Naval combat is one of the most thrilling and defining features of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remastered. Mastering ship battles is essential for completing naval contracts, hunting legendary ships, and progressing through the story. This guide covers everything you need to know about weapons, upgrades, and effective combat strategies.
Table of Contents
Naval Combat Basics
You command the Jackdaw, Edward Kenway’s ship. Combat revolves around positioning, wind direction, and using the right weapons at the right time. Always try to attack from behind or the sides while sailing with the wind for maximum speed and maneuverability.
All Assassin’s Creed Naval Weapons & Recommended Upgrades

| Weapon Type | Unlock Level | Max Upgrade Level | Best Use Case | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadside Cannons | Level 5 | 5 | Main damage dealer in ship battles | Highest |
| Chase Cannons | Level 10 | 4 | Attacking ships while chasing them | High |
| Mortars | Level 18 | 3 | Long-range bombardment | High |
| Swivel Guns | Level 22 | 3 | Destroying weak points & sails | High |
| Heavy Shot | Level 30 | 2 | High burst damage on tough targets | Medium |
Recommended Upgrade Order:
- Broadside Cannons (your primary weapon)
- Swivel Guns (excellent for disabling enemy ships)
- Mortars (great for softening up tough targets)
- Hull & Armor upgrades (survivability is key)
- Chase Cannons and Heavy Shot last
Pro Naval Combat Tips
- Wind is Everything — Attacking with the wind at your back gives a massive speed and turning advantage.
- Target Weak Points — Use Swivel Guns to destroy the glowing weak spots on enemy ships (rudder, gunports, or sails).
- Boarding Strategy — Reduce enemy health to roughly 30–40% before boarding to make the crew fight easier.
- Chain Shot — Use this to destroy enemy sails and prevent them from escaping.
- Mortars — Best used from long range against multiple ships or heavy brigs and frigates.
The Remastered version features improved visuals, smoother sailing physics, and better enemy AI, making naval battles more immersive than ever.
Mastering these systems will make you a deadly pirate captain capable of taking down even the strongest legendary ships like the HMS Prince and Queen Anne’s Revenge.
For more Assassin’s Creed Black Flag content, check our Black Flag 100% Synchronization Guide and Best Jackdaw Upgrades on Technosports.
Learn more about the game on Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (Wikipedia).
FAQs
What is the best weapon to upgrade first in Black Flag Remastered?
Broadside Cannons should be your top priority as they are your main source of damage in every naval battle.
How do you unlock Mortars and Swivel Guns?
Mortars become available at Level 18 and Swivel Guns at Level 22. You must first upgrade the Jackdaw’s overall ship capacity.