Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag naval combat and boarding: broadsides, mortars and weak points
Choose Jackdaw weapons by range and turn a disabled enemy ship into a successful boarding action.
Edition covered
The original 2013 Black Flag campaign, shown in Ubisoft’s original PC Steam imagery. This guide excludes Freedom Cry’s separate campaign and Black Flag Resynced mechanics.
Inspect the target through the spyglass
Read the ship’s level and cargo before committing. A valuable hold is not worth a losing fight when the Jackdaw’s hull and weapons are underdeveloped.
| Weapon | Position or range | Good use |
|---|---|---|
| Broadside cannons | Along either side | Main ship-to-ship damage |
| Chain shot | Forward arc | Slow or pressure a target ahead |
| Mortars | Longer range | Open a fight or hit a distant threat |
| Fire barrels | Behind the Jackdaw | Punish pursuit |
| Swivel guns | Marked weak points | Follow up a damaging exchange |
Set up the correct firing angle
Broadside cannons need a side angle. Chain shot helps when facing forward, mortars reach distant targets and fire barrels punish a pursuer; the ship’s orientation determines which tool is ready.
| Stage | Action | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Target disabled | Approach the boarding position | Avoid accidentally sinking it |
| Boarding begins | Use available deck weapons | Targets within their firing arc |
| Crew fight | Complete the shown objectives | Masts or special targets may be required |
| Capture complete | Choose repair or another offered outcome | Current hull and wanted pressure |
Use weak points after a strong hit
A successful cannon exchange can expose targets for the swivel guns. Fire at those marked opportunities while preparing the next turn instead of steering directly into an enemy broadside.
Read the boarding objectives on screen
A disabled vessel can be boarded once the Jackdaw is correctly positioned. Clear the displayed objectives, which vary by ship, then choose the post-capture option that serves your current needs.
A disabled vessel can be boarded once the Jackdaw is correctly positioned.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Official Black Flag e-manual | dlassets-ssl.xboxlive.com |
| Official guide publisher: charts, collectibles and elite upgrades | www.piggyback.com |