Ahoy, Matey!
Pirate games offer you the unique chance of playing the role of a pirate captain or a member of the crew while battling against the sea monsters and tackling the dangerous and mysterious life in the waters.
Just as the life of pirates is extraordinary and unpredictable, the video game industry also features subgenres of the top-rated pirate games. There are several categories of pirate games, including adventure, assassination, treasure hunt, thief hunt, etc.
From sloops to schooners and galleons to The Dutch Fluyt, pirate games provide a number of specially and authentically designed pirate ships that players can customize as per their wish or in accordance with their chosen characters’ personalities. By upgrading and adding innovative features to their pirate ships, players supersede one another in adventure and plunder games.
If you are a sea admirer and a lover of adventure and action, then here’s this curated list of the best pirate games.
One Piece Odyssey
An exceptionally well-designed and one of the best pirate-themed video games, One Piece Odyssey is a full-fledged sea-based adventure. Created to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary, this is a role-playing adventure game where players supervise the activities of Straw Hat Pirates and Monkey D. Luffy.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
One Piece Odyssey - PlayStation 5 |
$19.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
It all begins at an interesting and mysterious point when Captain Monkey D. Luffy, with his crew, finds himself caught in a storm and ends up on the island of Waford. The game narrative then moves on following their mysterious journey battling against weird and scariest enemies while tackling the violent whims of nature.
Developer: ILCA
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release date: January 13, 2023
Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Sid Meier is usually known for his Civilization series of games. With Civilization VI being an icon in the simulator genre, it seems rather weird to put his name against a pirate game. However, Sid Meier’s Pirates! is actually a decent attempt at leading the virtual life of a pirate.
The game was released all the way back in 2004 and is a remake of a much older game. However, the game is immune to recency bias. Here, you’ll have to fight, plunder, and sail your way to the high seas, in order to be called the greatest pirate of all time.
There are decent mechanics in the game, from the swashbuckling fights to trading with outposts and even other pirates. This ensures that there’s a depth to the gameplay that most pirate games lack these days.
If you truly want to understand how to become a virtual pirate and don’t mind if the game is a bit on the classic side, Sid Meier’s Pirates! is worth a try!
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K
Release date: November 22, 2004
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
One of the best pirate games, this is the perfect blend of chills and thrills throughout its various episodes, LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean brings back all our childhood memories attached to the ‘brick world’ of LEGO. With violence completely toned down in its script, the video game is perfect for kids who wish to see the audio-visual format of the game and the film.
From subtle humor to jaw-dropping adventure, and unforgettable characters to stylish animation — the game contains all the hallmarks of a true Disney creation and continues to charm audiences of all ages and preferences. Players can pose as Davy Jones or Jack Sparrow and display their own unique personalities while navigating through the game episodes.
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
Publisher: Disney
Release date: May 24, 2011
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag
Get ready to experience a never-seen-before adventure with impeccable characters set in an expansive world. The worthy successor of Assassin’s Creed III, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is the most immersive and the largest one in the entire franchise. The story begins in 1715 when the pirates find their new establishment in the Caribbean, plundering huge fortunes and introducing lawlessness into the world of natural peace.
What follows is the European powers feeling threatened by the valor and courage of the pirates, and this legacy continues, making the game one of the best pirate games ever created. The players meet legendary pirates such as Calico Jack, Blackbeard, etc., and take control of the island world.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release date: October 29, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Sea of Thieves
This fantastic game containing all the features of an epic water game provides an unending sea of possibilities where players can experience exciting encounters and overly fun moments. With more than 30 million players having played the game to date, Sea of Thieves rightly occupies a position in this list of the top-rated pirate games. It takes players on an ecstatic journey into the Caribbean while stopping at iconic locations and exploring mysterious artifacts in the vast open world.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sea of Thieves: Standard Edition – Xbox One | $35.55 | Buy on Amazon |
With its expertly crafted narrative-driven campaigns, the game uniquely combines the significant moments from Pirates of the Caribbean and blends them deftly into the gaming fabric of Sea of Thieves.
Developer: Rare Ltd.
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Release date: June 3, 2020
King of Seas
Battle against the greatest sea monsters and fight rival pirate groups in one of the best pirate games that is rewarding at every level. Set off on your journey on an epic adventure and become a legendary pirate, weathering violent storms and shaping your own adventure story.
From unending ship customization to the availability of more than 900 items ready to be collected, King of Seas prepares you for an epic battle. The game comes with simple controls that come in handy during violent combats.
Developer: 3D Clouds
Publisher: Team 17
Release date: May 25, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Risen 2 – Dark Waters
The game starts in a devastating world where raging titans have already pushed humanity into oblivion. One of the most creatively designed pirate adventure video games, Risen 2 features an epic hero who is ready to set sail to defeat sea monsters and save the depths of water.
This pirate-based game is set on a fresh theme and setting and combines the iconic gameplay mechanics of the OG game, Risen. The game comes with the most immersive features where players need to unlock new paths and discover new gaming levels.
Developer: Piranha Bytes
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Release date: April 27, 2012
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt
Set off on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Caribbean. Sail through the seas, battling against sea monsters and facing challenging pirate raids. With unlimited fleet size and 20 captain skills, unlock rising experience levels and bombard your enemy fortresses.
One of the most exciting pirate adventure games, it comes with realistic simulation, giving each player the chance to explore various islands and sea ports. Blending the magic of history with the excitement of video games, The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt is a sheer delight for history lovers as it consists of historical modules, narrating real historical events for more than 50 years.
Developer: Home Net Games
Publisher: Home Net Games
Release date: August 24, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Pirates, Vikings, and Knights II
A multiplayer, action-based first-person video game, Pirates, Vikings and Knights II revolves around three teams – the pirates, the Vikings, and the knights. As one of the most strategic pirate adventure games, this video game offers the scenic beauty of tropical land and gives you the golden chance to own a rich treasure storehouse.
Explore your adventurous side as you fight with a wide range of weapons and face whimsical challenges that uncover the hidden potential in you. With gorgeously-designed levels and unique voices for all characters — this game is adventure personified!
Developer: Octoshark Studios
Publisher: Octorshark Studios
Release date: February 12, 2010
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
The multi-award-winning game that takes you to several plunder-able locations, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is the classic sequel to the throwback RPG of the same series and among the best pirate games ever created. Discover unexplored areas and reign in the endless sea full of possibilities as your character goes through interesting customizations and makes meaningful choices through the course of the game.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (PS4) |
$32.59 |
Buy on Amazon |
The writing is sharp, the voice acting is brilliant, and the new version comes with adventurous moments at every twist and turn of the plot. Set on a fantastical island, the game offers an exceptionally challenging gaming environment where players fight for control and look forward to gaining supremacy over others and the land.
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Obsidian Entertainment, Versus Evil
Release date: February 12, 2010
Blackwake 3.0
A classic adventure game, Blackwake 3.0 needs users to imbibe the values of teamwork and cooperation and defeat enemies by sinking their ships or taking control of them. Donning the hats of Roya Navy, as a Blackwake player, you need to work with a wide range of ships, customized arms, personalized cosmetics, etc. The game comes with multiple modes, such as Fortress Siege, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Booty.
As you level up and gain further ranks, the game lets you customize your character and empower your ship with the latest technology and advancements. The multiple voices channel the crew and keep the communication sorted during the massive warfare in the game.
Developer: Mastfire Studios Pty Ltd.
Publisher: Mastfire Studios Pty Ltd.
Release date: February 20, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Final Thoughts
It’s 2023, and still, we can’t help gushing over the stunning visuals, the mysterious settings, the lovable character arcs, and the extraordinarily crafted gaming screenplay of pirate games.
What makes these games close to our hearts is that they are not only about fun and adventure, but these plundering games also feature good storylines or plots and strong character development.
So, what are you waiting for? Keep this list handy and explore the never-ending sea of adventure games for a high dosage of adventure, action, and amazement!
Next, check out the best PS5 adventure games for action and adventure, but on land (mostly)!
