Skull and Bones does not offer any off-ship combat, neither melee nor ranged, at any point in the game. The entirety of the combat experience in Skull and Bones is focused exclusively on naval warfare while you are aboard your ship.
Here’s a summary:
This design choice distinguishes Skull and Bones from other open-world games that might offer a mix of land and sea combat opportunities. It’s important to manage expectations and understand that the game focuses solely on creating a compelling naval combat experience.
While the lack of off-ship combat might not be for everyone, Skull and Bones offers a unique approach to the pirate genre by emphasizing the strategic depth and complexity of ship-to-ship battles and crew management.