E3 2018: Skull & Bones' Hunting Grounds Mode Announced, Features PvPvE

Ubisoft revealed some new details about its upcoming pirate game, Skull & Bones. During its E3 2018 press conference, the developer shared an extended gameplay demo showcasing a PvPvE mode called The Hunting Grounds.

Like Microsoft's pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves, Skull & Bones is a shared pirate game "where every player encounter matters." In The Hunting Grounds, players can freely sail the Indian Ocean and loot merchant ships, trade routes, or attack other vessels. While voyaging out in the world, you'll come across other players, and you can either attack them and plunder their treasure or team up to take on more formidable threats.

Before setting off, you will need to gather intel and prepare your crew. You can outfit your ship with cosmetic items and an assortment of different cannons and artillery. You can also take a more stealthy approach by pretending to be a merchant ship and slipping past targets undetected.

In addition to The Hunting Grounds, Skull & Bones will feature a dedicated PvP mode called Disputed Waters, which pits your team against other pirate crews in a fight to acquire treasure. Both modes will be available in the game at launch. Additionally, Skull & Bones will feature a mode called Deadly Encounters; details on that will be shared at a later date.

Skull & Bones launches for PS4, Xbox One, and PC in 2019. Ahead of its release, Ubisoft will host a beta for the game. No further details about the test were provided, but players can register for a chance to participate in it now on the official Skull & Bones website.