Black Flag Resynced's 'What If' Rifts: Dive into Alternate Pirate

Ahoy, fellow Animus navigators and swashbuckling enthusiasts! Prepare to set sail once more into the golden age of piracy, but with a fresh twist. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, arriving on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S this July 9, 2026, for $59.99, isn't just a shiny coat of paint on a beloved classic. Oh no, Ubisoft is giving us something truly new to chew on: the enigmatic "What If" Rifts.

Unlike the original Black Flag, which kept its modern-day story mostly grounded, Resynced introduces these Rifts – an idea we first glimpsed in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Think of them as narrative rabbit holes, plunging you into alternate timelines where pivotal characters (and even you!) made different choices. Guiding your journey through these fractured realities is an AI entity named Ego, and trust me, they’re as unsettling as they sound. Ready to explore what could have been?

Peeling Back the "What If" Layers: Ego's Twisted Tales

These Rifts aren't just for show; they're optional quests packed with a variety of challenges, from intricate platforming puzzles to nail-biting stealth sequences and intense combat encounters, culminating in epic boss fights. You'll unlock them as you progress through the main campaign, and each one offers a unique glimpse into a divergent path.

First up, after Sequence 04: Overrun and Outnumbered, you'll uncover Rift #1: Wayward Souls off the southern coast of Great Inagua (coordinates 825,429). The core "what if" here? Edward Kenway actually keeping his promise to Caroline. This Rift puts you to the test by making you carry a chest of Edward's accumulated wealth. Drop it, and your health slowly drains – a clever way to push you forward! There’s also a thrilling on-rails segment where you’ll need to deftly dodge bioluminescent jellyfish. Success here grants you the Lock of Hair, a rare trinket that restores health after a perfect parry. It’s a compelling start, posing a fundamental question about Edward's core motivations.

Blackbeard's Empire & Mary's Maternal Choice

Next, after completing Sequence 08: Do Not Go Gently, look for Rift #2: Wayward Desires on a small island north of Nassau (coordinates 604,784). This one asks a tantalizing question: What if Blackbeard accepted the king's pardon and ruled Nassau? This Rift is an action-packed gauntlet, moving you across a fleet of derelict ships caught in a gargantuan maelstrom. You'll face spectral pirates who hit hard and can shoot across wide gaps, so dodging is key. Taking control of swivel guns offers a satisfying way to clear the spectral scum, and an on-rails whirlpool segment demands you avoid explosive red barrels. The climax? A showdown with Blackbeard himself, a formidable specter who hurls explosive canisters and summons ghostly allies. Deplete his guard with quickshots and execute a takedown to eventually plant the British flag, earning yourself the legendary Queen Anne's Revenge Wheel for the Jackdaw.

Then, following Sequence 11: Everything Is Permitted, head to Sacrifice Island's northwestern part (coordinates 14,559) for Rift #3: Wayward Minds. This emotionally charged scenario explores Mary Read's life had she abandoned the Assassin's Creed to raise her child. This Rift masterfully blends combat and pure stealth. Early sections involve dispatching spectral soldiers, with Ego's voice constantly in your ear, guilt-tripping you with details of their 'lives' – a genuinely unsettling narrative device. Snipers are a constant threat, forcing you into agile rope-jumping sequences. The latter half is pure, unforgiving stealth: no weapons, instant death if spotted by enemies or spotlights. It’s a true test of patience and observation, culminating in a poignant moment where you're prompted to "Renounce the Creed" before earning the "Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate" sea shanty.

Confronting Ego: The Ultimate Mind Game

Finally, the ultimate "what if" awaits: Rift #4: True Purpose. This grand finale unlocks only after you've conquered the main campaign, the epilogue, and the three previous Rifts. Sail to the small island east of Misteriosa (coordinates 363,176) to confront the biggest question of all: What if you chose to become a Templar? This Rift takes you to a surreal theater, where Ego spins tales of alternate destinies before a glitch prompts you to "Fight Back." This triggers a multi-phase combat sequence, leading you through stunning, Animus-recreated iconic locations from past Assassin's Creed games – a feast for the eyes and a nod to series veterans. The journey culminates in a spectacular boss battle against Ego: Emotion Agent. Ego boasts a diverse arsenal of attacks: Whirlwind, Ground Pound, Ground Fracture, Anomaly Shield, Searing Stones, and the devastating Chaos Beam. Mastering dodges, finding melee openings, and utilizing pistol quickshots to break their guard for a takedown are crucial for victory. It’s a challenging but deeply satisfying encounter that pushes your combat skills to their limit.

The Spoils of Synchronization: Gear Up, Captain!

Completing all these reality-bending excursions isn't just about closure; it's about unparalleled rewards! Your triumph over Ego yields the legendary Dark Animus Corsair Pistol Swords. Trust me when I say these aren't just for show; their unique perk lets you fire two gunshots at no ammo cost when charging a heavy strike, essentially giving you infinite ammo for those chaotic boarding actions! Plus, you'll snag 300x keys for the Dark Animus objective in the Synchronization tab. These Rifts are more than just side quests; they're a brilliantly executed expansion of Black Flag's lore, offering unique gameplay challenges and meaningful rewards that truly make Resynced feel like a fresh, essential experience. It's a fantastic way to extend the life of a classic, providing both nostalgic thrills and exciting new narratives. Get ready to dive in, pirates!

FAQ

Q: What are the "What If" Rifts in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced?

A: They are new, optional quests introduced in the Resynced version of Black Flag. They explore alternate narrative scenarios for main characters (and the player), presenting "what if" situations had different choices been made. You're guided by an AI named Ego.

Q: How many Rifts are there and when can I access them?

A: There are four "What If" Rifts. They become available at different points in the main campaign, starting after Sequence 04, then Sequence 08, Sequence 11, and finally, the fourth Rift unlocks after completing the campaign, epilogue, and the first three Rifts.

Q: What kind of rewards can I expect from completing the Rifts?

A: Each Rift offers unique rewards, including a rare trinket (Lock of Hair), a legendary Jackdaw cosmetic (Queen Anne's Revenge Wheel), a sea shanty collectible, and the ultimate prize: the legendary Dark Animus Corsair Pistol Swords, which grant infinite pistol ammo on heavy attacks, making them one of the best weapons in the game.