Treasures & Maps

Treasures & Maps

Constantinople, with its labyrinthine streets and ancient wonders, holds many secrets, and among the most valuable are its hidden treasure chests. These chests are not merely sources of Florins; they are crucial elements for achieving complete synchronization and unlocking the full potential of Ezio Auditore's journey.

Scattered across every district, these chests contain valuable Florins, essential bomb ingredients, and occasionally rare artifacts. Mastering their collection is key to financial prosperity, crafting powerful explosives, and, most importantly, achieving 100% synchronization within each district.

The Importance of Treasure Collection

Unlike previous Assassin's Creed titles where collectibles might have been optional extras, in Assassin's Creed Revelations, collecting all treasures within a specific district is a mandatory requirement for achieving 100% synchronization for that district. This is a critical distinction for players aiming for full game completion. Failing to collect even one chest will prevent you from reaching the coveted 100% sync, impacting your overall game progression and potentially locking you out of certain achievements or trophies.

Beyond synchronization, treasures offer significant practical benefits:

• Financial Boost: Each chest typically contains a substantial amount of Florins, crucial for purchasing new weapons, armor, shop upgrades, and renovating Constantinople's various establishments. Early game treasure hunting can provide a vital economic advantage.
• Bomb Ingredients: Many chests contain valuable bomb ingredients such as Saltpeter, Datura, Sulphur, and Greek Fire. These are indispensable for crafting the diverse array of bombs Ezio can utilize, from lethal shrapnel bombs to tactical smoke bombs.
• Exploration Incentive: The placement of treasure chests often encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of Constantinople, leading them to discover hidden pathways, unique architectural details, and sometimes even secret areas not immediately obvious during main story progression.

Acquiring Treasure Maps

While some chests might be stumbled upon by chance, the most efficient way to locate them is by purchasing treasure maps. These maps are available from Art Merchants located throughout Constantinople. Each map corresponds to a specific district, revealing the exact locations of all chests within that area on your in-game map.

Purchasing Strategy:

1. Locate an Art Merchant: Art Merchants are marked on your map with a distinctive paintbrush icon. They are typically found in market areas or near major landmarks.
2. Access the "Buy Maps" Option: Interact with the Art Merchant and select the option to purchase maps.
3. Prioritize Districts: Purchase maps for districts you are actively exploring or those where you are close to achieving 100% synchronization. Early game, focus on Galata and the Imperial District to quickly boost your finances.
4. Cost: Treasure maps are relatively inexpensive, usually costing a few hundred Florins each. The Florins gained from just one or two chests will often cover the cost of the map, making it a worthwhile investment.

Locating and Collecting Treasures

Once a treasure map is purchased, small chest icons will appear on your in-game map and mini-map, indicating the precise locations of all treasures in that district. However, simply seeing the icon is only half the battle; reaching the chest often requires keen observation and adept parkour skills.

Visual and Auditory Cues:

• Glinting Light: As you approach a hidden treasure chest, you will often notice a subtle, shimmering or glinting light emanating from its location. This visual cue helps pinpoint its exact position, especially in dimly lit areas or when a chest is partially obscured.
• Distinctive Sound: When Ezio is in close proximity to a treasure chest, a faint, metallic jingling sound can be heard. This auditory cue becomes louder as you get closer, acting as an excellent guide when a chest is hidden behind obstacles or on a different elevation. Pay attention to your headphones or surround sound for maximum effectiveness.

Common Treasure Locations and Access Strategies:

• Rooftops and High Ledges: Many chests are placed on the roofs of buildings, requiring advanced parkour techniques to reach. Look for climbable surfaces, wooden beams, and open windows that lead to higher elevations.
• Hidden Alleys and Courtyards: Some chests are tucked away in obscure alleys, behind market stalls, or within small, enclosed courtyards that are not immediately visible from the main thoroughfares. Explore every branching path.
• Under Docks and Bridges: In waterfront areas like the Golden Horn, chests can often be found beneath docks or bridges, sometimes requiring a short swim or careful platforming along the water's edge.
• Inside Buildings: Occasionally, chests are located inside accessible buildings. Look for open doors or windows that allow Ezio to enter structures.
• Guarded Areas: A few chests might be located within restricted zones or heavily guarded areas. Plan your approach carefully, utilizing stealth, diversions, or direct combat as necessary. Consider using smoke bombs to create an opening or recruiting Ottoman Janissaries to clear the path.

Tips for Efficient Treasure Hunting

1. Purchase Maps Early: As soon as you enter a new district, make it a priority to find the nearest Art Merchant and purchase its treasure map. This allows you to naturally collect chests as you complete other missions.
2. Combine with Other Activities: Integrate treasure hunting with other activities. If you're renovating shops, exploring viewpoints, or completing side missions in a district, keep an eye on your mini-map for nearby chest icons.
3. Utilize Eagle Vision: Ezio's Eagle Vision can sometimes highlight chests or their immediate surroundings, making them easier to spot, especially in cluttered environments.
4. Master Parkour: Some chests are deliberately placed in challenging parkour locations. Practice your free-running skills, including wall runs, corner jumps, and precision landings, to access these areas efficiently.
5. Clear Districts Systematically: To ensure you don't miss any chests for 100% synchronization, consider clearing one district of all its treasures before moving on to the next. This systematic approach minimizes backtracking.
6. Check Your Progress: The Animus database or your in-game map will show your progress for collectibles in each district. Regularly check this to confirm you haven't missed any chests.