TECHMASH

Tag: #Piracy

  • Set Sail For Shattered Seas: Ubisoft Drops Skull and Bones Y3S1 Smuggler Pass Trailer

    Set Sail For Shattered Seas: Ubisoft Drops Skull and Bones Y3S1 Smuggler Pass Trailer

    Skull and Bones is officially charting a course into its third year, and Ubisoft has just dropped a brand-new Smuggler Pass trailer for Year 3 Season 1: Shattered Seas.

    If you’ve been waiting for a reason to dust off your captain’s hat and dive back into the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean, this latest season—and the massive loot haul accompanying it—might just do the trick. Ubisoft is making an aggressive push to reshape the endgame, and the cosmetics this season are dripping with a darker, battle-hardened vibe.

    Check out the breakdown of what the new Smuggler Pass brings to the table and why Shattered Seas is shaping up to be one of the game’s biggest shakeups yet.

    New Cosmetics, New Rewards, New Ways to Rule the Sea

    The new trailer gives players a slick look at the battle pass progression system for the season. As always, the Smuggler Pass allows captains to climb through tiers by earning Merits from completing challenges and smuggling high-value cargo.

    This time around, the rewards are heavily themed around the dark, intense atmosphere of a sea torn apart by war and mythical threats. Players can look forward to:

    • Exclusive Captain Outfits: Show off your Infamy with some incredibly detailed, weathered gear sets.
    • Ship Customisation Sets: From intimidating hull colours and torn sail patterns to unique figureheads, your fleet will look terrifying on the horizon.
    • Premium Pass Exclusives: Upgrading to the Premium Smuggler Pass unlocks two full premium cosmetic sets spanning both your Captain and your favourite ships, along with extra premium currency.

    Why Year 3 Season 1 is a Total Game Changer

    The Smuggler Pass isn’t the only thing dropping. Year 3 represents a fundamental shift in how power and progression work in Skull and Bones. Ubisoft has listened to community feedback, leaning heavily into high-level naval combat and deeper RPG mechanics.

    Here is what you’re actually playing for when you level up your pass and build power this season:

    1. The Galleon Finally Arrives

    Nicknamed “The Oppressor,” the iconic Galleon is finally here as a usable large ship. Boasting more broadside gun ports than any other ship currently in the game, this massive vessel is built for high-DPS, close-range destruction.

    2. A Massive New Seasonal Mastery Tree

    Progression has been overhauled with a massive new Seasonal Mastery Tree. This new system allows players to push their build power well past the previous limits, scaling ship ranks from Rank 13 all the way up to 30. It introduces build-defining perks like Reactive Bulwark (which triggers a massive explosion after bracing) and Deadly Medicine (which converts your healing output into extra damage for your next attack).

    3. Escalating World Tiers (Bring on the Kraken!)

    Your upgraded power will be put to the test across two brand-new, unforgiving World Tiers once you reach Kingpin status:

    • World Tier 3 (Rogue Storms): Enemies gain up to three random combat affixes, introducing unpredictable mechanics and strengthened foes.
    • World Tier 4 (Brutal Tempest): The ultimate endgame challenge. Enemies roll up to five strengthened affixes, and this tier is home to the legendary Kraken and exclusive Mythic World Events.

    4. Mythic Ascension and Reforging

    To survive the upper World Tiers, players can utilise the new Mythic Ascension and Mythic Reforge systems. These allow you to apply Mythic Mods to your gear, like Wildfire, which spreads burning damage to all targets within a 300-meter radius when an enemy is set ablaze.

    Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Set Sail Again?

    With a heavy emphasis on deeper RPG mechanics, higher difficulty scaling, and the introduction of fan-requested large ships like the Galleon, Skull and Bones is kicking off Year 3 with a lot of momentum.

    The Y3S1 Smuggler Pass is live right now across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Store).

    Are you planning to jump back behind the helm for Shattered Seas? What do you think of the new Galleon? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/skull-and-bones

    #SkullandBones #Ubisoft #piracy #navalwarfare #GoldenAgeofPiracy #techmash #n5dave #videogames #gaming #gamers #games #gamingnews

  • Man the Cannons: Skull and Bones Y3S1 “Shattered Seas” Unleashes the Kraken (and the Galleon)

    Man the Cannons: Skull and Bones Y3S1 “Shattered Seas” Unleashes the Kraken (and the Galleon)

    The horizon is looking a lot more crowded. Ubisoft has officially dropped the launch trailer for Skull and Bones: Year 3 Season 1, “Shattered Seas,” and it’s clear they aren’t pulling any punches for the 2026 roadmap.

    If you thought the Indian Ocean was getting quiet, think again. With a massive focus on “Sails of Power,” Year 3 is introducing the kind of heavy-hitting content players have been requesting since day one.

    The Big One: The Galleon Finally Joins the Fleet

    The star of the trailer is undoubtedly the Galleon. As the game’s first true large-scale DPS ship, it brings a terrifying 40 gunports to the water. In a meta that has been dominated by smaller, agile vessels, the Galleon is a floating fortress designed to turn enemy fleets into splinters.

    New Features at a Glance:

    • Mythic Ascension: A new gear tier that allows you to push your favourite weapons and armour beyond previous limits.
    • The Mastery Tree: Over 500 nodes of seasonal progression to fine-tune your captain’s specialisations.
    • World Tier 3: Introducing “Rogue Storms” and “Brutal Tempest” difficulty levels for those who find the high seas a little too calm.

    New Threats: The Dragon and the Deep

    The trailer gives us a glimpse of the new seasonal boss and environmental hazards. We aren’t just fighting rival pirates anymore; the Shattered Seas update introduces dynamic weather patterns that can sink an unprepared ship faster than a broadside volley.

    The introduction of Seasonal Affixes means that elite enemies will now spawn with random buffs—think increased fire damage or reinforced hulls—forcing you to actually look at your loadout before engaging.

    2026: The Year of the Pirate?

    Ubisoft’s commitment to Skull and Bones into 2026 is impressive. Along with the Y3S1 launch, the trailer confirms:

    1. Steam Deck Verification: Play your pirate empire on the go with full optimisation.
    2. The “Junk” & “Fluyt”: Two more ship classes arriving later in the year.
    3. Faction Safeguard: A new defensive game mode to protect your hard-earned manufactories.

    “Year 3 isn’t just about more loot; it’s about more power. The Galleon changes the verticality of naval combat entirely.” — Ubisoft Developer Insight

    Verdict: Is it Time to Set Sail?

    With the Shattered Seas update, Skull and Bones feels like it’s finally hitting its stride. The addition of deeper RPG mechanics through the Mastery Tree and the sheer scale of the Galleon give veteran players a real reason to grind.

    Whether you’re a seasoned Kingpin or a fresh deckhand, Y3S1 is the perfect time to reclaim your territory.

    Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 is live now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Will you be upgrading to the Galleon, or are you sticking with your nimble Brigantine to outrun the new threats? Let us know over on our socials!

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/skull-and-bones

    #SkullandBones #action #adventure #Ubisoft #piracy #navalwarfare #EastAfrica #SoutheastAsia #17thcentury #techmash #n5dave #games #videogames #gamingnews #gamers #gaming

  • Set Sail for Year 3: Skull and Bones Unveils “Sails of Power”

    Set Sail for Year 3: Skull and Bones Unveils “Sails of Power”

    Just when you thought the waters of the Indian Ocean might be calming, Ubisoft has dropped a bombshell. Following a high-stakes developer stream on May 6, 2026, the Skull and Bones: Year 3 Teaser has officially signalled a new era for the embattled pirate sim.

    Titled “Sails of Power,” Year 3 looks to be a pivotal moment for the game. While the journey since its 2024 launch hasn’t been without its storms, Ubisoft Singapore is doubling down on what they do best: visceral, tactical naval warfare.

    What’s Coming in Year 3?

    The teaser and subsequent roadmap reveal that Year 3 is focused on depth, customisation, and—most importantly—massive new vessels. Here are the highlights every Captain needs to know:

    • The Galleon Arrives: Season 1 (Shattered Seas) kicks off on May 12, 2026, introducing the Galleon. This is the first large-scale DPS ship, boasting a staggering 40 gunports. If you wanted to feel like a true Kingpin of the sea, this is your ride.
    • Mythic Progression: The ceiling is rising. New Mythic Ascension and Mythic Reforge features will allow players to push their gear past previous limits, accompanied by a massive new Seasonal Mastery Tree with over 500 nodes.
    • New World Tiers: Prepare for “Rogue Storms” and “Brutal Tempests.” These World Tier 3 challenges introduce seasonal affixes that will force even veteran players to rethink their builds.
    • Steam Deck Verification: Finally, captains on the go can rejoice. Season 1 brings official Steam Deck support and further PC optimisation for lower-spec hardware.

    A Focused Vision: No More Land Combat

    One of the most candid takeaways from the Year 2 retrospective was the official confirmation that Land Combat has been cancelled. Ubisoft is pivoting away from the much-requested “on-foot” gameplay to ensure that the naval experience remains the gold standard.

    “Skull and Bones is at its best when we focus on its core strength: naval combat. Our priority moving forward is to build on that foundation.” — Ubisoft Dev Team

    Is it Enough to Turn the Tide?

    The Year 3 announcement comes at a critical time. Recent Steam charts show a dedicated but small player base, often hovering between 200 and 500 concurrent users. However, with the game now available on Game Pass Ultimate and frequently seeing deep discounts, Year 3: Sails of Power represents a massive “re-entry” point for players who may have walked the plank early on.

    With new ships like the Junk and Fluyt promised later in the year, and the introduction of a Faction War: Safeguard event, the Indian Ocean is about to get a lot more crowded.

    Will the Galleon be enough to bring you back to the helm, or has this ship already sailed? Let us know in the comments!

    For the latest updates on Skull and Bones and more gaming news, keep it locked to TechMash.

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-au/game/skull-and-bones

    #SkullandBones #action #adventure #Ubisoft #piracy #navalwarfare #historical #GoldenAgeofPiracy #videogames #gamers #gaming

  • SET SAIL: Windrose Drops Anchors into Early Access – Everything You Need to Know

    SET SAIL: Windrose Drops Anchors into Early Access – Everything You Need to Know

    The wait is finally over for the scallywags among us. After amassing over 1.5 million wishlists and a breakout performance at the Triple-i Initiative showcase, Windrose has officially launched into Early Access.

    Developed by Kraken Express, this title is already being hailed as the “AAAA” pirate experience fans have been craving since the golden days of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag. If the cinematic release trailer is anything to go by, we aren’t just getting a survival game; we’re getting a maritime epic.

    A New Age of Piracy

    Windrose isn’t your typical “punch trees to build a hut” survival sim. Set in an alternative 18th-century “Age of Piracy,” it blends the gritty reality of survival with supernatural stakes. You play as a captain daring enough to challenge the legendary Blackbeard himself, navigating a world where imperial navies, pirate clans, and dark, looming powers collide.

    The Early Access Launch Trailer showcases the game’s core loop:

    • Seamless Land-to-Sea Gameplay: No loading screens between steering your ship and sprinting onto a sandy beach.
    • Soulslite Combat: Forget button-mashing. The combat system focuses on parries, dodges, and tactical strikes with everything from rapiers to halberds.
    • Base Building: From a simple shanty to a sprawling stone fortress to protect your loot.

    The Ships: Your Floating Fortresses

    One of the standout features confirmed in the release version is the Co-op Ship Control system. Unlike other pirate games where players often feel like “passengers,” Windrose allows up to 8 players (4 recommended for balance) to share control of a vessel’s weaponry and navigation.

    Ship TypeBest For…
    KetchFast, nimble scouting and escaping pursuit.
    BrigThe versatile all-rounder for trading and skirmishing.
    FrigateA massive beast meant for total naval domination.

    What’s in the Early Access Box?

    Kraken Express has been transparent about what players can expect right now. While the full 1.0 release is estimated to be 1.5 to 2.5 years away, the current build is substantial:

    • 3 Massive Biomes with unique quests and crafting recipes.
    • 30 Procedurally Generated Islands, ensuring no two voyages are the same.
    • 90+ Hand-crafted Points of Interest, including dungeons and temples.
    • 50–70 Hours of Story Content are already available for the completionists.

    Pricing and Availability

    Windrose is available now on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

    • Standard Edition: $29.99 (£24.99 approx)
    • Supporter Bundle: $39.99 (£32.99 approx) — Includes the base game, exclusive wallpapers, and a digital soundtrack featuring sea shanties by the legendary Seán Dagher.

    TechMash Tip: Grab it early! A 10% launch discount is active for the first week, and the developers have confirmed that the price will increase as more biomes and bosses are added leading up to the 1.0 launch.

    Final Verdict

    If you’ve been looking for a pirate game that respects your intelligence and offers a deep, co-op survival experience, Windrose is the vessel to board. It’s ambitious, beautiful, and—most importantly—it feels like a world worth getting lost in.

    Are you ready to challenge Blackbeard? Let us know in the comments if you’re joining a crew this week!

    Find out more here – https://s.team/a/3041230

    #Windrose #KrakenExpress #pirates #Piracy #build #craft #survive #biomes #mysteries #dungeons #games #gaming #gamers

  • Eye of the Beast: Skull and Bones Y2S4 Brings the Kraken and Epic Ship Customization

    Eye of the Beast: Skull and Bones Y2S4 Brings the Kraken and Epic Ship Customization

    Ubisoft’s pirate odyssey, Skull and Bones, has officially entered Year 2 Season 4: Eye of the Beast, and it’s easily the most ambitious update the Indian Ocean has seen yet. While the headlines are rightfully dominated by the arrival of the legendary Kraken and the massive new Corvette ship class, the “true” endgame for many captains is the cosmetic grind.

    For those looking to strike fear into the hearts of both monsters and men, the new Epic Ship Skins in Y2S4 are the ultimate flex. Here is everything you need to know about the new look and how to get it.

    The Star of the Show: Faction-Themed Vanity Sets

    This season leans heavily into the ongoing Faction War between the DMC (Dutch Merchant Company) and Compagnie Royale.

    The Rewards: Players can unlock exclusive faction-themed ship vanity sets. These aren’t just simple colour swaps; they are intricate designs that reflect the military discipline of the DMC or the opulent, gold-trimmed arrogance of the Royale.

    The Ship Aura: If your faction wins the War Effort, you can earn a unique Ship Aura. These are the “Epic” tier cosmetics that provide a visual glow or particle effect, making your vessel stand out in any crowded harbour or chaotic fleet battle.

    The Smuggler Pass: High-Seas Style

    As with every season, the Smuggler Pass is the primary way to snag the “Eye of the Beast” signature look.

    Theme: Expect bio-luminescent motifs and “trophy” ornaments harvested from the Kraken itself.

    New Items: The pass includes the usual array of Hull Colours, Sail Patterns, and the coveted Mast Trophies.

    Gildmarks & The Faction Broker: A major QoL update this season allows the Faction Broker to sell previous seasons’ cosmetics for Gildmarks. If you missed out on a specific look from Season 3, you can now grab it—provided you’ve hit the required War Effort level (Level 20–30).

    The Corvette: A New Canvas

    You’ll want these skins for the Corvette, the second large-class ship released in Year 2. It’s designed specifically to work with the new Hunter’s Guild, allowing you to deploy a Hunter Dhow directly into the water without docking. Dressing up this behemoth in the new Epic skins makes a terrifying statement when you’re hunting the Kraken.

    How to Unlock the Epic Gear

    To get the most prestigious skins this season, you’ll need to participate in:

    Faction Wars: Influence the outcome to unlock the exclusive Auras.

    Manufactory Raids: Capture territories for your faction to earn War Assets and progression.

    The Smuggler Pass: Grind those tokens to hit the final tiers for the “Complete Set” bonuses.

    TechMash Verdict: Skull and Bones is finally finding its rhythm in Year 2. Between the sheer scale of the Kraken fight and the depth of the new ship customisation, there has never been a better time to fly the black flag.

    Find out more here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/skull-and-bones

    #SkullandBones #actionadventuregame #Ubisoft #piracy #navalwarfare #games #gaming #gamers #platformgames #gameplay #demogames #videogames #arcadegames

  • War Thunder Mobile Treasure Hunt Update

    War Thunder Mobile Treasure Hunt Update

    Gather your crew and set sail in search of treasure in the War Thunder Mobile game, where it seems to be okay to target any ship on the high seas and steal anything of value. The game is getting an update where players can go in search for treasure that has been hidden on the mysterious islands of the Caribbean. This game has it all, pirates, ships, treasure, islands and some serious enemies to look out for.

    To find out more about the War Thunder Mobile game, go to the official game website here https://wtmobile.com/

    #WarThunderMobile #mobilegames #treasurehunt #games #gaming #gameupdate #GaijinEntertainment #piracy #ships #missions #maps #multiplayer #islands #treasure #warships

  • Ship Of Fools game Fish and Ships Update

    Ship Of Fools game Fish and Ships Update

    Get on board the Ship Of Fools game with this new Fish and Ships update that brings in new ships, a crew that is ready to fight and some creatures from the deep to contend with. This is what you would expect be getting from a game that is based on pirates, sailing ships and the hunt for treasure, who wouldn’t want to get involved with the Ship of Fools?

    The popular Ship Of Fools game has been given a new Fish and Ships update this game is already very popular and it has to be said is a very frustrating yet fun game that will drive you mad with the trickery employed by the developers. The game might have the look of an easy game, but this is really a game that requires quick reactions and thinking, do you have what it takes?

    Find out more about the Ship of Fools games here; https://shipoffoolsgame.com/

    #ShipOfFools #GameUpdate #FishShipsUpdate #Games #NewShips #Pirates #Piracy #ShipsCrew #Team17 #Games #NewGames #Gaming