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Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Reviews: What Players and Critics Say About the Original

The original Black Flag’s US PS4 listing had a 4.64/5 user rating from 79,255 ratings on October 7, 2026. Recent critic reviews cover the separate 2026 remake, Resynced.
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For the 2013 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the clearest current rating signal in the available evidence is the US PlayStation Store’s user score: 4.64 out of 5 from 79,255 ratings on its PS4 listing, observed October 7, 2026. That is a changing storefront aggregate, not a critic score. Recent professional reviews bearing the “Black Flag” name cover Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft’s separate 2026 remake, so they should not be mistaken for reviews of the original.

What do the reviews say about the original Black Flag?

The original is a 2013 pirate action-adventure starring Edward Kenway in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Ubisoft’s description centers on commanding a ship and hunting Templars. Ubisoft’s original-game page identifies it as the 2013 game.

The current numerical signal established here is player-submitted feedback on the US PlayStation Store, rather than a verified critic aggregate. The evidence reviewed does not establish a named critic-aggregator score for the original, so remake review scores should not be used as a substitute.

Current user rating on the US PS4 listing

The US PlayStation Store listed the PS4 game at 4.64/5 from 79,255 ratings when accessed October 7, 2026. This is a live storefront total that can change; it is not a critic review or a rating tied to a particular release year. The listing covers the original PS4 game and Gold Edition, with add-ons including Freedom Cry. See the US PlayStation Store listing.

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#1 Best Overall
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Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced - PlayStation 5
  • BECOME A FEARSOME PIRATE- Strike fear in your foes as you board and sink enemy vessels as Edward Kenway, captain of the Jackdaw. Whether blending into crowds or leading daring assaults, switch between silent takedowns and fierce brawls as you effortlessly wield swords, pistols, and the Hidden Blade. With a cast of historical pirate legends at your side, defy empires amidst the age-old conflict opposing Assassins and Templars.
  • A CLASSIC REBUILT FOR AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE- Combat has been rebuilt for more dynamic encounters, emphasizing parries and takedowns, while stealth and parkour have been improved for smoother escapes and assassinations. Continuously upgrade the Jackdaw to face powerful enemy ships with enhanced naval mechanics featuring new alternate fire modes. Quality-of-life additions also address previous pain points, ensuring your experience is improved.
  • THE CARIBBEAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE- Whether you’re sailing the open seas or journeying across untamed lands, discover a seamless open world built with the latest Anvil engine. Take in sweeping vistas as you brave stormy waters, dive into underwater shipwrecks, or push through dense tropical jungles. Enhanced by features such as Dolby Atmos and ray tracing, every scene feels more immersive, bringing the world’s beauty to life.
  • EXPANDING EDWARD’S ADVENTURE- Building on top of the original story, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced introduces exclusive new content. Familiar faces will return, with new storylines dedicated to fan-favorite characters such as Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Unexpected allies will also cross your path, as three officers join you on your journey as part of the main narrative. More surprises await, such as new sea shanties, pets, a photo mode, and more.

Are current Black Flag reviews about the 2013 game or the remake?

Check the full title, platform, and review date. Ubisoft says Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launched July 9, 2026, as a ground-up remake based on the original. It is a distinct release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, rather than a new edition of the original PS4 product. Ubisoft’s Resynced page gives its release and edition details.

Coverage Version and platform Rating or review take What the evidence means
PlayStation Store user rating, accessed Oct. 7, 2026 Original game, US PS4 listing 4.64/5 from 79,255 ratings Dynamic user-rating aggregate, not a critic score. Store listing.
Tom’s Guide, Rory Mellon, July 8, 2026 Resynced; review identifies PS5, with PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S listed as platforms Praised visual overhaul, naval combat, and pirate-world fantasy; cited clipping and the absence of Freedom Cry as drawbacks Remake review, not a review of the original. Tom’s Guide review.
Creative Bloq, 2026 Resynced 8/10; described it as smoother and prettier while retaining much of the 2013 game and adding missions The reviewer saw removal of present-day missions as a pacing improvement but a reduction in fidelity to the original. Remake score only. Creative Bloq review.

What changed in Resynced, and why does that matter to reviews?

Ubisoft describes Resynced as rebuilt from the ground up on the latest version of the Anvil Engine, based on the original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. The remake includes updated visuals, new story material, revised stealth and combat, and quality-of-life changes. Its campaign can be played offline after an initial internet connection to download it; some Animus Hub live content requires internet. Ubisoft also says it has no multiplayer mode. These changes mean a review of the remake evaluates a different presentation and altered content, not simply the same game running on newer hardware.

Rank #2
Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag - PlayStation 4
  • A BRASH REBEL ASSASSIN: Become Edward Kenway, a charismatic yet brutal pirate captain, trained by Assassins. Edward can effortlessly switch between the Hidden Blade of the Assassin's Order and all new weaponry including four flintock pistols and dual cutlass swords
  • EXPLORE AN OPEN WORLD FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES: Discover the most diverse Assassin's Creed world ever created. From Kingston to Nassau, explore 50 unique locations where you can live the life of a pirate
  • BECOME THE MOST FEARED PIRATE IN THE CARIBBEAN: Command your ship, the Jackdaw, and strike fear in all who see her. Plunder and pillage to upgrade the Jackdaw with ammunition and equipment needed to fight off enemy ships
  • EXPERIENCE THE GRITTY REALITY BEHIND THE PIRATE FANTASY: Stand amongst legendary names such as Blackbeard and Benjamin Hornigold, as you establish a lawless Republic in the Bahamas and relive the truly explosive events that defined the Golden Age of Pirates
  • MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE: Play with your friends in the ruthless and critically acclaimed multiplayer experience. Choose from an eclectic cast of characters from the Golden Age of Pirates and fight to the death in exotic locations

Content and play differences cited in reviews

  • Tom’s Guide’s review discusses the remake’s visuals, naval combat, clipping, and omission of Freedom Cry.
  • Creative Bloq’s review notes extra missions and the removal of present-day missions, which its reviewer regarded as a pacing benefit but a departure from the 2013 version.
  • These are individual reviews of Resynced; they do not establish a consensus about the original or prove that one version is universally better.
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Which version should you look for?

If you want the 2013 game, verify that a listing says Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and check its platform before buying. The official US PlayStation listing is for PS4 and shows both the base game and Gold Edition; at the time it was accessed, it displayed $29.99 for the base game and $49.99 for Gold Edition. Those are time- and region-sensitive store prices, not guaranteed current prices.

If you want the remake, look for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Ubisoft lists Standard (base game), Deluxe (base game plus Master Assassin Character and Naval Packs), and Collector’s Edition. The Collector’s Edition includes an Edward figurine, wearable metal brooch, exclusive SteelBook, cloth map, and more; contents and availability should be checked with the retailer for your region. Resynced launched for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Ubisoft Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store.

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Rank #3
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection (Nintendo Switch)
  • Includes Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag with all its single-player DLCs on game card and Assassin’s Creed Rogue digital download.
  • Enhanced Features for the Nintendo Switch system
  • In Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean - Become Edward Kenway
  • An award-winning naval experience - Command your ship, the Jackdaw, and strike fear in all who see her.
  • In Assassin's Creed Rogue Slowly descend into darkness - witness Shay's transformation from an adventurous assassin to a grim and committed Templar hunting down his former brothers

Is the original Black Flag still worth playing?

The available evidence points to a strong current user-rating signal for the original’s US PS4 listing, while the notable professional reviews opened here assess the remake. That combination can help set expectations, but it is not a direct critic consensus about the 2013 game. Your choice is mainly whether you want the original release or the remake’s updated presentation and changes; the review table above keeps those signals separate.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection (Nintendo Switch)
Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection (Nintendo Switch)
Enhanced Features for the Nintendo Switch system
$27.99

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