Lively Havana

Lively Havana

Welcome to Havana, Edward Kenway! This pivotal early mission, "Lively Havana," serves as your comprehensive introduction to the core tenets of Assassin's Creed gameplay: seamless free-running, effective blending, and the art of the tail. Mastering these mechanics early will be crucial for your adventures across the Caribbean. Pay close attention to the environmental cues and the game's subtle guidance; they are designed to make you a master assassin.

Mission Objectives & 100% Synchronization

• Primary Objective: Follow Stede Bonnet to the market.
• Primary Objective: Tail the Templars to their meeting.
• Primary Objective: Escape the guards.
• 100% Synchronization Requirement: Use a hay cart to escape the guards.

Part 1: Following Stede Bonnet & Free-Running Fundamentals

Upon arriving in Havana, you'll be greeted by Stede Bonnet. After a brief cinematic, your first task is to follow him through the bustling streets. This segment is designed to teach you the basics of free-running and navigating crowded urban environments.

Free-Running Tips for Havana:

• Hold R2/RT/Spacebar + X/A: This is your primary free-running input. Edward will automatically vault, climb, and jump over obstacles.
• Observe Bonnet's Path: Stede Bonnet will lead you along a relatively safe and clear path. Use his movements as a guide for optimal routes. He often takes advantage of low walls, market stalls, and open archways.
• use Environmental Elements:
  • Market Stalls: You can often run directly over or through market stalls without losing momentum.
  • Awnings & Roofs: While Bonnet stays mostly at ground level, take note of the many awnings and low roofs. These are excellent for escaping guards later or gaining a vantage point.
  • Crowds: Running through crowds will slow you slightly but can also obscure your movements from distant guards.
• Don't Rush: There's no time limit here. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of Havana and get comfortable with Edward's movement.
• Collectibles: Keep an eye out for any stray chests or Animus Fragments, though your primary focus should be on following Bonnet.

Continue following Bonnet until you reach the market square where a cutscene will trigger, introducing you to the Templars and the next phase of the mission.

Part 2: Tailing the Templars & Blending Techniques

After the cutscene, you'll need to tail the Templars to their secret meeting. This is your introduction to stealth and blending in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.

Tailing Strategy:

1. Maintain Distance: The Templars have a detection cone. Stay far enough away that their icons remain white, not yellow (suspicious) or red (detected).
2. use Blending Opportunities:
   • Crowds: The most common and effective blending tool. Simply walk among groups of three or more civilians. Edward will automatically blend in, making him invisible to guards unless they get too close or you perform a suspicious action.
   • Benches: Sitting on benches is a quick way to blend, especially if the Templars are about to turn a corner and you need to hide quickly.
   • Hay Carts: Jumping into hay carts provides instant, complete concealment. Remember this for the 100% sync objective later!
   • Tall Grass/Foliage: While less prevalent in the dense city, any patches of tall grass or bushes can be used for cover.
3. Optimal Blending Spots in Havana:
   • The initial market area is teeming with civilians. Stick to the main thoroughfares.
   • As the Templars move towards the docks, they will pass several large groups of workers and merchants.
   • Look for street performers or groups gathered around stalls; these are perfect for blending.
4. Distraction Techniques (Optional but useful):
   • Coin Toss: If a guard is blocking your path or getting too close to the Templars, tossing coins (Triangle/Y while targeting) can distract civilians and guards, drawing their attention away. This can create an opening for you to pass or allow the Templars to move further ahead.
   • Whistling: While less useful for tailing, whistling (Down D-Pad) can lure individual guards away from their posts if you need to clear a path.
5. Stay on the Ground: For this particular tail, it's best to remain at street level. The Templars rarely go onto rooftops, and staying above them might make you more conspicuous.

Follow the Templars until they reach a secluded area near the docks and a cutscene triggers, revealing their plans and leading to your detection.

Part 3: Escaping the Guards & 100% Sync

Once the Templars spot you, a group of guards will immediately become hostile. Your objective is to escape their pursuit. This is where your free-running skills and environmental awareness truly come into play.

Escape Strategy & 100% Synchronization:

1. Immediate Action: As soon as the cutscene ends, turn and run! Do not engage the guards in combat unless absolutely necessary, as it will waste precious time and make achieving 100% sync harder.
2. Identify the Hay Cart: The 100% synchronization objective requires you to use a hay cart to escape. There is a hay cart located very close to where you are detected. It's usually just a few steps behind you and slightly to one side, often near a building or wall. Look for the distinctive pile of hay.
3. Sprint to the Hay Cart: Hold your free-running buttons (R2/RT/Spacebar + X/A) and sprint directly towards the hay cart. Press Circle/B when prompted to jump into it.
4. Wait for the Coast to Clear: Once inside the hay cart, Edward will be completely hidden. The guards will search the immediate area. Wait patiently until their detection icons turn from red to yellow (suspicious) and then eventually disappear. The "Escaped" message will appear on screen.
5. If You Miss the Hay Cart:
   • Don't Panic: If you run past the hay cart or can't find it immediately, you still need to escape.
   • use Free-Running: Climb onto rooftops, vault over obstacles, and break line of sight with the pursuing guards.
   • Seek Other Blending Spots: Look for other hay carts, benches, or large groups of civilians to blend into.
   • Swim: If you can reach the water, jumping in and swimming away can also break pursuit, but it's generally slower than land-based escapes.
   • Avoid Combat: Engaging multiple guards is risky and time-consuming. Only fight if you are cornered and have no other option.

Successfully escaping the guards, especially via the hay cart, will complete the mission and award you with 100% synchronization. This mission effectively prepares you for the challenges of stealth, pursuit, and evasion that lie ahead in your journey as a pirate assassin.

Rewards & Progression

• Completion Reward: Access to the next main story mission.
• Experience Points: Standard mission XP.
• Unlocks: Full access to Havana's open world, allowing you to explore, collect items, and undertake side activities.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Losing the Templars During Tailing: If you fall too far behind or lose sight of them, the mission will desynchronize. Always keep them in your line of sight, even if it means taking a slightly riskier path.
• Being Detected During Tailing: If a Templar or guard sees you and their icon turns red, you will desynchronize. Use blending spots proactively.
• Missing the Hay Cart for 100% Sync: The hay cart is very close to your detection point. Practice quickly identifying it and making a beeline for it. If you miss it, you can always replay the memory from the Animus menu to try again.