Assassination & Combat
Depending on the individual, players will find themselves either engaging in combat a lot or a little. The basis for all combat is based on high profile or low profile actions against enemies.
High Profile assassinations have a much larger range of actions then low profile assassinations, but also put the player in a position to be seen and engaged in open conflict. This should only be used if there are no other targets around or the player doesn't mind engaging in combat.
Types of Assassinations:
- Standard Assassinations - performed on the same level as the target
- Double Assassinations - performed on the same level as two targets in close proximity
- Air Assassinations - performed from above the target
- Ledge Assassinations - performed while hanging from a ledge below the target
- Hiding Assassinations - performed while in a hiding place, such as a hay cart
- Corner Assassinations - performed from a cover position on a flat-wall corner
- Stalking Zone Assassinations - performed while hiding in a stalking zone
Aside from assassinations, the player can perform a multitude of non-lethal attacks using the same combination of locations with the fists equipped. In addition, the player can tackle couriers or escaping targets by holding the High Profile Button and pressing the Interact Button while in range.
Kill Streaks
Kill streaks are a combat technique that result in chaining enemy deaths together from one to another, allowing the player to get instant kills without having to fight every soldier individually. In order to start a kill streak the player must succeed in defeating an enemy via a combo attack or counter kill. During the animation of the soldiers death, hold the L stick in the direction of the next soldier you'd like to kill and press the Primary Attack again. This can be done until there are no targets left or a players chain is broken by an enemy immune to counter kills or they are hit with an attack.
Human Shields
While not formally introduced in the game, the Human Shield will pop up anytime there is a enemy with a ranged weapon aiming at you and a shield available. Much easier than the previous game, enemies can be easily grabbed mid-combat to be used to protect Edward from ranged fire.
Naval Combat
Naval combat first featured in Assassin's Creed III and plays a more prominent role in Black Flag. With around 40% of the game taking place on ships, this leaves plenty of opportunity for naval combat.
Edward commands his very own ship, the Jackdaw, from which he can engage in combat to defeat ships. Once ships reach low health they become immobile and the player can choose to board the other ship and engage in hand-to-hand combat for supplies.
For more information on combat and ship upgrades, see the Naval Basics section.
Notoriety & Stealth
Notoriety
Notoriety returns with the game, but only at sea rather than in town. In general, it is always good to keep notoriety low to ease sailing through the Caribbean and prevent excessive amounts of battles and Hunters following you.
Unlike the previous games you are either safe or hunted, with Hunter ships only approaching once your status has become too high from pirating too many ships. In order to lower notoriety, you will either need to lower it as an option when boarding and defeating a ship or bribing a local official in towns.
Blending
Whenever the player stands in close proximity to two or more civilians they will automatically blend in with the crowd and take on their behavior. While in "blend" the player is immune to being seen by enemy troops or suspicious individuals. As long as the hostiles are not in open conflict with the player, they can hide to prevent detection.
Hiding Places & Stalking Areas
There are many places in the cities to hide from view and previous players will be aware of the many options, such as hay carts, tall brush or grass that when entered will cause the player to crouch and serve as cover, benches, and wells. New to AC IV is outhouses which are generally attached to building and can be hidden in and attacked from like other stalking locations.
Corner Cover
If the player leans against any flat wall they will enter cover behind it. From this position, the play will gain the ability to Whistle and call over a guard and corner assassinate them. This also allows the player to keep a target in view around corners when following them without being detected.
Breaking Line of Sight
If for some reason the player is engaged in combat and wishes to escape, AC IV has kept the ability to run through open windows and doors to cut through a building and lose their pursuers. Like with the previous game, there is no need to navigate the interiors, as the AI will take over until the player reaches the other side.
