Skull and Bones: What We Know About Ubisoft's Pirate RPG

Ubisoft is all set to roll out its first big game of 2024, and it's a pirate-themed adventure called Skull and Bones. This co-op open-world action RPG was initially envisioned as an expansion for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag over a decade ago, but after six delays spanning six years, it's finally hitting the shelves in mid-February. If you're curious about this pirate escapade, we've got the lowdown on everything you need to know about Skull and Bones.

Release Date:

Mark your calendars for February 16, when Skull and Bones officially sets sail. However, those opting for the Premium Edition or subscribing to Ubisoft+ get a head start, with early access available from February 13.

Platforms and Price:

Skull and Bones will drop anchor on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, priced at $70 USD for consoles and $60 for PC.

Special Editions:

Apart from the standard version, Ubisoft is offering a Premium Edition at $90. This deluxe package includes the base game, three days early access, a Premium bonus pack with outfit and ship sets, two extra missions, a digital art book, digital soundtrack, and a Smuggler pass token unlocking a battle pass.

Gameplay:

Skull and Bones unfolds as an action RPG playable solo or with up to two companions. While naval combat takes center stage, players will also explore land, undertaking contracts and gearing up for their next seafaring adventure.

Naval combat, an advanced version of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Rogue, allows extensive customization of ships, each boasting unique perks. With 10 ships at launch, players can fine-tune weaponry, armor, and aesthetics. Cannons, ballistae, mortars, rocket launchers, and torpedoes make up the arsenal, and customization extends to the ship’s color, sails, figurehead, and even choice of pets like cats and lemurs.

The open-sea gameplay introduces features like a spyglass for ship identification and flares to call nearby players for aid. While primarily PvE, PvP battles can be initiated with legendary treasure maps.

Beyond ship skirmishes, players encounter settlements, production sites, outposts, and forts. Settlements can be pillaged or used for trade, production sites deal in materials, outposts offer services, and forts provide challenging encounters. Settlements are tiered, influencing resource quality and difficulty level.

Different factions govern these settlements, tracking player behavior. Antagonizing factions may lead to hostility, impacting trade and increasing combat encounters.

Progression revolves around the infamy system, with higher ranks unlocking ship improvements, contracts, and valuable treasures. Tier 6 introduces a secret smuggling ring called The Helm, allowing players to establish a pirate lair and run their smuggling operation.

The adventure isn't confined to the sea; on foot, players can explore pirate dens like Sainte Anne, safe zones with vendors and characters offering contracts or tall tales leading to supernatural encounters.

Despite its rocky development, the closed beta in December left a positive impression. IGN’s Travis Northup praised the game’s robust ship customization, likening it to a true naval RPG. So, it seems Skull and Bones is ready to set sail on a promising voyage in 2024.