Forts are heavily defended naval strongholds scattered throughout the Caribbean in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Capturing a fort requires defeating its coastal defenses and eliminating the commanding officer, after which the location comes under your control.
Conquering a fort reveals nearby areas of the map, unlocks new fast travel points, and reduces enemy naval presence in the surrounding waters, making exploration and sailing significantly safer. Some forts also grant access to previously restricted locations or are required to progress certain side activities.
Several forts have different difficulty levels, with stronger defenses and more powerful warships protecting the highest-level locations. Upgrading the Jackdaw before attempting the toughest forts is highly recommended, as later encounters can be among the most challenging naval battles in the game.