The Long-Awaited Open Beta
After years of anticipation, Ubisoft's Skull and Bones is finally ready to welcome fans aboard its open beta journey, set to launch on February 7th. This thrilling beta experience promises exclusive rewards that will carry over to the full release of the game, adding an extra layer of excitement for all prospective pirates.
Originally conceived as an expansion to Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, Skull and Bones has evolved into a standalone adventure, shaped by numerous developer changes, innovative concepts, and a series of delays. In this immersive world, players begin their quest as ordinary pirates, striving to ascend the ranks through daring naval battles, thrilling exploration, and more. The game is a testament to the enduring appeal of piracy and the lure of uncharted waters.
Setting Sail for Adventure
Ubisoft has set the course for the open beta, which will run from February 7th at 9 pm EST to February 11th at 6 pm EST. Players can preload the beta from February 6th at 4 am EST, marking the countdown to an unforgettable maritime adventure. The beta will be accessible to Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC users, with PC enthusiasts able to obtain the beta through Ubisoft Connect or the Epic Games Store.
During the open beta, players will navigate through diverse locales, encountering multiple factions across the Red Isle, the coast of Africa, open seas, and the East Indies. Additionally, fans who watch their favorite Twitch streamers play the beta for an hour will receive the coveted Snow Leopard pet Twitch drop, adding an extra layer of community engagement to the seafaring spectacle.
Claiming Rewards and Charting Progress
As the open beta unfolds, players will have the opportunity to secure exclusive rewards by reaching various tiers of progression. These rewards include ship cosmetics, an emotive sign language, a charming lemur pet named 'Cookie,' and a formidable weapon known as 'Basilisk I' Culverin. The beta's progression will carry over to the full game, allowing players to continue their adventures with these coveted rewards.
Furthermore, players can engage in Main Campaign Contracts, Bounty Contracts, Side Contracts, World Events, and more, ensuring a varied and enthralling experience. The open beta introduces a level cap, but players can still pursue loot, earn silver, and complete activities even after reaching the pinnacle of the Brigand (Tier 6 Rank 1) level, promising a wealth of opportunities for intrepid pirates.
A Glimpse of the Future
In preparation for the game's full launch, Skull and Bones has unveiled its year-one roadmap, teasing four seasons packed with new missions, world events, and unlockable items. Each season will introduce a formidable Pirate Lord, providing players with a series of thrilling challenges and opportunities for glory. The roadmap hints at a rich and evolving world, promising an enduring journey for all aspiring pirates.
With the open beta arriving just a week before the game's full release, players can look forward to a taste of the adventure that awaits. While some fans have voiced concerns following the closed betas, the game's potential for greatness shines through, offering a captivating experience for all who dare to embrace the pirate's life.