The Diving Bell is one of the most important unlocks in Black Flag Resynced — without it, you can't access 6 of the 12 Ultimate Ship Plans, any of the 7 underwater shipwrecks, or the valuable loot hidden beneath the Caribbean. Here's everything you need to know.
When Do You Get the Diving Bell?
The Diving Bell is unlocked automatically during Sequence 6, Mission 1: "Diving for Medicines." You cannot access it earlier, regardless of how much of the map you've explored. This is a hard story gate, not a side activity.
Cost: The Diving Bell itself costs 5,000 Reales to install on the Jackdaw (purchased from the Harbourmaster after the mission).
All 7 Underwater Shipwreck Locations
| Shipwreck | Coordinates | Ultimate Plan? | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Ignacio Wreck | [348, 744] | ✅ Hull Armor | Medium — sharks |
| Antocha Wreck | [600, 636] | ✅ Mortar | High — many sharks |
| La Concepción Wreck | [150, 272] | ✅ Ram | Low |
| Devil's Eye Caverns | [456, 332] | ✅ Swivel Guns | Medium — narrow tunnels |
| The Blue Hole | [440, 145] | ✅ Broadside Cannons | Medium — deep dive |
| Kabah Ruins | [738, 120] | ✅ Round Shot | High — many sharks |
| The Black Trench | Castillo de Jagua | ❌ Loot only | High — deepest wreck |
How the Diving Bell Works
When you sail over a shipwreck location, a prompt appears to deploy the Diving Bell. Edward descends in the bell, then swims out to explore the wreck. Key mechanics:
- Oxygen is limited. You have a breath meter. Find air pockets (bubbles rising from cracks) or return to the bell to refill.
- Sharks patrol most wrecks. You can't fight them directly underwater. Hide in kelp patches, use cover, and time your movements between their patrol routes.
- Breakable walls block access to some chests. Use heavy attacks (sword swing) to break them.
- Currents in some wrecks push you in specific directions. Swim with them, not against them.
Essential Diving Gear
- Diamond Trinket: Increases oxygen capacity. Equip this before any extended dive. Found at Dry Tortuga.
- Health upgrades: Sharks deal damage on contact. More health = more mistakes allowed.
- Harpoon (upgraded): You can kill sharks from the surface before diving. Clear the area, then descend safely.
Pro Tips
- Do treasure map plans first. The 6 treasure map Ultimate Plans are available before Sequence 6. Collect those during Sequences 2-5 so that when you unlock the Diving Bell, you only need the 6 shipwreck plans.
- Kabah Ruins is the hardest. Multiple sharks, narrow corridors, and deep sections. Save it for last, and come with the Diamond Trinket equipped.
- Air pockets are marked by bubbles. Look for columns of rising bubbles — they always indicate a breathable spot.
- Loot everything. Shipwrecks contain Animus Fragments, treasure chests, and trade goods in addition to Ultimate Plans. In Resynced, some wrecks also contain Animus Keys for exclusive outfits.