Multiplayer servers for Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag are currently live despite the game not launching until Oct. 29; however, Ubisoft Montreal will reset its multiplayer ladders once the game makes its official release.
Lead multiplayer designer Tim Browne took to Twitter to confirm early copies of the game are rearing their head.
"Yes the AC4 multiplayer servers are up and running," he wrote. "To make things fair though we will reset the Ladders at launch." In a later tweet he added that the team will not "reset gained levels as that is unfair on people who legitimately bought the game. Those in the wrong are the retailers.
"The players currently playing haven't done anything wrong. Retailers have sent out copies early and we don't believe in punishing innocent[s]."
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag comes to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on Oct. 29. Versions for Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U will be available come November.