Skull and Bones, Ubisoft’s multiplayer pirate game, has gone through a tumultuous development cycle up to this point. Not only has the game been in development since prior to its announcement in 2017, but it also went through a reported rework as announced in 2020. However, whileSkull and Boneshas yet to receive an official release window, it does appear to have had significant progress made. A newly leaked video from theSkull and Bonesalpha shows how much the game has changed in some exciting new ways.
The leaked video from the alpha was shared on Reddit, but it’s since been removed viaUbisofttakedowns. The video captured an introduction toSkull and Bonesfilled with narration that described what players can expect. This narration is particularly intriguing because it details aspects ofSkull and Bonesthat have yet to be announced yet. The big confirmations include a new social hub named Sainte-Anne, the progression track known as Infamy, and details about its gameplay loop.
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Sainte-Anne is obviously a major confirmation forSkull and Bones. It confirms that the pirate game has evolved from a simple matchmaking-focused multiplayer game to something more akin toAnthemorDestiny 2. Sainte-Anne is described as the place whereSkull and Bonesplayers will do a majority of the busywork necessary for pirating. Players will craft and upgrade their ships here, acquire provisions for upcoming missions, and also pick up contracts for work. Naturally, players will also be able to socialize with others and show off their cosmetics.
The pirating gameplay ofSkull and Bonesis said to have largely been retained. Players will take out their own ships for missions, through which they can participate in PvE content like plundering settlements, raiding fortresses, and taking on enemy ships. All combat is ship-based. PvP isn’t fully detailed, but theSkull and Bonesintro does mention encountering hostile players on the open sea forPvPvE action.
Through completing quests, earning resources and money, andcrafting improved gear and ships, players will gain Infamy. Infamy can also be lost if players lose a battle, too. Exactly how Infamy influences what content players will experience isn’t clear, but it’s clear that players' strength and the game’s challenge will grow over time.
One last interesting thing to consider from theSkull and Bonesalphais that Ubisoft appears to have made significant progress. While the alpha remains under NDA, it’s possible that it could be nearing a state where Ubisoft feels comfortable sharing more information, starting a beta, or even announcing a release date. The leak confirms thatSkull and Bonesis very much alive and perhaps more exciting than ever.
Skull and Bonesis currently in development.
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