Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Remake Announced for Nintendo Switch: Ubisoft Confirms Enhanced Features and RPG Elements

Ubisoft has officially confirmed the long-rumored remake of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise, now set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch and additional platforms.

Originally launched in 2013 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Black Flag stands out for its gripping pirate narrative and open-world Caribbean exploration.

The remake is powered by Ubisoft’s advanced Anvil Pipeline engine—the same technology used for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows—and is targeted for release in early 2026, with some sources suggesting a potential shift to later that year. According to a recent report by Jeux Vidéo Magazine, the Black Flag remake aims to deliver a faithful reimagining rather than a full-scale graphical overhaul akin to recent Resident Evil or Silent Hill remakes.

Ubisoft is instead focusing on expanding gameplay depth and narrative elements, particularly those that were absent or cut from the original title.

A notable update involves omitting the modern day narrative segments entirely.

This shift allows for a greater emphasis on Edward Kenway’s pirate era, offering players several extra hours of new story content compared to the original experience.

The reimagined storyline will also incorporate previously omitted material, including expanded sequences from Mary Read’s arc that were originally dropped during the 2013 development cycle. Gameplay adjustments reflect the evolving design philosophy of recent entries in the Assassin’s Creed series.

Players can expect progression systems reminiscent of RPG mechanics found in games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Valhalla.

Edward will now benefit from loot and gear statistics and revamped inventory management, providing RPG-inspired customization that builds on, but does not replace, the franchise’s signature action-stealth mechanics.

Combat, too, is being reworked to align closer with contemporary Assassin’s Creed titles—prioritizing dynamic stat-based engagements over the original’s highly choreographed duels. A major technical upgrade comes in the form of seamless transitions between land and sea.

Ubisoft has eliminated loading screens when moving between Edward’s ship and various islands, greatly enhancing immersion and fluidity.

While the overall map remains the same size, the team is enriching islands with more side quests, activities, and interactive content, offering a denser and more rewarding exploration experience for Nintendo Switch players and series veterans alike. To optimize production costs and ensure a polished release, Ubisoft is repurposing select assets from Skull & Bones.

However, the development team assures that asset reuse will be imperceptible to players due to careful curation and integration. While Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Remake may not rival the scale of recent high-budget remakes, it is positioned as a thoughtful and robust reimagining designed for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Ubisoft’s blend of restored content, improved RPG systems, and technical enhancements promise to revive Black Flag’s legacy on modern hardware—including Nintendo Switch—when it docks in early 2026.

Nintendo Switch Ubisoft Nintendo Switch Assassin’s Creed Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag AC Shadows Skull & Bones Jeux Vidéo Magazine Mary Read