It's actually happening: Skull and Bones is holding an open beta in February

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Like a derelict ship drifting toward a jagged outcropping of rocks,Ubisoft’s long-awaited game of high-seas piracySkull and Bonesis, slowly but surely, drawing ever closer. The launch date of February 16 is still holding water, and today Ubisoft announced that before it arrives, an open beta will give one and all a chance to finally see what it’s really like.

Skull and Bones has been delayed so many times since its 2017 that Icould scarcely believe it—and I was similarly astounded when the February release date was carved into stone, really for real this time, at the2023 Game Awards. Part of me expected another last-minute delay (and, honestly, still does) but with this open beta now in the offing, it really does seem like damn-the-torpedoes time is upon us.

From the Ubisoft press blast:

The open beta is set to begin on February 8 and run until February 11, and will be available on theUbisoft StoreandEpic Games Store, as well as PS5 and Xbox Series X-S consoles, with crossplay and cross-progression enabled. Beta players will be able to reach an Infamy cap of Tier 6—Ubisoft didn’t say how many tiers there are, so we don’t have an idea of how infamous that really is—and can earn up to five exclusive rewards including ship cosmetics, an emote, a weapon, and a Pandal Lemur pet.

Here’s what you’ll need to play on PC:

(Image credit: ubisoft)

Skull and Bones PC system requiremnets

Any progress earned during the beta will carry over to the full release, should you opt to carry on with your voyage: The full version of Skull and Bones is available for pre-purchase for $60 for the base game or $90 for the premium edition, which includes up to three days of early access, The Ballad of Bloody Bones Collection, two extra missions, a digital art book, soundtrack, and a premium battle pass unlock.

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In a completely unrelated aside and for no particular reason, I’ve also been thinking about the great Canadian poetGord Downeytoday.

One afternoon, four thousand men died in the water hereAnd five hundred more were thrashing madlyAs parasites might in your blood

Now I was in a lifeboat designed for ten, ten onlyAnything that systematic would get you hatedIt’s not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated

The selection was quick, the crew was picked in orderAnd those left in the waterGot kicked off our pant legAnd we headed for home

We’ll see how it goes. Full details on the Skull and Bones open beta are up atubisoft.com.

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