Yo Ho Ho! AC: Black Flag's Iconic Sea Shanties Hit Streaming

Ahoy, landlubbers and seasoned pirates alike! If there’s one thing every true Assassin’s Creed fan remembers fondly about Black Flag, it’s not just the exhilarating naval battles or the thrill of leaping from a mast into the ocean. No, it’s arguably the heart and soul of the game: the sea shanties.

That’s right, those catchy, rousing tunes that had Edward Kenway’s crew singing in harmony as you sailed the high seas, are now officially available on all your favorite streaming platforms. Ubisoft has done us all a massive favor, dropping a comprehensive collection of these beloved pirate anthems, just in time to get us hyped for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced remake.

The Call of the Waves, Now On Demand

Forget hunting glowing sheet music across rooftops (we’ll get to that nostalgia trip in a bit). Now, all you need is a streaming subscription to embark on a auditory voyage. Ubisoft has released the “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced Sea Shanties Ultimate Collection,” featuring a whopping 57 tracks! This isn't just a re-release of the classics; it includes every original shanty from the game, brand-new compositions to discover, and even an unreleased rendition of “The Parting Glass” by Sarah Greene. That’s a serious amount of piratical playback to keep you entertained, whether you're navigating your daily commute or simply wishing you were sailing the Caribbean.

You can find this treasure trove of tunes on:

• Spotify
• YouTube Music
• Apple Music
• Deezer
• Amazon Music
• Qobuz
• Tidal

Let’s be honest, you’re probably going to have “The Wellerman” on repeat, and we wouldn’t blame you one bit.

From In-Game Collectibles to Viral Sensations

For those of us who played the original Black Flag back in the day, unlocking every shanty was a quest in itself. Dozens of glowing pieces of sheet music were scattered across the game's expansive world, requiring Edward Kenway to perform his signature acrobatic parkour to snatch them. Each successful grab meant adding another rousing song to your crew’s repertoire, transforming long sailing journeys into joyous sing-alongs. There was even a companion app that synced with the game and downloaded the tracks to your smartphone, a feature long since discontinued – a small, bittersweet memory for veteran players.

Black Flag was making sea shanties cool long before it became a viral sensation. Fast forward to 2021, and the world saw the rise of ShantyTok, with Scottish musician Nathan Evans’ rendition of “The Wellerman” exploding across the internet. It quickly became clear that Black Flag had tapped into a timeless appeal, bringing pirate folk songs to a new generation well ahead of the trend.

Crafting the Perfect Pirate Chorus

Ever wonder how those iconic tunes came to life in the game? The original Black Flag soundtrack, including its shanties, was recorded in Montreal by a group of contemporary folk singers and musicians. Ubisoft enlisted musician and professor David Gossage to produce the in-world music, carefully adjusting it to fit the game's 18th-century setting.

Here’s a fun fact: the singers recruited for the shanties actually had to dial back their professional singing. That’s right – they were instructed to sound less like a perfectly rehearsed choir and more like a rugged, slightly unpolished crew of sailors, adding to the authenticity that made these songs so immersive and beloved. This attention to detail is part of why they’ve resonated so deeply with players for years.

What Black Flag: Resynced Brings to the Deck

The streaming shanties are a fantastic appetizer for the main course: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced. The full remake is set to launch on July 9 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Preorders for the game have been live for a few months now, with various editions available, including a Standard Edition for $60, a Digital Deluxe Edition for $70, and even a Collector's Edition for a hefty $200.

As with any remake of a classic, opinions are a bit mixed on some of the changes and updates Resynced will introduce. However, general expectations point to significant graphical overhauls and welcomed quality-of-life improvements. Ubisoft has been building hype, even tasking Red Bull Gaming athletes with recreating Edward Kenway’s iconic (and wildly dangerous) leaps of faith in real life, showcasing their commitment to bringing this beloved pirate adventure back in style.

Setting Sail with the New (and Old) Crew

This move by Ubisoft to release the shanties on streaming platforms is pure fan service, and we are absolutely here for it. It acknowledges that the musical heart of Black Flag is just as important as its gameplay. Whether you're a returning buccaneer ready for Resynced, or a newcomer curious about the hype, these shanties are an essential part of the Black Flag experience. So, crank up your favorite tunes, imagine the salt spray on your face, and get ready for July 9th. The Caribbean awaits, and now, its songs can accompany you everywhere.

FAQ

Q: Are the streamed sea shanties only the original songs from Assassin’s Creed Black Flag?

A: No, the collection includes all the original shanties, plus brand-new compositions and an unreleased rendition of “The Parting Glass” by Sarah Greene, totaling 57 tracks.

Q: When does Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced officially release?

A: The remake, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced, is scheduled to launch on July 9 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Q: What happened to the Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag companion app that synced shanties to your phone?

A: Unfortunately, the original companion app that allowed players to download shanties to their smartphones has long been discontinued.