Big changes are coming for Skull and Bones, with the game recently showing off what players can expect in its Year 2 cycle. The pirate-themed action/adventure game puts heavy emphasis on naval combat, though this focus appears to be changing in Year 2, with on-land combat on the way, along with new features, a new upgrade tree, new ships, and plenty more. This comes after a lackluster Year 1 for Skull and Bones, with developer and publisher Ubisoft likely looking to win back those who abandoned the game or have been waiting to jump in.

Released in 2024, few titles garnered a reputation quite like Skull and Bones within the video game industry. Described as the first "quadruple A" game, a description that didn't help win any fans, Skull and Bones makes pirate ship combat its focus, neglecting essentially most of what players likely expected out of a plundering and pillaging experience. While Skull and Bones' combat features some interesting mechanics, the game simply failed to capture the interest of many who tried it out. However, Skull and Bones is heading in a very different direction in 2025.

As announced by Ubisoft, players can expect a ton of new content in Year 2. This big overhaul was rumored for Skull and Bones, with players getting confirmation that some big changes are on the way. Not only will the game receive new seasonal updates, but new modes and features will also be added. At the top of the list for many is likely the inclusion of land-based combat. In most circumstances, players are tied to their ship in Skull and Bones. These changes in Season 3, which follows two other jam-packed seasons. Season 1 has been launched on April 15 and marks the introduction of a new item ascension feature. Players can also now enjoy a team-based PvP mode named Death Tides.

Skull and Bones Reveals New Content For Four New Seasons In Year 2

Season 1 (April 15): Death Tides, World Tiers, Item Ascension

Season 2 (Summer): New ship class (Frigate), new fort

Season 3 (Autumn): Officers, land-based combat encounters

Season 4 (Winter): Kraken, new ship class (Corvette)

Season 2 arrives this summer and adds a new fort for players to fight, along with a much larger ship class called Frigates. Season 3 arrives this Autumn and marks the previously mentioned land-based combat and a rogue warlord to fight against. Players can use officers, which add buffs to their crew. The land-based combat shown in the lengthy reveal video shows both gun and sword gameplay, a departure from the ship-heavy battles in the base Skull and Bones experience.

Finally, Season 4 drops this winter, bringing with it the Kraken. This monster will give players yet another objective to take over, with players being given access to another new ship type, the Corvette. Skull and Bones suffered at and after launch, failing to generate substantial player counts. With these new pieces of content, Ubisoft seeks to reverse course.

Features Skull and Bones Silver as its main in-game currency, and Skull and Bones items play a key role in player progression, ship upgrades, and trade.