Red Bull athlete Lilou Ruel has broken the world record for the highest haystack jump, recreating Assassin's Creed's Leap of Faith and surpassing the previous mark set earlier this year
A professional stuntwoman and Red Bull athlete has set a new world record by recreating one of Assassin's Creed's most recognisable stunts in real life. Lilou Ruel, known for her freerunning expertise, completed an 18.2-metre jump into a haystack, directly referencing the franchise's iconic Leap of Faith. The feat was captured in a widely shared video and marks the highest haystack jump ever recorded.
The Record-Breaking Stunt
Lilou Ruel's jump measured 18.2 metres, which is roughly equivalent to the height of a six-storey building. The attempt was designed to mirror the Leap of Faith seen throughout the Assassin's Creed series, where protagonists dive from great heights into haystacks. Ruel's landing was successful and she emerged uninjured, celebrating with her team immediately after the jump. The event was documented by Red Bull and quickly gained traction on social media platforms.
This new record narrowly surpasses the previous mark set in May 2026, when Dominic Tommasso, also a Red Bull athlete, completed an 18.1-metre haystack jump while dressed as Edward Kenway from Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Both stunts were performed to coincide with major moments for the Assassin's Creed franchise, highlighting the enduring cultural impact of the series' signature move.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's Launch
The timing of Ruel's record aligns with the strong commercial performance of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. Ubisoft's remastered release sold over 2 million copies within its first 24 hours and surpassed 3 million sales in its first week. The publisher has confirmed that a new game plus mode is in development, responding to player demand for extended replayability.
Black Flag Resynced has also achieved notable milestones on PC, with its day-one downloadable content generating $1 million in revenue on Steam alone. The title has set a new peak for concurrent players in Assassin's Creed history on the platform, reflecting both the franchise's established fanbase and the appeal of the remaster's updated features.
Controversy Surrounding Ubisoft's Lay-Offs
Despite the commercial success of Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft has faced criticism following its decision to lay off 380 staff in June 2026. Among those affected were 51 employees from the Barcelona office who contributed to the game's diving sections. These staff members are now campaigning for improved severance terms, arguing that the packages offered fall short of industry standards. The situation has drawn attention to the disconnect between the game's sales achievements and the realities of studio employment during major releases.
Ubisoft has not issued a detailed public response to the severance dispute, and it remains unclear how the lay-offs will affect ongoing support or future content for Black Flag Resynced. The company's restructuring efforts have become a point of discussion within the industry, particularly given the timing alongside a high-profile launch.
Understanding the Leap of Faith
The Leap of Faith is a recurring mechanic in the Assassin's Creed series, allowing players to dive from extreme heights into soft landings, typically haystacks or water. While visually dramatic, the move is a stylised representation rather than a realistic depiction of physics or stunt safety. Real-world attempts, such as those by Red Bull athletes, require extensive planning, safety measures, and professional expertise. The popularity of these stunts highlights the influence of gaming on broader culture, but also underscores the difference between in-game spectacle and the risks involved in live-action recreations.
