Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake: What is known?

Thanks to leaks online, the first details have emerged about the long-awaited remake of one of the most popular installments in the Assassin's Creed series. However, not all of Ubisoft's plans have been well-received by fans of the franchise.

What is known about the Black Flag remake

A Reddit user named ZamnBoii translated a video from Jeux Video Magazine, which presented the latest rumors about the upcoming project. According to this information, the remake will have several fundamental differences from the original 2013 game.

The main innovation will be the adaptation of the gameplay to the modern RPG formula of the series. The remake will feature a character leveling system, stat grinding mechanics, equipment and weapon upgrades, and a combat system similar to Origins, Odyssey, and Shadows. This means a departure from the classic action gameplay with parrying and quick strikes that the original was famous for.

Gameplay and technical changes

The developers plan to use the latest version of Ubisoft's proprietary engine, Anvil Pipeline, already familiar to players from Assassin's Creed Shadows. Key technical improvements include no loading screens when transitioning from ship to land, higher detail in the game world while maintaining the original map scale, additional content and activities on the islands, and partial use of resources from Skull and Bones.

Sources note that the budget for the Black Flag remake is not as large as that of the successful remakes of Resident Evil 2 or Silent Hill 2. This may affect the overall quality and scope of the new features.

Story changes

Positive changes to the narrative will affect the story of Mary Read, the legendary female pirate and companion of the main character. The developers promise to add several hours of new content about Mary Read, additional cutscenes that reveal her character, and the completion of unfinished storylines.

The most controversial decision was Ubisoft's decision to completely cut the entire storyline set in the “modern” timeline from the remake. In the original Black Flag, players periodically left the Animus to explore the offices of Abstergo Entertainment and learn how the story of pirate Edward Kenway is connected to the overall modern storyline of the series. Although this part was never central to the games in the series, such a move seems very strange.

Community reaction and release plans

Gamers reacted to the news of the remake with a great deal of skepticism. Particular discontent was caused by the introduction of RPG elements instead of the classic combat system, the removal of the modern storyline, and concerns about changes to the spirit of the original game. Numerous memes and critical comments about the planned changes appeared on social media.

According to rumors, the release of the Black Flag remake is scheduled for early 2026, but it may be postponed until late 2026 or even fall 2027. Ubisoft may use a surprise announcement strategy similar to Bethesda's approach with the Oblivion remaster.

Conclusion

It is important to note that Ubisoft has not yet provided official confirmation. All of the information presented is based on leaks and insider information. Nevertheless, rumors about a Black Flag remake have been circulating in various sources for several years now, which lends them a certain degree of credibility.

The Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake promises to be a significant reimagining of the classic game. However, the question is whether the updated version will retain the spirit of the original or become just another typical RPG in the style of the modern installments of the series. Final conclusions can only be made after the official announcement and demonstration of the gameplay.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake and when will it be released?: The Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake is a reimagined version of the popular 2013 installment that will feature modern RPG elements and technical improvements. According to rumors, the release is scheduled for early 2026, though it may be postponed until late 2026 or fall 2027. Ubisoft may use a surprise announcement strategy similar to Bethesda's approach.

Q2: What major gameplay changes will the Black Flag remake introduce?: The remake will adapt to the modern RPG formula of the series, featuring a character leveling system, stat grinding mechanics, equipment and weapon upgrades, and a combat system similar to Origins, Odyssey, and Shadows. This represents a departure from the classic action gameplay with parrying and quick strikes that made the original famous.

Q3: What technical improvements and engine changes are planned?: The developers will use the latest version of Ubisoft's proprietary Anvil Pipeline engine, already familiar from Assassin's Creed Shadows. Key technical improvements include no loading screens when transitioning from ship to land, higher detail in the game world while maintaining original map scale, and additional content and activities on islands.

Q4: Will the modern timeline storyline be included in the remake?: No, Ubisoft has made the controversial decision to completely cut the entire modern timeline storyline from the remake. In the original Black Flag, players periodically left the Animus to explore Abstergo Entertainment offices and learn how Edward Kenway's story connected to the overall modern storyline of the series.

Q5: What story changes and new content will be added?: Positive changes will affect Mary Read's story, the legendary female pirate and companion of the main character. The developers promise several hours of new content about Mary Read, additional cutscenes that reveal her character, and completion of unfinished storylines.

Q6: How has the gaming community reacted to the remake news?: Gamers reacted with great skepticism. Particular discontent was caused by the introduction of RPG elements instead of the classic combat system, removal of the modern storyline, and concerns about changes to the spirit of the original game. Numerous memes and critical comments about the planned changes appeared on social media.

Q7: What is the source of this information about the Black Flag remake?: The information comes from leaks online, specifically a Reddit user named ZamnBoii who translated a video from Jeux Video Magazine presenting the latest rumors. All information is based on leaks and insider information, as Ubisoft has not provided official confirmation yet.

Q8: Will resources from other Ubisoft games be used in the remake?: Yes, the remake will partially use resources from Skull and Bones. However, sources note that the budget for the Black Flag remake is not as large as successful remakes of Resident Evil 2 or Silent Hill 2, which may affect overall quality and scope of new features.