Skull and Bones got its first official gameplay preview during the Ubisoft Forward Spotlight, revealing a single-player pirate game that can also be played in co-op for three players. Those wanting to test the game before it is released in November can sign up to take part in live tests or become a member of the Insider Program. While Ubisoft confirmed the game will be coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia, Skull & Bones has been canceled for Xbox One and PS4.
Skull and Bones single-player gameplay
Skull and Bones is set during the golden age of piracy, otherwise known as the end of the 17th century. Starting in the pirate den of Saint Anne as an outcast who has survived a shipwreck, players take on the Indian Ocean with just “a rickety little sailboat”. To become a revered pirate captain, blueprints can be unlocked to build better ships, upgrade current vessels, and equip them with weapons and other tools. However, the best pirates also have an infamous reputation; a player’s Infamy level is increased by completing contracts from vendors, local factions, and pirate kingpins. The open seas offer a variety of other opportunities too, like trade routes and merchant ships that offer rich pickings. There are ten Infamy levels to unlock, each with more opportunities, ships, upgrades, resources, and tools.
Naval combat is one of the more important game features with 12 unlockable ships allowing for different playstyles. They have different options for speed, capacity, and hit points as well as unique perks. They can be upgraded with armor and weapons like cannons, mortars, ballistae, and torpedoes. Cargo ships can transport large volumes of loot but are slow. Navigation ships are quick but have less cargo space and lower armor values. Firepower ships can deal great damage but aren’t easy to maneuver.
Things won’t be easy, though. Ships need to be well-stocked before they go out on contracts and other missions because a starving and unhappy crew will mutiny. Players need to gather those resources from the varied environments as well as pirate dens, and the local wildlife isn’t always happy to see them. Pirate hunter privateers will hunt down the most merciless. Violent storms and rogue waves are a constant hazard. If a ship sinks, that player will lose some progress and find themselves back at the nearest discovered pirate den. You can go back to retrieve your cargo from the wreck, but other players will also be trying to steal it.
All of the game’s content can be completed by single players or in co-op for three players. There will also be multiplayer PvP modes that players can enable with lucrative rewards. Those wanting to try the game before it is released can sign up for either the Insider Program or live tests such as the previous beta. Skull & Bones will arrive on November 9 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia. The game is now canceled for PS4 and Xbox One, although Ubisoft did not explain why they’ve had a change of heart.
In other news, the Fall Guys Abstergo Challenge is live now with a series of challenges based around the Sweet Thieves mode. Elsewhere, the Hex Rival Pro controller has been announced for PS5 and is aimed at competitive players.
