After countless delays, it seems Skull and Bones is actually launching for real in February, and to solidify that fact, Ubisoft has announced the details of the game’s open beta. Said beta will available on all platforms from February 8 to February 11. Crossplay will be enabled and your progression will carry over to the full game. Players will be able to explore the Red Isle hub and the coast of Africa and East Indies regions and your pirate Infamy will be capped at level 6. Meanwhile, here’s an updated rundown of Skull and Bones’ PC requirements (click the image for full resolution).
Ubisoft has also detailed what you can expect from Skull and Bones’ first year of post-launch content. You can expect the usual seasonal updates, which will pit you against additional pirate captains and their fleets. Of course, there will be events that will introduce new challenges as well. Ubisoft has also detailed Skull and Bones’ endgame, which will allow you to manage your own criminal empire and battle other players in PvP showdowns. You can check out the new Skull and Bones Year 1 trailer, below.
Here’s a bit more detail on what you can expect from Skull and Bones post-launch…
Seasonal Content
“Players will embark on a perilous journey facing Legendary Pirate Lords like Philippe La Peste and the Hubac Twins. Stirred into a feeding frenzy, players will have to strategize and defeat these new threats, each escalating in difficulty. Strategic ship loadouts and seasonal ships and gear will be key to taking them down in the final showdown at the end of each season. Prepare to expand and defend your empire by looting stronger equipment and valuable resources through new world events introduced each season. Face Merchant Convoys, Elite Warships, and other predators on the high seas. Bigger challenges bring greater rewards as you navigate these dynamic and unpredictable waters.”
Endgame Activities
“Discover the intense endgame of Skull and Bones, where you’ll face more dangerous challenges, higher stakes, and alliances that can transform into rivalries. Transition from working with Kingpins to becoming their rivals, facing the perilous consequences of the treacherous pirate life. Seize control of The Helm, an unrivaled smuggling colossus, and build your smuggling empire. Control manufactories across the Indian Ocean, increase profits through strategic control of trade routes, and invest in upgrades for your operations. On top of these, Legendary Heists and Hostile Takeovers activities also add thrilling twists to empire-building, with new end game features introduced each season.”
PvP
“Engage in precarious PvP activities with high-risk, high-reward Helm Wagers and Cutthroat Cargo. Accept challenges and legendary treasure maps, which will put a literal target on your head until you reach the target outpost. Rise to the top, and solidify your reputation amongst Kingpins, earning rewards based on your leaderboard placement. Participate in free time-limited events each season, collaborate with fellow pirates, complete exclusive community events, and claim treasure troves of loot. The leaderboard resets each season with new rewards, encouraging players to continually strive for the top.”
Skull and Bones sails onto PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 on February 16. What do you think? Could the wait actually end up being worthwhile?
