Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag

Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag

November 15, 2013
Ubisoft Entertainment
4.6/5.0(78,019 reviews)

Genres

ActionAction

Themes

historicalpirateoceanexplorationcrimeepic

Mechanics

open-worldexplorationstealthparkourmelee-combatranged-combatcombatcustomizationresource-managementloot-systemcollectibleshidden-secretsstory-drivencutscenesvoice-acting

About This Game

Ubisoft's pirate entry reframes the series as an open-sea sandbox. A huge stretch of the Caribbean becomes yours to sail, with ship upgrades, naval battles, and sea shanties that turn traversal into the highlight. Edward Kenway's rise from privateer to pirate anchors it, and the game is often cited as newcomers' favourite entry in a long-running series.

Players single out the naval combat and the atmosphere as series high points; the criticisms fall on the land-based half, the assassin missions and tailing sequences, plus Ubisoft account and technical friction. It earns its spot for the best open-world sailing here, best for players drawn to the water more than the stealth. Rated Mature.

Highlights

  • Expansive open-world environments featuring cities like Havana and Nassau.
  • Naval combat system allows players to command their own ship, the Jackdaw.
  • Rich storyline intertwined with historical events and characters.
  • RPG elements enhance character progression and skill customization.
  • Diverse activities including treasure hunting, crafting, and hunting wildlife.
  • Multiplayer modes offer competitive play with a unique strategic twist.
  • Dynamic weather and day/night cycles add realism to the gameplay.

Platforms

PS4

Multiplayer

Online Players:8

Game Information

ESRB Rating:ESRB Mature

Gameplay

Modes
Single playerMultiplayerCo-operative
Perspective
Third person

Time to Beat

Rushed:24h
Main story:36h
Completionist:57h

Player Reviews

Mixed

Overall player feedback for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is very positive, with many praising its immersive pirate gameplay, strong narrative, and naval combat mechanics, alongside some criticism regarding technical issues and Ubisoft's launcher. Despite these criticisms, players express deep affection for the game, often recalling fond memories and experiences. The mixed sentiment surrounding Ubisoft's practices somewhat offsets the game's numerous accolades.

Pros

  • Immersive and enjoyable naval combat
  • Strong story and character development
  • Rich atmosphere and visual appeal
  • Vast open world with exploration opportunities
  • Memorability and replayability of gameplay

Cons

  • Frequent issues with Ubisoft Connect and launcher
  • Technical glitches and bugs
  • Clunky movement system
  • Tailing missions can be tedious
  • Some players feel it strays too far from traditional Assassin's Creed elements

Based on 101 reviews from playstation, steam

Screenshots

Gameplay Video

Have You Played...Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag? (PS4 Review)

DLC & Editions

Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Aveline
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Avelinedlc
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard's Wrath
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard's Wrathdlc
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Guild of Rogues
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Guild of Roguesdlc
Assassin's Creed: The Americas Collection
Assassin's Creed: The Americas Collectionbundle
Assassin's Creed: Naval Edition
Assassin's Creed: Naval Editionbundle
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collectionbundle
Assassin's Creed Triple Pack: Black Flag, Unity, Syndicate
Assassin's Creed Triple Pack: Black Flag, Unity, Syndicatebundle
Assassin's Creed Legendary Collection
Assassin's Creed Legendary Collectionbundle
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag + Assassin's Creed Rogue Double Pack
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag + Assassin's Creed Rogue Double Packbundle
Assassin's Creed American History Pack
Assassin's Creed American History Packbundle
Assassin's Creed Animus Pack
Assassin's Creed Animus Packbundle

Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag worth playing?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag has a mixed reception from players, holding an average score of 4.6 out of 5 across 78,019 reviews.
How long does it take to beat Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag takes around 36 hours for the main story and about 57 hours to fully complete.
Is Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag included with PlayStation Plus?
Yes — Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag is part of the PlayStation Plus Extra game catalogue, so subscribers on that tier can play it at no extra cost.
Is Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag single-player or multiplayer?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag supports single player, multiplayer, and co-operative. Online play supports up to 8 players.
What platforms is Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag available on?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag is available on PS4.
When did Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag release?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag released on November 15, 2013.
What is Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag's age rating?
Assassin's Creed® IV Black Flag carries an ESRB rating of ESRB Mature.