Collectibles: Feathers, Almanacs & Chests

Beyond the thrilling narrative and intense combat, Assassin's Creed III offers a rich layer of exploration through its various collectibles. Hunting down every Feather, Almanac page, and Treasure Chest is not just a quest for completionists; it's an integral part of achieving 100% synchronization, unlocking unique rewards, and deepening your understanding of the game's historical setting. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to meticulously track down every last hidden item across the vast landscapes of the Frontier, Boston, and New York.

General Tips for Collecting

Purchase Maps Early: The most crucial tip for any serious collector is to purchase collectible maps from General Stores as soon as they become available in each region (Boston, New York, and the Frontier). These maps will reveal the exact locations of all Feathers, Almanac Pages, and Treasure Chests on your in-game map, saving you countless hours of aimless searching.
Utilize Eagle Vision: While maps are invaluable, Eagle Vision (activated by pressing Y/Triangle) can highlight nearby collectibles, especially Feathers and Almanac Pages, with a distinct golden glow. Use it frequently when you're in a general area marked by a map or when you suspect a collectible might be nearby but out of sight.
High Vantage Points: Synchronizing Viewpoints not only reveals portions of the map but also often places you in a good position to spot collectibles in the surrounding area, particularly those on rooftops or high structures.
Listen for Audio Cues: Feathers emit a subtle, high-pitched shimmering sound when you are close. Almanac Pages, when airborne, have a distinct rustling paper sound. Train your ears to these cues!
Prioritize by Region: It's often most efficient to clear out all collectibles in one region before moving to the next. This minimizes backtracking and helps maintain focus.
Complete Story Missions First: Some areas or collectible types may not be accessible until certain story sequences are completed. While you can collect many items early, don't fret if you can't reach one; it might be tied to progression.

Feathers (Total: 50)

Feathers are small, white plumes scattered throughout the Frontier (30), Boston (10), and New York (10). They are often found in high places, on tree branches, rooftops, or precarious ledges, requiring some parkour prowess to reach. They emit a faint shimmering sound when nearby.

Locating Feathers:

Purchase Maps: Visit any General Store in the Frontier, Boston, or New York. Look for the "Feather Map" under the "Maps" section. Each map costs a small amount of currency but is well worth the investment.
Map Icons: Once purchased, Feather locations will appear as small white feather icons on your world map and mini-map.
Eagle Vision: When you are in the vicinity of a Feather, activate Eagle Vision. The Feather will glow golden, making it easier to spot, especially in dense foliage or on cluttered rooftops.
Parkour Challenges: Many Feathers are placed to test your free-running skills. Look for climbable surfaces, tree branches, and ledges leading to seemingly inaccessible spots. Don't be afraid to experiment with different parkour routes.
Audio Cues: Listen for a subtle, high-pitched shimmering sound. The closer you are, the louder and more distinct it becomes.

Rewards for Collecting Feathers:

All 50 Feathers Collected: Unlocks the "Kaniehtí:io's Outfit" for Connor, allowing him to wear his mother's traditional Mohawk attire. This outfit is purely cosmetic.
Achievement/Trophy: "Kaniehtí:io's Grandson" (Collect all Feathers).

Almanac Pages (Total: 36)

Almanac Pages are loose sheets of paper that blow away when you approach them. There are 12 pages each in Boston, New York, and the Frontier (though Frontier pages are found in specific settlements like Lexington and Concord). Chasing these pages requires quick reflexes and a good understanding of parkour routes, as they often lead you on a chase through the environment.

Locating Almanac Pages:

Purchase Maps: Just like Feathers, Almanac Page Maps can be bought from General Stores in Boston, New York, and the Frontier. These are essential for revealing their starting locations.
Map Icons: Once purchased, Almanac Pages appear as small scroll icons on your map.
The Chase: When you approach an Almanac Page icon, the page will appear and begin to fly away. You must chase it down and grab it before it disappears.
- Anticipate the Route: The pages follow a predetermined path. Try to anticipate where they will go and cut them off.
- Use Parkour: Focus on maintaining momentum. Use free-running up and down obstacles, and don't hesitate to use environmental elements like carts or low walls to vault over.
- Don't Give Up: If you fail to catch a page, it will reappear at its starting location after a short delay, allowing you to try again.
Audio Cues: Listen for a distinct rustling paper sound when you are near an active Almanac Page.

Rewards for Collecting Almanac Pages:

Unlocks Inventions: Each collected Almanac Page contributes to unlocking new inventions for Achilles' Homestead. These inventions can be crafted by Norris, the Carpenter, and include useful items like the "Improved Saddlebags" (increasing carrying capacity) and the "Hunting Tools" (improving hunting efficiency).
All 36 Pages Collected: Unlocks the final set of inventions and contributes significantly to Homestead progression.
Achievement/Trophy: "Patent Not Pending" (Craft one of Franklin's inventions).

Treasure Chests (Total: ~100+)

Treasure Chests are plentiful and scattered across all regions, including the Frontier, Boston, New York, and even the Homestead. They contain varying amounts of money (Pounds), crafting materials, and sometimes unique items. Opening all chests is a great way to accumulate wealth and resources for crafting and upgrading.

Locating Treasure Chests:

Purchase Maps: Treasure Chest Maps are available at General Stores for Boston, New York, and the Frontier. These maps are invaluable for revealing the locations of all chests in a given region.
Map Icons: Once purchased, chests appear as small chest icons on your map.
Eagle Vision: While less effective for chests hidden indoors or underground, Eagle Vision can highlight chests in open areas or behind light cover with a golden glow.
Exploration: Many chests are found in plain sight, but others are tucked away in alleys, behind buildings, inside forts, or within caves in the Frontier. Thorough exploration of every nook and cranny is key.
Forts and Restricted Areas: Be aware that many chests are located within restricted areas, particularly forts. You will often need to infiltrate these areas, neutralize guards, and sometimes even liberate the fort to safely access the chests.
Underwater Chests: A few chests, particularly in the Frontier, are found underwater. You'll need to dive to retrieve these.

Rewards for Collecting Treasure Chests:

Wealth Accumulation: The primary reward is a significant boost to your in-game currency (Pounds), which can be used to purchase weapons, outfits, supplies, and upgrades for the Homestead.
Crafting Materials: Many chests contain valuable crafting materials that are essential for Norris's inventions, Achilles' upgrades, and other Homestead activities.
100% Synchronization: Opening all chests is a requirement for achieving 100% synchronization in Assassin's Creed III.

By diligently following these tips and utilizing the in-game maps, you'll be well on your way to discovering every last collectible in Assassin's Creed III, unlocking all the rewards, and truly mastering the game's expansive world.