Skull and Bones: Release date, launch time and latest news
Take a look at Skull and Bones gameplay in action, as the game sails onto platforms.
The launch of Skull and Bones has arrived! Take to the high seas. Pursue a bounty on a rogue pirate. Or search for treasure in the open-world ocean.
After years of delays, speculation surrounding its cancellation and multiple betas, it's amazing that Skull and Bones has finally hit console and PC.
For anyone considering picking up the game, there's a lot to talk about – such as what platforms the Ubisoft title is releasing on, and whether it is on Xbox Game Pass. Well, we have that all covered.
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Read on to discover everything there is to know about the Skull and Bones release date, launch time and the latest story and gameplay news. Or better yet, sail to the end of the page to watch the latest trailer!
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Skull and Bones release date
The Skull and Bones release date was Friday 16th February 2024. If you purchased the Premium Edition of the game, though, you got to play three days early from Tuesday 13th February.
Work began on Skull and Bones in 2013 initially as an expansion for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, before being announced as an independent title in 2017.
Since then, Skull and Bones became infamous for its numerous delays - but it's finally set sail!
Skull and Bones UK launch time
The Skull and Bones launch time for the UK was 12am GMT on 16th February 2024.
Anyone looking to get a jump start on their naval adventure could do so from midnight, with the game available for preloading on both console and PC.
Can I pre-order Skull and Bones?
Pre-orders were available for Skull and Bones before its full release, so you could have secured your copy nice and early from retailers such as GAME.
In terms of a Skull and Bones pre-order bonus, Ubisoft stated that players who pre-ordered the game would get the Highness of the High Sea Pack, which includes the Notoriety Garb Captain Outfit and the Coronation Firework.
Which consoles and platforms can play Skull and Bones?
Skull and Bones launched on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Amazon Luna and PC, with the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store hosting the computer-friendly version.
A Google Stadia release was also initially planned, but the cloud gaming service has since shut down.
Is Skull and Bones on PS4 and Xbox One?
Skull and Bones will not be available on PS4 and Xbox One, with Ubisoft making the decision to embrace the next-gen consoles instead. Likewise, there are no announced plans for a Nintendo Switch version of Skull and Bones.
Is Skull and Bones on Steam? PC platforms explained
No, Skull and Bones will not be available on Steam at launch. Those wanting to play the game on PC will need to do so via either the Ubisoft Connect launcher or the Epic Games Store.
There's no sign of a Steam release for Skull and Bones as of yet, after an initial Steam page was delisted more than a year ago. This is due to an exclusivity agreement between the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft.
It's unclear how long this agreement will last but we'd expect it to be six months minimum at a guess.
Skull and Bones gameplay and story details
The Skull and Bones gameplay trailer, embedded above this paragraph, provided our best look at the pirate game in action. You can see the character creator, a number of the environments and menus, plenty of ship-based combat and an extended glimpse at the story in that video.
Describing the experience of Skull and Bones in a previous announcement, Ubisoft said: "Players will get to experience the authentic pirate life. From accepting contracts, gathering resources, to navigating important trade routes and attacking wealthy merchant ships, each decision will influence their journey, with varying levels of risk and reward."
The description continues: "As they grow their Infamy, players will be able to fully craft and customise their naval fleet and unlock a variety of new items throughout the game.
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You will be able to play the game alone in single-player or as a co-op experience. Expect PvP and endgame content, and exploration on land, too, in what looks to be a more full experience than perhaps we were expecting.
And in terms of the Skull and Bones story, here's an idea of when the game is meant to be set.
Ubisoft has said, "The game is inspired by one of the deadliest periods in history – the end of the 17th century. Considered to be the second Golden Age of Piracy, it sets the stage for a chaotic and ruthless era of pirates, warring factions, powerful organisations, and empires all vying for power in the untamed paradise of the Indian Ocean."
Can you play Skull and Bones single-player?
Yes, Skull and Bones fully supports single-player with the whole game available to play from start to end without the need to squad up.
There is no single-player campaign, though. It's also worth being aware of the fact that there are a number of challenges that will be more difficult if you do decide to take them on alone.
Is there a Skull and Bones trailer?
Yes, there is a Skull and Bones trailer. Check out the launch trailer for a quick look at the gameplay and locations you'll explore in the game:
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