While Skull and Bones Silver is the primary currency, there are several other valuable currencies used to acquire exclusive weapons, blueprints, and upgrades. One of the most important is Pieces of Eight, a rare currency obtained through smuggling and black-market dealings.

If you want to build a smuggling empire, acquire powerful gear, and dominate the high seas, here's everything you need to know about earning and spending Pieces of Eight.

How to Get Pieces of Eight

1. Unlocking The Helm and Smuggling Operations

To start earning Pieces of Eight, you must first gain access to The Helm, the secretive black-market faction operating in Skull and Bones. Here's how:

Progress Through the Main Story:

Complete missions for Captain John Scurlock in Sainte-Anne.

Reach a high enough Infamy Rank to attract the attention of The Helm.

Eventually, you'll receive a letter inviting you to Le Pont Muet in Sainte-Anne, unlocking The Helm missions.

Complete Helm Tutorial Missions:

These initial quests introduce smuggling mechanics, preparing you for large-scale operations.

Once you complete the tutorial, you're free to take on smuggling contracts and earn Pieces of Eight.

2. Manufacturing Smuggling Cargo

Pieces of Eight are earned by completing smuggling missions for The Helm. To start smuggling, you must manufacture illicit goods, which involves collecting materials and crafting high-value contraband.

Step 1: Gathering Smuggling Materials

To create smuggling cargo, you need key materials like Cane Sugar or Poppy. These materials can be acquired in two ways:

Purchasing from Helm Suppliers

Open the Supply Network menu and check the Liaisons tab.

Find a supplier offering Cane Sugar or Poppy, accept the offer, and buy the materials.

Plundering Pirate Fleets

Open the Supply Network menu and switch to the Attacks tab.

Here, you'll find pirate fleets carrying smuggling materials.

Accept an attack mission, defeat the fleet, and loot their cargo.

Step 2: Producing Contraband

Once you have materials, you can manufacture two types of smuggling cargo:

White Skull Rum (Made from Cane Sugar)

Blue Lotus Opium (Made from Poppy)

After crafting the cargo, you're ready to smuggle.

3. Completing Smuggling Missions for The Helm

Once you have a supply of smuggling cargo, you can take Helm missions to deliver it.

How to Accept Smuggling Missions:

Open the Order Registry and browse available contracts.

Missions typically require you to deliver a specific quantity of smuggled goods.

Each mission lists the Pieces of Eight reward for completion.

Delivering Smuggled Cargo

The smuggler's location could be a hidden outpost or a ship anchored at sea.

Fast travel is disabled during smuggling missions, meaning you must manually sail to the drop-off point.

Enemy pirates may attempt to intercept and steal your cargo, so prepare for combat.

Once you deliver the cargo, you will receive Pieces of Eight and fast travel will be re-enabled.

4. Expanding Your Smuggling Empire

Once you reach the Kingpin rank and complete an introductory quest, you unlock The Smuggling Empire system. This allows you to take control of manufacturing plants through Hostile Takeover events.

Benefits of Controlling Smuggling Plants:

Passive Pieces of Eight income-manufacturing plants generate Pieces of Eight hourly.

Empire Upgrades-increase production speed, improve smuggling efficiency, and earn more currency over time.

Where to Spend Pieces of Eight

1. Upgrading Your Smuggling Operation

The Helm Empire Overview in the smuggling area allows you to spend Pieces of Eight on empire upgrades. These upgrades improve:

Manufacturing speed-produce contraband faster.

Resource efficiency-increase yields from production.

Smuggling network expansion-unlock new trade routes and suppliers.

2. Buying Exclusive Gear from the Black Market

The Black Market offers rare and powerful Skull and Bones items in exchange for Pieces of Eight. There are two Black Market vendors:

Yanita in Sainte-Anne

Houma Nara in Telok Penjarah

What Can You Buy?

Exclusive ship blueprints-unlock rare and powerful ships.

High-tier weapons-purchase advanced cannons, mortars, and naval weapons.

Armor upgrades-enhance your ship's durability and defenses.

Since Black Market items are expensive, you'll need a steady supply of Pieces of Eight to afford the best upgrades.

Final Tips for Maximizing Pieces of Eight

Upgrade Your Smuggling Plants-passive income ensures you don't rely solely on missions.

Monitor Pirate Activity-avoid interception while smuggling high-value cargo.

Invest in Fast Ships-speed is crucial for escaping enemy attacks.

Stack Multiple Missions-combine deliveries to earn more in fewer trips.

By mastering smuggling and controlling the black market, you'll become one of the most powerful figures in Skull and Bones, earning riches beyond the reach of ordinary pirates.