The legendary ships in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced represent the game's ultimate boss encounters. These vessels are faster, stronger, and more cunning than standard man-of-war ships, each boasting unique strategies, strengths, and weaknesses that demand distinct approaches.
Preparing for Legendary Encounters
There are four legendary ship challenges in total, featuring five ships, as one battle involves a pair of legendary vessels. While each fight requires a tailored strategy, several preparatory steps will benefit all encounters. Fully upgrading the Jackdaw is paramount, particularly its armored hull, mortars, and broadside cannons. Seeking out the unique ultimate upgrade plans will provide the most significant advantage, but at a minimum, prioritizing these components is recommended.
Recruiting officers can also provide crucial bonuses. While Adéwalé and Anne Bonny offer no specific perks, Lucy Baldwin unlocks the perfect brace ability, Padre enables the ram dash, and Tobias "Deadman" Smith provides an extra broadside cannon salvo. Most officers are unlocked through quests, with Tobias requiring significant main story progression.
As a benchmark for readiness, players should be able to comfortably defeat two or three regular man-of-war ships simultaneously. Additionally, learning to exploit weak spots by targeting the red marks that appear on enemy ships with swivel guns before they vanish can deal substantial bonus damage.
El Impoluto
El Impoluto, located at coordinates (115, 842), is unlocked after clearing the Dry Tortuga naval fort. This ship's primary tactic is to ram the Jackdaw, withdraw to fire its cannons, and then charge again. The battle begins with El Impoluto rushing at full speed, making evasion difficult. Players are advised to brace for impact, utilizing Lucy Baldwin's "perfect brace" ability just before collision to minimize damage. Facing El Impoluto head-on during this initial charge is also recommended to avoid exposing the Jackdaw's vulnerable sides.
After the initial ram, players can fire front cannons before impact and heated shots as the ship retreats. As El Impoluto moves away, create distance and deploy fire barrels behind the Jackdaw. These barrels, when strategically spaced, can be detonated with swivel guns. Mortars are also effective during this phase, with drops placed roughly a ship's length ahead of El Impoluto often yielding significant damage.
If El Impoluto turns away before ramming, target its side with heated and heavy shots while it retreats. At one-third and two-thirds health, the ship will launch long-ranged heated cannons, requiring players to brace for impact. Ramming El Impoluto is generally ill-advised, as it damages the Jackdaw more than the legendary ship.
HMS Fearless & Royal Sovereign
Found at coordinates (811, 858) and unlocked by clearing the Eleuthera naval fort, this challenge pits the Jackdaw against two legendary ships. From the outset, they attempt to sandwich the Jackdaw. Players should turn sideways to line up with one ship while the other follows behind, unleashing broadside cannons. As they turn away, target their rear with front cannons and deploy mortars in their path, avoiding prolonged side-by-side engagement due to the Jackdaw's speed.
When the ships attempt to surround the Jackdaw again, repeat the tactic: face them, turn sideways as they approach, and sail alongside one while evading the other. The ram dash ability can be used if a ship presents its side for a ramming opportunity.
Once either ship's health is reduced to two-thirds, they begin dropping fire barrels. These can be detonated with swivel guns, potentially damaging the ships. It is crucial to deplete both ships' health evenly. Sinking one ship first causes the other to become enraged, increasing its aggression. Aim to leave both with a sliver of health, then finish them off in quick succession.
Distinguishing between the ships is important: the Royal Sovereign has white sails, and the HMS Fearless has black sails. Players should prioritize targeting the ship with more remaining health.
HMS Prince
Located at coordinates (854, 55) and unlocked by clearing the Navassa naval fort, the HMS Prince primarily uses mortars, though it also employs cannons and fire barrels. Circling the ship at medium range allows for consistent attacks while avoiding fire barrels. Detonating these barrels with swivel guns can damage the HMS Prince. The perfect brace ability should be used to counter other attacks.
At the start of the battle, and after depleting one-third and two-thirds of its health, the HMS Prince retreats and bombards the Jackdaw with mortars. Observing the orange dots on the sea indicates mortar impact zones. Slowing the Jackdaw allows for sharper turns to evade these barrages. The perfect brace is essential during these mortar volleys.
Using the Jackdaw's own mortars is effective when the HMS Prince sails back in a relatively straight line after a barrage. Aim ahead to account for mortar travel time. During normal engagement, slowing the Jackdaw suddenly and steering sharply toward the HMS Prince can close the distance for heavy and heated shots, followed by swivel gun attacks.
Patience is key. Focus on surviving the HMS Prince's assaults before launching counterattacks, limiting weapon aiming time to avoid incoming fire.
La Dama Negra
This legendary ship, found at coordinates (240, 72) after clearing the Serranilla naval fort, features enhanced hull armor but is slower than other legendary ships and has weaker rear armor. Sailing behind La Dama Negra and firing into its stern is an effective strategy. Weak spots on its rear, when they appear, should be targeted with swivel guns.
Getting too close will prompt La Dama Negra to deploy fire barrels. These can be hit with swivel guns, potentially damaging the ship. While consistent pursuit is difficult due to its speed, La Dama Negra will eventually turn its side to fire broadside cannons and mortars. After evading these attacks with perfect brace, a risky but rewarding ram-dash to its side can inflict significant damage.
If ramming is not attempted, players should avoid its side and use mortars. La Dama Negra's mobility makes it susceptible to mortar fire. When its health reaches two-thirds and one-third, it unleashes a continuous rain of fire mortars. During this intense barrage, sailing directly toward the ship and firing mortars as soon as it is in range is recommended, as the ship remains stationary during this special attack.