Is ac4 multiplayer still active in 2024?

As a long-time Assassin‘s Creed gamer and content creator, I can definitively say that the multiplayer component of 2013‘s Assassin‘s Creed IV: Black Flag is no longer functional as of September 1, 2022. Ubisoft made the decision to sunset multiplayer services for Black Flag and several older AC titles to allocate resources to new releases.

So while Black Flag‘s expansive single player campaign is still playable, the competitive and cooperative multiplayer that pitted pirates against pirates is officially done. This guide covers the shutdown details, singles out what parts of AC4 remain, and explores multiplayer options elsewhere in the AC universe.

Ubisoft‘s 2022 end of AC Multiplayer Services

In August 2022, publisher Ubisoft announced the termination of online services for a substantial list of legacy games. This took effect on September 1, 2022 and included five major Assassin‘s Creed entries with some form of multiplayer integration:

For those unaware, Assassin‘s Creed multiplayer was often viewed as an innovative extension of the core gameplay loop into head to head arenas and co-op settings. This peaked with 2010‘s Brotherhood, 2012‘s AC3 reworking, and Black Flag‘s massive fleets in 2013.

Unfortunately as of fall 2022, all of these modes across five marquee AC releases were permanently deactivated.

Assessing the AC4 Black Flag Multiplayer Server Shutdown

Known for its grand scale Caribbean open world and memorable lead in pirate assassin Edward Kenway, Black Flag also boasted an intriguing competitive multiplayer angle focused entirely around naval combat and piracy. Players could assemble elite pirate crews and directly clash with others in pursuit of treasure and infamy.

Per the September 1st shutdown, these unique PVP battles set during the Golden Age of Piracy were lost for good. For those still enjoying Black Flag in 2024, only single player remains – which for a game renowned for solo playground immensity, vivid characters and from a top-tier developer in Ubisoft, is still quite enticing as explored below.

But it marks the end of an era for the underrated AC multiplayer. Ubisoft claims it hopes to channel resources previously spent maintaining aging online infrastructure, into more contemporary titles and experiences. Furthermore, rumors suggest leaked Assassin’s Creed projects on the horizon codenamed “Rift” and “Hexe” could integrate ambitious multiplayer functionality.

However for Black Flag specifically, only solo sailing the high seas remains in 2024 and beyond.

Key AC4 Black Flag Multiplayer Details

• Focus entirely on naval battles – ships, crew, upgrades, captain abilities
• Launched in 2013, active for nearly 10 years before 2022 shutdown
• Maximum of 8 player fleets could compete for treasure and infamy points
• Three ship classes: Brigs, Frigates, Large Armada Ships
• Four competitive modes: Manhunt, Domination, Artifact Assault, Assassinate
• In-game currency system for purchasing aesthetic/ability upgrades

So in many ways, AC4’s multiplayer was all about leaning into the acclaimed naval traversal and combat, weaving player stories around the Golden Age theme, keeping sessions dynamic with varying win conditions, and offering long-term goals chasing top tier ships and abilities.

Losing it after nearly a decade stings for franchise fans who enjoyed the alternative to standard AC competitive modes seen previously. Alas after the September shutdown, only single player naval exploration remains moving forward.

AC4 Black Flag Single Player Still Shines in 2024

While multiplayer sunsetting is disappointing, the Assassin’s Creed IV single player campaign absolutely remains playable and downright exceptional in 2024. Arriving shortly after 2012’s divisive AC3, Black Flag refocused the franchise into a vibrant tropical open world brimming with activities both on land and across the high seas.

Protagonist Edward Kenway’s globetrotting journey wrestling with ideals of freedom and morality continues to shine as a fan-favorite story years later. Players can still live the fantasy as a lethal pirate assassin sailing between exotic Caribbean islands, getting embroiled in the region’s turbulent politics, plundering smugglers and armadas alike for profit and glory, and even encountering the likes of Blackbeard and Mary Reed.

Some key datapoints concerning Black Flag’s enduring single player merits:

• Over 50 hours of solo gameplay content available
• Three massive open world regions covering the Caribbean
• Epic story introducing Edward Kenway, grandfather of AC3 hero Connor
• Deep naval traversal/combat mechanics with ship upgrading
• Touted as the best pure pirate game ever created
• Regularly top 3 placement in “Best AC Games” discussions

Make no mistake – Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remains lauded for its grand scale solo adventure, and still absolutely delivers an amazing single player experience as of 2023. With Ubisoft deactivating multiplayer, the emphasis shifts wholly to open world immersion, stealth action gameplay and Edward’s memorable journey.

For franchise fans and those who haven’t yet played, Black Flag is arguably still peak Assassin’s Creed and stands the test of time nearly a decade since launch. The recent multiplayer shutdown, while unfortunate, barely puts a dent in solo gameplay integrity even today.

AC4 Black Flag Vital Statistics

For those currently playing or looking to dive in, Black Flag undeniably remains stacked with content dwarfing many other AAA titles even here in 2024.

The Future of AC Multiplayer in 2024

While Black Flag’s pioneering multiplayer has been lost, fortunately other Assassin’s Creed options exist for those craving online connectivity and player interaction.

Assassin‘s Creed Unity Multiplayer

Despite releasing all the way back in 2014, Assassin’s Creed Unity on console and PC still maintains active multiplayer functionality as of 2023.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Unity leaned heavily into online integration – dropping AI companions entirely in favor of four player co-op missions around Paris. So if traditional AC multiplayer itch needs scratching, Unity remains playable and populated given its unique appeal.

The Next Era of AC Multiplayer

Additionally, reports indicate future Assassin’s Creed projects codenamed “Rift” and “Infinity” could massively expand multiplayer and live service angles for the franchise. Ubisoft themselves describe these titles as implementing “disruptive” design changes and online functionality.

So while Black Flag’s servers shut down alongside other classics, multiplayer still exists in at least Unity today, and may form a core pillar of AC games moving forward if leaks hold true. Veterans maintain hope that Ubisoft channels resources cut from legacy support, into new ambitious multiplayer innovation for the brand.

The Bottom Line on Black Flag Multiplayer

While Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s multiplayer was undoubtedly unique and engaging during its 2013 launch window, Ubisoft’s September 2022 shutdown of legacy AC online services spelled the end of this forgotten mode’s run. And with it died the final vestiges of traditional competitive/cooperative integration in the franchise pending reinvention.

Yet for Black Flag specifically, no current or prospective players need mourn overly much. The single player campaign set in the Golden Age Caribbean still stands mightily on its own merits – earning acclaim as possibly the apex of the franchise thus far. Exploring a lush tropical open world, living out the fantasy as a deadly pirate assassin and experiencing fan-favorite Edward Kenway’s origins remains wholly fulfilling alone.

So while Black Flag’s celebrated multiplayer of old disappears into the digital night, its enduring solo experience remains a valid reason to set sail even today. Kenway’s Caribbean calls to gamers and Assassin’s Creed fans irrespective of competitive integration. And with signs potentially pointing to ambitious next-gen multiplayer revival within the AC universe, the future stays bright.

For now, let Black Flag’s exceptional single player campaign stand proudly untarnished, even as we bid its innovative multiplayer goodbye.