100% Synchronization Guide

100% Synchronization Guide

Achieving 100% synchronization in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is the ultimate challenge for any true pirate and Assassin. It demands not only completing every main memory, side mission, and collectible, but also fulfilling all optional objectives within each main memory. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to conquer every optional objective, ensuring you sail away with a perfect score.

Before diving into specific missions, it's crucial to understand the philosophy behind 100% synchronization:

• Read Ahead: Always review the optional objectives displayed at the start of a memory or accessible via the pause menu. Knowing what's expected beforehand is half the battle.
• Stealth is Key (Often): Many optional objectives revolve around stealth, avoiding combat, or performing specific assassinations. Embrace your inner Assassin.
• Restart Checkpoint: Don't be afraid to use the "Restart Checkpoint" option from the pause menu. It's your best friend for perfecting tricky objectives without replaying the entire memory.
• Upgrade Your Gear: Ensure your Jackdaw, Edward's weapons, and armor are upgraded. While not always directly tied to optional objectives, better gear makes execution easier.
• Environmental Awareness: Utilize the environment to your advantage – haystacks, bushes, corners, and even crowds can provide cover or opportunities for unique kills.

General Strategies for Common Optional Objectives

Avoid Combat/Detection

This is a recurring objective, especially in early memories. Here's how to master it:

• Use Eagle Vision: Identify enemy patrol routes and sight cones. Plan your path accordingly.
• Whistle: Lure isolated guards into bushes or haystacks for silent assassinations.
• Sleep Darts/Berserk Darts: These are invaluable. Sleep darts can temporarily incapacitate guards, allowing you to pass undetected. Berserk darts can cause a distraction by turning guards against each other.
• Air Assassinations/Corner Kills: Prioritize silent takedowns to avoid alerting others.
• Blend In: Use crowds to move past guards unnoticed.

Specific Kill Requirements (e.g., Air Assassinate, Stalking Zone Kill)

These objectives demand precision and patience:

• Air Assassinate: Climb to a vantage point (rooftop, mast, tree branch) directly above your target. Ensure the target is within range and the assassination prompt appears.
• Stalking Zone Kill: Hide in bushes, haystacks, or other foliage. Wait for the target to enter your stalking zone (indicated by the prompt) and perform a silent kill. Whistling can draw targets closer.
• Pistol Kill: Equip your pistols and aim carefully. Headshots are often instant kills. Remember to reload if you have multiple targets.

Environmental Interactions (e.g., Use a Rope Dart, Destroy a Barrel)

These objectives encourage creative use of Edward's toolkit:

• Rope Dart: To perform a hanging kill, climb above a target, aim the rope dart, and then pull them up. For a pull kill, aim at a target near a ledge and pull them over.
• Exploding Barrels: Look for red barrels near groups of enemies. Shoot them with a pistol or throw a bomb to cause a chain reaction.

Memory Sequence 1: Edward Kenway

Memory 1: Edward Kenway

• Optional Objective 1: Tackle the Assassin from above.
  • After the initial chase, the Assassin will climb onto a wooden platform. Follow him up the mast of the shipwreck. Once you are directly above him, perform an Air Assassination. This is your first opportunity to practice this move.
• Optional Objective 2: Loot the Assassin.
  • After defeating the Assassin, approach his body and interact to loot him. This is a straightforward objective, but easily missed if you rush to the next objective marker.

Memory 2: Lively Havana

• Optional Objective 1: Air Assassinate a guard.
  • During the tutorial section with Stede Bonnet, you'll encounter a guard near a haystack. Climb the nearby building or stack of crates to get above him, then perform an Air Assassination. Alternatively, a guard patrolling near the market stalls can be air assassinated from a low rooftop.
• Optional Objective 2: Pickpocket 2 people.
  • While walking through Havana with Stede Bonnet, you'll pass numerous civilians. Approach them from behind and hold the pickpocket button (Circle/B) to steal their coin. Do this twice before reaching the tavern.

Memory Sequence 2: ...And My Brother

Memory 1: Havana's Finest

• Optional Objective 1: Use the Pistol in combat.
  • During the fight with the guards after leaving the tavern, simply equip your pistol and fire it at an enemy. You don't need to get a kill with it, just use it.
• Optional Objective 2: Counter-Steal from a pickpocket.
  • As you walk through the crowded market, a pickpocket will attempt to steal from you. A prompt will appear (Triangle/Y). Press it quickly to counter-steal from him. This is a time-sensitive event, so be ready.

Memory 2: Nothing is True...

• Optional Objective 1: Perform 3 Leap of Faiths.
  • As you follow the Assassin, you'll encounter several synchronization points (viewpoints). Synchronize with three of them and perform a Leap of Faith into the hay below. There are ample opportunities throughout this memory.
• Optional Objective 2: Air Assassinate the target from a beam.
  • When you reach the area where the target is located, climb the building and utilize the wooden beams spanning the area. Position yourself directly above the target and perform an Air Assassination. Ensure you are on a beam, not a rooftop.

Memory Sequence 3: The Pirate's Life

Memory 1: The New World

• Optional Objective 1: Sink 3 ships using the Swivel Guns.
  • During your first naval battle, after damaging enemy ships with your cannons, switch to the Swivel Guns (L1/LB) to finish them off. Aim for weak points (indicated by a red glow) for critical damage. Repeat for three ships.
• Optional Objective 2: Damage the schooner with a heavy shot.
  • Once you encounter the schooner, use your heavy shot (hold R1/RB) to damage it. You don't need to sink it with heavy shot, just land a hit.

Memory 2: The Old Assassin

• Optional Objective 1: Avoid all damage during the chase.
  • This is a challenging objective. When chasing the target, avoid running into obstacles, falling from heights that cause damage, or being hit by guards. Stay on the rooftops and use parkour efficiently. If you take damage, restart the checkpoint immediately.
• Optional Objective 2: Kill the target with an Air Assassination.
  • After the chase, the target will eventually stop. Climb to a vantage point above him (a nearby building or tree) and perform an Air Assassination. Plan your approach carefully to avoid being detected before the kill.

This guide will be continuously updated with detailed strategies for every memory sequence, including specific locations, enemy types, and recommended loadouts. Remember, patience and persistence are your greatest assets on the path to 100% synchronization!