After a tumultuous development period and several delays, Skull and Bones is finally here. Ubisoft's open-world pirate adventure offers a dynamic experience that blends naval combat, exploration, and survival. As a live service game, it features an extensive economy system that may initially overwhelm players. With six different currencies to manage, understanding how to earn and spend them is critical to making the most of your time on the seas.

This guide breaks down the different types of currencies in Skull and Bones, explaining how each is used, how to earn them, and offering tips on the most efficient ways to spend them.

1. Gold - The Premium Currency

Gold is Skull and Bones' premium currency, primarily used for cosmetic purchases. It's important to note that while Gold isn't necessary for progression, it allows players to buy aesthetic Skull and Bones items such as customizations for their ships and avatars. You'll also need Gold to purchase the premium versions of future Smugglers Passes, which are akin to battle passes in other live-service games.

How to Earn Gold: Gold is earned through real-money transactions. You typically get about 1000 Gold for every $10 spent, though bonuses may be available for bulk purchases. Gold can also be used to purchase exclusive content that's only available to paying players.

What Gold is Used For:

Cosmetics: Ship skins, character costumes, and avatar customizations.

Premium Passes: Future Smugglers Passes and exclusive seasonal content.

Tip: Since Gold is exclusive to microtransactions, use it wisely on items that improve your aesthetic enjoyment of the game. Focus on purchasing items that help personalize your pirate, as Gold doesn't affect gameplay.

2. Silver - The Core Currency

Silver is the primary currency in Skull and Bones, and you'll be using it extensively for most of your gameplay. Unlike Gold, Silver can be earned by simply playing the game. Whether you're sinking enemy ships, plundering settlements, or completing missions, Silver will be your go-to currency for most in-game purchases.

How to Earn Silver: Silver is rewarded for completing missions, engaging in combat, sinking ships, and looting settlements. The more activities you complete, the more Silver you accumulate.

What Silver is Used For:

Ship Upgrades: Improve your ship's armor, speed, and weaponry.

Weapons & Consumables: Purchase upgrades for your weapons and stock up on consumables to enhance your combat performance.

Cosmetics: While Gold is reserved for premium items, a significant number of cosmetics can be purchased with Silver.

Tip: Since Silver is used for core gameplay upgrades, prioritize using it for ship upgrades and essential consumables that can improve your combat efficiency. Don't waste it on cosmetics unless they enhance your gameplay.

3. Pieces of Eight - The Business Sim Currency

Skull and Bones also features an endgame business simulation mode known as "The Helm." This feature allows you to complete Orders by delivering goods while avoiding rogue ships or engaging in trade routes. Successful deliveries earn you Pieces of Eight, which are a special currency that can be spent in Skull and Bones' Black Market.

How to Earn Pieces of Eight: You earn Pieces of Eight through participation in The Helm activities. These activities include completing Orders, engaging in the business sim, and outrunning or defeating rogue ships during deliveries.

What Pieces of Eight are Used For:

Black Market Purchases: Use Pieces of Eight to buy rare materials, weapons, and cosmetics from the exclusive Helm Black Market.

Cosmetics: While not as critical as other currencies, Pieces of Eight can bypass some of the game's usual grind if you're looking for specific items.

Tip: Invest Pieces of Eight in the Black Market to skip some grind-heavy processes or gain access to rare items that are otherwise hard to find. This is an excellent way to enhance your experience without waiting for specific missions to provide rewards.

4. Sovereigns - Seasonal Leaderboard Currency

Sovereigns are earned by climbing the seasonal leaderboards in Skull and Bones. Players who perform well in various challenges and events throughout the season can earn Sovereigns, which can be spent on exclusive cosmetics.

How to Earn Sovereigns: Sovereigns are awarded based on your rank in the seasonal leaderboards. Achieving high rankings in various in-game events will reward you with this currency.

What Sovereigns are Used For:

Exclusive Cosmetics: Seasonal items and cosmetics that are only available during the current season.

Tip: Focus on the seasonal challenges that reward Sovereigns, especially if you're aiming to get limited-time cosmetic items that enhance your pirate's look. Since these rewards are only available for a limited time, it's worth dedicating time to seasonal events.

5. Monstrous Tooth - The Rare Boss Currency

Monstrous Teeth are one of the rarer currencies in Skull and Bones, and they can only be obtained by defeating the mighty Kuharibu sea monster, which appears during world events. The teeth can be exchanged for highly sought-after items from the Sea People Huntmaster at the Lanitra Outpost.

How to Earn Monstrous Teeth: To earn Monstrous Teeth, you must defeat the Kuharibu sea monster during special world events. These events are usually large-scale and require cooperation with other players to defeat the boss.

What Monstrous Teeth are Used For:

Exclusive Items: Use Monstrous Teeth to purchase rare and exclusive items, often with unique properties that can aid you in your travels.

Tip: Because Monstrous Teeth are so rare, focus on participating in world events where the Kuharibu sea monster is active. These items are valuable, so spend your Teeth on items that provide a significant advantage in gameplay.

6. Ethereal Ashes - The Ghost Ship Currency

Ethereal Ashes are similar to Monstrous Teeth, but they are earned by defeating the Maangodin ghost ship during world events. This currency is used to purchase rare and unique items from the Mysterious Rogue merchant at the Oubliette Outpost.

How to Earn Ethereal Ashes: Ethereal Ashes are earned by defeating the Maangodin ghost ship, a challenging world event boss that requires a team of skilled pirates to defeat.

What Ethereal Ashes are Used For:

Exclusive Items: Use Ethereal Ashes to unlock items from the Mysterious Rogue merchant, including rare materials and powerful items that give you an edge in battle.

Tip: As with Monstrous Teeth, Ethereal Ashes are a limited resource. Only spend them on items that are difficult to obtain through other methods.

Final Tips for Currency Management

Prioritize Gameplay Progression with Silver: Since Silver is essential for upgrading your ship and improving combat effectiveness, always prioritize using it for gameplay-related items, such as ship upgrades and consumables.

Use Gold for Cosmetics and Special Content: Don't spend Gold on non-essential items. Focus on premium cosmetics and exclusive content, especially when new Smugglers Passes become available.

Maximize Event Participation: Participating in world events for Monstrous Teeth and Ethereal Ashes is crucial for acquiring exclusive Skull and Bones items. Always make time for these limited-time challenges to get the best rewards.

Conclusion

Skull and Bones offers a vast world to explore, and understanding its complex currency system is key to mastering the game. By managing Gold, Skull and Bones Silver, Pieces of Eight, Sovereigns, Monstrous Teeth, and Ethereal Ashes wisely, you can ensure your pirate's success on the high seas. Use this guide to help navigate the game's economy and make informed decisions that will benefit you both in the short and long term. Whether you're customizing your ship or hunting down world bosses, mastering the currencies is an essential part of your pirate journey.