Guide

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Preload Guide: Times, File Sizes, and Pre-Order Bonuses

A detailed view of a classic wooden pirate ship's deck at dusk, showing rope rigging and dark sails flapping in a strong sea breeze.

With the release date of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced fast approaching on July 9, 2026, captains are preparing to take the helm of the Jackdaw once again. Rebuilt entirely from scratch on the latest iteration of the Anvil engine by Ubisoft Singapore, this remake promises modern mechanics while keeping the classic pirate atmosphere intact.

To ensure you can sail the Caribbean the second the game goes live, Ubisoft has enabled preload schedules across consoles and PC. Here is everything you need to know about the preload start times, installation sizes, and how to secure your pre-purchase bonuses.

Global Preload Start Times

Preload availability depends on your platform of choice. While Xbox players have had access for a while, PlayStation 5 and PC users will have to wait until closer to launch.

  • Xbox Series X|S: Preload is currently live (launched on June 22, 2026).
  • PlayStation 5: Preload begins on July 7, 2026, at midnight (0:00 AM) local time.
  • PC (Steam / Epic Games Store / Ubisoft Connect): Preload starts globally on July 7, 2026.

For PC players, the exact release time for preloading varies by region:

  • US West (PDT): July 7 at 7:00 AM
  • US East (EDT): July 7 at 10:00 AM
  • United Kingdom (BST): July 7 at 3:00 PM
  • Europe (CEST): July 7 at 4:00 PM
  • Singapore / China (SGT/CST): July 7 at 10:00 PM
  • Japan (JST): July 7 at 11:00 PM
  • Australia (AEST): July 8 at 12:00 AM
  • New Zealand (NZST): July 8 at 2:00 AM

If you are planning to play on PC, make sure to check out the updated system requirements to ensure your hardware is fully compatible before the download begins.

File Size Requirements

Thanks to the overhaul using the modern Anvil engine, the remake is highly optimized but requires a decent chunk of solid-state drive space. Make sure you clear enough room on your system:

  • PlayStation 5: ~61.87 GB
  • Xbox Series X|S: ~64.13 GB
  • PC: ~63.10 GB

For more information on general performance profiles, check out our coverage on console performance profiles.

Pre-Order Bonus: Blackbeard’s Crimson Pack

Pre-ordering any version of the game before July 9 grants access to Blackbeard’s Crimson Pack. Unlike typical cosmetic items, this set features items that offer direct in-game perks to assist with early-game exploration and naval skirmishes.

The Crimson Pack includes:

  • Crimson Costume: A legendary outfit inspired by the legendary pirate Blackbeard, complete with burning fuses hanging from the brim of the tricorn hat.
  • Crimson Sword: A distinct cutlass featuring unique weapon perks to break enemy defenses in the overhauled combat system.
  • Crimson Pistol: A custom flintlock pistol offering unique stat boosts.

Additionally, Xbox players pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition have reportedly received a $5 Xbox gift card alongside a ship upgrade pack to customize the Jackdaw immediately upon unlocking naval travel. Details on checking and claiming these packages can be managed through the respective digital storefronts. For a full breakdown of what each version contains, read our editions and pre-orders guide.

Sources

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