Ubisoft's Skull-and-bones has become a go-to title for players seeking the thrill of high-seas piracy. With vast oceans to explore, intense ship battles to engage in, and a plethora of loot to uncover, it's no surprise that many players are eager to become the most feared pirate on the open water. However, as with most ambitious journeys, the path to mastery is rarely smooth. For some, like user "rundbear," the journey to higher tiers can feel like navigating a ship through a storm without sails. After returning to the game post-launch, rundbear expressed frustration at being stuck at tier 9, while others seemed to effortlessly sail toward tier 15 and beyond. This experience isn’t unique, and it highlights an important challenge many face in Skull and Bones: getting stuck at tier 9.
The Stagnation at Tier 9
Getting stuck at tier 9 is a common issue that players with diverse loadouts encounter. For some, progression in Skull and Bones can feel like an endless grind. Unlike other games where leveling up is a straightforward process, Skull and Bones demands more strategic planning, resource gathering, and careful upgrades to break through the tier 9 barrier. Progression in this pirate world isn’t just about mindlessly collecting loot; it’s about understanding how to upgrade your ship, weapons, and armor to match the growing challenges that await you. As rundbear found out, progressing beyond tier 9 isn’t as simple as sailing on autopilot—it requires intention, knowledge, and a bit of patience.
Finding the Right Weapons and Armor
One of the primary concerns for players stuck at tier 9, including rundbear, is finding more powerful weapons and armor. While loot drops from PvE events are essential, many players report receiving similar items to what they already have, creating a feeling of stagnation. So, how do you move forward and find better gear to continue upgrading your ship?
The key to progression in Skull and Bones lies in identifying where to look for stronger equipment. Engaging with higher-tier enemies, especially elite vessels, is an essential step in unlocking more powerful loot. These tougher ships often drop better rewards, but taking them down requires more skill and strategy. As the community has pointed out, attacking high-level ships in groups can be a great way to earn more loot, as the risks and challenges of these missions are shared among a team of pirates.
