Should I Play Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Before Freedom Cry?
In the world of Assassin’s Creed, storyline can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to spin-offs and DLCs. If you’re thinking of playing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and its DLC, Freedom Cry, but aren’t sure what order to play them in, this article is for you. In this article, we’ll delve into the storyline of both games, discuss their connections, and provide guidance on what order to play them in.
What is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag?
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is the tenth main installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, released in 2013. It takes place in the early 18th century, during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players control Edward Kenway, a pirate who becomes embroiled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game’s story focuses on Kenway’s journey from being a pirate to becoming a Assassin.
What is Freedom Cry?
Freedom Cry is a single-player DLC (downloadable content) released in 2013 for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It serves as a standalone story, but takes place in the same universe as the main game. The DLC follows Adewalé, a former slave who becomes a rebel and fights against the French to free Haiti from their oppression. While Freedom Cry can be played without having played the main game, playing Black Flag first provides context and background information for Adewalé’s story.
Connections between Black Flag and Freedom Cry
Storyline
Both Black Flag and Freedom Cry share the same universe, but their stories don’t directly intersect. Freedom Cry’s story takes place in the same timeframe as Black Flag, but is set in Haiti, while Black Flag focuses on the Golden Age of Piracy. Edward Kenway, the main character in Black Flag, is mentioned in Freedom Cry, as Adewalé respects his legacy and fights against the Templars, who are seeking to take advantage of the chaos in Haiti.
Gameplay
In terms of gameplay, Freedom Cry retains many elements from Black Flag, including parkour, combat, and exploration. New abilities and characters are introduced, specifically for Adewalé, who fights as a rebel against the French.
Order of Play:
- Play Black Flag: Start with the main game to understand the Assassin-Templar conflict and the setting of the game. This will provide context for the storyline of Freedom Cry.
- Play Freedom Cry: After completing Black Flag, play Freedom Cry as a standalone story. This will give you a deeper understanding of Adewalé’s motivations and the events that take place in Haiti.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag before Freedom Cry provides a richer experience. The main game’s storyline sets the stage for the events that unfold in Freedom Cry, and Adewalé’s character is deeply rooted in the Assassin-Templar conflict. While Freedom Cry can be played independently, playing Black Flag first enriches the experience and provides a better understanding of the universe and its characters.
Important Considerations:
- Gameplay: Freedom Cry’s gameplay mechanics are similar to Black Flag, so players will feel comfortable transitioning between the two games.
- Storyline: Black Flag’s storyline is the main focus, while Freedom Cry is a standalone story that takes place in the same universe.
- Context: Playing Black Flag first provides context for Freedom Cry’s story and characters.
Order Summary
| Game | Order | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag | First | Start with the main game to understand the Assassin-Templar conflict and setting. |
| Freedom Cry | Second | Play as a standalone story, taking place in the same universe. |
Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and its DLC, Freedom Cry, are connected by their shared universe and themes. By playing Black Flag first, players can better appreciate the storyline and characters of Freedom Cry. With this guide, you can dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Freedom Cry with confidence.