Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game features not only a graphical overhaul using the Anvil engine but also new gameplay mechanics. Chief among them is the officer system. These aren’t merely cosmetic crew members; each grants the Jackdaw a unique combat ability that fundamentally alters the course of naval battles. While the ship can host up to five officers, three are new characters created specifically for Resynced, and recruiting them is an adventure in itself. Below is a comprehensive guide covering recruitment, priorities, and hidden nuances that brief guides often overlook.
Table of Contents
Complete list of Jackdaw officers: story-based and hidden
In the original Black Flag, the Jackdaw did not have officers with special abilities. In Resynced, there are five. Two are recruited automatically through the story and cannot be missed. The other three must be found independently—and that’s where things get interesting.
Officers: Status, Ship Role and How to Unlock
Important note: Some sources mistakenly label Adéwalé and Anne Bonny as optional. This is incorrect—they are recruited strictly through the main story, and it is impossible to miss them. The real goal of this guide is the three new officers, for whom the developers at Ubisoft Singapore created specific storylines.
How to recruit all the hidden officers: a step-by-step guide
To acquire Lucy, Padre, and Deadman, you must reach specific points in the story. It all begins on Great Inagua: once you arrive there, Adéwalé will tell Edward about two potential recruits—Lucy and Padre.
Lucy Baldwin — “Perfect Block”
Where to find her: Salt Key Bank; she is being held captive aboard a Man-o-War.
Requirement: Complete the story mission “This Old Cove” (Sequence 4). Afterward, the side quest “The Real Shipwright” will appear on Great Inagua (coordinates 465, 608).
How to complete: Edward must stealthily board the enemy ship, free Lucy, and get her off the island. The mission requires silence—if the alarm is raised, Lucy could be executed.
Reward: The “Perfect Block” ability. Blocking right before taking damage significantly boosts the Jackdaw’s hull integrity and reduces incoming damage. For newcomers, this is a literal lifesaver during the first major battles.
Padre — “Ramming Charge”
Where to find him: Punta del Caracol.
Requirement: After completing “This Old Cove,” a new officer quest called “Second Chance” appears on the map. Coordinates: 918, 340.
How to complete: Padre is a former pirate with a dark past who now serves a small settlement. Edward must help him handle the village’s affairs and convince him to return to piracy. The quest is relatively short but involves a couple of skirmishes.
Reward: the “Ramming Dash” ability. Press L1+R1 / LB+RB, and the Jackdaw will surge forward at high speed, dealing massive damage to the first target in its path. The ability has a cooldown, but this can be reduced by dealing damage with your cannons. If you prefer an aggressive playstyle, pick Padre as your second-in-command.
Tobias “Deadman” Smith — “Extra Volley” and “Squad Mortar”
Where to find him: He is the last one to appear.
Requirement: Recruit Lucy and Padre, complete the story mission “Everything Is Permitted” and the “A World Without Gold: I Just Want to Talk” quest. After that, the quest “No Box Is Dark Enough” will appear on Great Inagua (coordinates 822, 446).
How to complete: Deadman is the most difficult officer to recruit. His questline is tied to the “A World Without Gold” endgame content—eight additional missions centered on Blackbeard.
Reward: Immediately upon recruitment, Deadman grants an extra broadside volley—instantly boosting your firepower. After completing several of his loyalty missions and reaching the “Very Little, But Something” quest, you unlock “Deadman’s Squad Mortar”—an alternative firing mode that lets you unleash a barrage of bombs.
Deadman is an investment. Yes, finding him takes time. But his abilities surpass anything the other officers offer.
Which officer to prioritize: Upgrade strategy
Now, the main question: who should you upgrade first?
1st priority — Lucy Baldwin. No question. “Perfect Block” is a game-changing ability in the early stages. In Resynced, naval combat is more aggressive, and enemy ships deal more damage. The ability to block at the right moment and reduce damage gives you room to maneuver and make mistakes. Lucy becomes available right after Sequence 4—recruit her first while the others are just getting started.
2nd priority — Padre. “Ramming Dash” is an excellent tool for an aggressive build. If you combine it with the ram upgrade, the Jackdaw literally slices through enemy ships like butter. But keep in mind: the ability has a cooldown, and in prolonged battles, a “ramming-only” tactic isn’t enough. Padre is for those who aren’t afraid to take risks for a quick victory.
3rd priority: Deadman Smith. His abilities are the best in the game, but they take time to pay off. An extra broadside and a modified mortar turn the Jackdaw into an artillery battery. If you’re ready to invest hours in endgame quests, pick up Deadman once you reach the final sequence. But he isn’t critical for the early game.
Beginner strategy: Story -> Lucy (right after Sequence 4) -> Padre -> core upgrades -> Deadman (before the finale). Don’t chase Deadman in the opening hours—it will ruin the pacing and cause you to struggle in missions that require basic survivability rather than an artillery build.
Loyalty missions: what they offer and whether they’re worth doing
Each of the three new officers has a chain of 3–4 missions. You only need to complete the first mission to recruit them. The others are optional, but don’t just skip them.
Here’s what the loyalty missions offer:
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Lucy Baldwin: extra dialogue and insight into her motivations.
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Padre: the backstory of his “dark past”—a treat for lore fans.
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Deadman Smith: his loyalty missions are the key to unlocking the “Deadman’s Mortar.” The other quests are essentially preparation for this upgrade.
Is it worth doing them all? If you’re hungry for content or want to get the most out of the game—yes. If your goal is simply to upgrade your ship and complete the story, stick to recruiting the officers and finishing Deadman’s mortar quest. The other missions offer narrative content rather than gameplay bonuses.
Common Mistakes and Questions
Can officers be lost permanently?
No. In Black Flag Resynced, officers are invulnerable in combat. They may become temporarily unavailable (stunned) if the ship sustains heavy damage, but they return after the fight. There is no need to worry about losing them.
Do I need to complete every loyalty mission to recruit them?
No. As the developers have confirmed, you don’t need to finish an officer’s entire questline to bring them aboard. Complete the first mission, and they’re yours.
Which officer provides the most firepower?
Deadman Smith. An extra broadside volley combined with a modified mortar makes him the absolute best choice for damage output over time.
If I don’t like ramming, is Padre useless?
No. The “Ramming Dash” ability isn’t just for ramming; it’s an excellent tool for closing the gap with an enemy while under cover. Even if you aren’t building a “ramming” loadout, the ability helps you quickly shorten the distance and enter your optimal firing range.
To sum up: Lucy is your primary choice. Padre suits an aggressive playstyle. Deadman is for those ready to invest in the endgame and acquire the best artillery in the game. Start with Lucy, don’t be afraid to experiment with builds, and remember—officers don’t die, so feel free to try out different combinations without fear.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced launches on July 9, 2026. The starting price on Steam is $40 for the Standard Edition and $47 for the Deluxe Edition. If you want to get the most out of naval combat, start with Lucy—the Jackdaw will thank you for it.
