Story Summary / Plot

Welcome, aspiring pirate and Assassin! This section provides a detailed walkthrough of the main story in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, guiding you through Edward Kenway's transformation from a greedy privateer to a respected member of the Assassin Brotherhood. Follow these steps to navigate the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, uncover ancient secrets, and confront the Templar Order.

Prologue: The Assassin and the Privateer

The game begins with a fierce naval battle. You, as Edward Kenway, are caught in the crossfire between a mysterious Assassin, Duncan Walpole, and the British Navy. After the battle, Walpole, carrying a valuable artifact and a letter, attempts to escape. Your first objective is to pursue and eliminate him.

Step 1: Eliminate Duncan Walpole. After the naval battle, Walpole will flee onto a nearby island. Follow him through the jungle, using stealth to avoid detection by patrolling guards. Engage him in combat once you catch up. This is a straightforward fight; use your cutlass and pistols.
Step 2: Loot Walpole's Body. Once Walpole is defeated, approach his body and interact to loot the Assassin's Robes, a Hidden Blade, and a mysterious Crystal Skull. You'll also find a letter addressed to Governor Torres in Havana.
Step 3: Escape the Island. With Walpole's possessions, you'll need to escape the island. Head towards the shore and locate the small fishing boat. Row to safety, beginning your journey into the Assassin-Templar conflict.

Havana and the Templar Plot

Assuming Walpole's identity, Edward travels to Havana, hoping to profit from the Assassin's connections. Here, he encounters the Templar Grand Master, Laureano Torres, and his inner circle, including Woodes Rogers and Benjamin Hornigold.

Step 1: Infiltrate Governor Torres's Mansion. Upon arriving in Havana, you'll need to find a way into Torres's heavily guarded mansion. Look for unguarded entry points, such as open windows or climbing opportunities on the side of the building. Use your newly acquired Hidden Blades for silent takedowns on isolated guards.
Step 2: Attend the Templar Meeting. Once inside, navigate through the mansion's corridors, avoiding detection. You'll overhear a crucial meeting where Torres reveals the Templars' plan to locate the Observatory, an ancient First Civilization site, and harness its power.
Step 3: Obtain the Templar Map. During the meeting, a map detailing the locations of key artifacts related to the Observatory will be displayed. Your objective is to discreetly steal this map. Wait for a moment when the guards are distracted or looking away, then perform a quick pickpocket.
Step 4: Escape Havana. With the map in hand, make your way out of the mansion and through the bustling streets of Havana. Be mindful of the increased guard presence. Head to the docks and commandeer a ship to escape the city. This is where you acquire your first ship, the Jackdaw.

The Rise of the Jackdaw and Pirate Republic

Edward, now captain of the Jackdaw, embarks on a quest for wealth and glory, often clashing with both the British and Spanish navies. He establishes a base of operations in Nassau, becoming entangled with legendary pirates like Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and James Kidd.

Nassau and the Pirate Haven

Step 1: Establish Nassau as a Pirate Republic. Work with Blackbeard and other pirates to liberate Nassau from British control. This involves several naval battles and land-based skirmishes against British forces. Focus on destroying their frigates and capturing their forts.
Step 2: Upgrade the Jackdaw. As you progress, you'll need to upgrade the Jackdaw to survive increasingly difficult naval encounters. Prioritize upgrading your Hull Strength, Broadside Cannons, and acquiring Mortars. You can do this at any harbor master by spending Reales earned from plundering ships.
Step 3: Recruit a Crew. To maintain and upgrade your ship, you'll need a robust crew. Rescue captured pirates from enemy ships or recruit them from taverns in various ports. A larger crew allows for faster repairs and more effective boarding actions.

Searching for the Sage

The Templars are also searching for a mysterious individual known as the Sage, who holds the key to the Observatory. Edward, initially driven by profit, finds himself increasingly drawn into the conflict as he realizes the true power of the Observatory.

Step 1: Track the Sage's Movements. Follow leads provided by James Kidd (who is secretly an Assassin) to various locations across the Caribbean, including Tulum and Great Inagua. These missions often involve stealth, tailing targets, and gathering intelligence.
Step 2: Confront the Templars. You'll frequently encounter Templar agents, such as Woodes Rogers and El Tiburón, who are also pursuing the Sage. Engage them in combat when necessary, using a combination of stealth and direct confrontation. Remember to use your pistols for quick damage against heavily armored foes.
Step 3: Discover the Truth about the Sage. Through your investigations, you'll learn that the Sage is Bartholomew Roberts, a former slave with a unique genetic memory, capable of guiding others to the Observatory.

The Observatory and the Betrayal

Edward eventually locates the Observatory, a First Civilization device that allows its user to view anyone in the world. However, his pursuit of personal gain leads to a series of betrayals and losses.

Step 1: Infiltrate the Observatory. With Bartholomew Roberts's guidance, you'll journey to the heart of the Observatory. This mission involves navigating complex environmental puzzles and evading ancient security systems.
Step 2: Witness the Observatory's Power. Inside, you'll see firsthand the terrifying capabilities of the Observatory, capable of identifying and tracking any individual. This revelation begins to shift Edward's perspective.
Step 3: Confront Bartholomew Roberts. Roberts, revealing his true intentions, betrays Edward, leaving him stranded and imprisoned. This pivotal moment marks a turning point in Edward's character arc.

Redemption and the Assassin Brotherhood

After escaping imprisonment, Edward, having lost many of his pirate friends and faced the consequences of his greed, begins to embrace the Assassin ideals, seeking to prevent the Templars from controlling the Observatory.

Step 1: Escape Prison. You'll find yourself imprisoned in a Spanish fort. use your stealth skills and environmental awareness to escape your cell and navigate the fort. Look for opportunities to create diversions or use hidden passages.
Step 2: Rebuild the Jackdaw and Your Crew. After escaping, you'll need to reclaim the Jackdaw and recruit a new crew. This involves several naval missions and land-based recruitment efforts.
Step 3: Ally with the Assassins. Edward formally aligns himself with the Assassin Brotherhood, working alongside Ah Tabai and Mary Read (James Kidd's true identity) to thwart the Templars.
Step 4: Final Confrontation with the Templars. The climax involves a series of intense naval battles and land assaults against Laureano Torres, Woodes Rogers, and their forces. Your ultimate goal is to destroy the Templar network and secure the Observatory.

By following these steps, you will guide Edward Kenway through a compelling narrative of self-discovery, piracy, and the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars, ultimately leading him to embrace a cause greater than himself.