The Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake is officially in development, bringing one of the franchise’s most beloved titles back with next-generation visuals and gameplay. Ubisoft confirmed that a modernized version of the 2013 classic Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is in active production, with the project led by Ubisoft Singapore—the same studio behind the recently released Skull and Bones.
As of December 2025, the remake is still in early development, but multiple verified updates from Ubisoft and industry reports indicate that this project aims to modernize the open-world pirate adventure that helped redefine the series.
A Return to the Golden Age of Piracy
Released in October 2013, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remains one of the most acclaimed entries in Ubisoft’s long-running series. Set during the early 18th century, the game follows Edward Kenway, a charming Welsh pirate who becomes entangled in the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars.
The original game earned widespread praise for its naval combat, vast Caribbean world, and blend of historical fiction and adventure. Fans have long requested a remake that captures the spirit of the original while using the power of modern hardware to elevate the experience.
Now, Ubisoft is finally answering that call.
Development and Production Updates
Reports of an Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake first surfaced in mid-2023, when Ubisoft confirmed internally that a remake project was being developed under the codename Project Blackbeard. As of 2025, the remake is still in the production phase, with no official release window announced.
The project is primarily handled by Ubisoft Singapore, the studio responsible for the naval systems in Black Flag and the standalone pirate title Skull and Bones. They are collaborating closely with other Ubisoft studios, including Ubisoft Montréal, the main creative team behind many Assassin’s Creed titles.
Confirmed Development Details:
- Developer: Ubisoft Singapore (with support from Ubisoft Montréal)
- Engine: Ubisoft’s in-house Anvil engine, the same technology powering Assassin’s Creed Mirage and upcoming Assassin’s Creed Codename Red
- Status: Active development (pre-release phase)
- Platforms: Expected for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
- Release Window: Not yet confirmed (expected post-2026)
Ubisoft has emphasized that the remake is not just a visual upgrade but a “complete reimagining” of the original, aiming to modernize systems, AI, and world design to match current-generation standards.
What to Expect from the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake
Ubisoft’s goal with the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake is to preserve the adventurous spirit of the original while enhancing the technology behind it. Based on confirmed development insights and recent interviews with Ubisoft leadership, several key improvements are expected.
1. Next-Generation Visuals and Ocean Technology
The remake will use the latest version of the Anvil engine, featuring improved water simulation and lighting technology. Ubisoft Singapore has developed advanced ocean rendering techniques for Skull and Bones, and these are expected to enhance realism in Black Flag’s signature naval gameplay.
2. Refined Naval Combat
Naval combat was the centerpiece of the original Black Flag. The remake will expand this system with more dynamic ship battles, enhanced physics, and realistic weather effects that impact sailing and strategy.
3. Expanded Open World
The Caribbean map, one of the largest open worlds in 2013 gaming, is being rebuilt with higher fidelity. Players can expect more detailed cities like Havana, Nassau, and Kingston, along with denser vegetation, improved wildlife behavior, and new underwater exploration mechanics.
4. Updated Gameplay Systems
The remake is expected to streamline parkour and combat mechanics to align with recent Assassin’s Creed releases. The stealth system, enemy AI, and ship management features will also receive significant updates to deliver smoother, more immersive gameplay.
5. Modern Accessibility and Customization
Ubisoft has prioritized accessibility in its modern titles, and the remake will likely include customizable controls, subtitle options, difficulty settings, and enhanced visual modes such as ray tracing and 4K resolution.
Why Ubisoft Chose to Remake Black Flag
Ubisoft’s decision to remake Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag stems from both its lasting popularity and technological opportunity. Even a decade after its release, Black Flag remains one of the top-selling entries in the franchise, with millions of active players revisiting it through backward compatibility.
The publisher sees the remake as an opportunity to reintroduce Edward Kenway’s story to new generations of gamers while leveraging lessons learned from its recent open-world titles.
In an internal company briefing earlier this year, Ubisoft executives described Black Flag as a “timeless adventure that deserves to shine with modern innovation.”
The Role of Ubisoft Singapore
Ubisoft Singapore plays a crucial role in the franchise’s evolution. The studio was instrumental in designing Black Flag’s naval mechanics, which became one of the game’s defining features.
Since then, the team has focused heavily on maritime gameplay, culminating in Skull and Bones, released in early 2024. The expertise gained from developing realistic ocean systems and ship combat directly feeds into the Black Flag remake.
The remake project is also expected to address fan feedback regarding Skull and Bones, blending narrative depth with freedom of exploration — something Black Flag originally mastered.
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
News of the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake has been met with enthusiasm across the gaming community. Longtime fans consider it one of the series’ high points, and many are excited to experience its story through a next-gen lens.
On social platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, discussions about the remake have generated significant buzz. Players are particularly eager for:
- A deeper narrative focus on Edward Kenway’s journey.
- A return to classic stealth mechanics.
- Enhanced graphics comparable to Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Codename Red.
However, some fans have urged Ubisoft to balance innovation with faithfulness to the original’s tone and pacing.
Assassin’s Creed Franchise Outlook
The remake comes at a pivotal time for Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise. With Assassin’s Creed Mirage launching successfully in October 2023, and Assassin’s Creed Codename Red (set in feudal Japan) expected in 2026, the company is pursuing both new and nostalgic projects simultaneously.
Ubisoft’s remake strategy mirrors recent gaming trends, as major publishers revisit classic titles for modern platforms. Black Flag’s return fits perfectly into this approach, bridging the franchise’s past with its future.
Looking Ahead
While the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake does not yet have a release date, development updates in 2025 confirm that progress is well underway. Fans can expect more detailed reveals, including trailers and developer insights, throughout 2026 as Ubisoft ramps up its marketing campaign.
Until then, excitement continues to build as gamers anticipate setting sail once again across the Caribbean with Edward Kenway — this time, in full next-gen detail.
The Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake marks a major moment for the franchise, bringing back a legendary story with modern technology and endless adventure. Are you ready to return to the high seas? Share your thoughts below!