Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launched at $60, but a bundle of optional DLC worth $85 sparked fury among players. Ubisoft clarified that these add‑ons are entirely optional and do not affect the core experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Base game priced at $60, launch day DLC adds up to $85.
  • Ubisoft states the DLC is optional and not required for full gameplay.
  • Despite backlash, the title broke Steam's concurrent player record with ~100,000 users.

The newly remastered Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced hit Steam at $60, yet the same day Ubisoft rolled out a series of $10 cosmetic packs and a $5 map pack, pushing the total cost of optional content to $85. This pricing strategy ignited a wave of criticism on the store’s review section, where players labeled the launch as “excessive DLC pricing” and warned that such practices fuel piracy.

Player Outcry on Launch Day

Multiple reviewers on Steam lamented that “paying €70 for the base game only to be hit with €85 worth of DLC on day one feels like a cash‑grab.” Some even threatened refunds, arguing that the extra packs give gameplay advantages and are therefore not merely cosmetic. The sentiment reflects a broader industry tension over microtransactions and the perceived value of post‑launch content.

Ubisoft’s Official Response

In a community‑manager reply posted on Steam, Ubisoft emphasized, “The standard edition is the full, complete experience. Every mission, every island, the full story and the complete world are all there, with nothing held back. The additional packs are entirely optional extras for players who want them, never a requirement to enjoy or complete the game.” This statement seeks to reassure the community that the core game remains untouched by the DLC.

What the DLC Includes

The launch‑day packs comprise the Master Assassin Character Pack, Master Assassin Naval Pack, Hellfire Character Pack, Hellfire Naval Pack, Sea Serpent Character Pack, Sea Serpent Naval Pack, Dragon Storm Character Pack, Dragon Storm Naval Pack, and a dedicated Map Pack. Each $10 pack adds a new costume for Edward Kenway or a fresh skin for the Jackdaw ship, while the $5 map pack highlights all collectibles, saving players time.

Quality Improvements and Sales Performance

Beyond the controversy, Resynced has been praised for modernizing the classic pirate adventure. The remake upgrades visuals, AI, and naval combat, replaces multiplayer with extra story missions, and refines the Caribbean setting. IGN rated the game 9/10, calling it “a shinier version of a beloved classic.” Commercially, the title set a new Steam concurrent‑player record with roughly 100,000 users, surpassing the peak of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.