Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag was pulled from Steam because of a "technical issue"

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag was pulled from Valve's Steam client due to technical issues and it'll soon be reinstated on the platform. 

Last week, Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag quietly disappeared from Steam leaving only the landing page up, and no reason was given. Now, speaking to sister-site PC Gamer, a representative from Ubisoft has said "We are aware that Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is currently unavailable for purchase on Steam." They went on to say that this is "due to a technical issue, and our teams are working on a solution to bring it back as soon as possible". 

The original disappearance of the game sparked excitement over the possibility that Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag could be getting a remake, however, this has yet to materialize. Even almost a decade since its original release, the sixth major installment in the long-running stealth-action franchise remains one of the best Assassin's Creed games to date and a long-standing fan favorite. It's currently unknown exactly when the title will return to Valve's virtual shelves, but those who own the game can still launch and play at their leisure. 

Originally released in 2013, Black Flag ditched the confined city streets of previous games to take you to the Caribbean on a swashbuckling adventure alongside the likes of Blackbeard and Mary Read. While the core stealth assassination and set-piece action of the series was still there, naval combat became a major focus with the largest game world seen in the franchise up to that point. Looking at where the series is at today with the likes of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla and Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, it's clear this 10-year-old title had a real impact on the legacy of things to come. 

Gear up for when Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag returns to Steam with one of the best gaming monitors and one of the best PC controllers

TOPICS
Aleksha McLoughlin
Contributor

Formerly TechRadar Gaming's Hardware Editor, Aleksha McLoughlin is now a freelance writer and editor specializing in computing tech, video games, and E-commerce. As well as her many contributions to this site, you'll also find her work available on sister sites such as PC Gamer, GamesRadar, and Android Central. Additionally, more of her bylines can be found on Trusted Reviews, Dexerto, Expert Reviews, Techopedia, PC Guide, VideoGamer, and more.

Read more
Assassin's Creed Shadows cinematic trailer shot showing Naoe in her hood
Actually, yes, Assassin's Creed Shadows will be playable on Steam Deck at launch, Ubisoft confirms
A screenshot showing Naoe looking at the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Beware of spoilers! Early copies of Assassin's Creed Shadows have been leaked weeks before its release
Image of AC Shadows cover art & Steam Deck
It's not perfect, but Assassin's Creed Shadows' performance is impressive - it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassins Creed Shadows isn't even out yet, but it seems the game's first DLC may have already leaked online
Yasuke rides out, looking over a vibrant forest. A castle can be seen in the background.
Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC and Mac guide
Assassin's Creed Origins key art - Bayek standing in front of a pyramid
If Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 issues continue like this, I'll fully convert to SteamOS for gaming as Ubisoft is forced to fix Assassin’s Creed games
Latest in PC Gaming
Image of Naoe in AC Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the most beautiful PC ports I've ever seen
Image of AC Shadows cover art & Steam Deck
It's not perfect, but Assassin's Creed Shadows' performance is impressive - it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally
Asus ROG Ally using Steam
I think Asus could be the perfect partner for an Xbox handheld – but I have questions
Playing games on the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma without an external display.
The Razer Handheld Dock Chroma offers Steam Deck owners a premium design and, of course, plenty of RGB
Image of GTA 6 protagonists and PS5
GTA 6's console-only launch reminds me of how much I despise console exclusivity - is it worth waiting years for PC ports?
Image of Grand Theft Auto 6 promotional art and Corsair's PC cases
GTA 6 could reach PCs in early 2026 according to Corsair – but I'm already sick of waiting
Latest in News
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Samsung's rumored smart specs may be launching before the end of 2025
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #1155)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #386)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 24 (game #652)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)