You are correct, Skull and Bones does not feature a traditional single-player campaign. This design decision has been a point of discussion and criticism for some players who were expecting a story-driven experience. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
No Traditional Campaign:
Skull and Bones primarily offers open-world exploration and mission-based gameplay. Players progress by completing contracts, exploring the world, and engaging in naval combat.
Reasons for the Decision:
The developers at Ubisoft chose to focus on building a large and immersive open world instead of a linear campaign. They aimed to create a sense of player agency and freedom in shaping their own pirate experience.
The game’s initial development reportedly went through various iterations, including plans for a more traditional campaign, but these were ultimately scrapped in favor of the current open-world structure.
Alternative Gameplay:
While there’s no overarching campaign, Skull and Bones offers various elements to provide structure and direction:
Factions and Reputation: You build relationships with different factions in the game world, gaining access to new missions and rewards based on your reputation.
Story Quests: Scattered throughout the world are "story quests" that offer glimpses into the lore and provide specific objectives.
Long-Term Goals: You can set your own goals, such as acquiring a specific ship, amassing wealth, or achieving notoriety as a pirate.
Community Reaction:
The lack of a traditional campaign has received mixed reactions from the Skull and Bones community:
Disappointment: Some players feel the game lacks a sense of purpose and direction without a central story to follow.
Acceptance: Others appreciate the freedom and flexibility offered by the open-world structure, allowing them to choose their own path and explore at their own pace.
Overall:
While Skull and Bones doesn’t offer a traditional campaign, it provides an open-world experience with various elements to guide players and offer meaningful objectives. Whether this approach resonates with individual players depends on their preferences and expectations for the game.