Skull and Bones

Skull and Bones is a pirate-themed video game set in a fantastical rendition of the late 17th century East Africa and Southeast Asia, during the historical Golden Age of Piracy. Players assume control of customizable pirate ships, navigating the Indian Ocean in both single-player and multiplayer modes. In the single-player campaign, players embark on a journey through the open world to become a pirate kingpin.

The game emphasizes naval warfare, with wind positioning playing a strategic role in battles. Players can collect various ships such as sloops-of-war, frigates, and brigantines, each equipped with different weapons like mortars, broadside cannons, and rockets, but also cannons that can heal friendly ships. There is a leveling system called Infamy Rank and advanced ships have more room for furniture and weapons, making them stronger. Ship combat involves tactics like brute force attacks and boarding maneuvers, with damage measured by health bars. Naval combat requires strategy and cooperation.

The game offers an expansive open world ripe for exploration and plunder, not only on sea but also briefly on land, mostly to start and end quests. There is however no melee combat and boarding a ship is a finisher that destroys the vessel, so there is only naval combat. Missions types include cargo deliveries, defeating enemy ships, treasure maps and investigation missions involving some detective work. Some RPG mechanics allow for resource gathering and ship customization. Players can craft new ships and experiment with different builds. It also incorporates economic elements like trade routes and black market dealings.

There are two forms of multiplayer: co-operative play and PvP (player vs player) challenges. Any multiplayer activities can be participated in with up to three friends. Co-op can be initiated to take on tougher missions or take part in limited-time world events that require multiple people by approaching a player's ship or sending up a flare for help. PvP challenges involve multiple players pursuing treasure or stealing loot from each other's cargo or controlling a point of interest to earn Pieces of Eight and various trade goods.