Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones, officially delayed six times, is now playable for free from February 8 to February 11 as part of its open beta. Set to launch on February 16—assuming there are no further delays after the open beta concludes—Skull and Bones invites players to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin. Progress from the open beta will carry over to the official launch, although the infamy cap is set at Tier 6 Rank 1, Brigand. The game is accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with cross-progression and cross-play enabled.
In the open beta, players begin in the pirate den of Sainte-Anne on the Red Isle, currently ruled by John Scurlock. This pirate den serves as a safe zone where players can interact, craft ships, weapons, and equipment. Players will also have access to their warehouse to store loot, repair ships, sell items, and more. After establishing their reputation in the Red Isle, players can venture into the Open Seas and travel to the East Indies.
Players who reach the Brigand rank can continue playing in the open beta, but their infamy rank will stay at that level. Ubisoft will also reward participants of the open beta with some items:
- Ship Cosmetic: Sir Reginald Grim Sail Emblem (reach tiers 2)
- Ship Cosmetic: Tarred Sail Pattern (reach tiers 4)
- Emote: Sign Language (reach tiers 6)
- Pet: Cookie The Lemur (use a medium ship)
- Weapon: Basilisk I Culverin (participate in a world event)