Is There PvP in Skull and Bones? – Answered

Can you sink a fellow pirate?

Skull and Bones Pirate Captain
Screenshot by Prima Games

In a game about becoming the ultimate pirate lord, hoarding mountains of gold coins, and sinking your foes to the bottom of the blackest of oceans, you would think PvP would be commonplace, right? So, is there PvP in Skull and Bones?

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Can You PvP in Skull and Bones?

It’s a bit of a mixed bag for PvP in Skull and Bones, as it exists but is extremely limited to specific game modes. You would think that, upon earning your ship and equipping it with cannons, you could go hard and ram another player before unloading cannon shots into their port. Unfortunately, if you take this route, you’ll note that player damage is turned off entirely in the open world. You cannot harm another person’s ship whatsoever.

That is unless you’re playing in an appropriate game mode. There are PvP-centric modes scattered throughout the world, and you must opt-in to take part in the PvP combat they offer. The mode in question, Cargo Hunt, asks you to track down treasure marked on the map for all to see before anyone else. It’s a race to the finish. On the way, you can target other players. But again, so long as they’re participating in the event. If not, they’ll pass right on by.

I’m torn on this aspect of the game, personally. I enjoy playing at my own pace, worrying about my quests, and obtaining loot without hindrance, but it’s a game about being a pirate. A pirate’s life is filled with reckless danger; sometimes, that means getting one’s hands dirty in combat.

And hey, if you do participate in Cargo Hunt, you’ll earn some sweet rewards alongside the PvP combat. It’s a bit of a win-win that caters to every type of player.

If you want constant PvP, you can always play Sea of Thieves!

About the Author

Brandon Morgan

Brandon began writing in 2012, for websites such as OnlySP, before transitioning to digital marketing in 2016 to learn the ins and outs of SEO. In mid-2023, Brandon returned to write strategy guides for Prima Games, IGN, DualShockers, and more, with a focus on ARPGs, RPGs, and Survival games. His past coverage includes Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Starfield, Skull and Bones, and many more!