Skull & Bones: Trailers, Platforms & everything we know

❘ Published: 2023-01-11T18:10:47

Ubisoft

The pirate life comes to shore in the gaming world with Ubisoft’s latest venture.

Inspired by Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Skull and Bones is an online game that will cast players in the roles of swashbucklers during the Golden Age of Piracy.

Publisher Ubisoft unveiled the pirate-themed adventure during its E3 2017 press conference, promising an experience that would take the mechanics of Black Flag’s naval gameplay to the next level.

Ubisoft Singapore leads development on the beleaguered project, which the publisher has delayed on multiple occasions. Allegedly, the protracted production cycle is thanks in part to Skull & Bones undergoing several reboots.

While the game has been in development for a long time after suffering multiple delays, here’s everything we know about Skull and Bones.

Skull and Bones release date
Skull and Bones platforms
Skull and Bones trailers
Skull and Bones gameplay details

Skull and Bones development updates

Unfortunately, Skull and Bones has received its 6th delay as of January 11, 2023. In a financial roadmap update released by Ubisoft, it has been announced the game will name come out sometime in the 2023-2024 year. This update does not include any dates or further information.

The update reads, “Players will be able to discover the beauty of Skull and Bones in the upcoming beta phase. The additional time has already paid off and brought impressive improvements to its quality, which has been confirmed by recent playtests. We believe players will be positively surprised by its evolution. We have decided to postpone its release in order to have more time to showcase a much more polished and balanced experience and to build awareness. Skull and Bones will now be released early 2023-24.”

An Open Beta will be held ahead of the game’s launch, however, no date has been given as of yet.

Skull and Bones platforms

The pirate-filled online adventure is set to sail across PC via the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia, and Amazon Luna.

Skull and Bones trailer

Two trailers have been released for Skull and Bones. The first is a gameplay overview trailer that explores what you’ll do and how you’ll go about being an infamous pirate.

Then Ubisoft released a PC Features trailer that grants a deeper glimpse into the style and theme of the game itself while showing off the unlimited FPS and many more advantages to playing it on a PC.

Skull and Bones gameplay details

The gameplay overview trailer for Skull and Bones notes that it takes place in an Indian Ocean-inspired locale. Players will assume the role of an ordinary swashbuckler looking to become the most infamous pirate on the high seas. They’ll start by visiting Sainte-Anne, a pirate den that doubles as an in-game hub.

While exploring Sainte-Anne, users can expect to socialize with other players, as well as stock up on ship upgrades, provisions, and equipment.

The Infamy system serves as the means through which every Skull and Bones user will boost their pirate’s reputation. Thus as their Infamy grows so too will new opportunities.

Notably, Infamy-improving activities include exploring, treasure hunting, raiding, and dynamic events. Completing contracts for NPCs counts as another way of increasing a pirate’s reputation, with some jobs even allowing players to join up with fellow swashbucklers online.

Sail the open seas and become a formidable pirate in Skull & Bones

Of course, pirates will begin their ventures with a small ship – a dow, in fact. Progression should award more powerful vessels, though, each one bearing a unique playstyle. The condition of the ship and its crew will demand regular inspection by the pirate captain, too, especially since disgruntled crewmates will have no problem starting a mutiny should things go south.

In terms of off-ship adventuring, Skull and Bones only permits limited land-based exploration. Players will even manage the plundering of resources from an in-game menu on the ship.

The sea vessels play an integral part in Skull and Bones as a result, with three different types confirmed for launch. Cargo ships count among the slowest vessels but should prove useful for those hauling large loads of loot.

Navigation ships move through waters with more speed, yet reduced cargo space and “lower hull HP” could be a deal-breaker for some.

Finally, Firepower ships come equipped with more gun ports, resulting in higher damage outputs. The downside rests in the fact that these ships aren’t easy to maneuver.

While waiting for Skull & Bones to come out, check out some of these other upcoming titles.