Assassin's Creed III is a historical open world action-adventure game with a focus on stealth. The game follows Desmond Miles, who travels through his ancestral memories using the Animus machine, to uncover secrets of the First Civilization and protect Earth from a solar flare. He discovers that a Templar organization, Abstergo Industries, poses a threat to humanity.
The game is set in Colonial America, during the American Revolution, and follows two main characters: Haytham Kenway, a Templar, and Connor, his son, who becomes an Assassin. The player experiences both characters' storylines, switching between them at certain points. The game features an open world environment, with various historical locations, including Boston, New York, and the Frontier.
Gameplay involves melee and ranged combat, free running, and stealth. The fighting system has been modified to include new actions, such as counterattacks, which are shown in slow motion. The player can also explore the environment, hunt and trap animals, build settlements, and engage in naval combat. There are various optional missions and tasks, including hunting, brawling, and thieving.
The game features a three-tier notoriety system, where the player's actions influence the behavior of computer-controlled characters. The player can also recruit companions to aid them in missions and upgrade their skills. Building settlements, such as Davenport Homestead, provides a local economy and allows the player to craft items.
Multiplayer is available, with 12 different game modes, including cooperative Wolfpack mode and Domination team mode. The Wii U version features gamepad-exclusive gameplay, using the in-game map display and quick weapon equip functionality.