Ubisoft has released patch 1.034 for Skull and Bones on PlayStation 5, marking the arrival of the new PvP game mode titled Death Tides as part of Year 2 Season 1.1. This mid-season update introduces a competitive multiplayer experience for players looking to test their combat skills against others on the high seas, alongside various gameplay adjustments, performance fixes, and interface improvements. The update also lays the groundwork for future PvP content expansion by implementing new combat systems and progression mechanics.
The newly added Death Tides mode consists of two formats: Tidebreaker, a 6v6 zone control game mode, and Fleetfire, which operates as a 3v3 or 6v6 team deathmatch. Players are now able to select up to five of their own ships to participate in matches, each with customizable “Ultimates”—special abilities that are activated during combat and charge through in-game actions such as dealing or receiving damage. The mode also features power-ups scattered across maps that provide temporary advantages like increased damage or speed. The update emphasizes replayability and progression by awarding PvP-specific experience, resources, and rewards such as Raider Caches, specialized materials, and currency based on individual and team performance.
Full Patch Notes for Skull and Bones Update 1.034 (Y2S1.1)
Major Additions
- New PvP Mode: Death Tides
- Available after completing the main game’s introduction and key contracts.
- Accessible via the main menu and Journal screen.
- Tidebreaker (6v6 Zone Capture)
- Compete to capture rotating control zones.
- First team to reach 3 points wins.
- Sudden Death if teams are tied after the timer ends.
- Fleetfire (3v3 or 6v6 Team Deathmatch)
- Earn 1 point for every ship sunk.
- First team to 15 (3v3) or 23 (6v6) points wins, or whoever leads at the 15-minute mark.
- Sudden Death activated in the event of a tie.
- Ship Management and Ultimates
- Select up to 5 personal ships or use preset loadouts.
- Ships may equip 1 of 11 different Ultimates, ranging from temporary weapon boosts to combat-enhancing abilities.
- Ultimate Charge builds over time and through combat actions.
- Legendary summons available in team-based modes (1 per team at a time).
- Power-Ups in Death Tides
- +30% Damage for 20 seconds.
- +70% Sailing Speed and 60% Stamina recovery for 25 seconds.
- Severe Hull Repair with regeneration of 6000 HP per 2 seconds for 15 seconds.
Rewards
- Up to 1000 Infamy per match based on kills, assists, objectives, and victories.
- Specialized material, Seasonal Currency, Smuggler Points, and Silver for participation.
- Gold Raider Cache for the winning team; Silver Raider Cache for the losing team.
- PvP XP accumulated to unlock new ships and equipment.
Balance Changes
- La Piqure Toxic Perk: Stamina drain reduced from 15 to 7.
- Shell-Shocked: Duration reduced from 5 to 3.3 seconds; buildup threshold increased.
- Diminishing Returns: Introduced for repeated status effects (e.g., Torn Sails).
- Stamina Usage: Trimming while sailing now costs 60–80% less.
Quality-of-Life Improvements
- Combat Feedback: Hostile ships now display a red rank icon and cannot dock during combat.
- Helm Empire Adjustments: Easier Spectral Defense missions and UI improvements in manufactories.
- Chat Options: Team channels added for PvP coordination.
- User Interface: Enhanced tooltips, clearer error messages, and better loot visibility.
Bug Fixes
- Contracts: Resolved issues in quests like A Tight Ship and The Honorless.
- World Events: Fixed missing reinforcements and event triggers.
- Inventory Sync: Addressed desynchronization of loot and inventory items.
- Graphics & Audio: Improved lip-syncing, reduced flickering, and fixed missing sounds.
Miscellaneous Improvements
- Ship Handling: Better boarding stability for the Bedar class.
- Localization: Corrected in-game text across multiple languages.
- Store and Smuggler Pass: Fixed label inconsistencies and emissive visual effects.
This patch focuses on introducing structured PvP combat, refining status effect systems, and responding to player feedback. Ubisoft confirms that more tuning, new features, and system enhancements are planned for future updates based on real-time gameplay data and user responses.
