Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (the 2013 original) and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (the 2026 remake) are separate games. Resynced launched on July 9, 2026, so the word “before” no longer describes an upcoming release. To play the original, select the product explicitly named Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag; to play the rebuilt version, select Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. The correct choice depends on whether you want the 2013 game or the current remake.
What you are choosing in 2026
Ubisoft identifies Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag as the 2013 release and Black Flag Resynced as a remake of that game. They are not two modes of one application and they should not be treated as editions of the same product. Resynced was released on July 9, 2026, and is available now as a separate title.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ubisoft describes Resynced as “a faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine.” Its product description also says that the remake has updated visuals, gameplay changes and new story content. Those statements describe Ubisoft’s version of the project; they are not independent performance testing or a guarantee that every scene is identical to the 2013 release.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| Question | Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | Black Flag Resynced |
|---|---|---|
| Release | Original game, released in 2013 | Remake, released July 9, 2026 |
| What it represents | The original version of the pirate adventure | A ground-up remake based on the original, with updated visuals, gameplay changes and new story content according to Ubisoft |
| How to find it | Search for the full title “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” and check that the listing identifies the 2013 game | Search for the full title “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced” |
| Platforms established by Ubisoft for Resynced | Current store availability was not verified for this guide | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC |
Start with the right game-selection path
If you want the 2013 original
- Open the store or library on your chosen device.
- Search for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, including the “IV” in the title.
- Read the product description and release information before buying or downloading. Do not assume that a result containing only “Black Flag” is the original; Resynced uses the same subtitle.
- Check the listed platform and region. Current availability of the original on each individual storefront was not established here, so rely on the live listing presented to you.
- Install the product whose title and description identify the 2013 game.
The original may appear differently across regions or storefronts. This guide does not claim that a particular digital listing remains purchasable everywhere. If the search returns only Resynced, that does not prove the original has been removed globally; it means you need to check another supported local store or retailer for your territory.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
If you want the 2026 remake
- Choose PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S or a supported PC.
- Search the store for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.
- Confirm that the result is the 2026 remake rather than the 2013 original.
- Select the edition you want, review its included content and complete the download or purchase process.
Ubisoft names the Ubisoft Store, Steam and Epic Games Store as PC storefronts for Resynced. Ubisoft also identifies Steam Deck as verified. Storefront, territory and hardware availability can change, so the listing shown in your region is the final check before purchase.
Platform-by-platform route to Resynced
PlayStation 5
On PS5, open the PlayStation Store and search the complete Resynced title. Select the product page that identifies the remake, choose Standard, Deluxe or Collector’s where offered in your region, and begin the download. Ubisoft states that physical copies are also sold through local retailers, but it does not establish stock at a particular marketplace. If you buy a disc, verify that the package is the PS5 version and that its title says Resynced.
Xbox Series X|S
On Xbox Series X or Series S, use the Xbox store search and enter the complete Resynced name. Check the platform label before confirming the transaction. A Series X owner can also investigate local physical retail listings; current retailer data does not establish universal inventory or a specific shop’s stock.
PC
PC players can look in the Ubisoft Store, Steam or Epic Games Store. Search within the storefront you intend to use, inspect the publisher and title, then install from that same account and launcher. Ubisoft lists Steam Deck as verified, but verification is a platform statement rather than a promise that every territory, storefront configuration or peripheral setup will be identical.
Do not buy a PC key solely because its short title says “Black Flag.” Compare the complete product name and the description. The original and the remake share the subtitle, and confusing them is the most common way to purchase the wrong version.
Use this decision path before checkout
- Decide which release you mean. Choose the 2013 title if you want the original game, or Resynced if you want Ubisoft’s 2026 remake.
- Match the hardware. Resynced’s listed platforms are PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Steam Deck is identified as verified on Ubisoft’s product information.
- Match the storefront. On PC, stay within the Ubisoft Store, Steam or Epic Games Store listing you intend to use. On console, verify the platform badge and region.
- Match the format. Digital copies are downloaded through the purchasing account; discs come from local retailers; streaming requires a current service listing.
- Match the edition. Standard is the base game, Deluxe adds named digital packs, and Collector’s adds physical items as well as Deluxe content.
- Plan the connection. Reserve internet access for the initial download even if your goal is offline campaign play.
This sequence prevents the most expensive mistake: paying for the wrong Black Flag product and discovering the difference only after installation.
Can you play Black Flag Resynced offline?
Yes, with an important limitation. Ubisoft’s product FAQ states: “Once downloaded, the full main campaign of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is fully playable offline.” An internet connection is required initially to download the game. After that download is complete, you can launch and play the main campaign without keeping the device connected.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The offline allowance does not cover every feature. Ubisoft says that the connected Animus Hub functions—Store, Anomalies, Projects and Vault—require an internet connection. Think of the game as having an offline campaign and online hub services rather than as an entirely connection-free product.
| Activity | Connection requirement stated by Ubisoft |
|---|---|
| Initial download | Internet connection required |
| Main campaign after download | Playable offline |
| Animus Hub Store | Internet connection required |
| Animus Hub Anomalies | Internet connection required |
| Animus Hub Projects | Internet connection required |
| Animus Hub Vault | Internet connection required |
Practical offline setup
- Connect the console or PC to the internet and complete the initial download.
- Start the game while connected so the installation can finish and the title can reach its normal main menu.
- Disconnect only after the download is complete. Select the main campaign to test the offline path.
- Expect the Animus Hub’s Store, Anomalies, Projects and Vault to be unavailable until you reconnect.
If the campaign will not start offline, first reconnect and confirm that the download has actually completed. Also make sure you are launching Resynced rather than a separate shortcut for another Black Flag product. Ubisoft’s offline statement applies to the downloaded main campaign; it does not promise offline access to the connected hub features.
Choosing an edition of Resynced
The editions differ by included content, not by the identity of the underlying remake. Ubisoft’s product information describes Standard as the base game, Deluxe as the game with Master Assassin Character and Naval packs, and Collector’s as including the Deluxe content plus physical collectibles. Exact contents can vary by territory or platform, so read the local product page before paying.
| Edition | Included content established by Ubisoft | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base game | Players who want the Resynced campaign without the named extra packs or physical items |
| Deluxe | Base game plus Master Assassin Character pack and Naval pack | Players who want those digital packs |
| Collector’s | Deluxe content plus an Edward figurine, brooch, SteelBook and cloth map | Collectors who specifically want the listed physical items |
No price is included here because pricing, taxes, promotions and currency differ by region and can change. The table is about content; it is not a value ranking. Confirm whether a physical Collector’s package is offered in your territory and whether a particular platform receives every listed item.
What the editions do not establish
Nothing in Ubisoft’s edition descriptions says that Standard, Deluxe or Collector’s includes a license for the 2013 original. Treat each purchase as a Resynced purchase unless the product page explicitly lists another game. Likewise, a physical collectible bundle does not by itself indicate that the disc contains both releases.
Digital, disc and streaming access
Digital purchase
Digital access is the clearest route on the named PC storefronts and on the console stores. Search the full title, verify the edition and platform, then download through the account that made the purchase. Keep the distinction between the 2013 original and the 2026 remake visible throughout the process: a library search for “Black Flag” can return both.
Physical copies
Ubisoft’s launch guide says physical copies are available through local retailers. That statement does not establish stock at a particular online marketplace, a specific country, a current price or a particular regional bundle. Before traveling to a shop or placing an order, check the retailer’s live listing for platform, edition and delivery region. A physical copy still requires the initial internet download described in Ubisoft’s FAQ if the installed product has not yet been downloaded.
Streaming services
Ubisoft’s launch guide lists GeForce NOW and Blacknut among streaming options. Service catalogs, supported territories, device compatibility and subscription requirements can change. Treat those names as possible access routes to verify in your region, not as a guarantee that Resynced is currently available on your account. If the service listing is absent, use a supported console or PC storefront instead.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOptional collector items
Ubisoft’s product page also names The Art of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag music on vinyl. These are separate collector-oriented products, not substitutes for the game license. Check the current regional product page for availability, format and seller before adding either to an order.
What “play it before Resynced” means for your play order
There is no required order imposed by the release dates. The original came out in 2013; Resynced arrived thirteen years later in 2026. You can play the original first to experience the earlier version, start with Resynced as the current remake, or play only one of them. The practical issue is selecting the intended product, not unlocking a special sequence.
Choose the original first when
- You specifically want the 2013 release rather than a remake.
- You want to compare the original presentation with Ubisoft’s later rebuilt version.
- Your preferred listing or device offers the original and you have confirmed its identity.
Choose Resynced first when
- You want the currently released remake with the updated presentation described by Ubisoft.
- You are using PS5, Xbox Series X|S or a supported PC, the platforms Ubisoft lists for Resynced.
- You want access to the remake’s added story content and gameplay changes as described on its product information.
Play both when
Buy or access each title separately and keep their names distinct in your library. Do not assume that a Deluxe or Collector’s purchase of Resynced includes the 2013 game; the edition descriptions listed by Ubisoft concern Resynced content and do not state that the original is bundled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common selection mistakes and fixes
Searching only for “Black Flag”
Symptom: Several results appear and the release year is unclear.
Fix: Use the full title. “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” identifies the original, while “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced” identifies the remake.
Assuming “Resynced” is an add-on
Symptom: You expect an update inside an existing 2013 installation.
Fix: Treat Resynced as a separate 2026 remake. Open its own product page and check its platform and edition before downloading.
Expecting every feature to work offline
Symptom: The campaign launches without a connection but hub options are unavailable.
Fix: This is consistent with Ubisoft’s stated design: the downloaded main campaign is offline-capable, while Store, Anomalies, Projects and Vault in the Animus Hub need a connection.
Assuming a retailer has stock
Symptom: A physical listing is missing, out of stock or limited to another region.
Fix: Check local retailers and the package’s platform and edition. Ubisoft confirms local-retailer distribution, not permanent inventory at a named marketplace.
Assuming a service catalog is universal
Symptom: A streaming option listed in a launch guide cannot be found in your account.
Fix: Verify the current catalog, country and device support directly with the service. Catalog inclusion can change independently of the game’s release.
Why the remake is being treated as a new release
Ubisoft reported on July 17, 2026 that Resynced sold more than 3 million copies in a week and 2 million copies on its first day. Those are company-reported sales figures, not independent estimates. They help explain why current store searches may foreground Resynced, but they do not change the identity or availability of the 2013 original.
The important distinction is therefore simple: “Black Flag” can refer to a setting and game name shared by two releases, while “IV” points to the original and “Resynced” points to the remake. Read the complete listing before you buy, and use the offline rules and edition table above to match the product to the way you intend to play.
Final pre-purchase checklist
- Title: Confirm whether the listing says Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) or Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (2026).
- Platform: For Resynced, verify PS5, Xbox Series X|S or a supported PC storefront; Steam Deck is identified by Ubisoft as verified.
- Edition: Standard is the base game, Deluxe adds the Master Assassin Character and Naval packs, and Collector’s adds those Deluxe contents plus the listed physical collectibles.
- Connection: Plan an internet connection for the initial download. The main campaign can then be played offline, but the Animus Hub Store, Anomalies, Projects and Vault require a connection.
- Format: For a disc, check local retailer stock and regional contents. For streaming, verify the live catalog and territory before relying on it.
- Account: Download digital copies through the account that purchased them, and keep the original and remake as separate library entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Flag Resynced already released?
Yes. Ubisoft lists July 9, 2026 as the release date. It is a separate remake of the 2013 Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Can I play Black Flag Resynced offline?
Yes, after the initial download is complete. Ubisoft says the full main campaign is playable offline. The Animus Hub Store, Anomalies, Projects and Vault require an internet connection.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which platforms support Resynced?
Ubisoft lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The named PC storefronts are Ubisoft Store, Steam and Epic Games Store; Steam Deck is identified as verified.
Does the Deluxe edition include the 2013 original?
No such bundle is stated in Ubisoft’s edition description. Deluxe includes the base Resynced game, Master Assassin Character pack and Naval pack. Confirm the local product page for final contents.
Where can I buy a physical copy?
Ubisoft says physical copies are available through local retailers. Stock, pricing, editions and regional delivery vary, so check the retailer’s live listing for your location.
Can I stream Resynced?
Ubisoft’s launch guide lists GeForce NOW and Blacknut as streaming options. Their catalogs and territory support can change, so verify that Resynced appears in your account before relying on either service.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Choose Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag if you want the 2013 original, and choose Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced if you want the remake released July 9, 2026. Resynced runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and supported PC storefronts, needs internet for its initial download, and allows the main campaign offline afterward. Standard, Deluxe and Collector’s editions differ by extras, not by which game they are.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
