Skull and Bones: How to get all Spyglass upgrades

I spy with my little eye.

As you begin your adventures across the salty seas in Skull and Bones, you are granted a few starting items and the Spyglass is among the most important. But its base form is a bit weak, so let’s go over Spyglass upgrades and how to get them in Skull and Bones.

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You get Spyglass upgrade blueprints as you raise your Infamy in Skull and Bones. Infamy is basically your “pirate level,” and it goes up in rank as you gain experience points. The Spyglass itself has three versions, and you won’t get access to its most powerful form until you’re deep into the game.

Spyglass upgrades and how to get them in Skull and Bones

As mentioned, there are three versions of the Spyglass in Skull and Bones. You receive Spyglass I during your introduction to the game. It offers only 1.0x zoom, which, isn’t that much of a zoom at all, right? The tool is important, mind, as using it on passing ships will display their rank, faction, type, and possible cargo. Using the Spyglass wisely keeps you out of fights you can’t win, and lets you stock your ship with only the stolen booty you need.

If you attempt to scan ships outside of the Spyglass’ reach, the game tells you they’re too far and you need to move closer. This can be a learning moment for new players who have yet to recognize the telltale signs of hostile Rogues and Privateers. Upgrading the Spyglass at the Carpenter, then, is a must. Hint: Rogues are your typical pirate types and use black sails, while Privateers put red sails on their ships. They both suck.

Skull and Bones all Spyglass upgrades spyglass ii upgrade
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Spyglass II is unlocked once you reach the rank of Freebooter. Check the Mailbox for a letter congratulating you for your new rank. The blueprint for the Spyglass II comes with it. To make the Spyglass II, you need two Bronze Ingot, two Iroko Plank, Spyglass I, and 400 Silver. You lose the ꧙default Spyglass but gain a secondary 1.5x zoom.

Skull and Bones all Spyglass upgrades spyglass iii upgrade
Screenshot by Destructoid

Spyglass III is unlocked at Marauder rank. Again, the blueprint is given to you via a letter from the Mailbox. Exchange Spyglass II at the Carpenter along with two Zinc Ingot, two Juniper Plank, one Sheet Glass, and 920 Silver. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to zoom up to 2.5x. Most of these materials are found in the East Indies, so don’t go looking until you’re around Rank 7.


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Cameron Woolsey
A contributing writer, Cam has been playing games for decades and writing about them for about 15 years. He specializes in action RPGs, shooters, and brawlers, but will always make a little bit of time for indies and classics.