Despite rock-bottom player counts and mixed reviews, Ubisoft is doubling down on Skull and Bones with Year 2, Season 1—bringing new ships, pets, and upgrades to the beleaguered live-service pirate RPG.
The State of Skull and Bones (By the Numbers)
- Steam Players (April 2024):
- Pre-Season Launch (Weekend Peak): 152 players
- Post-Season Launch (Tuesday Peak): 447 players (A 194% increase… but still abysmal)
- Current Steam Discount: 50% off (€19.99 until April 20)
Why Is Ubisoft Still Supporting It?
- Likely contractual obligations (Singapore government subsidies).
- Attempting a No Man’s Sky-style redemption arc.
What’s New in Year 2, Season 1?
⚓ Major Additions
- New Ship: Schooner (fast, maneuverable)
- New Status Effect: Shell-Shocked (disorients enemies)
- New Pet: Tiger Cub (cosmetic companion)
🛠️ Progression Upgrades
- Item Ascension System:
- Upgrade weapons through Basic → Advanced → Special tiers.
- Requires Infamy Level 9+ to unlock.
- Rarity determines mod potential (Common → Epic).
📜 New Questline
- Starts with in-game mail → visit blacksmith → unlock upgrades.
Ubisoft’s Commitment: Too Little, Too Late?
In a Year 2 Showcase video, Ubisoft’s Alexis Cretton stated:
“We are committed to supporting Skull and Bones for years to come.”
But with player counts in the hundreds, skepticism remains:
- Lack of meaningful content (no land combat, shallow world).
- Steep competition (Sea of Thieves dominates the pirate genre).
- Live-service fatigue—players may have moved on.
Final Verdict
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2853730/Skull_and_Bones
At €19.99, Skull and Bones might now be a budget curiosity—but unless Ubisoft delivers massive overhauls, it’s unlikely to escape its “flop” status.
Will you give it another shot? Or is this ship already sunk? Let us know!
