New details have surfaced regarding Ubisoft’s remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, pointing toward notable structural and gameplay changes. According to a report from Jeux Vidéo Magazine, the project will remove the original’s modern-day storyline and instead focus entirely on Edward Kenway’s pirate era, with several additional hours of new content compared to the 2013 release.
The remake will shift gameplay closer to the RPG-style mechanics of recent entries such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Edward will have access to loot and gear stats, with a deeper inventory system and combat leaning toward progression-based mechanics rather than the more choreographed combat of the original. One key technical upgrade is the elimination of loading screens when moving between ship and land, creating a more seamless experience.
While the overall map will not increase in size, Ubisoft is reportedly adding more activities, side quests, and previously cut story content, including portions of Mary Read’s narrative that were dropped from the 2013 version. However, the report suggests that the project is not intended to be on the same “big budget remake” level as Resident Evil 2 or Silent Hill 2, but rather a faithful reimagining with modern updates. The game is being built on Ubisoft’s new Anvil Pipeline engine, the same technology powering Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The remake is currently targeted for release in early 2026, with March being the most likely window, though delays into late 2026 remain possible. Sources also claim that some assets from Skull and Bones are being reused to manage development costs, though these repurposed elements should not be noticeable to players.
Speculation about the project has been ongoing since voice actor Matt Ryan, who portrayed Edward Kenway, teased the possibility of a remake during a fan convention. Ubisoft has not officially confirmed the leaked details.
Originally released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was praised for its naval exploration, open-world design, and pirate-themed storytelling. It sold over 11 million copies and became one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise.
