Julien Du Casse, the first major Templar, is a contender for the title of most challenging boss in the early missions of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced. He is encountered at the end of Sequence 3, during the mission “One Madman.” Unlike the original, where this enemy would fall after a couple of hits, in the remake he has a full health bar, is more aggressive than the original version, and wields two pistols, which he fires almost nonstop. The combat system in Resynced has become more complex, and now the only aspect that can save an inexperienced player is proper preparation and knowledge of the mechanics.
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Boss Julien Du Casse Differences Between Remake and Original AC IV
In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the boss fight with Du Casse was short and almost forgettable. In Resynced, the developers have reworked this episode accordingly: the enemy now has a full health bar, and the fight itself stretches out over several minutes. The location’s layout has also changed—a mansion has appeared on the way to the Nostromo, where you can find new clues and free the pirates, who, along with Edward, attack the guards. The encounter can unfold in two ways: a stealthy bladed assassination or an open confrontation in which the Templar demonstrates his mastery of firearms.
⚔️ Boss Comparison — Original vs Resynced
Battle Preparation Crafting Equipment and Difficulty Selection
By the time you meet Du Casse, you will already have access to the crafting system—it unlocks in the third sequence. A meticulous approach will be required to equip Edward with the appropriate arsenal.
What to upgrade before the fight:
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Pistol holsters. In Resynced, the number of shots before reloading varies from two to four, depending on your crafting progress. The second holster (2 ocelot pelts) significantly increases firepower.
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Ammo pouch. Compactness is not the key here—it is better to stock up on as much ammo as possible to avoid running out at a crucial moment.
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Smoke bombs. These help reset the boss’s crosshairs and simplify maneuvers.
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First aid kits. Without them, winning the fight will be difficult—Du Casse’s hits significantly reduce your health.
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Difficulty settings: If you are playing at a high level, you can temporarily lower the difficulty before a mission—this will reduce damage taken and give you time to master new mechanics.
Combat Tactics and Turn Based Strategy Against Boss
What to do at the beginning?
After boarding the Nostromo, take your time. Du Casse does not show aggression until you get close. Use this window to quietly eliminate the guards. However, you can only eliminate a limited number—sooner or later, the boss will notice Edward.
The remake now allows you to free the pirates in the mansion—they will cause chaos on the beach and distract some of the guards.
This significantly simplifies the run to the ship.
How to dodge gunfire?
Du Casse constantly keeps his distance and fires pistols. Watch the targeting icon above his head—when it fills, he fires.
Two reliable methods:
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Better dodge. Press the dodge button when the red prompt appears—this puts the boss into a state similar to a stun.
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Meat shield. Grab the nearest guard and use him as cover—the bullet will hit him, and you will avoid damage.
How to deal damage?
A frontal attack is pointless—Du Casse parries the blow and immediately fires at point-blank range.
Working methods:
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Counterattack after dodging. The most reliable method. Wait for the shot, dodge, then unleash a series of blows.
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Pistol duels. Shoot the boss with pistols—the damage is not huge, but it is a safe way to reduce his health.
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Explosive barrels. Red barrels of gunpowder are placed on the deck. Lure the boss closer—if his health is below 50%, the explosion can kill him instantly.
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Stealth takedown. If you prefer stealth, try sneaking up on the boss and killing him with a blade.
Five Main Mistakes in Fight Against Du Casse
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Frontal attack. A direct hit is a guaranteed point-blank shot. Never attack first without dodging.
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Ignoring guards. Guards left alive will interfere and distract. Eliminate as many as possible before the fight begins.
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Conserve ammo. Keep your pistols loaded—a couple of shots at the right moment can decide the outcome.
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No first aid kits. Make sure you have healing items before the fight. Du Casse’s hits deal a significant blow to your health.
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Panic when dodging. Watch the crosshair over the boss’s head and dodge precisely when the shot is about to be fired. Pressing too early or too late will result in a hit.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Boss Fights
What has changed in the fight with Du Casse in Resynced compared to the original?
In the remake, the boss has a full health bar, is more aggressive, uses pistols more often, and his health has been significantly increased. The layout of the location has also changed: a mansion has appeared, freed pirates can help, and the combat zone is locked until the boss is defeated.
Is it possible to kill Du Casse stealthily?
Yes. In the remake, the encounter can take two forms: a stealthy blade takedown or a full-on fight. If you manage to approach the boss undetected, the mission will end instantly.
How many shots does it take to defeat Du Casse?
It all depends on your crafting and hits. The number of bullets before reloading varies from two to four. Combine damage from explosive barrels, counterattacks, and pistol duels.
Why does Du Casse constantly fire and not let you get close?
This is his main tactic—keeping his distance and harassing the enemy with shots. Use dodges and human shields to close the distance.
What equipment do you need for the fight?
Extra holsters (for 3-4 shots), an ammo bag, and smoke grenades. Do not forget about first aid kits. The key to defeating Du Casse is patience and discipline. Do not try to overwhelm him head-on; instead, use dodges and counterattacks, exploit your surroundings, and keep your pistols loaded. Following this strategy, you will defeat the boss on your first try, even on the hardest difficulty. Good luck, Captain.
