Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag introduced the wonderful world of naval combat to Ubisoft’s long-running franchise. Except for a few short sections in Assassin’s Creed Origins, naval warfare hasn’t been a pillar in the series since Assassin’s Creed Rogue. Naturally, its implementation in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will feature a major overhaul.
Technology employed during the Golden Age of Piracy is a far cry from what the Ancient Greeks used. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s latest gameplay trailer depicts as much, while showing off other gameplay systems surrounding the naval functions.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s Game Director, Scott Phillips narrated the video, where Adrestia, the game’s ship, is shown in its full glory. As a trireme ship, the Adrestia relies on rowing to function, which turns the series’ maritime combat on its head. Instead of cannons and other mounted weapons, speed and ramming is essential to eliminating threats on the high seas. Weapons, such as javelins and arrows, are also key to surviving naval warfare. Upgrading these ranged weapons allows for the strengthening of volleys and shots. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey‘s mechanics themselves aren’t all that’s been altered, either. According to Phillips, lieutenants on the Adrestia “must be recruited by locating skilled crew in the world. This can be done by scouting with Ikaros [an eagle ally] and...