Edward Kenway’s return sets sail on July 9, 2026, and you can have the full remake sitting on your drive before that day arrives. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced supports preloading on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, so the game is ready to open the moment it unlocks. The one requirement across every platform is a pre-order or purchase, since the preload button only appears once you own the game.
Quick answer: Xbox Series X/S preload is live now. PS5 preload opens July 7 at 12 AM local time, and PC preload opens July 7 at 2 PM UTC across Ubisoft Connect, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Pre-order first, then hit Download or Preload in your library.
Preload start times by platform
Xbox players got the earliest window, with preloading available since June 22 at 2 PM UTC. That gives Xbox the longest lead time before launch. PS5 and PC both open on July 7, two days before release, so nobody has to download the full game on launch day.
| Platform | Preload starts |
|---|---|
| Xbox Series X/S | Live now (started June 22 at 2 PM UTC) |
| PlayStation 5 | July 7 at 12 AM local time |
| PC (Ubisoft Connect, Steam, Epic) | July 7 at 2 PM UTC |
The full game unlocks on July 9. On PC it uses a synchronized global unlock at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET / 3 PM BST, so changing your store region will not let you start early. Console versions unlock at midnight local time in most regions.
Download size and storage space
Despite the ground-up Anvil engine rebuild, the file sizes stay lean for a modern AAA release, sitting in the low 60s across all three platforms. Plan for roughly 65 GB of free space to be safe, and keep extra headroom for a likely day-one patch that could add to the total.
| Platform | Estimated file size |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | ~61.87 GB |
| Xbox Series X/S | ~64.13 GB |
| PC | ~63.1 GB |
PC requires an SSD with at least 65 GB free across every preset. If your launcher needs room to unpack or patch files, leave more space than the raw download size suggests.
How to preload on Xbox Series X/S
How to preload on PS5
How to preload on PC (Steam, Epic, Ubisoft Connect)
The game is Steam Deck Verified at launch, so preloading through Steam also sets you up to play on the handheld from day one.
PC preload times by region
Because the PC preload triggers at 2 PM UTC on July 7, the local start time shifts depending on where you are. Use the table below to know exactly when your Download button becomes clickable.
| Region | Preload start |
|---|---|
| US (West) | 7 AM PDT, July 7 |
| US (East) | 10 AM EDT, July 7 |
| Brazil | 11 AM BRT, July 7 |
| UK | 3 PM BST, July 7 |
| Germany / France | 4 PM CEST, July 7 |
| South Africa | 4 PM SAST, July 7 |
| Turkey | 5 PM TRT, July 7 |
| Russia (Moscow) | 5 PM MSK, July 7 |
| UAE | 6 PM GST, July 7 |
| India | 7 PM IST, July 7 |
| Singapore / Philippines / China | 10 PM local, July 7 |
| South Korea / Japan | 11 PM local, July 7 |
| Australia (Sydney) | 12 AM AEST, July 8 |
| New Zealand | 2 AM NZST, July 8 |
How to confirm the preload worked
Your preload is set correctly when the game shows a “Ready to Install,” “Queued,” or “Downloading” status in your library and the file transfer runs to completion. On launch day the tile should switch from a preload state to a playable Launch or Play button once the servers open at the unlock time above.
If the download option never appears, the usual cause is that the pre-order or purchase has not fully processed on your account. Confirm ownership on the store page first, and remember that PS5 and PC buttons stay greyed out until their July 7 windows begin, even if you already own the game.
Note: Pre-ordering also grants Blackbeard’s Crimson Pack, which adds an exclusive Edward Kenway costume along with a sword and pistol, so buying ahead of launch covers both the preload access and the bonus gear.
With Xbox already open and PS5 and PC following on July 7, there is plenty of runway to get everything downloaded well before Edward’s Caribbean adventure goes live on July 9. Line up the storage, pre-order on your platform, and the Jackdaw will be ready to sail the second the game unlocks.
