Assassin's Creed Black Flag How To Use Mortars

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - Mastering the Art of Mortar Warfare

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers a thrilling pirate experience, but beyond sword fights and naval battles lies the satisfying power of artillery. Mortars, in particular, provide a unique and devastating advantage, especially during sieges and naval combat. This guide will break down how to effectively utilize mortars in Black Flag, transforming you from a seasoned pirate into a master of siege warfare. This guide will cover mortar acquisition, deployment, aiming, and effective strategies for maximum impact.

Acquiring Mortars:

Unlike some weapons, mortars aren't readily available from the start. You'll need to progress through the game's story and unlock specific missions and locations. Mortars typically become available during later stages of the main story missions that involve fortresses and naval battles. Keep an eye out for objectives that involve capturing or destroying fortifications – these often lead to access to mortars. Furthermore, explore the various islands and outposts; sometimes, you might find them as part of hidden caches or secret locations. Explore thoroughly! The satisfaction of discovering a hidden mortar position is half the fun.

Deploying and Aiming Mortars:

Once you've located a mortar, interacting with it initiates the aiming sequence. This is where understanding the mechanics is crucial for success. Remember, you are dealing with artillery—accuracy takes time and practice.

• The Reticle: Pay close attention to the reticle displayed on screen. This shows the predicted trajectory of your mortar shell. The distance and angle are both crucial to successful hits.
• Adjustments: Use the game's controls to carefully adjust the angle and direction of the mortar before firing. Take your time; rushing will likely lead to missed shots. Experiment with different angles to understand how the trajectory changes.
• Environmental Factors: Wind and other environmental elements can affect the mortar's trajectory, making accurate shots more challenging. Learn to compensate for these factors by slightly adjusting your aim. Practice will make you adept at reading the subtle environmental cues.
• Multiple Shots: For larger targets or those requiring more damage, multiple shots are often required. Remember to readjust the aim after each shot, as the impact can shift the mortar slightly.

Effective Mortar Strategies:

Mastering mortars isn't just about hitting targets; it's about strategic deployment and effective utilization.

• Naval Combat: Mortars can be incredibly effective against larger ships, particularly those heavily armored. Target their masts or the main hull. Aim carefully and prioritize accuracy over speed of fire. A single well-placed mortar shell can disable a significant portion of an enemy ship.
• Siege Warfare: During fortress sieges, mortars are invaluable for softening up enemy defenses. Target walls, cannons, and concentrations of enemies. Using mortars effectively can significantly reduce casualties during ground assaults.
• Combined Arms: Remember that mortars are best utilized as part of a larger strategy. Combine them with other attacks, such as naval bombardments or ground assaults, for maximum impact. Using mortars to soften enemy defenses before a ground assault, for example, is a highly effective tactic.

Advanced Mortar Techniques:

• Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to master mortars is through practice. Experiment with different ranges and angles, and learn to compensate for environmental factors.
• Observing Enemy Movements: Before firing, observe your targets. Anticipate their movements and adjust your aim accordingly. A slow, careful aim is often more rewarding than a rapid, inaccurate one.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: Look for weaknesses in the enemy's defenses. For example, you can target specific sections of a wall that are less fortified for greater efficiency.

By mastering the art of mortar warfare, you'll significantly enhance your gameplay experience in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. This will not only increase your chances of success in battles and sieges but also add a layer of strategic depth to your pirate adventures. So, grab your mortar, aim carefully, and unleash the devastating power of artillery!