Skull and Bones Year 2 Season 2:The Frigate Has Arrived
Let's dive into everything we know about the Frigate, the future of large ships in Skull and Bones, and what this update means for your pirating future.
A Symbol of Power and Freedom: What Is the Frigate?
Inspired by real-world history, the Frigate is a tribute to the golden age of sail. First developed by France and later adopted by other global navies, the Frigate was known for its single continuous gun deck, making it a perfect balance of speed, firepower, and endurance. It's the embodiment of what many consider the ultimate warship-and now it's yours to command.
In Skull and Bones, the Frigate isn't just a beefed-up boat; it's a flagship designed for captains who want to dominate both PvE and PvP. It doesn't aim to replace small or medium ships but to complement them-bringing more team-based strategy to high-end encounters like Megaports, Faction Wars, and the new Mythic Tier 2 challenges.
Aesthetics and Scale: A Floating Fortress
Visually, the Frigate is nothing short of breathtaking. With 13 gunports per side (up to 34 in total depending on weapon loadouts), it dwarfs everything else on the water. It's not just about size-the Frigate has been carefully designed to radiate elegance and power. When you see it next to a medium ship, the scale becomes even more impressive.
This ship isn't for stealth missions or quick escapes. It's a frontline tank, built to stand tall and take fire while shielding your fleet.
Combat Capabilities: Grit, Guns, and More
The Frigate introduces two standout features that define its battlefield role:
1. Dual Auxiliary Weapons
When equipping an auxiliary weapon, the Frigate creates mirrored weapon stations on both sides. While only one side fires at a time (similar to broadside mechanics), this setup gives the Frigate enormous zone control potential-perfect for siege scenarios or defending Megaports.
2. The Grit Perk
Grit is a unique passive that stacks when the Frigate takes damage:
Each stack increases armor by 40, up to 10 stacks (that's +400 armor total).
Grit lasts 15 seconds per stack, encouraging captains to stay in the heat of battle.
When maxed out, nearby extra-small, small, and medium ships receive 20% reduced damage.
At full grit, the Frigate becomes a damage sponge, shielding allies and turning the tide in intense group fights.
The upgraded version-Resolve-adds even more impact:
Restores 10% brace strength.
Reduces status effect damage by 20%.
Increases threat generation by 100%, pulling more aggro away from allies.
Put simply, the Frigate doesn't just survive in a fight-it makes everyone else around it stronger, too.
Weaknesses: Power Has a Price
But don't let the cannon count and armor fool you. The Frigate has its drawbacks, and understanding them is key to success.
1. Weak Points
The Frigate takes 30% more damage when hit in designated weak points during PvP.
These are more numerous than other ships, balancing its durability.
Luckily, AI enemies do not target weak points, so PvE tanking is safer.
2. Sluggish Acceleration
It may boast comparable top speeds, but turning and acceleration lag behind smaller ships.
This makes the Frigate more vulnerable in narrow channels and tight spaces.
3. River Navigation Penalty
While it can enter rivers, its speed is reduced by 30% in shallow water.
Tight curves make river maneuvers risky. It's an ocean ship through and through.
4. Rear Dead Zone
Its rear quadrant is a blind spot-no weapon coverage.
Enemies flanking from behind can exploit this, making positioning critical in PvP.
Crafting and Progression: A Grind Worth the Glory
If you want to helm this beast, you'll need more than silver. Crafting the Frigate will test your resource management and game knowledge.
Materials Needed:
Deep Iron-Acquired from Blackwood, Megaports, and Pirate Ledger (once Faction Wars are live).
Deep Iron Plates-Required for upgrades to level 6 and 7.
Guild Marks & Smuggler Marks-Spend 45 Smuggler Marks on the Season Pass to unlock the blueprint.
Once unlocked, you'll start the Frigate Infamy Quest, which provides materials to help build your ship.
This isn't something you'll finish in an afternoon. But the reward-a tank-class warship-is well worth the effort.Community Feedback in Action
It's clear from the developer blog that the team has been listening to player feedback:
Players wanted large ships that feel meaningful and balanced.
The Frigate's weak points and mobility trade-offs help ensure it doesn't invalidate smaller ships.
PvE buffs for nearby allies show Ubisoft is leaning into team synergy-making the game more tactical, not just bigger.
Even the decision to let the Frigate navigate rivers (with penalties) came from a compromise between player desires and realism.
The Future of Large Ships
The Frigate is just the beginning. Ubisoft confirms more large ships are coming in future updates-each likely with its own specialized role. While the Frigate is the tank, others may become damage-focused, support ships, or even long-range specialists.
Planning ahead? Start stockpiling Deep Iron and Smuggler Marks now. These will likely be the bottlenecks for crafting all large-class vessels moving forward.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Skull and Bones
The Frigate is more than just a new ship-it represents a turning point for Skull and Bones. With the introduction of Mythic Tier 2, Faction Wars, and the expansion of ship roles, the game is evolving into a much deeper and more strategic experience.
This ship is big. It's powerful. But more importantly, it's balanced. The devs took their time, and it shows.
If you've been waiting for Skull and Bones to deliver on its pirate war-fantasy promises and more cheap Skull and Bones Silver, Year 2 Season 2 is your sign to set sail again.
Whether you're looking to tank boss encounters, support your crew in PvP, or just flex on the open sea with the biggest ship around-the Frigate is your new home.
Jul-25-2025 PST