mission, whereas previously you’d be desynchronized.
• Observe mode allows Edward to observe his environment and find his quest objectives, clues, and tag enemies.
• Ziplines have been scattered throughout the city, allowing Edward to traverse from high up to ground level quickly.

Ubisoft Singapore has fully revamped naval combat and exploration in Assassin’s Creed Resynced. Highlights include:

• A host of secondary weapons have been added to Edward’s ship, the Jackdaw.
• Enemy ships and factions have alliances and enemies which will affect their behaviour and loadouts.
• Bring along a pet to join you as you sail.
• Recruit three officers – play through their three unique side quests to assign them to your crew. Each will bring a new gameplay feature to naval combat.
• New shanties – enjoy 10 brand new songs alongside all the others you remember.

New Missions

While we won’t spoil anything, we’re excited to share that additional missions and new scenes have been added to Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, featuring performances from original Edward voice actor Matt Ryan.

Please keep your eye out for more information on Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced leading up to its launch on July 9 for Xbox Series X|S. In the meantime, you can pre-order the game on the Microsoft Store:

• Standard Edition ($59.99 USD)
  • Copy of the game.
• Deluxe Edition ($69.99 USD)
  • Copy of the game.
  • Digital download: Master Assassin Character pack – sword, pistol, and trinket each with a unique perk, and costume for Edward.
  • Digital download: Master Assassin Naval pack – sail set, ship’s pet, crew attire, wheel, figurehead, and hull trim.

Pre-order Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: Deluxe Edition on the Microsoft Store and receive a promotional $5 USD Xbox digital gift card (United States only), plus an Assassin’s Creed Resources Pack, which you can use to grab an instant boost for your piratical career with useful materials and valuable trade goods.

Welcome back, Captain – we can’t wait to raise the Black Flag with you again.