Frontier Exploration & Points of Interest — Assassin's Creed III Guide

Frontier Exploration & Points of Interest

The vast wilderness of the Frontier is a crucial area in Assassin's Creed III, offering a wealth of opportunities for resource gathering, side quests, and uncovering hidden secrets. Unlike the bustling cities, the Frontier demands a different approach to navigation and engagement. This section will guide you through its unique challenges and rewards.

Navigating the Frontier

The Frontier is characterized by its dense forests, winding rivers, and varied terrain. Efficient navigation is key to survival and success. Here’s how to master it:

• Tree Running: use Connor's exceptional free-running abilities to traverse the canopy. This is often the fastest and safest way to move through heavily forested areas, avoiding ground-based patrols and dangerous wildlife. Look for interconnected branches and climbable trees.
• River Travel: Many areas of the Frontier are bisected by rivers. While not as fast as tree running, rivers can offer a stealthy approach to certain locations or a quick escape route. Keep an eye out for canoes or small boats that can be commandeered.
• Horseback Riding: For open plains and longer distances between forested sections, your horse is invaluable. Call your horse by holding the designated button (e.g., L3 on PlayStation, Left Stick on Xbox) to quickly cover ground. Be mindful of rough terrain, as it can slow your horse or even dismount you.
• Fast Travel: Once discovered, Synchronization Points (viewpoints atop tall trees or cliffs) allow for instant travel between previously visited locations. Always synchronize with new viewpoints as soon as you find them to unlock convenient fast travel options.

Hunting and Trapping

The Frontier is teeming with wildlife, providing valuable resources for crafting and trade. Successfully hunting requires patience and understanding of animal behavior.

Hunting Strategies:

• Baiting: Use bait (purchased from general stores or crafted at the Homestead) to lure animals to specific locations, making them easier targets. Place bait near hidden spots or traps.
• Trapping: Set snares and traps (also purchased or crafted) in animal trails or near known animal spawns. Check your traps regularly for catches. Different traps are effective against different animal sizes.
• Stealth Kills: For pristine pelts and maximum profit, aim for stealth kills. Use your Hidden Blade or Bow and Arrow for clean, one-shot takedowns. Approaching from above (tree branches) or from dense bushes increases your chances of success.
• Weapon Choice:
  • Hidden Blade: Ideal for stealth kills on smaller animals (e.g., Rabbits, Foxes).
  • Bow and Arrow: Excellent for silent, long-range kills on medium to large animals (e.g., Deer, Wolves, Bears). Aim for headshots for instant kills.
  • Pistol/Musket: Use only as a last resort or for aggressive animals (e.g., Bears, Cougars) when stealth is not an option. Firearms can damage pelts, reducing their value.

Valuable Pelts and Resources:

Focus on hunting animals that yield high-value pelts and crafting materials. Some key examples include:

• Bear Pelts: Highly valuable, often found in caves or dense forest areas. Bears are aggressive; approach with extreme caution.
• Wolf Pelts: Wolves often hunt in packs. Use stealth or engage them one by one.
• Cougar Pelts: Solitary and dangerous predators. Listen for their growls and be prepared for a quick counter-attack.
• Deer Pelts: Common and relatively easy to hunt, providing a steady income.
• Beaver Pelts: Found near water sources.
• Fox Pelts: Smaller animals, good for early game income.

Processed hides and meat can be sold to merchants or used by Homestead artisans to craft more valuable goods.

Points of Interest

Beyond hunting, the Frontier is dotted with various points of interest that offer unique challenges and rewards.

Homestead Missions:

These missions are crucial for developing your Homestead and unlocking new crafting recipes and resources. Look for the Homestead icon on your map. Completing these missions will recruit artisans and expand the community, providing a steady income stream.

Forts:

British forts are scattered throughout the Frontier. Capturing these forts provides several benefits:

• Reduces British influence in the surrounding area.
• Unlocks new Fast Travel points.
• Provides a safe haven and access to shops.
• Often contains chests with valuable loot.

Strategy for Fort Capture: Approach stealthily, eliminate guards, destroy powder reserves, and assassinate the commanding officer. Be prepared for open combat if detected.

Chests and Collectibles:

The Frontier holds numerous hidden chests containing money, crafting materials, and unique items. Use your Eagle Vision to spot them from a distance. Additionally, keep an eye out for:

• Feathers: Scattered throughout the environment, collecting them contributes to synchronization and unlocks rewards.
• Almanac Pages: Blown by the wind, these require a quick chase and free-running to catch. They unlock inventions for your Homestead artisans.
• Trinkets: Often found in specific locations or after completing certain side quests, these are part of larger collectible sets.

Side Activities:

• Delivery Requests: Found in various settlements, these involve transporting goods across the Frontier for a reward.
• Frontier Challenges: These often involve specific hunting tasks or navigation challenges.
• Random Encounters: Be prepared for unexpected skirmishes with British patrols, animal attacks, or even opportunities to help distressed civilians.

Exploring the Frontier thoroughly is not just about completing objectives; it's about immersing yourself in the untamed beauty and dangers of colonial America. Take your time, hone your skills, and you'll uncover all the secrets this expansive region has to offer.