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If you’ve been sitting on the fence with regards to playing Skull and Bones, now’s the perfect time to try it. Not only has Ubisoft outlined colossal Year 2 plans that aim to completely revitalize the ailing pirate game, but the developer is even running a free weekend right now, too. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows hopefully marking Ubisoft’s new string of successes, Skull and Bones looks like it could follow suit. Besides, I can never argue with the chance to play a videogame for free.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, Ubisoft’s foray into online pirate antics was a disaster. Our Skull and Bones review didn’t pull any punches, and the general consensus from critics and players alike was that this live service game didn’t have the sea legs it needed to survive. After Ubisoft committed to shutting down XDefiant, I thought Skull and Bones was next.
Thankfully, this hasn’t been the case for the pirate multiplayer game. We’re now in the midst of Year 2 Season 1, where Ubisoft has some huge plans. A new Item Ascension feature helps you to buff your gear in surprising ways, with randomized enhancements and modifiable slots. You can also opt into World Tiers, which are optional levels of difficulty with different challenges across the seas. These challenges drop even better rewards (including ascended items), so are perfect for anyone looking to gear up.
Midway through this season you can also play a new PvP experience. Called Death Tides, this is a team-based mode where you aim to control the map. You can use your own loadout or pick from some mighty vessels, with all your rewards and XP carrying over to the main game.
In Year 2 Season 2, Ubisoft is adding even more to Skull and Bones. You can control a new boat called the Frigate, which is the game’s first-ever large ship with even more weapon ports for extra damage. There’s also a raging conflict and a megafort for you to contend with. Season 3 is where things get really interesting for the game, however. Not only can you expect the reputation and officer systems, but the highly-anticipated land combat mechanic is being introduced as well. We don’t know how playing on land at this scale will look just yet, but I imagine it’ll add a whole new dimension to how you play the game.
Skull and Bones Year 2 Season 1 is live now, and you can play the game for free on Xbox, PlayStation, or via Ubisoft Connect until Monday April 21. Keep in mind that this free period is not available on Steam on PC.
If you want even more to play, make sure you check out all the best pirate games and best co-op games on PC right now.
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