Skull And Bones beginner’s guide: 10 tips to rule the seas

Pirate Adventure: The Basics to Get Started

Before diving into specifics, it’s worth taking a look at the basics. Skull And Bones is an open-world RPG where you explore the seas, engage in naval battles, gather resources, and upgrade your ship. You can choose between solo play and co-op with other players — perfect for tougher missions and epic battles.

The developers have prepared a wealth of content: from treasure hunting and shipbuilding to increasing your Infamy, which unlocks access to better equipment and ships. Whether you’re a lone wolf of the seas or enjoy teamwork, these Skull And Bones tips will make the ocean your home.

Guide: 10 Tips to Become the King of the Seas

1. Focus on Main Missions to Build Infamy

Your journey begins in Sainte-Anne, the pirates’ main base. At the start, the most important tasks are gathering basic resources, blueprints, and — crucially— Infamy. The Infamy system is the cornerstone of the game, unlocking new opportunities like access to more advanced ships, weapons, and tools.

Main missions, assigned by NPC John Scurlock, are an ideal introduction. Each one teaches you a new mechanic, such as how to plunder merchant ships or deal with privateer captains, and provides a solid start. Remember, even simple side missions near your main objectives can boost your “notoriety” faster than you might expect.

2. The Resource Map Is Your Survival Tool

Every captain should know their terrain. The map in Skull And Bones isn’t just for navigation but also a source of information about locations rich in resources, such as wood, iron ore, or fish — all essential for upgrades. By clicking on the map, you can also track your missions and see which areas offer the best loot.

3. Upgrade Your Ship Step by Step

Your ship is the foundation of your survival at sea. At the beginning, you’re given a simple boat, but over time, you can build powerful vessels. Blueprints for new ships can be found during missions or purchased from traders.

Upgrade cannons, hulls, and tools to increase your chances of survival in battles. Remember that different ships are suited for different purposes. For example, the Padewakang is perfect for bombardment, while the Hullbreaker Brigantine excels in close combat and ramming. Experiment to find your ideal ship build, and remember to visit the shipyard regularly.

4. Wind – Your Ally and Enemy

The wind in Skull And Bones isn’t just a visual element; it’s a mechanic that affects speed and maneuverability. Watch the wind indicator — green means you’re sailing with the wind, increasing your speed, while red signals you’re sailing against it, which slows you down and consumes more energy.

During naval battles, use the wind to your advantage — adjust your sails to quickly maneuver around your opponent and avoid their volleys.

5. Hunt for Treasures and Discover Secrets

No pirate’s life is complete without an old treasure! In the game, you’ll find treasure maps leading to hidden loot. After finding a map, open your journal and follow the clues. Look for distinctive landmarks such as shipwrecks or large rocks to locate the digging spot.

It’s worth noting that some treasures contain rare materials needed for shipbuilding or equipment upgrades.

6. Spyglass – Your Eye on the Horizon

The Spyglass is not just a tool — it’s your pirate’s third eye, allowing you to understand what’s happening on the open sea. In Skull And Bones, using the Spyglass before any confrontation is crucial, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the enemy’s strength.

By using the Spyglass, you can examine any nearby ship and gather information such as:

• Enemy faction: Learn whether it’s a merchant, military, or rival pirate ship.
• Ship equipment: Identify the cannons or weapons your enemy has, helping you plan your tactics.
• Cargo: Determine if attacking is worth the risk for potential loot, or if it’s better to wait for a more lucrative opportunity.

7. Manage Resources and Cargo Space

Your ship has limited capacity, so planning what to take and what to leave behind is just as important as winning battles. In the Cargo Hold, you’ll find space for loot, food, ammunition, and tools, but you’ll quickly notice a lack of space during long expeditions. To manage this:

• Store resources in Outposts: Upon reaching an Outpost, transfer excess wood, metals, or fish to storage. This frees up space for new loot.
• Sell unnecessary items: Traders in Outposts often offer better prices for sought-after goods. Regularly visiting them will help you earn extra silver and lighten your ship.
• Maintain supplies of ammunition and repair kits: You can be attacked at any time, so it’s essential to have the right tools for combat and repairs.
• Neglecting the Cargo Hold can prevent you from collecting valuable items during plundering, slowing your progress.

8. Outposts: Your Home on the Sea

Outposts are checkpoints you should visit regularly. They allow you to repair your ship after tough battles, sell loot for silver, buy new blueprints and weapons from traders, and restock food, ammunition, and repair kits.

Each Outpost is also a fast travel point, though using this option costs silver. To maximize the benefits of Outposts, mark them on your map, especially if they’re near frequently visited areas.

9. Prioritize During Plundering

Plundering ships and settlements is the essence of pirate life, but not everything you find is equally valuable. Before starting, decide which resources are most important to you. For instance, if you’re building a new ship, prioritize materials like wood, iron, or ore. On the other hand, if you’re preparing for a long expedition, focus on food and ammunition.

During plundering, remember that time is limited, and each cargo takes up space in the Cargo Hold. Maximize efficiency by taking only what you truly need to avoid wasting valuable room.

10. Cooperation – Strength in Numbers

Not every pirate has to work alone. Skull And Bones allows players to team up for tougher tasks, such as plundering fortresses or battling powerful foes. You can gather friends or use the Call for Help feature to find companions for shared adventures. Cooperation brings many benefits:

• Better loot: Group plundering can yield more resources, shared among the crew.
• Easier battles: Tackling tougher enemies, such as privateer captains, reduces the risk of defeat.
• More fun: Sailing as a group isn’t just strategically beneficial, but also a chance to share adventures with other players.

However, make sure to divide loot fairly and communicate with your crew members — a lack of cooperation can quickly lead to chaos.

Conclusion

The life of a pirate isn’t easy, but with these Skull And Bones tips, your path to the top of the pirate hierarchy will be much smoother. This guide is just the beginning — explore, experiment, and fight for your place on the high seas. Remember to use the resource map, upgrade your ship, and embrace challenges. Set sail into deep waters and prove that you are the true king of the seas!