Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has held its reputation as one of Ubisoft’s finest works for nearly twelve years.
The combination of open-sea voyages, naval combat, and pirate adventure raised the standard for the franchise.
Recent reports point to Ubisoft developing a remake, though its creative choices are splitting opinions.
The project seems less like a straightforward update and more like an RPG rework, which challenges how true it will stay to the original.
What Technical Changes Should Players Expect This Time?
According to a series of leaks originating from French outlet Jeux Vidéo Magazine, the remake will be built using Ubisoft’s updated Anvil engine, the same technology that powered Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.
The upgrade would make it possible to move from sea to land without loading screens, something the 2013 version couldn’t achieve.
On top of that, the remake isn’t expected to expand the map’s size but will reportedly make the Caribbean feel more alive by filling its islands with denser side content, activities, and story elements that were cut the first time around.
One such addition could be the restoration of Mary Read’s storyline, which fans have long wanted to see in full.
How Will Gameplay Be Different This Time?
The biggest change comes in gameplay, with leaks pointing to Edward Kenway moving beyond the sword-and-pistol combat of the original.
Instead, combat and progression could follow the path of modern Assassin’s Creed entries like Origins and Odyssey.
That means loot-driven systems, gear stats, expanded inventory management, and enemies scaled by level.
The change is welcomed by some, who hope it makes battles feel richer and more demanding than before.
However, some argue that the RPG direction dilutes the original appeal, forcing in grind and repetitive systems.
Another major departure from the original is the removal of the modern-day storyline.
While the 2013 version had only limited segments outside Edward’s Animus adventures, the remake may cut them entirely and use the extra space to expand Kenway’s pirate journey.
Will Black Flag Get the Full AAA Treatment?
Despite the sweeping changes, insiders claim this remake will not carry the same “big budget” treatment as remakes like Resident Evil 2 or Silent Hill 2.
It is presented as a reimagining that combines the original with new design choices.
Ubisoft is even rumored to be reusing assets from Skull & Bones (its troubled pirate project) to cut development costs, though reports stress that players are unlikely to notice.
As for release timing, early 2026 appears to be the target window, with March floated as a likely month.
Still, uncertainty around Ubisoft’s schedule means it could slip into the latter half of the year.
What seems certain is that the publisher will eventually confirm what has long been one of gaming’s worst-kept secrets: that Edward Kenway is indeed preparing to return.
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