Ahoy, fellow treasure hunters! If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent hours (probably too many) dreaming about sailing the high seas, battling pirates, and searching for hidden treasure. But let’s face it—there aren’t exactly a ton of great pirate games out there. Sure, we’ve had a few solid classics, but when Skull and Bones was announced, we all thought it was going to be the ultimate pirate experience… only for it to totally disappoint when it finally hit the seas.
Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top pirate-themed games that actually live up to the hype. From sandbox open-world adventures where you can rule the seas to action-packed pirate battles, these games offer a treasure trove of experiences.
So grab your compass, and let’s set sail into the world of the best pirate games you can actually enjoy!
Assassins’ Creed 4: Black Flag
If you’re looking for a pirate game that offers the perfect mix of epic action and stealthy intrigue, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a must-play. Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, this game lets you slip into the boots of Edward Kenway, a pirate turned assassin who’s got one goal: to live the high life (and maybe save the world while he’s at it).
What makes Black Flag stand out? For starters, it’s got an open-world Caribbean setting that’s absolutely stunning. You’ll sail across the beautiful blue waters of the West Indies, raid ships, uncover treasure, and explore lush islands—basically, you’re living the pirate dream. But it’s not all about sailing. You’ll also get to jump into the Assassin’s Creed series’ signature parkour-style gameplay, sneaking through cities, climbing towers, and taking down enemies in stealthy, stylish ways.
Plus, the naval combat in Black Flag is legendary. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking down enemy ships, customizing your own vessel, and feeling like a true pirate king on the open sea. Oh, and did I mention you can board ships, steal treasure, and even recruit a crew? Yeah, it’s the pirate life at its best.
And while Black Flag is not a particularly great Assassin’s Creed game, it really is one of the best pirate games to date. Trust me, it’s worth setting sail for.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire
If you’re craving an RPG with a pirate twist that’s a little more on the strategic side, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire might just be your new obsession. This isn’t your typical swashbuckling action game—it’s an epic, isometric RPG where you’ll build your pirate crew, set sail across a stunning archipelago, and engage in deep, tactical battles. Think Pirates! meets classic RPG goodness.
You’ll play as the Watcher, a hero who’s got some serious soul-searching to do, but instead of sitting by a fire contemplating your existence, you’ll be commanding a ship and battling rivals on the open sea. The tactical combat in Deadfire is rewarding, demanding you plan your moves carefully while managing your crew and resources. This isn’t just about charging into battle; it’s about using wits, positioning, and timing to outsmart enemies.
And let’s talk about the ship—customizing it is half the fun! You’ll recruit new crew members, upgrade your ship’s weapons, and navigate dangerous waters while keeping an eye on your limited supplies. The sea is as beautiful as it is unforgiving, so be ready to face storms, naval combat, and, of course, treasure.
If you’re looking for a more cerebral pirate game with rich world-building, deep lore, and some serious strategy, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire delivers everything you could want in a pirate RPG—just with a little less sword-swinging and a lot more planning.
Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Let’s take it back to the classic days of pirate games, shall we? Sid Meier’s Pirates! is the game that proves you don’t need ultra-realistic graphics or an expansive open world to have a blast on the high seas. Originally released in 2004, this gem is still a go-to for anyone craving a fun, no-fuss pirate experience. It’s got everything you want: ship battles, treasure hunting, and plenty of pirate shenanigans.
You’ll play as a young pirate captain looking to make a name for themselves in the Caribbean. What makes this game stand out is its variety of gameplay. You can engage in real-time ship combat, board enemy vessels, duel in sword fights, trade goods, and even dance your way into the good graces of noble families (don’t ask, just go with it). It’s lighthearted and full of charm, with easy-to-understand mechanics that lets you focus on the fun parts of piracy without getting bogged down by complicated systems.
The open-world design is another bonus, as you get to sail around a map, build your crew, and choose your own path. Whether you want to be a swashbuckling menace, a pirate with a heart of gold, or somewhere in between, Sid Meier’s Pirates! gives you the freedom to live the pirate life your way.
If you’re looking for a pirate game that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers all the adventure, Sid Meier’s Pirates! is a timeless classic that has earned its place in the pirate game hall of fame.
Sea of Thieves
If you’re looking for a pirate game that lets you live out the ultimate “pirate fantasy” with friends (or strangers, if you’re into that kind of chaos), Sea of Thieves is the one. This game drops you into a shared world where you’re part of a crew, setting sail, hunting treasure, and getting into ridiculous hijinks with other players. It’s an online multiplayer experience that mixes open-world adventure with pure pirate madness.
What sets Sea of Thieves apart is how much freedom you have. You can crew a ship with your mates, battle skeletons, plunder rival crews, and explore islands filled with secrets. You might spend your day searching for hidden treasure, then suddenly be ambushed by another ship looking to steal your loot. It’s unpredictable, and that’s half the fun.
The art style is bright and cartoony, but don’t let that fool you—Sea of Thieves can get intense when you’re locked in a cannonball fight with enemy ships or navigating through a storm. The game’s “living world” means there’s always something new to discover, from unique quests to random encounters with other players.
And let’s not forget the sheer joy of sailing a ship, steering through rough waters, and working together to keep the ship afloat.
Sea Dogs
If you’re in the mood for a pirate game that mixes adventure, combat, and a solid dose of historical flair, Sea Dogs has got you covered. Released back in 2000, this underrated classic is perfect for those who love the idea of sailing the Caribbean in the 17th century—without all the cartoony stuff. Think Pirates! with a little more grit, historical context, and deeper gameplay.
In Sea Dogs, you take on the role of a pirate (or privateer, depending on how you feel about the law) in the Caribbean during the Age of Sail. The game’s open world lets you explore a vast map, complete quests, trade goods, plunder enemy ships, and become the most feared pirate—or respected merchant—the seas have ever known. The story is centered around the search for treasure, but there’s plenty of freedom to carve your own path. You can even switch sides in the conflict between European factions, giving the game a lot of replay value.
Combat in Sea Dogs is a mix of naval warfare and land battles, so you’ll spend as much time blowing up enemy ships as you do engaging in sword fights on the shore. The game’s RPG elements let you level up your character and customize your ship, which adds layers of depth as you progress.
It’s a little dated, but if you’re looking for a pirate game with some serious depth, Sea Dogs will have you hooked. The balance of story-driven quests and open-world exploration makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to live the pirate life with a more realistic, gritty approach.
Salt 1 & 2
For those of you who like your pirate adventures with a side of survival and exploration, Salt (both 1 and 2) might just be your next obsession. These games are all about creating your own pirate journey in a vast, procedurally generated world. Think of it as a pirate sandbox where the goal isn’t necessarily a set story—it’s about crafting your own experience, one island at a time.
In Salt, you start on a tiny raft, with nothing but a few basic tools, and set out to explore a massive open world made up of scattered islands. You’ll gather resources, craft weapons, and build your ship. The real fun comes from the sense of discovery—finding treasure, uncovering secrets, and navigating your way across the ocean. The freedom here is pretty incredible, and the world feels alive, with dynamic weather systems and wildlife to encounter.
Salt 2 takes everything the first game did and cranks it up a notch. Now, you’ve got improved mechanics, better graphics, and a deeper focus on combat, crafting, and multiplayer. You can join forces with other players to form pirate crews, raid islands, and share loot (or betray each other, if that’s more your style). The world feels more immersive, and there’s a lot more to do, from hunting sea monsters to customizing your ship to suit your pirate needs.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed pirate game with survival mechanics and the joy of discovery, Salt 1 & 2 are the perfect choice. They offer that free-spirited pirate life, where you can explore at your own pace, build your legacy, and maybe even become the most legendary pirate of the seas (or just find some really great loot). Either way, it’s all about enjoying the journey.
Pirate Games with Cross-Platform Play
Cross-platform play is a game-changer in the pirate world, especially when you’ve got a crew that’s spread across different consoles. No more trying to figure out who has what console—it’s all about sailing together, no matter the platform. Here are some pirate games that let you team up with friends regardless of whether they’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation:
- Sea of Thieves – The gold standard for cross-platform pirate adventures. Whether you’re on Xbox or PC, you can form a crew and sail the high seas with your mates without worrying about platform differences.
- Minecraft (Pirate Mods) – Okay, so not strictly a pirate game, but with the right mods, Minecraft turns into a pirate paradise. And yes, it supports cross-platform play, so everyone can join in on the treasure hunts and sea battles.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War – A mobile strategy game that lets you face off against other pirate crews. The best part? You can play it on both Android and iOS, so no one’s left behind when it comes to pirate shenanigans.
Pirate Games with Dynamic Weather Systems
If you’ve ever set sail, you know that the weather can make or break your journey. In pirate games, a dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of realism and challenge. These games are known for making the weather feel as unpredictable as the open sea:
- Sea of Thieves – Wind, storms, fog—Sea of Thieves has it all. A sudden thunderstorm could throw off your navigation, or a thick fog could hide enemies just waiting to strike.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – The weather can shift in an instant, from calm seas to violent storms that toss your ship around. It adds a great deal of immersion and keeps you on your toes during your voyages.
- Rising Storm 2: Vietnam (Naval Mods) – Though it’s not strictly a pirate game, the naval combat mods let you experience the raw unpredictability of weather on the open seas.
Best Pirate Games with Ship Customization
What’s a pirate without their ship? A great pirate game gives you the tools to customize your vessel to your heart’s content. Whether you’re decking out your ship with the most intimidating cannons or adding a personal touch to the sails, these games let you live the dream:
- Sea of Thieves – Customize your ship’s figurehead, sails, and hull to show off your pirate style. Whether you’re going for something sleek or intimidating, your ship’s personality shines through.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Your ship, the Jackdaw, is yours to customize. Upgrade your cannons, improve your sails, and even deck it out with battle flags that intimidate your enemies.
- Salt 2 – Here, ship customization is key to surviving the seas. From crafting your ship’s hull to upgrading your cannons, Salt 2 gives you the freedom to build the ship of your dreams.
Which Pirate-Themed Games Have an Open World?
If you’re the kind of player who loves wandering the seas, discovering new lands, and seeking hidden treasures, these games will let you live out that pirate fantasy:
- Sea of Thieves – One of the best open-world pirate games, where exploration is a huge part of the fun. Set sail to discover uncharted islands, hidden treasure, and mysterious caves.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – With its vast Caribbean world, this game lets you explore islands, hunt down treasure, and even dive into shipwrecks. There’s always something new to discover.
- Salt 1 & 2 – These open-world survival games throw you into an expansive world filled with islands to explore, resources to gather, and dangers to survive. The freedom to explore at your own pace is key here.
Are There Any Pirate Games with Cooperative Multiplayer?
Pirates are all about teamwork (or backstabbing, depending on the day). If you love the idea of sailing with a crew, these games let you team up and tackle the seas together:
- Sea of Thieves – A true cooperative experience, where you and your friends can crew a ship together, go on quests, and fight off other pirate crews. The multiplayer is the heart of the game, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a good group adventure.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – While primarily a solo experience, Black Flag offers multiplayer modes where you can join forces with other players to take down enemies or hunt down targets.
- Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – This RPG may be more land-based than most pirate games, but its cooperative multiplayer mode lets you team up with friends to explore the vast world and uncover the mysteries of the Deadfire Archipelago.
