Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Post-Game Activities

Continue your piratical adventures with post-game activities in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Maximize your experience long after completing Edward Kenway's.

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Post-Game Activities

So you've sailed the Caribbean, plundered countless ships, and seen Edward Kenway's epic journey through to its conclusion. But the adventure doesn't end there, matey! Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a wealth of content to keep even the most seasoned pirate busy long after the credits roll. This section will guide you through maximizing your post-game experience, from completing your collection to conquering the most formidable challenges the seas have to offer.

Achieving 100% Synchronization

For the true completionist, 100% synchronization is the ultimate goal. This involves more than just finishing the main story; it requires uncovering every secret, completing every side mission, and mastering every aspect of the game. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need to tackle:

  • Main Story Missions: Replay any main sequence missions where you didn't achieve full synchronization. Check the Animus database for specific optional objectives you might have missed.
  • Side Activities:
    • Assassination Contracts: Found in taverns across the map (e.g., Havana, Nassau, Kingston). Complete all 30 contracts for a unique reward.
    • Naval Contracts: Available at Harbormaster offices. These often involve sinking specific ships or defending convoys.
    • Templar Hunts: Begin by finding the first Templar Key in Great Inagua. Follow the clues to track down and eliminate all Templar targets, unlocking the powerful Templar Armor.
    • Mayan Stelae: Locate and solve all 16 Mayan Stelae puzzles scattered across various islands. Each puzzle reveals a piece of the Mayan Outfit, which deflects bullets.
    • Underwater Shipwrecks: Dive into the depths at designated locations to salvage valuable cargo and blueprints. Remember to upgrade your diving bell for longer underwater excursions.
  • Collectibles:
    • Animus Fragments: There are 200 Animus Fragments to collect, found both on land and at sea. Use your map to pinpoint their general locations.
    • Sea Shanties: Chase down all 40 flying Sea Shanties across the map. These are often found in bustling towns or along coastal paths.
    • Treasure Chests: Open every treasure chest on the map. Some require treasure maps, which are often found by looting enemies or shipwrecks.
    • Letters in Bottles: Discover all 20 messages in bottles, each revealing a snippet of lore.

Upgrading the Jackdaw to Max Potential

Your trusty ship, the Jackdaw, is your lifeline in the Caribbean. To truly dominate the seas, you'll want to fully upgrade every aspect of her. This requires a significant amount of resources and blueprints.

Resource Gathering Strategies:

  • Hunting & Whaling: Hunt animals on islands for hides and bones, and harpoon whales for blubber and bones. These are crucial for crafting Edward's personal upgrades and some ship upgrades.
  • Ship Combat & Plundering: Engage enemy ships, especially larger Man O' Wars and Frigates, to acquire Metal, Wood, and Cloth. Prioritize boarding over sinking to maximize your gains.
  • Convoys: Look for convoys on your map, often marked with a special icon. These are excellent sources of large quantities of resources.
  • Royal Convoys: These rare, heavily guarded convoys offer the most lucrative hauls but require a fully upgraded Jackdaw and expert naval combat skills to take down.

Key Upgrades to Prioritize:

  • Hull Armor: Essential for surviving tough naval battles. Blueprints for the Elite Hull can be found in the San Ignacio Wreck (479, 487).
  • Round Shot Strength: Increases the damage of your primary cannon fire. The Elite Round Shot blueprint is located in the Kabah Ruins (769, 145).
  • Heavy Shot Strength: Devastating at close range. Find the Elite Heavy Shot blueprint in the Antocha Wreck (630, 660).
  • Mortar Strength: Crucial for long-range engagements and taking down forts. The Elite Mortar blueprint is at the Smuggler's Den (880, 542).
  • Swivel Gun Strength: Excellent for finishing off weakened ships. The Elite Swivel Gun blueprint is found in the Devil's Eye Cave (487, 357).
  • Broadside Cannons: Increase the number of cannons on your broadsides.
  • Storage Capacity: Upgrade your cargo hold to carry more resources, reducing the need for frequent trips to a Harbormaster.

Conquering Legendary Ships

The ultimate naval challenge awaits you in the form of the four Legendary Ships. These formidable vessels are scattered across the map and will test your naval combat prowess to its absolute limit. Each ship has unique attack patterns and weaknesses.

Strategies for Legendary Ship Encounters:

  • Fully Upgraded Jackdaw: Do not attempt these battles without a fully upgraded Jackdaw, especially your Hull Armor, Round Shot, Heavy Shot, and Mortars.
  • Stock Up on Supplies: Ensure you have maximum levels of Round Shot, Heavy Shot, Chain Shot, and Mortars before engaging.
  • Repair Mid-Battle: Don't be afraid to use your ship repairs during the fight. Timing is key.
  • Learn Their Patterns: Each Legendary Ship has a distinct fighting style. Observe their movements and attack patterns to find openings.

Legendary Ship Locations and Tips:

  1. HMS Prince (620, 173): Located in the northeastern corner of the map. This ship is a brute, relying on sheer firepower. Circle it, using Heavy Shot when close and Mortars from a distance.
  2. La Dama Negra (204, 607): Found in the southwestern region. This ship is heavily armored at the stern. Focus your attacks on its sides and bow. Watch out for its powerful mortar attacks.
  3. El Impoluto (808, 788): In the northwestern part of the map. This ship is incredibly fast and will ram you relentlessly. Use Chain Shot to disable its sails and then unleash Heavy Shot.
  4. Brothers-in-Arms (502, 251): Two ships, the HMS Fearless and the HMS Royal Sovereign, found in the southeastern area. This is the toughest challenge. Focus fire on one ship to sink it quickly, then deal with the other. Use your Swivel Guns effectively to take out their crew.

Defeating all four Legendary Ships will earn you a significant amount of Reales and the "King of the Caribbean" achievement/trophy.

Completing the Kenway's Fleet Minigame

Don't forget about your personal fleet! The Kenway's Fleet minigame, accessible from the Captain's Cabin on the Jackdaw or any Harbormaster, allows you to send captured ships on trade missions. This is a passive way to earn Reales and unlock exclusive rewards.

  • Capture Ships: Board and capture enemy ships during naval combat. Prioritize larger ships like Frigates and Man O' Wars for their higher cargo capacity and combat ratings.
  • Clear Trade Routes: Engage and defeat enemy ships on the trade route map to open up safer passages for your fleet.
  • Upgrade Your Fleet: Spend Reales to upgrade your captured ships, increasing their speed, cargo, and combat stats.
  • Send on Missions: Select profitable trade missions and assign your ships. The longer and riskier the mission, the greater the reward.

By diligently managing your fleet, you can amass a fortune and unlock unique cosmetic items for Edward and the Jackdaw.