Summary

Players who were put offSkull and Bonesby its Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store exclusivity now finally have an opportunity to check it out on Steam and it won’t cost a cent. While it may have launched to mixed reviews, that hasn’t stopped Ubisoft from pushingSkull and Bonesas its next major live-service title, releasing plenty of content updates to continually flesh out the gameplay.One has to imagine that its arrival on Steam will prompt a decent boost in player numbers, so there’s never been a better time to take up a pirate’s life.

Announced onSteam, Ubisoft confirmed that shortly afterSkull and Boneslaunches on Valve’s platform,interested players will be able to check out with a free trial. The game was originally meant to release alongside the aforementioned trial but due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s been delayed. The developer insists that it will keep users informed about the state of the trial, noting that it wants to ensure players have “the best possible experience” when it does eventually arrive.

Ships from Skull & Bones sail next to each other in the ocean.

All Ship Blueprints In Skull And Bones, Ranked By Design

There are multiple ship blueprints to obtain in Skull and Bones, allowing you to craft your ideal vessel. Here are the best, ranked by their design.

Skull And Bones Is Much Better Now

Ubisoft Is Committed To Turning It Around

WhenSkull and Boneslaunched in early 2024,players widely criticized the gamefor its lack of meaningful content and limited progression, both of which are essential for a live-service experience. Over the last few months, Ubisoft has listened to feedback,releasing a couple of seasons that have grown the pirate-themed experience with new enemy types, unlockable gear, and story missions. This isn’t to say the game is flawless, but it’s a significantly more entertaining package now than it was in February 2024.

If the Steam launch proves successful,Ubisoft will continue to expandSkull and Boneswith more patches and seasonal content. The game is still relatively young, so it may just be going through the growing pains of most live-service titles. One need only look atDestiny 2’s first few expansionsto see how a game sometimes needs a little time to incorporate feedback and grow into what players want.

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Whether or notSkull and Boneshas the staying power of other titles in the games-as-a-service space remains to be seen. Players interested insetting sail and plundering enemy shipscan purchase the game on Steam or wait until the free trial becomes available. Alternatively,there’s alwaysSea of Thievesfor those who just can’t get enough of the open ocean.