One of gaming’s worst-kept secrets is finally heading to port. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is almost here, and if you’re planning to jump back into the high seas, you’ll want to be ready the moment it unlocks. Because this release features staggered timings across different platforms, here is the breakdown of when you can start playing.

PC Release and Pre-load Schedule

For those playing on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or via cloud platforms like GeForce Now and Blacknut, there is a global simultaneous launch. You can start playing at 2PM UTC on July 9. Depending on your location, that translates to the following local times:

  • US Pacific: 7AM PDT, July 9
  • US Eastern: 10AM EDT, July 9
  • UK: 3PM BST, July 9
  • Central Europe: 4PM CEST, July 9
  • Eastern Australia: 12AM (midnight) AEST, July 10
  • New Zealand: 2AM NZST, July 10

Pre-loading for PC begins 48 hours prior, starting at 2PM UTC on July 7. Make sure you clear out about 65GB of free space on your drive to get everything installed before the launch window.

Console Release: PS5 and Xbox Series X

Consoles follow a simpler, region-based schedule. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launches at midnight local time on July 9 in your respective region.

Pre-load availability varies by hardware:

  • Xbox Series X: Pre-loading is available now.
  • PS5: Pre-loading begins at midnight local time on July 7, exactly 48 hours before the game goes live.

The "New Zealand Trick" Explained

Because the console version uses a regional midnight release, players looking to start their adventure early can take advantage of the time zone difference.

For Xbox Series X players, navigate to your console's Settings, head to the System tab, and select Language & location to switch your region to New Zealand. If you have already pre-ordered and installed the game, it will unlock at 12PM UTC on July 8. For PS5 users, this method is more restrictive; you must have purchased the game through a New Zealand-based PlayStation Store account to access the earlier unlock time.

While you wait for your download to finish, you might want to look into all the changes in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced to ensure you’re up to speed on what’s new compared to the original release.