Skull and Bones Monetisation

Skull and Bones utilizes a mixed monetization model combining in-game purchases and premium content.

Here’s a breakdown of its monetization elements:

In-game purchases (microtransactions):

  • Gold: The primary currency for microtransactions, purchased with real money.
  • Cosmetics: Players can use gold to buy various cosmetic items for their ship and pirate character, such as ship skins, sails, figureheads, weapons, and clothing. These are purely visual and do not affect gameplay performance.
  • Consumables and Boosts: Some consumables and temporary buffs can be purchased with gold, providing short-term advantages like faster repairs or increased crew efficiency. However, these are not essential for completing the game and can be earned through regular gameplay.

Premium content:

  • Premium Editions: The game offers various editions with additional content, such as early access, exclusive cosmetic items, and bonus resources, purchasable at a higher price than the base game.
  • Season Pass: A Season Pass grants access to future narrative content, additional cosmetics, and potentially other bonuses released post-launch.

Important to note:

  • The developers have stated that microtransactions will not affect the core gameplay balance, meaning players cannot buy their way to power or gain an unfair advantage.
  • The game offers various ways to earn in-game currency through regular gameplay, allowing players to acquire some cosmetic items and consumables without spending real money.
  • Some players have expressed concerns about the potential impact of microtransactions on the game’s balance, but it’s important to evaluate the actual implementation within the game before forming a definitive opinion.

It’s crucial to remember that monetization models can be a complex and subjective topic. While some players may find them acceptable, others might prefer a different approach. It’s up to each individual player to decide how they feel about the specific implementation in Skull and Bones and whether they choose to engage with the paid aspects of the game.

Buy Skull and Bones Items


Skull and Bones utilizes a mixed monetization system, combining traditional in-game purchases with an earnable in-game currency system. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

In-game Purchases:

  • Premium Edition: Offers early access, exclusive cosmetic items, and additional resources.
  • Cosmetic Items: Players can purchase various cosmetic items like ship skins, weapon skins, and character outfits using real-world currency through the in-game store. These items are purely aesthetic and do not offer any gameplay advantage.
  • Time Savers: Some players can purchase resources or boosts that accelerate in-game progress, such as faster crafting or resource gathering. However, developers have emphasized that these are entirely optional and players can achieve everything through normal gameplay.

Earnable In-game Currency:

  • Silver: The primary currency earned through various in-game activities like completing missions, trading, and defeating enemies. Silver is used to purchase essential items like ship upgrades, weapons, and crew upgrades.
  • Pieces of Eight: Another currency earned through in-game activities and used to climb ranks in the Seasonal Leaderboard and acquire exclusive cosmetic items unavailable for purchase with real-world currency.
  • Sovereigns: Earned by reaching new milestones on the Seasonal Leaderboard and used to purchase exclusive cosmetic items from vendors.

Additional Points:

  • No Pay-to-Win: Developers have stressed that Skull and Bones avoids "pay-to-win" mechanics. All content and features are achievable through normal gameplay, and purchased items only offer a visual or convenience benefit.
  • Live Service Model: Skull and Bones operates under a "live service" model, meaning it receives regular updates and content additions. These updates may introduce new cosmetic items available for purchase, but core gameplay elements remain accessible through in-game progression.
  • Future Considerations: While there are currently no microtransactions affecting core gameplay, the future holds no guarantees. As with any live service game, monetization strategies can evolve over time, so it’s important to stay informed about any potential changes.

It’s crucial to remember that monetization strategies are subject to change, so staying updated through official channels and reviews is recommended to understand the current state of the game’s monetization.


Skull and Bones utilizes a mixed monetization model consisting of:

1. In-game purchases:

  • Premium Edition: Offers early access, exclusive cosmetic items, and additional resources.
  • Cosmetics: Players can purchase various cosmetic items like ship skins, weapon skins, and character customization options through the in-game store using Gold, a premium currency purchased with real money.
  • Convenience items: Some players have reported limited availability of convenience items like fast travel tokens or ship repair kits directly purchasable with real money, although this is not the primary focus of monetization.

2. Earnable In-game currencies:

  • Silver: The primary currency used to purchase essential items like ship upgrades, weapons, and basic repairs. This can be earned entirely through in-game activities like completing missions, trading, and defeating enemies.
  • Pieces of Eight: Used to climb the Seasonal Leaderboard and unlock specific cosmetic items. Earned through in-game activities.
  • Sovereigns: Earned by reaching new milestones on the Seasonal Leaderboard and can be used to purchase cosmetic items from vendors.

Key points to remember:

  • Cosmetics and convenience items are entirely optional and do not affect core gameplay. You can progress through the entire game without spending any real money.
  • Most content, including ships, weapons, and upgrades, is obtainable through in-game activities and earned Silver.
  • The game is not considered "pay-to-win" as spending real money does not grant any significant gameplay advantage.

Overall, Skull and Bones primarily focuses on selling optional cosmetic items and some convenience items while allowing players to earn everything essential through in-game activities. This approach is similar to many other live service games currently available.

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