Ubisoft Adds Land Combat to Skull and Bones This Fall

Ubisoft is charting an ambitious course to elevate Skull and Bones Year 2 as the pirate multiplayer game's most substantial update yet, featuring major content additions including new game modes, ships, mythical Kraken encounters, and the highly anticipated land combat system fans have demanded since launch.

During a dedicated Year 2 showcase event yesterday, Ubisoft unveiled its treasure trove of upcoming updates. While the presentation brimmed with exciting content, Season 3: Guts and Glory stands out as the long-awaited moment when players will finally experience land-based combat - a feature noticeably absent since the game's February 2023 debut.

Coming this fall, Season 3 will break new ground by allowing players to leave their ships and engage in swordplay and firearm combat on solid ground. The Rogue Warlord update introduces sandy beaches and mysterious caves where pirates can rescue elite crew members called Officers. While preview footage offered glimpses of the new mechanics, the full extent of land gameplay remains to be revealed later this year.

Beyond the revolutionary land combat system, Ubisoft's roadmap promises continuous gameplay innovations throughout 2025. Season 1: Ascent into Chaos launches today (April 15), introducing revolutionary ship upgrades through item ascension, challenging new World Tiers, the nimble Schooner vessel, and the team-based Death Tides PvP mode. Summer 2025's Season 2: Oaths of War will bring Megaforts and massive Frigate-class ships, while winter's Season 4: Eye of the Beast introduces the legendary Kraken, Hunter's Guild faction, and the formidable Corvette warship.

For curious adventurers, Ubisoft will host a free weekend trial from April 17-21, allowing prospective pirates to experience naval combat firsthand while offering discounted game purchases (with pricing details coming soon).

Originally launched on February 16, 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S (earning a 7/10 in our review), Skull and Bones generated significant player engagement despite Ubisoft keeping official sales figures confidential. Interestingly, the pirate adventure's release coincided with a 200% surge in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag players, demonstrating renewed interest in naval combat experiences.