Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,500 out of 3161
  2. Mixed: 438 out of 3161
  3. Negative: 223 out of 3161
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  1. jspenillo
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    This game is a lot of fun, and way better then ACIII. The more I play it the more fun I am having. I am slowly traversing the story because there are so many side things to do. Out on the seas sailing your ship its incredible! This game is Huge! Will keep you all sorts of busy. If you haven't bought it yet, I suggest you do! Maybe wait for a Steam Fall Sale (thanksgiving time?) or SteamThis game is a lot of fun, and way better then ACIII. The more I play it the more fun I am having. I am slowly traversing the story because there are so many side things to do. Out on the seas sailing your ship its incredible! This game is Huge! Will keep you all sorts of busy. If you haven't bought it yet, I suggest you do! Maybe wait for a Steam Fall Sale (thanksgiving time?) or Steam Holiday Sale (typically X-mas time)!!!… Expand
  2. FrodoFraggins
    Sep 9, 2023
    10
    The perfect AC game imo. After this it starts feeling tedious. This is the only game in teh series where I love doing lots of side stuff.
  3. Ozimandeus
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    A lovingly created masterpiece. Each element seems handmade, the gameplay mixture of assassins creed, Sid Mier's Pirates! a dash of Zelda wind walker, and a pinch of Farcry 3. It is HUGE in scope, a fully realised open world. The companion App on iPad works like a dream. As of now this is my personal game of the year.. It is a true video game classic a must buy and the best thing toA lovingly created masterpiece. Each element seems handmade, the gameplay mixture of assassins creed, Sid Mier's Pirates! a dash of Zelda wind walker, and a pinch of Farcry 3. It is HUGE in scope, a fully realised open world. The companion App on iPad works like a dream. As of now this is my personal game of the year.. It is a true video game classic a must buy and the best thing to happen to the franchise since Assassin's Creed 2.… Expand
  4. Freez
    Nov 29, 2013
    10
    As much as PC gamers are neglected in the gaming world, this game is just as good if not better than the others...for PC. If you love the assassins creed series this is a must buy, if you own more than 1 im sure you have them all and know this already. Its really a shame corps don't adhere to PC gamers more than consoles, I guess more people buy consoles since the younger generation are toAs much as PC gamers are neglected in the gaming world, this game is just as good if not better than the others...for PC. If you love the assassins creed series this is a must buy, if you own more than 1 im sure you have them all and know this already. Its really a shame corps don't adhere to PC gamers more than consoles, I guess more people buy consoles since the younger generation are to amateur for PC skill but that shouldn't stop devs from making good pc games. heheh ya I said it, consoles are for amateurs. Any true PC gamer knows what I mean Anyways excellent game for PC, not a garbage port like so many others.… Expand
  5. Ralf
    Dec 5, 2013
    10
    My favourite game in 2013. Wonderful graphics, long playtime with a huge open world to explore. Beside the main quest lots of gameplay variations with mini games, hunting and much more.
  6. Mcwipenshiner
    Dec 25, 2013
    10
    I went into this game not expecting much, as in the past Assassin's Creed games were not as satisfying as I'd hoped. On the contrary, this game incorporates much more than just running around a city, climbing walls, and performing assassinations. Unlike it's predecessors, the game is actually very open and allows for the player to explore a vast world unseen in the franchise up to thisI went into this game not expecting much, as in the past Assassin's Creed games were not as satisfying as I'd hoped. On the contrary, this game incorporates much more than just running around a city, climbing walls, and performing assassinations. Unlike it's predecessors, the game is actually very open and allows for the player to explore a vast world unseen in the franchise up to this point. To be honest, I had lost much of my faith in the Assassin's Creed franchise due to it's previous lackluster titles, but AC4's Edward Kenway has restored hope for this series. The story itself draws you in and takes for a ride you would never expect. All in all, I would highly recommend this game to a friend, especially if you ever played and liked "Sid Meier's Pirates! 2".… Expand
  7. fat_funny_freak
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    First of all I would like to say OFF HATERS, now, with that done lets get into the actual review.

    The game starts of like many others have with you being chucked right into the mist of battle and expected to know what to do, and from there on its pretty much what you would expect from previous games until....... you get your first ship. This is were the game flourishes, ship combat    First of all I would like to say OFF HATERS, now, with that done lets get into the actual review.

    The game starts of like many others have with you being chucked right into the mist of battle and expected to know what to do, and from there on its pretty much what you would expect from previous games until....... you get your first ship.

    This is were the game flourishes, ship combat is so well refined and not to mention my favorite part is ship boarding, when you attack a ship enough its disabled and you can board it and slaughter its crew, THIS IS SO FUN!

    The sound is ok, I found a few times where the sound of a sword hitting an enemy what out of time with the action itself, and the sword sounds are much quieter then what they usually are, the musics pretty good, there are some new animations which give a feel of "A new assassin".

    The story seems ok so far, nothing special but walking around in Abstergo Industries is nice because god rays nice colour pallet Nice Place.

    I was planning on giving this game a 9.5/10 only because of the screen tearing im getting, I run the game on a gtx 670 and am playing it at optimal settings for my PC and if I enable V Sync that just drops my frame rate harder then the anchors in the game, the reason im giving it a 10 is to offset all the haters, this game is a massive UP for the series, it took a small element from AC3 and made it the sole chemistry for AC4, ships.

    Again, OFF HATERS.    … Expand
  8. psychok9
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    Of all the assassin's creed, I've played, this is the best of all. Not boring like the previous ones, and has a different style of play for every aspect of the game and the naval battles are awesome! The pirate atmosphere then make it fun!
  9. CardinalStorm
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    I think most gamers who visit Metacritic have learnt to ignore the typical fools who give ridiculously low scores due to inadequate hardware or pirate versions of the game that either don't work properly or are simply not up to date.

    For those that want the typically honest, straight-up review from myself, pull up chair for a simple one. Combine the "I fancy messing around for a    I think most gamers who visit Metacritic have learnt to ignore the typical fools who give ridiculously low scores due to inadequate hardware or pirate versions of the game that either don't work properly or are simply not up to date.

    For those that want the typically honest, straight-up review from myself, pull up chair for a simple one.

    Combine the "I fancy messing around for a while" freedom of GTA with the beauty and crafting of Far Cry 3 and the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean oh, and add the usual Assassin's Creed and you've got Black Flag.

    Up until this point, Assassin's Creed has pretty much been the same old thing; which is not a problem for those of you who, like me, enjoy the games. But, to be honest, after a hour or two of ACIII I'd had enough, the enjoyment I had from the first two games was completely gone. Ubisift must of detected this stale feedback of ACIII and obviously decided to really mix things up, and wow, what a result!

    So, you've got your usual Assassin's Creed gameplay, you know, running around towns, killing guards, blah blah blah, and then you've got what is, quite literally, the best depiction of naval adventure and battle that's ever graced a computer. Once you've completed the introductory bits (usual AC sort of stuff) you basically get your own warship and crew and then you choose to do whatever it is you want to do, be it following the game or not.

    Sailing, treasure hunting, swimming, diving, harpooning, bar brawls...........and on, and on.....

    Assassin's Creed Black Flag simply puts the fun back into AC, fun that left the series after ACII.

    Oh, and if you've got a decent rig (GTX 670+) then you're in for a visual masterpiece. The towns look better, the shadows are better, the animation is better, the details are better and the water? Well, it's spectacular, combined with very good time of day lighting and outstanding weather effects. Audio is also extremely good. The PC version (which already far surpasses what the PS4/XBox One can achieve) is also receiving a Physx patch for even more effects.

    With an i7@4.2Ghz, GTX 680 and 12GB RAM, I'm running it completely maxed (apart from High Env quality and Low God rays) at 2560x1440 and it runs at a smooth frame rate; granted, not 60fps solid, but a very acceptable and more than playable 40-45fps.

    Just make sure to disable VSync in game and run D3DOverrider, forcing VSync and TB.

    I don't often give 10/10 for anything in life, but when there's nothing else quite like Black Flag available, it is truly epic.    … Expand
  10. wisefool
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best pirate games i ever played and It's the best assassin's creed of all time. I humbly recommend this game if you're an assassin's creed & a pirate fan
  11. idohaker
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    in my opinion the best assassins creed game in the franchise, although the game is bad optimized for pc i could run it on a 50-60 fps on ultra 1680x1050 with my r9 290, the story is well written, the game is dark and heavy, the gameplay is much improved, the characters are good, and the naval combat is better than ever, i loved ac3 and gave it a 10/10 and most of you didnt like my opinionin my opinion the best assassins creed game in the franchise, although the game is bad optimized for pc i could run it on a 50-60 fps on ultra 1680x1050 with my r9 290, the story is well written, the game is dark and heavy, the gameplay is much improved, the characters are good, and the naval combat is better than ever, i loved ac3 and gave it a 10/10 and most of you didnt like my opinion but for me ac3 is now 7/10 compared to this, but i am giving you a warning, this game is very bad optimized and i guess not everyone have a card like r9 290 or gtx 780 so if you have a low end card stay away from this game, i tried the game on my other pc with a low end card and it was very slow and unplayble, but for the end assassins creed iv is the best in the franchise and i reccomend it to everyone that have a decent pc that can run the game on 30 fps on any setting, (if you want to know check your card benchmark on ac iv in youtube)the best in the franchise in my opinion… Expand
  12. Epsilon24
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    Even though this is very far from what I would have imagined as a sequel to the Assassin's Creed I played in 2008, it's hard to blame the game for this departure from the original. AC4: Black Flag is over the top entertaining and one of the most addicting games I have played in a long time, while still looking absolutely stunning, even on low-end machines. Except for the controlsEven though this is very far from what I would have imagined as a sequel to the Assassin's Creed I played in 2008, it's hard to blame the game for this departure from the original. AC4: Black Flag is over the top entertaining and one of the most addicting games I have played in a long time, while still looking absolutely stunning, even on low-end machines. Except for the controls (controller recommended) the game is very well ported to the PC and runs very smoothly.… Expand
  13. Moza_m
    Nov 30, 2013
    10
    Although I wasn't a major fan of AC3, Black Flag is absolutely fantastic! They have focused entirely on gameplay to make it fun and exciting. NO downtime, quick action, mission to mission to sidequest in no time at all. It's the very best bits of all the past AC games made better, and rolled into one. Absolutely one of the best game's i've ever played. Well polished and awesome fun!
  14. Mad0ne
    Mar 2, 2014
    10
    I have had great doups about ubisoft games since they fail sometimes but this game.... while having some terrible tearing issues and Vsync doesnt work properly, it's still the best game I have played for long time!

    Last time I had that gread experience was HL2.
  15. Krius
    Dec 31, 2013
    10
    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is the best part of ALL, 10 out of 10 even with "poor" pfs (i5, GTX690 average: 45fps) I'm sure that after 1st patch game will be optimized in 100%. THE BEST ADVENTURE, PIRATE GAME EVER
  16. asy8492
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    Among all the AC series that had been released, this sequel by far is the best one ever. No doubt Ubisoft seems to have done a very good job in fulfilling customer's request for features in game that was first unveiled in AC3 but was not polished well which was naval warfare. Honestly, when AC3 came out, the naval warfare was one key feature that really attracts me the most but I was a bitAmong all the AC series that had been released, this sequel by far is the best one ever. No doubt Ubisoft seems to have done a very good job in fulfilling customer's request for features in game that was first unveiled in AC3 but was not polished well which was naval warfare. Honestly, when AC3 came out, the naval warfare was one key feature that really attracts me the most but I was a bit disappointed because it only appears as side missions and players don't have much choice to sail to other places and uses it as a mean of transports for exploring. However, AC4 really revamped that whole concept and brought my wish to real. For me, the open sea free-for-exploration with a ship is the best selling point for AC4. Never in my entire life have I seen a game that managed to handle naval warfare very well. It is too awesome. The ability to sail across the sea, stop by islands and explore them seamlessly without any boundaries, engage in epic naval battle and board the ships are the best key features for me. Playing the game somehow kind of reminds me a bit of Pirates of the Caribbean especially during the naval battle. Plus the new engine in the game which allows for spontaneous storms and huge waves to occur really added to the realism and epicness of the game. Seriously I wouldn't mind if the next AC5 continues on the sea exploration concept. In fact, I really hope they would retain naval exploration in the next installment. For anyone that has not played any Assassin's Creed series before, I think this installment is the best way to start with. It's like GTA but in a pirate settings in the caribbeans.… Expand
  17. Jonhuggs
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    Great game and the best Assassin's Creed title to date. Open world, life on the high seas, taking down fat merchant ships mixed with the familiar Assassin's Creed gameplay with the running and climbing and sneaking. Visually on the PC it looks great and while I can't comment on the keyboard and mouse controls, it plays flawlessly with an Xbox 360 controller. Highly Recommend picking this title up.
  18. Chris989
    Dec 24, 2013
    10
    I had played 2 of the Assassin's Creed games before this and found them...wanting. From annoying control issues to lack of variety, they seemed to fall short of the ambition.

    This game, however, is brilliant. Brilliant as in a brilliant work it has faults many of the same that plagued the earlier games; Running to chase someone? Let me start climbing a wall you don't want to. Trying a    I had played 2 of the Assassin's Creed games before this and found them...wanting. From annoying control issues to lack of variety, they seemed to fall short of the ambition.

    This game, however, is brilliant. Brilliant as in a brilliant work it has faults many of the same that plagued the earlier games; Running to chase someone? Let me start climbing a wall you don't want to. Trying a stealth mission? Allow me to make your character do stuff you don't want him to just so you are discovered. The side plot outside the "dream" is hackneyed and uninspiring.

    But.

    The main game is the "pirate" game I have been waiting for since excitedly unpacking my ZX81 33 years ago. Sure, the sailing isn't realistic but neither are the land based parts. There are "mini games" that would have constituted a full game 8 years ago from the ship fleet management to the whale/shark hunting.

    Naval combat is a joy to play and the missions, varied.

    Some missions are too difficult I find the stealth/following simply too hard, but the game has so much else going for it that it doesn't annoy me in the same way as, say, GTA IV did.

    So, despite its flaws, I feel it would be churlish to give this game anything less than 10/10.

    I bought BF4 shortly before this. The game I keep coming back to is this and I *love* the BF series.

    I am enjoying the plot and the acting is, in the main, of a high standard.

    I alt tabbed out of the game to write this review so I'm off back now. It does this perfectly too and so far (touch wood) hasn't crashed once.    … Expand
  19. Skilled_Seeker
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    The best AC game yet. So much better than AC3's campaign. Large beautiful world to explore, variety in the gameplay with land sea and underwater and a seamless transition between these modes, lots to do and find. Missions are less linear gameplay wise and stealth is improved. Multiplayer game lab is an excellent addition.
  20. Galaroth
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    The last few Assassin's Creed games hasn't been so satisfying, but THIS one goes straight to the top on the list of awesome games! I really enjoyed this game and find myself still playing after completing the main quest, because i want to keep plundering, fighting and improve my ship. The main story line was extremely good. The entire game itself was incredible, everything in the game justThe last few Assassin's Creed games hasn't been so satisfying, but THIS one goes straight to the top on the list of awesome games! I really enjoyed this game and find myself still playing after completing the main quest, because i want to keep plundering, fighting and improve my ship. The main story line was extremely good. The entire game itself was incredible, everything in the game just makes sense, and is so well done.… Expand
  21. Apojuice
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    I have poured hours of gameplay into this game and feel like there is still so much to do. Long games that are of a good quality are rare to find nowadays. Assassins Creed 4 is a master in stealing your time. Once you take the helm upon your trusted vessel and throw caution to the wind as you and your band of pirates sail, plunder and drink your way through a gorgeous virtual recreation ofI have poured hours of gameplay into this game and feel like there is still so much to do. Long games that are of a good quality are rare to find nowadays. Assassins Creed 4 is a master in stealing your time. Once you take the helm upon your trusted vessel and throw caution to the wind as you and your band of pirates sail, plunder and drink your way through a gorgeous virtual recreation of the Caribbean. The graphics are gorgeous on the highest settings and the world never fails to completely immerse you every time you decide to captain the Jackdaw. The ship and ground sections are like playing two different games but they cross-over seamlessly as you can see when boarding another ship. The free-running is also much improved but it still suffers from being a bit imprecise at times. The Underwater segments are amazing and thrilling, a mix of treasure hunting and stealth parts. Overall I think this is my GOTY. I hope Ubisoft keeps this kind of innovation going because if they do, franchising Assassins Creed might not be so bad after all.… Expand
  22. Bad_Andy
    Jan 13, 2014
    10
    Probably one of if not the best game I played last year. Graphics are phenomenal, really do the Carribean justice, fun combat system, plot is entertaining, cool historical perspective.
  23. daskind
    Jan 9, 2014
    10
    i loved assassins creed 1 - especially the character altair - and assassins creed 2. i was kind of dissapointed by the sequel in the war of independence. the story was boring - and the only charismatic character, connors father, turned out to be one of the bad guys. ok. but ac 3 is just great .. the atmosphere, the graphics and voice acting. it is near superbness .. but: there are flaws,i loved assassins creed 1 - especially the character altair - and assassins creed 2. i was kind of dissapointed by the sequel in the war of independence. the story was boring - and the only charismatic character, connors father, turned out to be one of the bad guys. ok. but ac 3 is just great .. the atmosphere, the graphics and voice acting. it is near superbness .. but: there are flaws, such as bugs. and there is many of them. maybe that´s fate of open world games ..… Expand
  24. Sloanster
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    The Assassin Creed Franchise has had its up and downs, but ACV is absolutely an up. This game is extremely fun and I recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the previous games. The ship combat has improved and the graphics are beautiful. This game is probably my favorite in the franchise so far.
  25. Green_spy
    Dec 4, 2013
    10
    Ubisoft took all wrongs from AC3 and made them right.
    AC4 has a much more immersive and intriguing world. The naval combat and exploration are very enjoyable, mission aren't as repetitive and give you MUCH more freedom.
    Edward is also a very interesting character. You see him mature and become a better person. Character development is very good. Overall this game is fun and you will    Ubisoft took all wrongs from AC3 and made them right.
    AC4 has a much more immersive and intriguing world. The naval combat and exploration are very enjoyable, mission aren't as repetitive and give you MUCH more freedom.
    Edward is also a very interesting character. You see him mature and become a better person. Character development is very good.
    Overall this game is fun and you will find yourself spending much more time in it than you probably expected.     … Expand
  26. tedur1
    Dec 2, 2013
    10
    To be honest, I have never played an assassin's creed game before, so if you are a die-hard AC guy, you may disregard my review as I cannot compare it to others in the franchise. I really enjoy first person shooters and I never cared for 3rd person games. However, I have to say that this game really blew me away. The graphics are absolutely top notch and I really enjoy the story. InTo be honest, I have never played an assassin's creed game before, so if you are a die-hard AC guy, you may disregard my review as I cannot compare it to others in the franchise. I really enjoy first person shooters and I never cared for 3rd person games. However, I have to say that this game really blew me away. The graphics are absolutely top notch and I really enjoy the story. In fact, they have put such a great effort into even the most minute details that I am shocked. For example, I speak Spanish as I have lived in Spain and the people in Havana speak with the Spanish dialect as you would expect within the historical context. The sea battles are brilliant and the game is just damn fun to play. I haven't finished it yet, but wow am I enjoying it. It has been a huge surprise and I highly recommend it to everyone, even FPS players. It does contain some similar elements to Far Cry 3, but it is a much better game. I can't tell you the last time, I just enjoyed a game for the scenery; which I often do when sailing in AC4.… Expand
  27. dzcamper
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    This is the best assassin's creed game i ever play. I soo love pirate concept and it's SANDBOX!!! But best thing is naval combat! I recommend evrybody ITS AWSOME!!!
  28. Hatshoo
    Nov 21, 2013
    10
    I have played them all and this is my favorite one by far! it is bigger in every way (map, history, complexity)
    I would give it a 9 but due to all the scrubs giving low score for no reason...
  29. Syadin
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    This game is absolutely a masterpiece. Very rarely is it ever that I enjoy a game as much as I am enjoying AC4. They have added countless things, a very intricate naval system, and the graphics are outstanding! This is exactly what the Assassin's Creed franchise needed to make the game fresh again.

    The voice acting is amazing, the graphics are outstanding, and the characters really grow    This game is absolutely a masterpiece. Very rarely is it ever that I enjoy a game as much as I am enjoying AC4. They have added countless things, a very intricate naval system, and the graphics are outstanding! This is exactly what the Assassin's Creed franchise needed to make the game fresh again.

    The voice acting is amazing, the graphics are outstanding, and the characters really grow on you. I haven't been as emotionally invested into a video game character as I have become with Edward, since AC2 with young Ezio. Anybody who picks this game up, I can assure will thoroughly enjoy it, and another great thing that Ubisoft did was, instead of making the pirates how most people view them, they made them exactly how they were in the Golden Ages.

    What really pisses me off is all of the people who are giving this game negative reviews. I can assure you that not one of the negative reviews is actually about what the game brings to the table, which is WHAT REVIEWS ARE, they are not about you not being able to run the game. People are complaining saying "Oh, this game sucks, nothing to see here, it doesn't even run properly." Wrong, actually these people just have terrible graphics cards and need to stop crying and get their parents to buy them a new PC. I can run this game fully maxed constant 60 fps. Then you have some people who say this game has terrible graphics and rate it with 0. I don't know if these people are delusional, playing on low settings on a 240p monitor, or just feel the need to cry about something because of their terrible childhoods.

    To anyone who is contemplating on purchasing this game, it is a must, and I can assure you that as long as you aren't a child, mentally retarded, or like to complain because your upset with your current life status, then you will have some of the most fun you ever will with a game in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.    … Expand
  30. Muath
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    Absolutely one of the best games i've ever played, a very huge world to explore and a very gripping story, brilliant naval combat, and it's well optimized for NVIDIA cards.
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Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PC Game of 2013
15
#15 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. GameCritics
    Mar 5, 2014
    60
    Ironically enough for a game which centers around the concept of genetic ancestry, however, it continually lets itself down by refusing to break away from its own tired and worn-out heritage,
    Read full review
  2. DarkZero
    Jan 16, 2014
    90
    Fans that were bummed out by Assassin’s Creed III will most likely find Black Flag to be a welcoming return to what they love about the series, with a great story, amazingly crafted world and smart additions to the sailing that make it a refreshing part of the Assassin’s Creed formula.
    Read full review
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Dec 30, 2013
    90
    Makes up for the failings of AC3, delivering a fantastic, engaging open world experience. [Jan 2014, p.78]
See all critic reviews »