It looks like we’ll be sailing the seas again soon! 2026 Ubisoft is reportedly working on a remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, planned for release in early 2026.
This new version will not only improve the graphics but also bring big changes to the gameplay and story, giving players a fresh adventure in the world of pirates.
The Pirate Era
Ubisoft’s remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is shaping up to be more than just a visual upgrade. According to Jeux Vidéo Magazine, the modern‑day parts of the original game will be removed. Instead, the story will focus fully on the pirate era, with new and expanded plotlines – and there’s even talk that the famous pirate Mary Read could play a bigger role this time.
RPG-Style Gameplay
The gameplay in this Ubisoft pirate RPG is getting a serious refresh, aiming to make the experience deeper and more engaging. The developers are introducing RPG‑style systems inspired by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, bringing more choice and flexibility to how you play.
Players will have access to a richer inventory with a wider variety of weapons, gear, and upgrades, as well as more options for customising their character’s appearance and abilities.
Combat will also feel more personal, letting you decide whether to fight with speed and agility, using quick strikes and dodges, or with a slower but more powerful style that focuses on heavy blows and strong defences. These changes are designed to give every player the freedom to shape their own pirate adventure.
Three Studios – One Game
Three Ubisoft studios are leading the project: Singapore, Bordeaux, and Belgrade. Ubisoft Singapore, known for its work on the original game’s naval battles, is taking the lead. On the technical side, the remake will feature seamless exploration with no loading screens, richer and more detailed islands, and it will run on the advanced Shadows engine, promising a smoother and more immersive experience.
A Pirate Classic Still Shines
The original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, released in 2013, is still remembered as one of the most beloved games in the series. Starring Edward Kenway, the game won fans over with its exciting naval combat, open Caribbean world, and rich pirate atmosphere.
Through the Animus, players experienced his journey from reckless privateer to legendary pirate, while uncovering secrets tied to the shadowy corporation Abstergo. Sailing across the waves, battling enemy ships, and exploring hidden islands made it stand out from other entries in the franchise. Even years later, many players see it as the ultimate pirate adventure in gaming.
Ubisoft’s Direction
The upcoming remake is part of Ubisoft’s recent approach to mixing open‑world action with deeper RPG mechanics. This means players can expect more customisation, progression systems, and choices that affect how they play. It’s a style that has been growing in the series since titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, and it looks set to give Black Flag a fresh, modern feel while keeping its adventurous spirit.
The Biggest Changes
One of the biggest changes is the decision to move further away from the modern‑day storyline. This shift began after the end of Desmond Miles’ arc and has continued in recent games.
Now, the remake’s focus is fully on the historical setting aligns closely with the design philosophy seen in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where the main story stays firmly in the past. For some players, this makes the experience feel more immersive and true to the time period. Others, however, might miss the link to the series’ larger modern‑day narrative.
Conclusion
With a richer pirate story, deeper RPG features, and big technical upgrades, the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake 2026 is shaping up to be much more than a simple nostalgia trip. Ubisoft seems ready to bring back everything fans loved about the original while giving it the scale and polish of its modern games. If all goes to plan, early 2026 could mark the start of a new golden age for pirate adventures – and this time, the horizon looks even bigger