In 2013, Ubisoft released Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag which saw the AC franchise go from leaping between buildings to controlling a galleon and going on swashbuckling missions in the Golden Age of Pirates. Since then fans have been champing at the bit for an open-world pirate adventure game, especially since Skull and Bones was first announced back in 2017. And finally we have great news – the wait is over!
We’ve got everything you need to know about the long-awaited upcoming game from Ubisoft, including game play, release date and a new trailer premiered at 2023’s Game Awards. This definitely isn’t one for land lubbers…
What is Skull and Bone’s release date?
Pop on your eye patch and strap on your sword, Skull and Bones will be ready to sail on 16 February 2024. If you can’t wait that long, Ubisoft says that the Premium Edition will let you play 3 days early.
How much will Skull and Bones cost?
For console players, Skull and Bones will be next-gen only. That means you’ll be looking at a price tag of £49.99 for the base game, and you should probably expect the same for PC. Then there will likely be the more expensive Premium Editions with bonus features and an earlier release. It’ll also be offered on the Ubisoft+ subscription service.
Can I pre-order Skull and Bones?
You can pre-order physical and digital versions of Skull and Bones on the Ubisoft store right now. And we’ll keep you updated on our Upcoming games page too, where we offer great deals on pre-orders with promotional codes.
Skull and Bones platforms
Skull and Bones is coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S and PS5. With sprawling maps and stunning graphics, it’ll be a truly next-gen release. So if you’ve got a last gen console or older PC, it might be time to upgrade!
How to play Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones will put you in charge of your very own pirate ship – that means taking on RPG style missions, upgrading your boat and going toe-to-toe in high seas combat. The combat looks fast-paced and great fun. You’ll be able to switch between guns and outmanoeuvre your enemy until they get that sinking feeling. Then you can either blow them to smithereens or board their boat to loot them.
As you progress, you’ll gain infamy – spreading your fame across the Seven Seas and luring pirates to your crew.
But if you want to become top pirate, you’ll have to earn it. You’ll start as a washed-up young buccaneer who creates a boat out of driftwood in the Indian Ocean. You’ll join a crew where you gain reputation and build your loot until you’re ready to equip your galleon with cannons and a crew.
But before you can do that, you’ll be trying out survival game elements, like sawing down trees, collecting schematics and filling your chests with booty.
How many hours of gameplay will Skull and Bones have?
Because it’s an open-world adventure, we can expect this game to be huge. Unlike Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, Skull and Bones wasn’t primarily a one-player campaign kind of game. But thanks to fan feedback, Ubisoft have added a story mode you’ll be able to play on your own. As yet we don’t have any firm figures on how long that campaign will be – but we’ll keep you updated.
However, there’s a huge focus on multiplayer here – so you’ll be creating your own adventure. The amount of time you can spend playing with friends is pretty much unlimited.
What Skull and Bones features are player-customisable?
Lots! One of the best thing about pirates was their outlandish wardrobes, guaranteed to impress and terrify. So, you’ll be able to dress your character up to be the most fearsome pirate around. You can also pick your pirate’s appearance (including both female and male character).
Then there’s the stare of the show – your ship – which you can make your very own. From weapons, décor and even an animal mascot, you can make every inch of your galleon your own.
Will Skull and Bones have a multiplayer mode?
Yes. Thanks to online play, you’ll be able to play co-op with friends and form your very own fleet. And that includes crossplay. So, if you’re playing on PC, you’ll be able to team up with your mates on consoles and offer them much needed help. Servers will also have room for up to 20 players according to Ubisoft developers. Let the carnage commence!
Let’s play
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