Naval Features

After a few hours of play that take place on solid ground, Sequence 03 of the main storyline introduces Kenway’s ship, which opens up the Caribbean map for exploration. Over the Sequences (and many hours) that follow, the dramatic expansion in the scale and scope of Assassin’s Creed IV is quite remarkable.

You’ll learn how to identify military and trade vessels with the Spyglass, perhaps pepper them with mortar fire in advance, then move in close to breach their hulls with broadsides prior to boarding and fighting surviving crew members at close range. You’ll become adept at engaging vessels equipped with naval rams, steering away from their aggressive charge at the perfect moment to drop devastating fire barrels into their course. In time, you’ll even gain the option of assaulting military fortresses from the sea, before landing to defeat their garrisons with the assistance of your crew. For a change in pace after such excitement, you could instead seek a little solitude (and, naturally, treasure) in the depths with the aid of a diving bell – or simply sail in search of new destinations and unique vistas to experience.

Kenway’s ship enables him to reach over 70 unique locations in the Caribbean map. Each one of these may feature side quests, collectibles, and any number of unique activities (such as smuggler coves to claim, and warehouses to raid). There are creatures to hunt on both land and sea… and men, for that matter, should you care to collect the bounties on their heads.

When the time comes to set sail for the first time, we’ll wager that this Primer chapter will have little more to teach you. At that point, you can find our comprehensive guide to the naval features of Assassin’s Creed IV in the Reference & Analysis chapter, and learn more about the activities available in the Caribbean in our giant, all-encompassing Side Quests chapter.