Which game first introduced major ship-to-ship naval battles to Assassin’s Creed?

Assassin’s Creed III first introduced major ship-to-ship naval battles to Assassin’s Creed.

Released in 2012, Assassin’s Creed III includes naval missions in which Connor’s allies command the Continental Navy ship Aquila. Players steer the vessel, adjust its position, and use cannons against enemy ships in set-piece encounters and optional missions.

The naval sections were developed as a significant new feature rather than as the game’s primary activity. They take place along the Atlantic coast during the American Revolution and provide a maritime counterpart to the game’s cities and frontier environments.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag expanded the system dramatically and made piracy and free-roaming naval exploration central to its design. Because Black Flag is more strongly associated with ship combat, it is often incorrectly credited with introducing the feature. The earlier debut belongs to Assassin’s Creed III.