How to join the Skull and Bones open beta

Olivia Richman Published 08/02/2024

Skull and Bones is finally here, bringing scallywags the seafaring adventure they’ve been anxiously awaiting. If you want to play Skull and Bones, here’s how to join the open beta.

When is the Skull and Bones open beta?

The Skull and Bones open beta is from February 8 to February 11, 2024.

On PC, head to the Epic Games store and find the Free Games section. On the console, go to the Xbox or PlayStation store and search for Skull and Bones.

Here are the official start and end dates for the open beta:

Start:

7 February 2024, 6 pm (PT)
8 February 2024, 3 am (CET)
8 February 2024, 1 pm (AET).

End:

11 February 2024, 2:59 pm (PT)
11 February 2024, 11:59 pm (CET)
12 February 2024, 9:59 am (AET)

How to play the Skull and Bones beta with friends

Want to create a powerful crew for your fleet? You can play the Skull and Bones open beta with friends. Here’s how to add friends to your squad.

The first way is in the game itself. Approach another player while on land, including treasure map locations or outposts. You can also approach a player while sailing by using a spyglass. Then hold the Interact button and select “Send Friend Request.”

You can also use the social menu. Open the text chat box, find who you want to add from the World menu or the Recently Met menu, then select Invite to Group or Send Friend Request. If your friend is already added, go to Groups & Friends to see if they are online and invite them.

Skull and Bones has cross-play. This means you can play the open beta with friends even if they are on a different console.

Will your Skull and Bones progress carry over?

Yes, your open beta progress will carry over to the full game when it releases. There is also cross-progression, meaning you can switch consoles if needed.

During the Skull and Bones beta, you’ll be able to participate in Dynamic Events, including merchant convoys and elite warships, allowing you to experience some intense pirate action while getting your bearings (and sea legs).

How to get Skull and Bones early access

If you enjoy the open beta, you can pre-order the Skull and Bones Premium Edition to play the game three days early. This means you’ll be able to start playing Skull and Bones on February 13.

Skull and Bones will be released officially on February 16, 2024.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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