Skull and Bones: How to Get the Crowbar

In Skull and Bones, the Crowbar is one of the essential Captain Tools you'll need early on. It allows you to pry open abandoned shipwrecks scattered along the coasts, letting you loot valuable treasure, supplies, and crafting materials. Exploring shipwrecks can give you a big advantage by replenishing resources and finding rare items without having to fight.

However, many new players find themselves frustrated after stumbling upon the wreck of the Exeter early in the game, only to realize they don't have the tools required to board her. The game doesn't immediately explain how to obtain the Crowbar, and it's easy to feel stuck or unsure how to progress.

This guide will walk you through the process of getting the Crowbar, explain how to use it effectively, and share tips for maximizing your shipwreck salvage operations.

Why Is the Crowbar Important?

Before we get into how to obtain it, here's why the Crowbar is a must-have:

Unlock Abandoned Wrecks: Many shipwrecks contain loot bundles such as supplies, weapons, and crafting materials. Without the Crowbar, you won't be able to board these wrecks.

Extra Resources: Salvaging wrecks means you can restock ammunition, repair materials, and even rare goods without needing to visit a settlement or trade.

Expands Exploration: The Crowbar lets you fully explore wrecks, increasing your chances of finding hidden treasure or valuable gear.

Early Game Boost: Since resources are scarce early on, having a Crowbar can save your ship and boost your pirate's progression significantly.

How to Get the Crowbar in Skull and Bones

Step 1: Head to the West Island and Find the Pirate Chief Officer

The Crowbar is unlocked by completing a contract called A Pirate's Deal, given by the Pirate Chief Officer, who is located on the West Island in the opening area of the game.

If you have been focusing on exploring randomly, this quest might have been missed or overlooked, so it's important to make your way to this NPC first.

Step 2: Complete the "A Pirate's Deal" Contract

The contract's main objective is to sail north of the Exeter wreck and recover contraband for Scurlock, the pirate leader.

Sail North of Exeter: Locate the Exeter shipwreck on your map and set sail north toward floating crates marked nearby.

Collect Loot Bundles: Approach the crates floating on the water and interact with them. You'll see a Loot Bundle prompt allowing you to collect Explosive Firearms and Opulent Rum.

Return to the Pirate Chief Officer: After collecting these goods, sail back to the West Island and report to the Pirate Chief Officer.

Completing this contract rewards you with:

The Crowbar: This is now added to your inventory and will be equipped automatically when needed.

Repair Kits: A couple of handy Repair Kits for fixing your ship's hull after battles or accidents.

Experience and Silver: Typical contract rewards that help you progress further.

How to Use the Crowbar in Skull and Bones

Once you have the Crowbar, you're ready to open and explore shipwrecks.

Automatic Equipment

The Crowbar will be automatically equipped whenever you approach a salvageable shipwreck or abandoned vessel.

You'll see a Force Open prompt appear at the bottom of the screen when you are close enough to attempt prying the wreck open.

Salvaging Mini-Game

When you interact with the wreck, you will enter a salvaging mini-game:

The Crowbar swings back and forth, and you must press the marked button at the right moment.

Aim to hit the green zone to get the best chance of breaking the locks quickly.

Hitting the yellow zone around the green still counts as a success, but with a smaller boost.

Missing the target zone completely is a failure. If you miss three times in a row, the salvage attempt fails, and you'll have to try again later.

Breaking the Locks

Completing the mini-game unlocks the wreck.

Once unlocked, you can claim the supplies inside, often including valuable resources, ammunition, crafting materials, and sometimes treasure.

Some wrecks allow you to disembark your ship and explore the interior on foot, giving access to hidden loot or extra scavenging opportunities.

Additional Tips for Salvaging Shipwrecks

Bring Repair Kits: Shipwrecks may be in dangerous waters or near hostile NPCs. Repair kits from quests like A Pirate's Deal help keep your ship afloat during risky salvage missions.

Check Your Map Regularly: Wrecks are scattered along coastlines and often marked with distinct icons. Use your map and compass to locate them easily.

Use Your Crowbar Efficiently: If you fail the mini-game multiple times, try to wait a little and return later to improve your chances.

Upgrade Your Ship: Faster ships can reach wrecks quicker, and better armor helps survive enemy attacks while salvaging.

Balance Exploration and Contracts: While exploring can uncover hidden wrecks, completing contracts like A Pirate's Deal ensures you get essential tools and resources early on.

Conclusion

The Crowbar is an indispensable tool in Skull and Bones for any captain serious about looting, exploration, and survival. Without it, the riches hidden in abandoned shipwrecks remain out of reach, slowing your progression.

To get it, complete the A Pirate's Deal contract by collecting Scurlock's contraband north of the Exeter wreck and returning it to the Pirate Chief Officer on the West Island. Then, use the Crowbar to salvage shipwrecks using the mini-game mechanic-timing your swings to successfully break open the vessel and claim its treasures.

Mastering salvage with the Crowbar not only boosts your supplies but also deepens the immersive pirate experience, turning you from a simple raider into a resourceful and formidable captain on the seas. Each successful salvage run rewards you with Silver, the game's primary currency, which you can use to upgrade your ship, buy new equipment, and improve your pirate's capabilities. Beyond Skull and Bones Silver, you'll also uncover a variety of valuable items-from ammunition and repair materials to rare crafting components and treasure-that are essential for surviving tougher battles and exploring more dangerous waters. Collecting these Skull and Bones items early can give you a crucial edge in combat and trading, allowing you to customize your ship's loadout and increase your chances of dominating the seas. In essence, the Crowbar transforms exploration and scavenging into not just a side activity, but a core strategy for progression and success in Skull and Bones.