Multiplayer

Welcome to the Animus: Powered by Abstergo Entertainment! The multiplayer component of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a unique experience distinct from many other online games. It emphasizes stealth, cunning, and strategic thinking over raw combat prowess. This guide will help you navigate the various modes, master the mechanics, and climb the ranks to become a feared assassin.

Getting Started

To access multiplayer, simply select the "Multiplayer" option from the main menu. You'll be greeted by the Abstergo Entertainment interface, which serves as your hub for all online activities.

• Training: If you're new to Assassin's Creed multiplayer, we highly recommend completing the initial training missions. These tutorials will familiarize you with core mechanics like blending, stalking, and performing various types of assassinations.
• Customization: Before diving into matches, take some time to customize your character. You can unlock new outfits, weapons, and abilities as you progress and earn Abstergo Credits (the in-game currency).

Game Modes

Black Flag's multiplayer offers several game modes, each requiring different strategies. Here's a breakdown of the most popular:

Wanted

This is the classic Assassin's Creed multiplayer experience. You are assigned a target, and you are also a target for another player. The goal is to assassinate your target while avoiding your pursuer.

• Strategy:
  • Blend In: Use crowds, benches, and haystacks to your advantage. The less conspicuous you are, the harder you are to detect. Look for groups of NPCs that match your character model.
  • Observe Your Target: Don't rush in. Watch your target's movements and identify patterns. A well-timed, silent kill yields more points.
  • Awareness: Keep an eye on your compass. It will indicate the general direction of your pursuer. If the compass turns red and starts pulsing rapidly, your pursuer is very close.
  • Escape Routes: Always have an escape plan. If you're detected, know where to run or how to disappear into the environment.
• High-Scoring Actions:
  • Silent Kill: Assassinating your target without being detected.
  • Focus Kill: Holding the target button to lock onto your target and perform a clean assassination.
  • Variety Bonus: Using different assassination methods (e.g., air assassination, hidden blade, pistol).
  • Escape Bonus: Successfully escaping a pursuer.

Manhunt

Manhunt is a team-based mode where two teams alternate between being hunters and hunted. One round, your team hunts the opposing team; the next, you are the targets.

• Hunter Strategy:
  • Coordinate with Teammates: Communicate and work together to corner targets.
  • Use Abilities: Abilities like "Disguise" or "Smoke Bomb" can be invaluable for flushing out or trapping targets.
  • Identify Imposters: Look for players moving erratically, climbing unnecessarily, or standing out from NPC groups.
• Hunted Strategy:
  • Blend, Blend, Blend: Your primary goal is to remain undetected. Stick to NPC groups and move naturally.
  • Decoys: Use abilities like "Decoy" to confuse hunters and draw them away from your position.
  • Stun: If a hunter gets too close, use the "Stun" ability to temporarily incapacitate them and create an escape window.

Artifact Assault

This is a capture-the-flag style mode. Teams compete to steal artifacts from the enemy base and return them to their own.

• Offensive Strategy:
  • Stealthy Approach: Try to infiltrate the enemy base undetected to grab the artifact.
  • Teamwork: Have teammates create distractions or clear a path for the artifact carrier.
  • Abilities for Escape: "Smoke Bomb" is excellent for making a quick getaway after grabbing an artifact.
• Defensive Strategy:
  • Patrol Key Areas: Guard the artifact spawn point and common routes to your base.
  • Identify Intruders: Look for suspicious movements or players heading directly for your artifact.
  • Interception: If an enemy grabs your artifact, pursue them relentlessly. Use "Poison Dart" or "Pistol" to slow them down.

Abilities and Perks

As you level up, you'll unlock various abilities and perks that can significantly impact your gameplay. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.

• Active Abilities: These are skills you activate during a match.
  • Smoke Bomb: Creates a cloud of smoke, breaking line of sight and allowing for escapes or stealthy approaches.
  • Disguise: Temporarily changes your appearance to that of an NPC, making you harder to identify.
  • Poison Dart: Poisons a target, causing them to hallucinate and eventually die, often creating a distraction.
  • Decoy: Spawns an NPC clone of yourself, drawing attention away from your actual position.
  • Firecracker: Creates a loud noise, drawing the attention of nearby NPCs and sometimes players.
• Perks: Passive bonuses that are always active.
  • Bodyguard: An NPC bodyguard will follow you, attacking anyone who targets you.
  • Resistance: Reduces the effectiveness of enemy abilities against you.
  • Silent Step: Makes your footsteps quieter, reducing the range at which enemies can hear you.
  • Fast Getaway: Increases your movement speed after performing an assassination.

Tips for Success

• Don't Sprint Constantly: Sprinting makes you incredibly obvious to both targets and pursuers. Only sprint when absolutely necessary.
• Use the Environment: Blend with crowds, hide in haystacks, climb buildings for vantage points, and use corners for cover.
• Master the Compass: The compass is your best friend. Learn to interpret its signals for both hunting and evading.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The multiplayer has a learning curve. Don't get discouraged by early losses. Analyze your mistakes and adapt your strategies.
• Watch Kill Cams: Pay attention to how other players hunt and evade. You can learn valuable tactics from their successes and failures.
• Customize Your Loadout: Tailor your abilities and perks to the game mode and your preferred playstyle. A stealthy player might prioritize "Disguise" and "Silent Step," while an aggressive player might opt for "Poison Dart" and "Fast Getaway."