In this all-encompassing reference section we provide guidance for every last side quest in Assassin’s Creed IV. We also embark on a tour of all potential destinations, documenting the locations of every last collectible item in addition to assorted points of interest.
SPOILER WARNING: Though we have taken every step to avoid story spoilers, it should go without saying that this chapter openly discusses feature unlocks, concepts and locations that you may not have encountered yet during your playthrough. If you are averse to gameplay spoilers, you can use the vertical navigation tab, the index at the end of the book, or our map directory to locate and jump to information of interest without studying sections that aren’t pertinent to your current position in the story.
This diagram provides an overview of all major feature unlocks in the storyline and offers advice on when key game developments occur, such as the availability of new areas or upgrades. You can use this to plan your approach to optional activities separate to the main storyline, and as a jumping-off dance in this chapter and other sections of the guide.
The Great Tour
As most destinations on the Caribbean map are not visited during the main storyline (with many that are serving as brief waypoints), the process of exploring this huge play area and exploiting its riches is entirely down to you. As it happens, there is a logical route (pictured here) that will enable you to plunder each destination (and its surrounding seas) to fund Jackdaw upgrades that will help Kenway’s vessel to contend with the greater challenges that lie ahead.
The optimal time to begin this grand journey is in Sequence 06, after you obtain the Diving Bell, though you can begin the northern leg of the tour as early as Sequence 03, and potentially conquer all forts, with the exception of Punta Guarico, in Sequence 04.
Your priorities during this epic journey are as follows:
- Spend every coin you make on Jackdaw upgrades. Success begets success: the more powerful your ship is, the easier it is to take prizes and purchase further enhancements.
- When you start in each zone, conquer its fort first. This unfogs the map for the zone, provides additional funds, and removes a Restricted Area.
- Though power gamers seeking full 100% completion will search for all collectibles, those less enamored with the process of picking up every last object should still make Treasure Maps a priority: these offer tens of thousands of reales in total. Treasure Chests also gradually contribute a significant sum to Jackdaw upgrades.
- Always take the time to prey on regional shipping as you sail between the islands, particularly vessels carrying wood and metal (the primary resources consumed by Jackdaw upgrades).
- Completing Naval Contracts as they become available can contribute a quite sizable sum of reales and not inconsiderable quantities of valuable cargo. You may need to skip high difficulty missions until later.
- Start sending more powerful vessels to Kenway’s Fleet as soon as you reasonably can. This will enable you to generate substantial amounts of money.
