If you’re wondering about the combat dynamics in Ubisoft’s latest IP, “Skull and Bones,” read on to dispel any confusion.
What Kind of Combat Does Skull and Bones Feature?
Regrettably, Skull and Bones does not incorporate Melee or Sword combat. In fact, engaging in conflict on land is not possible. The gameplay revolves solely around ship-to-ship battles and maritime exploration, such as hunting sharks. This approach is a deliberate departure from the style of “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag,” of which Skull and Bones is a spiritual successor. Ubisoft’s focus for Skull and Bones lies squarely on naval warfare and various activities centered around the sea.
Despite the game’s prolonged development, it’s puzzling why Ubisoft hasn’t incorporated some form of land combat, whether hand-to-hand or shooting. However, this limitation may lead to rich opportunities and an engaging campaign in the Indian Ocean setting. Moreover, the absence of melee and sword combat suggests that the naval battles in Skull and Bones may offer improved gameplay compared to “Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag,” as developers can focus solely on perfecting ship-to-ship combat mechanics.
Ubisoft has released the first-year plans for Skull and Bones, which do not hint at the inclusion of land combat. Therefore, it’s improbable that land-based fighting will be introduced, at least not within the first year. Players will predominantly command their ships, although they can explore solid ground, harvest materials on islands, interact with NPCs, engage in player-to-player bartering, and more. Hopefully, the thrilling naval battles compensate for the absence of land combat.
The game entered Open Beta on February 8. If you’re interested in trying out the Open Beta and acquainting yourself with the game’s mechanics, here’s how you can access it.