With a fast-approaching release date of February 16, I delve into the choppy waters of Skull and Bones to bring the latest surrounding this highly anticipated – and long awaited – release. So, as I raise the anchor and roll out the sales, get ready for a medley of pirate-y puns and Skull and Bones news.
Skull and Bones Release Date and Platforms
Having been first announced at the 2017 E3 Conference, Skull and Bones has been a long time in the making. With so few pirate-themed games to fill the void, fans of the high seas have since ran the massively anticipated game through the rumor mill regarding the release date but now we finally have one set in stone for February 16.
Sadly, it seems that Ubisoft have laid the previous generation’s consoles to rest and Skull and Bones won’t be coming to the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 consoles. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC fans, however, will be able to enjoy the game.
While there were rumors surrounding Skull and Bones coming to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, these have been long since quashed. However, Ubisoft Plus subscribers will be able to settle in to the pirate-based action on day one of its release.
Skull and Bones Gameplay
Stepping into the buckled boots of a pirate, Skull and Bones sees you sailing the Seven Seas to become a legendary and widely feared swashbuckling pirate. The game will start with your ship being washed up at sea with your ship broken down into planks and no pirate-y possessions to your name. This proffers the perfect opening for a survival game that will lay heavy focus on crafting tools and building shelters.
Like the current number one contender for the “Most Swashbuckling Game” award, Sea of Thieves, Skull and Bones will be predominantly a multiplayer game. While you will be able to play solo, the game will be better played with friends as part of a team.
The multiplayer will offer the relatively safe lands of Sainte Anne to build your bases, shop for materials and meet other players but, for the more seasoned pirate, the option to venture out to complete contracts and enter the Disputed Waters mode that will allow for 5v5 PVP action in the guise of navel combat.
The Ships of Skull and Bones
As well as crafting tools, weapons, clothes and shelter; Skull and Bones will also give you the opportunity to build a fleet of ships, all with their individual purposes. Cargo ships will allow you to carry vast amounts across the seas, perfect for stockpiling your spoils and moving them from island to island. Navigation ships, built solely for their speed, are an ideal option for exploring undiscovered areas and carrying out recces on the enemy, while firepower ships are the huge juggernaut galleons built solely for wanton destruction.
The variety of ships promises to open up the gameplay, giving the player a multitude of options for how they would like to approach the game and the many situations that it will likely throw our way.
Skull and Bones – Summary
After five years waiting, gamers the world over will be chomping at the bit for this rapidly approaching release. Having only had the cartoon world of Sea of Thieves to live out their pirate-related fantasies for so long, a more adult friendly world is just what fellow pirate fans have needed on this generation of console.
The trailer shows an abundance of promise as Ubisoft showcased their soon-to-be hit title in all of its graphical glory. Prepare your galleons, feed your parrot and strap in for a wild, deep and enthralling adventure.
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