Skull and Bones Year 2 Roadmap: New Ships, Land Combat, and the Kraken

Image: Skull and Bones (Ubisoft)

When Skull and Bones launched in February 2024, it faced harsh criticism from players and critics alike. 

The lack of meaningful progression, minimal land-based exploration, and a $70 price tag were especially disappointing for those expecting a full-fledged pirate adventure. Comparisons to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Sea of Thieves only worsened the reception, with the game seen as a shallow alternative that failed to live up to nearly a decade of hype and a $200 million budget.

Despite the rocky start, Ubisoft has shown a clear determination to turn things around. Following several patches and content drops in Year 1, the studio has now kicked off Year 2 with a major update—Season 1: Ascent into Chaos—marking a renewed effort to rebuild the game’s reputation and deliver on its original promise. 

The update introduces new gameplay systems, quality-of-life improvements, and a multi-season roadmap packed with features aimed at addressing the game’s most persistent criticisms.

In the Year 2 Showcase, Senior Community Developer Alexis Cretton thanked the player base and affirmed Ubisoft’s commitment to supporting Skull and Bones for the long haul: “We are dedicated to supporting Skull and Bones for years to come.”

The Year 2 roadmap outlines four content-rich seasons with significant new gameplay features.

The first Season 1 of Year 2, called "Ascent into Chaos," launched on April 15. This update introduces several new features including a new ship type called the Schooner, a Shell-Shocked status effect, a new upgrade tree, and even a tiger cub pet for players to adopt.

One of the major additions is Item Ascension, which allows players to enhance their weapons and gear. The feature becomes available once players reach Infamy Tier 9. After completing the Ascension and Modification quest, players can visit the Blacksmith to unlock the Item Ascension feature.

The modification system offers three grades of improvements:

• Basic: General improvements

• Advanced: Noteworthy improvements

• Special: Powerful improvements with unique properties

The number of modification slots depends on the weapon's rarity, with common weapons having the most slots available. This system gives players more ways to customize their gear to match their playing style.

Here's the full Roadmap:

Season 1: Ascent Into Chaos (Current Season)

• World Tiers difficulty system

• Item Ascension

• Death Tides PvP Mode

Season 2: Oaths of War

• Disputed Waters faction system where players can pick sides

• Introduction of the Frigate, the first large ship

• Mega Fort content

Season 3: Guts and Glory

• New Reputation System

• Officer System for ship buffs

• Land Combat, allowing players to fight on foot

Season 4: Eye of the Beast

• Territorial Control gameplay (Conquer and Defend)

• Another large ship class: the Corvette

• The Kraken, a legendary sea monster to battle

Image: Skull and Bones Year 2 Roadmap (Ubisoft)

Future updates will also bring faction-based PvP, an evolving narrative, and stronger incentives for endgame content—areas that were notably weak at launch. 

For example, Season 2 will allow players to align with either the Compagnie Royale or the Dutch Merchant Company, changing how other ships react to them on the open seas. 

Season 3 introduces a new threat called the Rogue Warlord who traffics weapons and holds Officers for ransom. Rescued Officers can be assigned to your ship, providing unique buffs like repair perks, increased damage, and faster sailing.

Also, Season 3 introduces Land Combat, allowing players to fight on foot for the first time in Skull and Bones. This was one of the major points of feedback from players who wanted more immersive, non-ship-based gameplay.

And the final season introduces the Sea People, who summon the Kraken to purge the waters. It also adds the Hunters Guild, allowing players to become master hunters of sea creatures. With the Hunter's Guild, players can purchase the new Hunter Dhow, a small ship specialized in hunting.

To promote these new features, Skull and Bones is hosting a free weekend from April 17-21 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. This gives potential new players a chance to try the game before purchasing.