What we know about Skull and Bones, the pirate game on troubled seas

Few games have undergone a development cycle as tumultuous as Skull and Bones, an open-world pirate adventure that has been in the works for nearly a decade. Since its initial reveal at E3 2017, the game has reportedly gone through numerous redesigns and has been delayed several times. Following its reemergence in 2022, it’s clear the game was coming together. However, in January 2023, Ubisoft delayed the game for a sixth time. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Skull & Bones, including its launch window, gameplay, and details about its development cycle.

When is the Skull and Bones release date?

Skull & Bones was supposed to launch on March 9, 2023, but was delayed to sometime between 2023 and 2024. Its exact release date is unknown but it should launch within the next year, assuming Ubisoft sticks to its new timeframe.

This all comes as part of a Ubisoft restructuring, which saw the cancelation of several games within the past six months.

As part of its lengthy re-reveal, Ubisoft had planned for the game to come out on November 8, 2022, but delayed the game multiple times since then. Ubisoft says it wants to focus on offering the best in-game experience as possible to players “from day one.”

In addition, the company also stated that more Skull and Bones updates will be revealed via the game’s social channels leading up to its release.

By the time this game comes out, it will have been in the works for a decade.

What are the Skull and Bones platforms?

Ubisoft confirmed that Skull and Bones will launch for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Amazon Luna. It was previously planned to release for PS4 and Xbox One, but given its lengthy development cycle, Ubisoft has shifted away from the previous generation.

Is there a Skull and Bones trailer?

The newest Skull and Bones trailer debuted on July 7, 2022. There had been multiple trailers and showings before this, but considering how much the game has shifted direction in recent years, it’s best to disregard anything prior to 2022.

There’s also a substantial Ubisoft Forward event dedicated to Skull and Bones that takes a deep dive into all the game’s systems and features, which we recommend watching if you’re curious about this upcoming adventure.

Who is the Skull and Bones developer?

Skull and Bones is in development at Ubisoft Singapore, the team responsible for many Assassin’s Creed games including Black Flag — which is one of the biggest inspirations for the upcoming pirate adventure. In fact, this game initially started off as a multiplayer expansion to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, but eventually spun into something of its own.

It has been in the works since 2013 and has undergone numerous iterations — at one point being an MMO before evolving into a live-service game.

According to a report from Kotaku, the game suffered from a lack of creative vision, management issues, and has cost Ubisoft $120 million as of 2021.

Thankfully, the project seems to have come together as of July 2022, so hopefully, it will finally launch by 2024.

What will the Skull and Bones gameplay be like?

Skull and Bones is a multiplayer pirate game that focuses on ship battles, with players taking on various roles to control and attack large vessels in the ocean. While the game will prioritize multiplayer components such as PvE, PvP, and co-op, you’ll be able to complete the game solo, as well.

As revealed during the recent Ubisoft Forward event, the game starts you off washed up on a beach with nothing. You then have to fend off deadly creatures and build yourself up as you acquire new pirate contracts to grow your Infamy.

Infamy is tied to the game’s progression system. The more missions you accomplish, the more your Infamy grows, giving you access to more jobs and opportunities.

Along the way, you’ll earn blueprints and different crafting materials used to develop your ship. As you complete more challenging contracts, the rewards you’ll earn will improve — leading to much better ships.

Naval combat remains one of Skull and Bones’ core features. Ubisoft explains that a variety of weapons will be available such as cannons, “Greek Fire,” mortars, and other types of bombards to sink enemy ships.

With this being a live-service game, Ubisoft is committed to supporting Skull and Bones with post-launch content for years to come. Following the game’s release, free content will be available to all players, offering more challenges and quests to complete.

Skull & Bones will now launch between 2023 and 2024.