How to Play Skull and Bones for Free

Ubisoft is extending an open invitation to all would-be pirates: raise the Jolly Roger, set sail, and explore the open seas.


Eight hours is more than enough to see if Skull and Bones is worth your $60 or not.
Eight hours is more than enough to see if Skull and Bones is worth your $60 or not.

Dreaming of plundering treasure and ruling the high seas? Don’t walk the $60 plank just yet! Ubisoft’s swashbuckling adventure, Skull and Bones, is offering a free eight-hour trial across all platforms, letting you taste the pirate life before committing your hard-earned gold.

Whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or a landlubber curious about the salty life, this trial opens the door to eight hours of unrestricted gameplay.

Explore the vast Indian Ocean, engage in thrilling naval battles, and hunt for hidden riches – all without spending a dime.

Fans aren't quite sold on Skull and Bones' gameplay despite the years of effort that went into its creation.
Fans aren’t quite sold on Skull and Bones’ gameplay despite the years of effort that went into its creation.

If you’re unsure where to start, just navigate to Ubisoft’s website or your platform’s store (Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games, PlayStation Store, or Microsoft Store) and grab the free trial. You don’t even need to worry about starting from scratch. The progress you make during these eight hours, including unlocked items and level advancements, will transfer to the full game.

But is eight hours enough to see what Skull and Bones is all about or is it a mere drop in the bucket? You be the judge! Nevertheless, this generous trial should be more than enough to give you a solid glimpse into the core gameplay loop, letting you experience the early game, engage in some mid-level content, and make an informed decision before dropping anchor.

Skull and Bones isn’t just about plundering and pillaging; it’s about building your own pirate empire. Craft and customize your ship, forge alliances with other outlaws, and rise through the ranks to become the most feared pirate kingpin. However, beware of lurking dangers! From monstrous krakens to rival pirates coveting your loot, the high seas are fraught with peril.

While Skull and Bones may not offer land-based adventures, its depth of ship-based content is vast. Whether you’re strategizing tactical naval battles, maneuvering through treacherous storms, or delving into the mysteries of hidden coves, there’s a wealth of activities to keep you hooked. Not only that, but the game’s cross-play and cross-progression features allow you to team up with friends seamlessly across different platforms, ensuring your pirate journey continues uninterrupted.

It’s been a long and arduous path for Skull and Bones to dock. After years of delays, Ubisoft’s self-described “quadruple-A game” has finally made port albeit not without its fair share of controversy. At the end of the day, Skull and Bones’ success lies in whether or not players will give it a shot. The good news is that this free trial will let curious swashbucklers a chance to test the waters first.

Ultimately, Skull and Bones’ success will depend on its initial offerings and Ubisoft’s ability to keep players engaged with fresh content and responsive community support.

So, hoist the sails, grab the wheel, and see where the winds of this free trial takes you!

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio