Which Assassin's Creed game first introduced the series' naval warship battles?

Assassin's Creed III first introduced the series' naval warship battles. Released in 2012, the game lets players command the Aquila, a fast sailing ship used by Connor Kenway during the American Revolution.

Naval missions place the player behind the ship's wheel and require control of speed, steering, broadsides, and other weapons. These sequences became a major feature of the game and helped establish ship combat as a recurring part of Assassin's Creed.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag expanded the idea substantially, making Caribbean sailing, exploration, and naval combat central to its open world. Because Black Flag is especially associated with ship gameplay, some players mistakenly identify it as the first game to introduce the feature.

Assassin's Creed III's historical storyline includes the American Revolutionary War and locations in the Thirteen Colonies. Its naval missions are distinct from the later pirate-focused structure of Black Flag.