Ubisoft introduces Seasonal Content Plans for “Skull and Bones” in Roadmap

Skull and Bones, the highly anticipated pirate-themed game, is finally setting sail on February 16. Developed by Ubisoft, this game takes players into the treacherous world of the Indian Ocean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Starting off as a shipwrecked outcast, players will navigate through a cutthroat environment, engaging in battles, forming alliances, and making enemies as they strive to build their empire and become a kingpin of the seas.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. As a kingpin, players will have the power to tackle challenging endgame events and challenges that offer lucrative rewards and unlock new items. The first year of Skull and Bones will introduce four seasons of new enemies to the Indian Ocean, beginning with a formidable pirate lord who releases poison upon his foes.

In a recent co-op gameplay session, we had the opportunity to experience Skull and Bones’ endgame content. Playing at the highest Infamy ranking, known as the Kingpin level, we commanded a fleet of ships armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons. Our objective was to plunder outposts, defeat a monstrous sea creature, and engage in an epic battle against the aforementioned pirate lord. The endgame content in Skull and Bones is filled with thrilling challenges that allow players to establish themselves as dominant forces in different regions of the Indian Ocean, all while introducing exciting gameplay mechanics.

One of the notable features in Skull and Bones’ endgame is the ability to diversify your income streams by capturing manufacturers. Initially, players can trade with or plunder outposts for valuable resources used in shipbuilding and weapon crafting. However, now players have the opportunity to take control of these outposts and turn them into valuable assets within their empire. Controlled settlements will passively generate pieces of eight, a valuable currency that can be used to acquire rare and powerful black-market items. By expanding their control over more manufacturers, players can establish lucrative trade routes, increasing their revenue and solidifying their status as economic powerhouses across different regions of the Indian Ocean.

To take control of a manufacturer, players must participate in either a Hostile Takeover or a Legendary Heist. These world events present temporary opportunities that arise periodically throughout the day and must be completed within a set time limit before other players seize the opportunity for themselves.

Hostile Takeover is a thrilling PvPvE event where players attack an outpost with a production chain. The objective is to destroy the outpost’s defensive towers while fending off enemy ships and rival players who also seek control of the manufacturer. The player or crew that inflicts the most damage to the towers will successfully claim control of the outpost’s factory, reaping its profits.

During our Hostile Takeover mission, our party had a diverse fleet of ships at our disposal. I opted for the Brigantine, a ship class specializing in high damage output and swift maneuvers. Equipped with powerful long-range cannons and missiles, I unleashed devastating attacks on enemy ships as they sailed into the harbor. Using short-range cannons, I further weakened their defenses before engaging in close-quarters combat. It was an exhilarating experience that provided both satisfaction and ample opportunities for looting.

Although our team’s efforts fell short, resulting in another crew claiming victory over the manufacturer, we were not left empty-handed. Even in failure, Skull and Bones offers alternative opportunities to capitalize on. In our case, the failed takeover transformed into a plunder event where we faced waves of enemies and earned increasingly valuable loot after each assault.

For another chance at seizing ownership of a manufacturer, we embarked on a Legendary Heist. These co-op events require players to attack heavily armored merchant convoys and transport the stolen goods to an interested buyer who will then grant control over a manufacturer. However, other players have the opportunity to intercept and steal the cargo during transportation.

Determined not to be outmaneuvered again, I chose the Snow, a tank-class ship with additional cargo space. Equipped with torpedoes to deter any pursuers, I set sail alongside my team. Arriving at the scene shortly after another co-op party, our six ships collaborated to sink the target. However, only one player could carry the goods and claim the reward. As the player who dealt the most damage to the merchant vessel, I secured the cargo on my ship and swiftly made my way to the delivery port. The other party attempted to intercept me, but my teammates valiantly engaged them in battle, allowing me to safely deliver the goods and claim the ultimate prize – the Raofia Weaver manufacturer.

The Raofia Weaver, a White Skull Rum manufacturer located near the pirate den Saint-Anne, promised a substantial profit of 60 pieces of eight per hour once operational. However, collecting these gains required delivering silver and sugar cane to kickstart the rum production. A kingpin’s work is never done.

Next on our agenda was hunting a sea monster. We embarked on the Jaws of Retribution contract, which tasked us with finding, killing, and delivering the eye of a Tylosaurus to a fellow pirate. The Tylosaurus proved to be a formidable foe, capable of ramming ships from the water’s surface or launching aerial assaults like a giant red wrecking ball. Surviving its devastating attacks required coordination, careful observation of its patterns, and effective communication among our party. Despite its ferocity, we emerged victorious, acquiring the eye and even obtaining some monster meat for crafting Tylosaurus Steak, a delicious and stamina-boosting delicacy.

Just as we thought our adventure had reached its peak, a new world event emerged – the Tides of Terror. This event introduced Philippe La Peste, the main antagonist of Season 1: Raging Tides. La Peste and his pestilent crew invaded the Indian Ocean from the Caribbean, spreading discord and disease. Throughout the season, La Peste would send increasingly challenging fleets to attack the region, culminating in a boss fight against La Peste himself. We had the opportunity to confront La Peste in an epic battle, aiming to rid our waters of his poisonous presence.

Having witnessed the devastating power of the sea monster, I decided to switch to a healing class. Equipping the Barque with healing bombards, I provided vital support to my teammates, reinforcing their hulls from a distance. La Peste’s ship was an imposing sight, glowing green and unleashing poison from the sky. The battle required agility to avoid poison mortars, floating bombs, and occasional collisions with friendly ships. It was a grueling fight, but through relentless cannon fire and coordinated tactics, we sent La Peste to a watery grave.

La Peste is merely the first pirate lord to invade the Indian Ocean in Skull and Bones’ Year 1: Rise of the Kingpins. Season 2, Chorus of Havoc, will introduce the Hubac twins, dispatched by the King of France to eliminate pirates from the region. With two more seasons planned – Into the Dragon’s Wake and Shadows of the Deep – each season will bring new threats seeking to claim a piece of your empire, accompanied by a range of world events. As pirate lords arrive, local merchants and factions will adapt their operations accordingly, influencing the value of different commodities.

When you’re a kingpin ruling the high seas, there’s always another adventure waiting. The world events, ship classing and customization, and naval combat we experienced in Skull and Bones’ endgame content are just a taste of what awaits players when the game launches on February 16 for XBOX Series X|S, Playstation 5, Amazon Luna, and PC via Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. Preorders for Skull and Bones are currently available on the Ubisoft Store, and those seeking early access can sign up for a Ubisoft+ Premium subscription. If you’re eager to explore the Indian Ocean before the official release, be sure to register for the Skull and Bones Open Beta, commencing on February 8.

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