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Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sets sail in July with huge modern upgrades
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Dave Tach
Ubisoft revealed what the developer is calling a “faithful remake of one of the most beloved Assassin's Creed games” during a livestream on April 23, 2026, hosted in part by Matt Ryan, the actor who plays the game’s protagonist, Edward Kenway. Ryan described the game as “totally rebuilt from the ground up with the latest version of the Anvil engine and enriched with lots of new additions,” and we’ve got the details below.
The classic game
Just like the 2013 original, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced tells the story of Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate who captains the Jackdaw. On his ship, Kenway explores Caribbean locations like Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas during the Golden Age of Piracy. He even brushes elbows with pirate legends like Blackbeard. Speaking of Blackbeard, pre-purchase the game in the Epic Games Store, and you’ll receive the Blackbeard's Crimson Pack bonus pack, which includes a costume for Edward, a sword, and a pistol.
Along the way, Kenway finds the interminable clash of worldviews represented by the Assassins on one side and the Templars on the other, stumbles upon a nefarious plot involving the British and Spanish navies, and dabbles in the establishment of a pirate utopia.
The story expands
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced’s developers are expanding on the original story with new and extended stories involving characters like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, aka the Gentleman Pirate.
Three new officers are also coming to the game as part of the core narrative: Lucy Baldwin, Tobias "Deadman" Smith, and The Padre.
“Each officer has a unique narrative questline that reveals their backstory,” the livestream’s narrator said. “Gain their trust to recruit them to your crew and benefit from their special gameplay abilities. Deadman Smith, for example, unlocks a double shot from broadside weapons.”
The DLC and multiplayer disappear
What Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced won’t have are the original’s DLC and multiplayer components. During the reveal event, Paul Fu, creative director at Ubisoft Singapore, explained the decision to Matt Ryan.
“So Matt, with Resynced, we made a clear choice,” Fu said. "It is a pure story-driven adventure, and we are fully focused on Edward's adventures in the Caribbean. As a result of this focus, we have elected to not have the multiplayer and not have the DLC. However, Resynced is built from the ground up with [a] new story, new content, and new systems. But we're staying true to its action adventure roots. Resynced is a 2026 take on the original legend. And for those of us who are curious, the original will still be available.”
You can adopt a pet
The Jackdaw can now have an official ship’s pet, and you have a choice between a cat and a monkey.
Upgraded visuals and sound
Ubisoft was careful to point out that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced isn’t a simple update of the original. Instead, its developers have “rebuilt” the game in the latest version of their Anvil engine.
“The Caribbean world reaches a new level of immersion and realism powered by high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting, strikingly detailed environments, and a new dynamic weather system,” the livestream’s narrator said. “Even underwater exploration is more expansive, more beautiful, and more perilous than ever before. With seamless access to cities and locations, the world feels truly alive.”
Realistic sailing was a huge part of the original, and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced’s dynamic weather system was designed to add even more realism, with weather and waves that affect your ship’s handling as you steer through violent currents and navigate rogue waves.
Other modern upgrades include hi-res textures, a new lighting system with ray tracing support, and Dolby Atmos sound, which should give the new sea shanties feature added realism.
Modernized combat and stealth
Ubisoft said that its goal for combat in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was to retain the feeling of the original while expanding on what’s possible.
In fact, Ubisoft says that the “combat system has been entirely reworked into an action-oriented experience” that includes dual-wielding swords, pistols, and hidden blades and including “faster, more fluid attacks and combos.” Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will also have a perfect parry system. Land it, and you’ll earn an instant kill.
“Combat now offers a more dynamic swashbuckling experience, driven by precise parries and takedowns,” said Richard Knight, the game’s director. “Stealth gets its share of improvements, too, and the ability to crouch anywhere. They open up more tactical routes and subtle approaches, letting you shape the adventure the way you want.”
One stealth improvement of note for players of the original: Edward Kenway can now crouch at all times during stealth sequences.
Combat takes place on the water, too, and that’s getting more of what Knight called “tactical options,” including new Jacksdaw weapon upgrade modes as you battle the waves and employ your new officers.
This philosophy also carries over into broader character movement, and the game incorporates the fluidity seen in more recent Assassin’s Creed games as players transition from parkour to fighting.
What’s old is new again
“With Black Flag Resync,” Game Director Richard Knight said, “we set out to reconnect with the heart of Black Flag. From the start, the intention was clear: deliver a faithful and enriched experience grounded in what players loved.”
You can pre-purchase Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced today in the Epic Games Store. And if the news has you itching for more before its July release, be sure to read our story about how to play the Assassin’s Creed games in chronological order.