To install the Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag NSP and its corresponding update (part of the Assassin's Creed: The Rebel Collection) on a modded Nintendo Switch, you can use popular tools like Goldleaf or DBI . 🛠️ Preparation
Base Game: The primary Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag NSP file.
Update File: The specific update NSP (often labeled with a version number like v1.0.1).
Installer: Download the latest Goldleaf or DBI NRO file onto your SD card's /switch/ folder.
USB Cable: A reliable USB-C data cable for connecting your Switch to a PC . 📥 Installation Steps Option 1: Using DBI (Recommended for Speed) Launch DBI from your Switch's Homebrew Menu. Select Run MTP Responder. Connect your Switch to your PC via USB. On your PC, open the new Switch drive in File Explorer. Navigate to the MicroSD Install or NAND Install folder.
Drag and drop the Base NSP first, then the Update NSP into the folder.
Wait for the transfer to complete; the Switch will handle the installation automatically. Option 2: Using Goldleaf Open Goldleaf on your Switch. Select Explore Content, then navigate to your SD Card. Locate your Assassin's Creed Black Flag NSP. Select it and choose Install.
Repeat the process for the Update NSP file immediately after.
Note: Always install the base game before the update to avoid errors . ⚡ Troubleshooting
Sigpatches: If the game fails to launch after installation, ensure you have the latest sigpatches (or HATS pack) installed on your SD card .
File Corruption: If you encounter errors, try using a different USB cable or a different installer like Tinfoil .
Merged Files: For emulators like Yuzu or Ryujinx, you can use NSC Builder to merge the base game and update into a single file .
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag , particularly the Nintendo Switch version found in the The Rebel Collection , upgrading your ship (the ) and your equipment is the core progression loop. Ship Upgrades (The Jackdaw) You can start upgrading the Jackdaw after completing the "Raise the Black Flag" mission in Sequence 3, Memory 4. How to Upgrade : Access the Jackdaw model on the desk in the Captain's Cabin or visit any Harbourmaster Essential Upgrades : Focus on the Heavy Shot early on to dominate naval combat. Elite Upgrades : High-tier "Elite" plans are often found in shipwrecks via the diving bell. Legendary Ships
: Once fully upgraded, you can challenge the four Legendary Ships, like the HMS Prince in the Southeast corner (the easiest of the four). Key Tips for Progression Money Management Kenway's Fleet
to earn passive income by sending captured ships on missions. : Avoid rushing the main story. Spend time pirating and looting
for materials (wood, metal, cloth) needed for ship hulls and weapon upgrades. Combat Gear : Hunt animals to craft upgrades for Edward, like larger pistol holsters or increased health. Templar Keys : Find all 5 Templar Keys to unlock the Templar Armor , which provides a 25% damage reduction. Technical Information
Just got Black Flag! Any tips/things I should know before starting?
Comments Section * National-Exam-8242. • 3y ago. Buy the mortar and heavy shot upgrade as soon as you can. Other than that, enjoy.
On the Nintendo Switch, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is primarily available as part of The Rebel Collection , which bundles the game with Assassin's Creed Rogue and several updates/extra content. Included Content & Updates Base Games: Full versions of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Assassin's Creed Rogue Freedom Cry & Aveline Missions: The standalone story expansion Freedom Cry DLC missions are included. Extra Content Pack: Contains a 55-page digital artbook from Blackbeard: The Lost Journal Assassin’s Creed: Awakening manga, and additional language packs. Exclusive Outfits: The Switch version features 8 exclusive outfits
for Black Flag, including the Animal Spirit, Aguilar, Alexios, Arno Dorian, Bayek, Jacob Frye, and Shay Cormac outfits. Pirate Event Content: Features from the "Black Flag Update" (originally for AC: Identity
) are generally integrated into the collection's single-player experience. Technical Details (NSP/XCI) Performance:
The game is known to run smoothly at 30 FPS on Switch and is compatible with PC emulators like and Ryujinx. File Format: Digital copies of the game are typically found in
(Nintendo Submission Package) format, which includes the base game and necessary update (.upd) files to ensure compatibility with recent custom firmware. Multiplayer Note: Unlike other platforms, the Switch version does
include multiplayer functionality; all multiplayer rewards are instead unlocked for the player at the start of the game. Latest News Remake Announcement: Ubisoft recently confirmed a remake titled Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced
What the Update Fixes / Adds
The update (upd) file for Black Flag on Switch is not large (~50–200 MB) but addresses:
| Area | Improvements | |------|--------------| | Performance | Smoother framerate in Havana, Kingston, and naval battles (still 30 FPS cap) | | Audio | Fixed crackling during heavy cannon fire / sea shanties | | Controls | Improved gyro-aiming responsiveness (optional) | | Bugs | Fixed rare crash when boarding man-o-wars; fixed Kenway’s fleet sync errors | | Stability | Reduced pop-in for distant ships / foliage |
Note: No new content (DLC like Freedom Cry is separate or included in some repacks).
Why the "Upd" is Essential
When users search for "Black Flag NSP upd," they aren’t just looking for the base game. They are looking for the optimization patches that turn a buggy mess into a smooth experience.
In the official publishing world, updates fix bugs. In the emulation and homebrew world, updates are the difference between a game crashing on the title screen and a solid 30FPS experience in the Caribbean sun.
For a game like Black Flag, which utilizes a complex ocean rendering system (the Anvil engine was pushed to its limits here), the update files often contain critical performance patches. These updates might include:
- Bug Fixes: Correcting crashes that occurred during the cinematic "Kenway's Fleet" mini-game.
- Texture Optimization: Reducing the stuttering that often plagues open-world ports on handheld hardware.
- Language and Subtitle Support: Often, standalone base files are missing crucial localization data found in the updates.
If you attempt to run the base NSP without the corresponding update (and often the requisite firmware patches), you are essentially sailing a ship with a hole in the hull. You might stay afloat for a few minutes, but eventually, you’re going to sink.
Installation Notes (for NSP + UPD)
If you’re using custom firmware (Atmosphere, SX OS):
- Install base NSP first (e.g.,
0100447005BB0800.nsp). - Install update (e.g.,
0100447005BB0800-upd-v1.0.1.nsp).- Do not install update before base game.
- Use Goldleaf or DBI → over USB is faster.
- Firmware requirement: Update v1.0.1+ requires FW 12.0.0 or higher.
- Some repacks include Freedom Cry as a separate NSP; check title ID mismatches.
Common issues:
- Black screen after logo: Delete then reinstall update only.
- “Unable to start software”: Reinstall sigpatches (if using Atmosphere).
- Save corruption: Avoid using cheats during ship boarding sequences.
Part 4: How to Install Assassins Creed Black Flag NSP + upd
Assuming you have an unpatched Switch running Atmosphere 1.5.4 or higher (or emulator), follow this step-by-step guide.