Havana

Lore & Background

During the Golden Age of Piracy, Havana stands as a jewel of Spanish control in the Americas. It is a city defined by its strategic importance to maritime commerce, making it a prime location for Templar agents to manipulate economies and move illicit goods. The Assassin Brotherhood views this stronghold with caution, recognizing that undermining Templar power here could disrupt their hold over the entire region. Edward Kenway frequently visits Havana to coordinate with allies, purchase upgrades, and confront his enemies. His interactions within the city underscore the complex web of alliances between pirates, privateers, and colonial authorities. The lore surrounding this location emphasizes the moral complexities of the era, where the fight for liberty is often tangled with the brutal realities of colonialism and the slave trade. The architectural landscape reflects authentic Spanish Baroque influences, featuring stone facades and intricate ironwork that contrast sharply with the wooden structures found in other colonial settlements like New Orleans. This setting reinforces the idea that the Templar network is not confined to one colony but operates as a cohesive force across national borders.

In Their Own Story

The humid night air clung to Aveline's skin as she perched atop a tiled roof overlooking the harbor. Below, the torchlight of Spanish sentries flickered against the stone walls of the customs house. She adjusted her hood, listening for the rhythm of their patrol steps. The scent of salt and tobacco drifted up from the docks where ships waited to carry cargo across the Atlantic. With a silent breath, she leaped into the shadows, her hidden blade ready to sever the ties binding the Templars to this port.

Reader's Guide

Havana serves as a vital expansion of the map in Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, taking players beyond the swamps of Louisiana into the heart of Spanish-controlled territory. This setting introduces distinct architectural styles characterized by colonial stone structures and vibrant balconies that offer new parkour opportunities for Aveline de Grandpré. The city plays a critical role in the narrative by exposing the wider reach of the Templar Order across the Caribbean trade routes. Missions here often focus on disrupting slave shipments and uncovering political conspiracies within the colonial administration. Players must navigate crowded streets filled with Spanish guards, utilizing stealth mechanics to avoid detection while gathering intelligence. Ultimately, Havana matters because it contextualizes Aveline's struggle as part of a global conflict rather than just a local rebellion. It highlights the interconnected nature of the Templar network and provides a stark contrast between the humid port life and the political intrigue found in New Orleans. The environment challenges players to adapt their tactics to a denser urban setting.

Did You Know?

• Havana serves as the main social hub in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, unlike New Orleans which is the hub for Liberation.
• The architecture reflects authentic Spanish Colonial design, distinguishing it visually from the French Quarter style of New Orleans or the generic Mayan ruins found elsewhere in the Caribbean.
• This location highlights the historical context of Cuba under Spanish rule during the height of piracy in the early 1700s.
• Missions here often involve naval elements and street combat, utilizing the city's status as a major shipping port and fortress.