Summary
It is no secret thatSkull and Boneshas fallen a bit flat with audiences, with one of the primary reasons being that it has failed to deliver that pirate experience for many. Not only does the game lack features like hand-to-hand combat and shipboarding, but its side content like treasure hunts also misses the mark.
The idea of treasure hunts has been a core part of the pirate fantasy forever, thanks to stories likeTreasure IslandandPirates of the Caribbean. While the historical accuracy of pirate treasure hunts is up for debate, pirate fans still crave adventures like that.Skull and Bonesseems to understand this as Ubisoft has packed it full of treasure waiting to be discovered. However, the concept seems to be lacking a core aspect of these hunts.
Skull and Bones Treasure Hunts Are Lacking That Special Feeling
Skull and Bones' Treasure Hunts Explained
As players explore the seas ofSkull and Bones, they will come across various treasure maps that lead them to untold riches. These maps can be earned from contracts, found from looting ships, or are given to them as rewards for events. Once players find one, they must decipher its clue and track down the island it depicts in hopes that they can discover some treasure at the end.
Each map shows a crudely drawn island, a simple clue, and an X marking where the treasure can be found. When players get to the island, they walk up the road a bit to a patch of land, start digging, and pull up a treasure chest. Inside each chest, there tend to be resources, ship parts, and sometimes even a cosmetic or two. After that, the treasure hunt is over, and players cango onto their nextSkull and Bonesadventure.
Ubisoft Could Have Done So Much More With the Concept
WhileSkull and Bones' treasure huntscan be a decent way to earn some extra rewards, they could have been so much more. Tracking down an island with a mysterious treasure only for it to be buried less than a mile away from the dock brings that first, eager journey to an abrupt end. Additionally, players do not even need a shovel to dig up the treasures and there are hardly ever any hazards that must be avoided on their journey. Instead, it kind of feels like anyone could find these chests if they spent even a second looking for them and not something pirates hid to protect their own treasure.
For years, pirate fans were led to believe that hunting down treasure involved traps, puzzles, and multiple steps.Franchises likePirates of the Caribbeandid not have the pirates find the treasure off of one map; instead, they had to peruse multiple islands and conquer countless foes before they even came close to what they searched for. Stories likeTreasure Islandwere the same way as the crew had to undergo numerous challenges along their journey. Yet, inSkull and Bones, there is hardly any sort of challenge or intrigue.
It may betoo late for Ubisoft to liven upSkull and Bones' current treasure hunts. However, it could add some more interesting ones in the game’s post-launch updates. Players should have to overcome many obstacles during their search, and once they discover the chest, they need to be rewarded with even nicer rewards. Adding puzzles and foes to conquer would not only make these side quests far more engaging, but they would also help inject some much-needed life into this pirate adventure.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
