Skull and Bones:Best Ways to Spend Your First 8 Shards
In Skull and Bones, survival isn't just about firepower and sails—it's about smart choices. One of the earliest and most pivotal decisions you'll face is what to do with your first 8 Pieces of Eight (also known as shards). These initial funds, earned after completing the handover questline, are your first step toward true pirate notoriety.
Choosing how to spend these 8 shards wisely can shape the pace and success of your early game. Whether you crave dominance on the open sea, crave high-tier loot, or simply want to look like the fiercest captain around, here's how to make every shard count.
Once you've secured your initial shards, your next destination should be Yanita Nara, the vendor who grants access to the Black Market—a shady but essential hub for ambitious pirates. This secretive marketplace offers powerful items that give you a competitive edge, especially in the game early hours.
Here's a breakdown of the best things to consider spending your shards on:
1. Resource Packs – Fuel for Your Shipbuilding
Before you can conquer the sea, you'll need supplies. Resource packs offer bundles of materials crucial for ship upgrades, crafting weapons, and repairing your vessel after tough encounters. Take the loot! Buy exclusive Skull and Bones Items for MMOexp to enhance your pirate experience. Early investments in these packs ensure you're not scrambling for resources later when the stakes are higher.
Why it's worth it:
Speeds up crafting early upgrades
Saves time gathering raw materials
Keeps you combat-ready after battles
2. Specialized Cannons – Early Firepower Advantage
Naval combat in Skull and Bones is all about overwhelming your enemies quickly and efficiently. Spending your shards on unique cannon types—such as mortars, bombards, or long-range culverins—can give you a major edge in ship-to-ship battles.
Why it's worth it:
Enhanced damage output
Specialized effects (like splash or burn)
Gives an edge against tougher ships and convoys
3. Armor Upgrades – Strengthen Your Hull
Cannons help you win fights—but armor keeps you alive. Investing in defensive upgrades for your ship hull lets you venture into more dangerous waters without sinking at the first sign of conflict.
Why it's worth it:
Increases survivability in PvE and PvP
Reduces repair costs over time
Essential for long-distance exploration and smuggling runs
4. Cosmetic Customization – Style with Swagger
Want to look the part of a legendary pirate? The Black Market offers a variety of ship skins, sails, and character cosmetics that let you personalize your look. While purely aesthetic, these visual upgrades let you express your identity on the open sea—and intimidate enemies with style.
Why it's worth it (if looks matter):
Sets your ship apart in multiplayer zones
Enhances roleplaying and immersion
Shows off your progress and flair
5. Rare Blueprints – Build for the Future
Perhaps the smartest long-term investment is in rare crafting blueprints. These unlock advanced ship components and weapon designs not found through regular vendors. If you're planning to scale up your fleet, this is the place to start.
Why it's worth it:
Grants access to higher-tier upgrades
Saves time tracking down recipes later
Boosts both combat and trade capabilities
Venturing into the Helm – High Risk, High Reward
Once you've made your Black Market purchases, you'll likely be drawn toward The Helm—a dangerous zone that blends smuggling, naval warfare, and high-risk opportunity. Here, pirates prove their worth through stealth, strategy, and nerve.
What to expect:
Hostile patrols and PvP zones
Lucrative smuggling missions
Endgame progression opportunities
As you take on more daring contracts and make a name for yourself, your reputation grows. Eventually, you'll rise to become a leader of your own smuggling operation, managing logistics and profits while others do your bidding. From here, the pirate empire-building truly begins.
Quick Recap: Where to Spend Your First 8 Shards
Resource Packs – For steady progression and crafting.
Specialized Cannons – To dominate early naval combat.
Armor Enhancements – Boosts durability and survival.
Cosmetics – Personalize your pirate for flair and presence.
Rare Blueprints – Unlock elite upgrades for the long haul.
Your first 8 shards in Skull and Bones might not seem like much—but they’re your springboard to greatness. Spend them wisely and you’ll be prepared for anything the sea throws at you. Whether you want to raid merchant fleets, outmaneuver naval patrols, or establish a smuggling empire, your early choices lay the foundation for your legend.Get ready to take to the seas! Use MMOexp to equip the best buy Skull and Bones Silver and become a force to be reckoned with.