Prologues
Welcome, Assassin, to the comprehensive guide for the opening acts of Assassin's Creed III. This section will walk you through the initial sequences, focusing on critical objectives, combat strategies, and ensuring you achieve full synchronization from the very beginning. Pay close attention to the environmental cues and character interactions, as they lay the groundwork for the epic journey ahead.
Sequence 1: A Dangerous Errand
Your journey begins as Desmond Miles, but quickly transitions into the Animus, where you'll experience the memories of Haytham Kenway. This sequence introduces core movement and stealth mechanics.
- Objective: Attend the Opera.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to navigate the crowded streets of London. This is a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with basic free-running.
- Upon reaching the Royal Opera House, proceed inside and locate your designated seat. A cutscene will trigger.
- Objective: Pursue the Target.
- After the cutscene, you'll need to discreetly follow your target, a man named Miko. Maintain a safe distance to avoid detection.
- Utilize the crowds and environmental cover (such as market stalls or building corners) to remain unseen.
- Full Synchronization Tip: Avoid direct confrontation. If Miko becomes aware of your presence, you'll lose synchronization.
- Objective: Eliminate Miko.
- Miko will eventually lead you to a secluded area. This is your opportunity to strike.
- Stealth Kill: Approach Miko from behind or from a hidden vantage point (like a rooftop or hay bale) for a clean, silent assassination.
- Combat Encounter (if detected): If you are spotted, prepare for a brief combat encounter. Utilize counter-attacks (press the counter button when an enemy attacks) and disarms (counter + attack button) to quickly dispatch Miko and his guards.
- Objective: Escape the Area.
- After eliminating Miko, quickly flee the restricted area. Use free-running to scale buildings and blend into crowds to lose any pursuing guards.
- The mission concludes once you are anonymous and outside the red zone on your mini-map.
Sequence 2: Journey to the New World
This sequence focuses on travel and introduces naval navigation, albeit in a simplified form.
- Objective: Board the Ship.
- Head towards the docks as indicated by your HUD.
- Interact with the gangplank to board the ship, the Providence.
- Objective: Investigate the Ship.
- Once aboard, you'll have a brief period to explore the ship. This is a good time to get a feel for the environment.
- Locate and speak with the various crew members marked on your map to gather information and trigger subsequent events.
- Item Location: Keep an eye out for any interactive objects or chests, though significant loot is rare in this early stage.
- Objective: Survive the Storm.
- A fierce storm will engulf the ship. Follow the captain's orders and the on-screen prompts to assist the crew.
- This typically involves interacting with specific rigging points or bracing yourself during large waves.
- Full Synchronization Tip: Complete all prompts accurately and within the time limit. Missing too many can lead to desynchronization.
- Objective: Defend the Ship.
- Following the storm, you may encounter hostile ships or boarding parties.
- Engage in the naval combat tutorial, learning how to aim and fire cannons.
- If boarded, utilize your combat skills to defend the deck against enemy soldiers. Prioritize ranged enemies if present.
Sequence 3: Arrival in Boston
Upon reaching the colonies, you'll begin to explore the bustling city of Boston and engage in your first true open-world activities.
- Objective: Disembark and Explore.
- Once the ship docks in Boston, follow the path off the ship.
- Take a moment to absorb the new environment. The city is full of life and potential opportunities.
- Objective: Find Your Contacts.
- Your primary goal is to locate your contacts in Boston. Follow the map markers to their locations.
- This will often involve navigating through crowds and using your Eagle Vision (press the designated button) to identify your targets.
- Strategy: Blend in with the crowd to avoid unwanted attention from Redcoat patrols.
- Objective: Participate in the Boston Tea Party (Optional but Recommended).
- While not a mandatory main story objective at this exact point, you may encounter an event resembling the Boston Tea Party.
- Actionable Step: If you see a large gathering near the docks and hear shouts, investigate. You can choose to participate by throwing crates into the water. This is a historical event and can offer a small reward or reputation boost.
- Objective: Complete the First Investigation.
- Your contacts will task you with investigating a specific area or individual.
- This will involve a combination of stealth, eavesdropping, and potentially light combat.
- Eavesdropping: Find a suitable blending spot (bench, group of people) near your targets and activate eavesdropping mode. Stay within range and avoid being detected.
- Full Synchronization Tip: Successfully complete the investigation without raising an alarm or being detected during eavesdropping.