Woodkid Reimagines Iconic Sea Shanty for Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced
The high seas of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag are returning with a haunting new sound. Ubisoft has confirmed that the upcoming remake, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, will feature a reimagined version of the game’s most iconic sea shanty, “Leave Her Johnny,” performed by French musician Woodkid.
The new track, which debuted during the Summer Game Fest opening ceremony on June 5, 2026, offers a dark and mysterious take on the original folk song. According to the studio, the updated version aims to elevate the game’s themes of escapism and rebellion while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original work.
A Familiar Collaboration
This project marks another chapter in the long-standing creative relationship between Woodkid and the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The musician previously contributed to the series with his debut solo single, “Iron,” which famously soundtracked the trailer for Assassin’s Creed: Revelations.
In a statement regarding the collaboration, Woodkid noted that the franchise has played a significant role in his career. “The world of Assassin’s Creed has been very important to me and is very linked to my career,” he said. “I know Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag is a major episode for the audience. It’s a game about escapism, rebellion and exploration. These are themes that are very important for my work.”
What to Expect from the Remake
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is scheduled for release on July 9, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Actor Matt Ryan, who portrays the game’s protagonist Edward Kenway, shared in a reveal trailer that the title is a faithful reconstruction of the original adventure.
“It’s totally rebuilt from the ground up and enriched with lots of new additions,” Ryan explained. “The same story but elevated to a new level of realism and immersion.”
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced launches July 9, 2026.
- Musical Update: Woodkid has recorded a “resynced” version of the classic sea shanty “Leave Her Johnny.”
- Expanded Immersion: The remake is built from the ground up for modern hardware, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
- Legacy: The original game featured performances by Michel Schrey, Nils Brown, and Sean Dagher, with the original recording having garnered over 900 million streams on Spotify.
FAQ
Will the new track be available outside of the game?
Yes, the “resynced” version of “Leave Her Johnny” is available to stream as of June 6, 2026.
Is this a completely new game?
It is described as a faithful, ground-up remake of the original Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, featuring enhanced realism and new additions while retaining the core story and pirate-themed exploration.
As fans prepare to return to the Golden Age of Piracy, the inclusion of Woodkid’s atmospheric score suggests Ubisoft is looking to blend nostalgic fan favorites with a more modern, cinematic presentation. With the original soundtrack also seeing a resurgence through upcoming vinyl releases, the legacy of Black Flag continues to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity.