Ubisoft doesn’t want its self-declared “AAAA” pirate game to fade into obscurity and has finally revealed the long-requested feature fans have been waiting for. Skull & Bones is set to receive ground combat, new ships, and mythical sea monsters as part of its 2025 content roadmap.

Ubisoft originally hyped up Skull & Bones as a “AAAA” game that would capture the hearts of every pirate game fan out there. But when it launched in February 2024, the reception was lukewarm at best: only 2,600 concurrent players on Steam, a number that’s dropped below 500 in the last six months. Still, the developers aren’t throwing in the towel just yet. They’ve announced a slew of new features for 2025, including the long-awaited ability to fight on land.

All these updates were presented in a YouTube video detailing the game’s second year of content, divided into four themed seasons. While several new features are being introduced, the standout addition is ground combat – something players have been asking for since launch. Here’s a breakdown of each season and what they’ll include.

Year 2 Content Overview

• Season 1: Ascent into Chaos – Launches April 15. Adds “Item Ascension,” a system that dramatically improves loot using modifiable, randomized item slots. It also introduces World Tiers, an expanded skill tree for empire-building, a new PvP mode called Death Tides, and several new ships.

• Season 2: Oaths of War – Arrives this summer. Players will join one of two factions (DMC or Campagnie Royale) and battle opposing players in ongoing faction warfare. This season also brings a megafortress and massive frigate-class ships.

• Season 3: Guts and Glory – Set for fall. Introduces officers who provide passive bonuses and ship upgrades, and finally brings ground-based combat to the game, answering one of the longest-standing requests from the community.

• Season 4: Eye of the Beast – Launching in winter. Formerly neutral factions summon mythical monsters to end the sea wars, culminating in the arrival of the Kraken. “It will be massive, bigger than any monster you’ve encountered in previous seasons,” according to the devs. The season also features a Hunters Guild and another large ship.

Free Trial and Discounts Incoming

Ubisoft is also launching a new free trial for Skull & Bones from April 17 to 21. During this period, the game will be fully playable at no cost, and digital stores will offer a 50% discount for those who wish to buy it permanently.

Source: 3djuegos