It’s finally happened. After three long years of speculation—fuelled by reports, leaks, a handful of official hints, and then last month’s confirmation that everything was real—Ubisoft’s remake of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag has now been revealed. It’s called Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, which we already expected thanks to a PEGI leak from last year, and—just as we also picked up from online chatter last week—it’s due to arrive on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC soon. More precisely, it launches on July 9th, and despite the slightly underwhelming title, the pirate in me is thrilled.
So, what exactly does Resynced include? Ubisoft describes it as a “faithful remake” of the 2013 pirate adventure everyone remembers—“completely rebuilt from the ground up,” powered by the company’s newest version of its Anvil Engine. At its core, it keeps the same character-led single-player open-world journey we know so well (“This is not an RPG,” Ubisoft emphasized during its announcement), letting you follow the daring, sun-soaked Caribbean pirate Edward Kenway as he charts a course across tropical waters.
While many parts of Resynced stay true to the original, Ubisoft says the familiar action from Black Flag has been “enhanced to a new degree of immersion and realism.” And based on its trailer and gameplay footage, it certainly looks impressive. The already vivid world of Black Flag appears refreshed and improved with high-resolution textures, better lighting, “strikingly intricate environments,” and a brand-new dynamic weather system. Ubisoft also hints that more notable upgrades are on the way.
For instance, underwater travel is described as “broader, more beautiful, and more treacherous than ever.” Though details are still a bit murky, the studio has outlined additional changes in other areas. Combat, for example, is said to be “completely redesigned” into a “more dynamic,” action-forward system. Kenway’s dual swords, pistols, and hidden blades are reportedly meant to serve clearer, more distinct purposes—leading to “quicker, more fluid attacks and combos.” Players should also expect “precise parries” that open the door to instant takedowns, including connected finishing moves.
These refinements are part of a bigger overall push to make movement “flow more naturally from one action to the next.” When it comes to parkour, Resynced’s “streamlined and enhanced” approach is said to build on “the latest advancements” from newer Assassin’s Creed entries, while still keeping Edward’s familiar moves. Stealth, meanwhile, has been adjusted in more than one way: you can now crouch anywhere to give you greater control during stealth missions, and the previously annoying tailing and eavesdropping sequences have been reworked. In Resynced, being caught no longer triggers immediate desynchronization—rather, the gameplay continues. “Your objectives stay,” Ubisoft explains, “but your target will respond, and you must adapt accordingly.”
Of course, if you can sail, why bother walking? Navigation is a core part of Black Flag—after all, you are a pirate—and Ubisoft promises meaningful improvements here as well. The sea will now take on an “active role in how you’ll face environmental challenges,” including intense storms and shifting waves that can affect how your ship handles. Edward’s vessel, the Jackdaw, is also now equipped with “even greater firepower” for dangerous open-water encounters, and Ubisoft says each weapon will get new alternate firing upgrades, delivering “more strength and versatility.”
Crucially, Resynced adds three all-new crew members to strengthen your team: Lucy Baldwin, the Padré, and Dead Man Smith. This is where the story updates start to show more clearly, as each new officer brings their own quest line that sheds light on their personal history. Build trust and recruit them, and you’ll unlock access to their “powerful” abilities. For instance, Dead Man Smith can allow broadside weapons to fire twice. There are also reports of additional story threads involving Black Beard and Stede—plus a new scene featuring Edward’s wife, Caroline, apparently—and the original set of sea shanties from Black Flag has been expanded with some new additions. And yes, there’s room for a pet cat or monkey aboard your ship now as well.
That’s the package you will be getting in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. However, it won’t include any of the original’s story DLC, such as Freedom Cry (which followed Adéwalé’s further adventures). Ubisoft notes that it “made a clear decision” early on for Resynced to be a “pure story-driven adventure,” completely centered on Edward’s time in the Caribbean. It also means the original’s multiplayer mode won’t be included—likely because Ubisoft wants you to step out and help revitalize Skull & Bones.
Interestingly, even with an entire segment dedicated to Black Flag’s modern-day portions during the Resynced reveal, Ubisoft still managed to stay light on specifics—leaving some uncertainty about what we’ll actually receive. Back in 2013, it was said that Black Flag’s modern-day sequences “reflected where the franchise was” at that point, serving as a transitional step, especially regarding Desmond’s storyline. Because of that, it was clear that “changes were necessary.” Supposedly, the team has addressed the issue “in a manner that focuses on Edward’s journey while still linking his memories to the Animus”—whatever that ends up involving. Resynced’s “modern-day components” will reportedly deliver “new moments that delve into Edward’s internal conflicts.” Take that interpretation as you like.
For now, that’s pretty much everything we know. When Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9th, it’ll be offered in multiple editions. The most lavish option is the Resynced Collector’s Edition, which was highlighted during Ubisoft’s showcase with its particularly oversized box. It includes a large-scale figure of Edward Kenway sprawled atop a treasure chest (and yes, where have we seen that concept before?), a notebook with his diary entries, a brooch, a cloth map, and various other items. If that’s not your style, there’s also the standard edition. And if Ubisoft’s “2026 take on the original classic” still doesn’t tempt you, the publisher says the 2013 game will continue to be available for purchase.