Beginner's Guide

Black Flag is really two games: an Assassin on foot and a pirate captain at sea. The sea is where the fun — and the power — is.

Getting started at sea

Upgrade the Jackdaw first
Hull and cannon upgrades matter more than anything Edward wears. Prioritise Hull Armour, Broadside Cannons and the Ram.
Hunt ships for materials
Weaken a ship, then hold the prompt to board it. Loot metal and wood to fund upgrades — schooners and gunboats are easy early targets.
Hunt animals to craft
Harpoon whales and sharks and hunt on land to craft bigger ammo pouches, health and dart capacity.
Dive and explore
Underwater shipwrecks (with the diving bell) and hidden coves hide chests and blueprints.
Then take on the hard content
With a strong Jackdaw, chase the Legendary Ships, Templar Hunts and Mayan Stelae for the best gear.

Restricted zones raise your Wanted level and send hunter ships — outrun them or destroy the hunters and pay off/hide to clear it.
Send captured ships to Kenway's Fleet, a metagame that earns money and rewards while you play.
Use Swivel Guns and the Ram to finish weakened ships fast so you can board for loot.
Sea Shanties collected on the water make the whole game more fun — grab them as you sail.