Map

A map purchasable in the American colonies

Maps were devices used in order to help the members of the Assassin Order navigate around the cities, and plan assassinations or investigations.

The maps displayed by the Animus acted as a compromise and visualization of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's, Ezio Auditore da Firenze's, Haytham Kenway's, and Ratonhnhaké:ton's memories of the cities' layouts, as well as giving a sense of direction for Desmond Miles while reliving the memories of his ancestors.

Animus 1.28

More areas appeared on the Animus map after every successful climb and synchronization with a view point. These virtual maps also marked certain key areas that could be recognized by a unique symbol.

While viewing the memories of Altaïr in the Animus 1.28, the symbols indicated the Assassins' Bureau, investigation missions, such as eavesdropping, interrogation, pickpocketing, Assassin informants, exits to the Kingdom, and the locations of citizens that could be saved from the guards. Additionally, it displayed the icon for Altaïr's assassination target, after he was given leave to proceed by the city's bureau leader.

Animus 2.0

While viewing the memories of Ezio Auditore in the Animus 2.0, symbols were displayed to mark key memories, side events such as races or courier assignments, shops like art merchants, doctors, blacksmiths, tailors, travel booths, treasure chests and Assassin Tombs.

Animus 2.01

In Rome, along with the previous symbols, several new ones had been added. These included unique icons for the four guilds - Assassins Guild, Courtesans Guild, Mercenaries Guild and Thieves Guild, as well as the Borgia towers and repressed memories of Cristina Vespucci.

Additionally, there was an option to change the view of the map to show the division of districts, the percentage of renovations completed in each district, and the Borgia influence.

Animus 2.03

In the Animus 2.03, the appearance of the map was similar to the map of Animus 1.28 and 2.0 with the same icons just like the previous Animus 2.01, with some minor differences.

The map also displayed the Templar influence across Constantinople as well as the status of the Assassin Dens.

Animus 3.0

While reliving the memories of Haytham Kenway and Ratonhnhaké:ton, Desmond could still use view points to uncover parts of the map, but walking through the city could reveal locations as well. The higher the viewpoint the ancestor was, more information would be revealed around them.

The Animus 3.0's map system was revamped to enable fast travel to any designated point, such as tunnel entrances, ports or captured forts. The map also logged any tasks or challenges Desmond had not completed.

Trivia

• In Assassin's Creed: Revelations, the compass' directions have been rotated approximately 90º, with the Masyaf castle now in the East, rather than the North, as it was in Assassin's Creed.

Gallery

• 
  A map of Acre displayed by the Animus 1.28
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  Map of Venice displayed by the Animus 2.0
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  Map of Rome displayed by the Animus 2.01
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  Map of San Donato, a multiplayer location
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  Map of Constantinople displayed by the Animus 2.03
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  Map of Davenport Homestead displayed by the Animus 3.0
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  A map showing the West Indies in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag