Skull and Bones Open Beta Start Date (Early Access)

It's been quite the journey for Skull and Bones, but it's almost time to jump into Ubisoft's open-world pirate game with its launch on the horizon. If you're eager to play Skull and Bones early, there are a couple of different ways you can step foot into the game sooner, beginning with a public open beta just around the corner.

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For pirates who want to reap as many rewards as possible, there are a few features about the open beta you'll likely want to know, including its preload, start, and end details. There is also a way to play Skull and Bones a few days early for those eager to continue their journey to Infamy sooner and get ahead of the competition.

How to Get into Skull and Bones Open Beta

If you're eager to test your mettle as a pirate or before making any purchase decisions, you can play Skull and Bones' open beta for free between February 8 and 11, 2024. The open beta is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, and PS4.

If you're playing Skull and Bones on PC, you can join the open beta through the Epic Games Store under the 'free games' section or by clicking Free Events via Ubisoft Connect. If playing Skull and Bones on consoles, you can also find the open beta through the Xbox or PlayStation store or via the Skull and Bones open beta page.

Skull and Bones Open Beta Preload, Start, and End Times

If you're eager to get started as soon as possible, the good news is you can download the open beta so that you're all ready to set sail when the servers open. The Skull and Bones open beta is available for preload from February 6, 2024, 1 am PT/10 am CET/8 pm AET. The specific open beta start and end times by timezone are as follows:

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)

Skull and Bones Open Beta Features and Rewards

skull and bones open beta features rewards

Whatever your choice of platform, your Skull and Bones open beta progress carries over to the full game on release, excluding Infamy Points earned after Infamy Brigand (Tier 6 Rank 1). Other open beta features include:

Cross-play and cross-progression.
Dynamic Event encounters, including merchant convoys, elite warships, and more.
Access to the Helm.
The opportunity to explore all regions, including the East Indies and the Red Isle, The Coast of Africa.
Earn up to 5 exclusive Skull and Bones open beta rewards for participating.

How To Get Skull and Bones Early Access

Skull and Bones Premium Edition Or Ubisoft+

If you pre-order the Skull and Bones Premium Edition or play with a Ubisoft+ subscription, you can play Skull and Bones up to three days early ahead of the Standard Edition. This means you can hop into Skull and Bones early on Tuesday, February 13, rather than its scheduled Standard Edition release on Friday, February 16.

Early access also means you only have to wait a couple of days to return to the world of Skull and Bones once the open beta closes, giving you another head start in the race to become the most infamous pirate kingpin on the seas. The Skull and Bones Premium Edition also includes the below extras in addition to the Base Game and three days early access:

Premium Bonus Pack - The Ballad of Bloody Bones Collection, including Bloody Bones Captain Outfit and Ashen Corsair Ship Ship Set with 11 different ship vanity items.
Two extra missions - The Ashen Corsair and Bloody Bones Legacy.
Artbook/soundtrack - includes digital artbook and digital selected game soundtrack, including sea shanties.
Smuggler Pass Token - unlocks a premium battle pass and additional content for new seasons.
Pre-Order Bonus - Highness of the High Sea Pack, including the Notoriety Garb and Coronation Firework.