Gameplay
The game follows the series’ standard open world gameplay in the Desmond and Haytham/Connor Sequences, where the game’s main story takes place. New gameplay additions include muskets and rifles, which can be fired at a considerable reload time, or the attached bayonet used as a melee weapon. Hiding places can now be mobile, such as haystacks in wagons or moving carts, which can be used to sneak up closer to targets. Disguises can also be worn, fooling normal troops and only risking investigation by officers.
Free running has been modified to allow for more fluid, parkour-like movement over certain obstacles. Exploration has also been modified, allowing for map areas to be revealed without requiring a viewpoint synchronization. Close combat has been modified, slowing during blocks to allow for more options in attack and defense. Human shields can be taken against firing lines of enemies. In addition, several new special moves allow for multiple kills at once. For example, when timed correctly, the player can stab one enemy with the bayonet and shoot the enemy on the other side. Assassin’s Creed III features new weather simulations such as snow, fog, and rain. Depending on the seasons, weather determines how enemies/players will move around. Heavy snowfall makes it more difficult to travel. Players are now able to trap and hunt animals for skins in the wilderness. Hostile animals, such as bears and wolves exist, and will attack the player on sight. The value of an animal’s hide is determined by the method of killing. Muskets, flintlock pistols, and multiple attacks will make skins less valuable while a clean kill, a single arrow or blade strike, will maintain the products at their highest value.
Another major addition is the Davenport Homestead missions. Starting with a single house and a few outbuildings, the player can perform missions for NPCs in order to convince them to settle near the Homestead, providing the player with raw materials and crafting facilities. Recipes for crafting can be obtained from chests throughout the game. Raw goods and crafts can then be used as part of a local economy, selling them at market by either trade-caravan or via sea convoys. Dependent on the goods being traded and the level of threat nearby, these goods can be attacked and stolen, or sold for profit.
Liberation missions are available. The game's two cites are divided into three regions. Each region has a liberation contact and several liberation missions. The missions include various tasks like eavesdropping in on Loyalist's plans, defending local citizens, and assassinating British officers. After all liberation missions in a region are complete, the player receives an assassin recruit, the prior liberation contact. Upon obtaining recruits the assassin guild the player can call on them for assistance. Recruits level up by successfully fighting off enemies. Thy can also be sent on assassin missions in the 13 colonies and Quebec. Upon completion of the mission a reward is given to the player. When enough missions are completed, the region becomes liberated.
Assassin’s Creed III also features naval expeditions. The Eastern seaboard is a playable area, and will have a range of missions, side quests, and a treasure hunt involving the legendary treasure of Captain Kidd. Aside from these, free-roaming on the high seas is not available. Connor will captain a warship, the Aquila, with which the player can engage in naval campaigns.[2] Control of the ship relies heavily on environmental factors such as wind direction and speed, local presence of storms, high waves, and rocks. The sails can be reefed or opened fully, providing more speed but reducing maneuverability. Engagements are by cannon, with broadsides covering both flanks of the ship, and swivel guns that can be used to damage smaller ships. Other vessels may also be rammed, damaging both ships. The Aquila can be upgraded with more canons, other armaments including chain-shot, grapeshot, heated shot, hull reinforcement and a naval ram. With each naval mission complete, the risk of naval convoy capture is reduced.