Synchronization Requirements & Rewards
Achieving 100% Synchronization in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is key to unlocking the full narrative experience and earning valuable rewards. Each main memory sequence and side activity has specific optional objectives that, when completed, contribute to your overall synchronization percentage. Failing to meet these objectives will result in less than 100% synchronization for that particular memory.
Understanding Synchronization
Synchronization represents how closely Edward Kenway's actions align with those of his ancestor, Desmond Miles. In gameplay terms, it means fulfilling all primary and optional objectives within a memory. You can track your synchronization progress for each memory via the Animus Database or the Progression Tracker.
General Strategies for 100% Synchronization
- Read Objectives Carefully: Before starting any memory, pause and review all primary and optional objectives. Some objectives require specific approaches or item usage.
- Stealth First: Many optional objectives revolve around stealth. Prioritize staying undetected, using cover, and performing stealth assassinations.
- Environmental Awareness: use the environment to your advantage. Haystacks, bushes, and crowds are excellent for concealment.
- Tool Usage: Don't forget your tools! Sleep Darts can neutralize guards without killing them, while Berserk Darts can cause diversions. Smoke Bombs are invaluable for escapes or creating opportunities for stealth kills.
- Replay Memories: If you miss an optional objective, you can always replay the memory from the Animus menu. Your progress on completed objectives will be saved, allowing you to focus on the missed ones.
- Listen to Conversations: Sometimes, eavesdropping on conversations can reveal crucial information or alternative paths to objectives.
Synchronization Rewards
While the primary reward for 100% synchronization is the satisfaction of fully experiencing the game's narrative and lore, there are tangible in-game benefits:
Abstergo Challenges
Many Abstergo Challenges are directly tied to synchronization objectives. Completing these challenges unlocks various rewards, including:
- Cheats: As you progress through the Abstergo Challenges, you'll unlock cheats that can be activated from the Options menu. These include fun modifiers like "Dead Men Tell No Tales" (zombie pirates) or "Arrr Matey!" (pirate speech). Note that activating cheats will disable saving and trophy/achievement progress.
- Anvil Points: These points contribute to your overall Animus progression and can unlock cosmetic items or in-game bonuses in other Assassin's Creed titles linked to the Initiates program.
Unlockable Outfits
Achieving certain synchronization milestones, particularly 100% synchronization across all main memories, can unlock exclusive outfits for Edward Kenway. These outfits often have unique appearances and can be equipped at any General Store or your ship's cabin.
- Explorer Outfit: Typically unlocked by completing a significant percentage of the game's exploration and collection challenges, which often overlap with synchronization requirements.
- Templar Armor: This powerful armor set is unlocked by collecting all five Templar Keys found in specific Assassin Contracts. While not directly a synchronization reward, completing these contracts often involves stealth and combat objectives that align with synchronization principles.
Increased Game Knowledge & Mastery
Perhaps the most significant reward is the deep understanding of the game's mechanics, world, and story. Striving for 100% synchronization encourages players to explore every facet of the game, master its combat and stealth systems, and uncover all its secrets.