From Black Flag to Skull and Bones, here are 12 of the most Iconic Pirate games

Ahoy there, matey! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with pirates, plunder, and peril? Look no further as we go through some of the most iconic and epic Pirate Games that will allow you to become the next…Pirate King!!

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)

“Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” is an action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in 2013. It is the sixth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed series and a direct sequel to Assassin’s Creed III. The game is known for its emphasis on naval exploration and pirate themes.

Players control Edward Kenway, a pirate and privateer who becomes entangled in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game is set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century. The game features a vast open-world environment, including cities, jungles, and a large portion of the Caribbean Sea. Players can explore various locations, uncovering secrets, and engaging in side activities.

A significant addition to the series is naval exploration and combat. Players command their own ship, the Jackdaw, and can sail freely across the Caribbean. Naval battles involve ship-to-ship combat, cannon firing, and boarding enemy vessels. 

Skull and Bones (2024)

Developed by Ubisoft Singapore, Skull and Bones is a highly anticipated action-adventure game that will transport you to the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean in the Golden Age of Piracy.

Explore the vast open world at your own pace, discovering new islands, completing contracts, and uncovering secrets. Build your fleet, upgrade your ships, and recruit diverse crew members to suit your playstyle. The gameplay in Skull and Bones is both strategic and action-packed. You’ll need to carefully plan your attacks, taking into account wind direction, ship speed, and the strengths and weaknesses of your adversaries. As you gain experience and upgrade your ship, you’ll unlock new weapons, abilities, and ship types, allowing for even more tactical possibilities.

One of the standout features of Skull and Bones is its innovative multiplayer mode. Set in a shared open world, you’ll encounter other players who can either be your allies or your rivals. Join forces with other pirate captains to take down powerful enemies, or engage in thrilling naval battles against fellow players to prove your worth as the most feared pirate in the Caribbean.

Sid Meier’s Pirates (2004)

Ahoy, mateys! If you’re looking for a thrilling pirate adventure on the high seas, look no further than Sid Meier’s Pirates! This classic game, developed by the legendary game designer Sid Meier, offers an immersive experience filled with treasure hunts, sword fights, and daring escapades. Join me as we set sail into the world of Sid Meier’s Pirates!

In Sid Meier’s Pirates!, you take on the role of a pirate captain in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. Your main objective is to amass wealth, build a formidable crew, and become the most renowned pirate in the region. The game offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. You can engage in thrilling ship-to-ship combat, exploring the vast open world, searching for buried treasure, trading goods between ports, and even dancing your way into the hearts of the governor’s daughters.

One of the highlights of Sid Meier’s Pirates is the exhilarating ship battles. You’ll command your own vessel, maneuvering through the treacherous waters as you engage in epic naval combat. Timing your shots, outmaneuvering your opponents, and strategically using different ammunition types are key to victory. As you defeat enemy ships, you can choose to sink them, capture them, or even add them to your own fleet. Building a formidable armada is not only satisfying but also essential for taking on the more challenging adversaries that await you.

The Caribbean is your playground in Sid Meier’s Pirates. You can explore various ports, uncover hidden locations, and embark on quests to discover buried treasure. Keep an eye out for clues and rumors that may lead you to valuable loot. But beware, matey! The seas are not always kind. From storms and sea monsters to rival pirates, danger lurks around every corner. So, be prepared to navigate through treacherous waters and defend yourself against any threats that come your way.

Return to Monkey Island (2022)

Welcome to the world of Monkey Island, where pirates roam the seas, witty banter is the norm, and grog is the drink of choice. Return to Monkey Island is a sequel to the beloved Monkey Island series, which first captured the hearts of gamers in the 1990s. Developed by the talented team at LucasArts, this point-and-click adventure game brings back the humor, charm, and puzzles that made the original games so memorable.

In Return to Monkey Island, players assume the role of the witty and resourceful Guybrush Threepwood, a wannabe pirate with a talent for getting into trouble. As Guybrush, your mission is to save your wife, Elaine, who has been kidnapped by the nefarious pirate, LeChuck.

The gameplay revolves around exploring various locations, interacting with quirky characters, and solving puzzles to progress through the story. The game features a classic point-and-click interface, allowing players to examine objects, pick up items, and engage in humorous conversations with the inhabitants of Monkey Island.

One of the standout features of Return to Monkey Island is its clever and challenging puzzles. From deciphering cryptic riddles to navigating treacherous mazes, players will need to use their wits to overcome obstacles and advance the story. The game strikes a perfect balance between difficulty and accessibility, ensuring that both newcomers and longtime fans can enjoy the adventure.

Blackwake (2018)

Blackwake is a multiplayer naval combat game set in the Golden Age of Piracy (17th-18th centuries). Released in Early Access in 2016 and fully launched in 2018, it offers a unique blend of ship-to-ship battles, teamwork, and historical immersion.

Choose a role like captain, helmsman, gunner, or sailor and contribute to your crew’s success. Coordinate with your crew to utilize cannons, mortars, boarding actions, and strategic maneuvers to sink enemy ships. Sail across vast seas, capture objectives, and engage in dynamic weather events. Unlock new ship customizations, weapons, and cosmetic items as you gain experience.

Blackwake offers both PvP and PvE modes, allowing you to test your skills against other players or team up with friends to take on AI-controlled ships. The game features a variety of maps, each with its own unique challenges and objectives. From stormy seas to dense fog, you’ll need to adapt to the ever-changing conditions to secure victory.

Sea Of Thieves (2018)

“Sea of Thieves” is an action-adventure multiplayer game developed by Rare and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released in 2018, and is available on Microsoft Windows and Xbox platforms. The game is set in an open-world pirate-themed environment, offering a shared world for players to explore, plunder, and engage in cooperative or competitive gameplay. 

Players embark on quests and voyages offered by three trading companies: the Gold Hoarders (treasure hunting), the Order of Souls (bounty hunting), and the Merchant Alliance (trading). Completing these quests earns reputation and rewards. Treasure is a significant motivator in Sea of Thieves. Players can discover chests, artifacts, and other valuable items during their adventures. Successfully delivering these items to outposts contributes to the accumulation of wealth and reputation.

The game includes dynamic weather conditions such as storms, which can impact sailing and navigation. Additionally, world events, like skeleton forts and megalodon attacks, provide shared challenges for multiple crews. 

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (2018)

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire takes place in the vibrant and treacherous archipelago of the Deadfire. As the Watcher, a character with the ability to see into the souls of others, you find yourself at the center of a grand conflict. The gods are at war, and you must navigate the dangerous waters of politics and power to save your world.

The gameplay of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire combines the best elements of classic isometric RPGs with modern enhancements. You will engage in real-time tactical combat, where positioning, strategy, and clever use of abilities are key to victory. The game also offers a pause-and-play option, allowing you to strategize and issue commands to your party members.

One of the standout features of Deadfire is the ship management system. You will command your very own ship, the Defiant, and sail the seas of the Deadfire. Customizing your ship, recruiting a crew, and engaging in thrilling naval battles adds a whole new dimension to the game.

No adventure is complete without a diverse group of companions, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire delivers in this aspect. You will encounter a wide range of fascinating characters, each with their own unique personalities, backstories, and quests. Forming relationships with your companions and making choices that align with their beliefs will affect the outcome of the story.

Curse of the Sea Rats (2021)

Set in the 17th century, Curse of the Sea Rats takes place on the mysterious Ratlantis Island. The island is home to a cursed colony of rats who have been transformed into fearsome pirates. As players, you’ll assume the roles of four heroic rats – Horatio, Tormaigh, Fergus, and Bertrand – as they navigate treacherous waters, battle formidable enemies, and seek to break the curse that binds them.

Curse of the Sea Rats combines elements of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving to create an immersive gaming experience. As you venture through the beautifully hand-drawn environments, you’ll encounter a variety of challenges and enemies that will test your skills and wit. Exploration is a key aspect of the gameplay, as you’ll uncover hidden secrets, discover new areas, and interact with a diverse cast of characters. From bustling coastal towns to eerie caves and ancient ruins, each location is meticulously designed to immerse you in the world of Ratlantis.

Combat in Curse of the Sea Rats is fast-paced and action-packed. Utilize each rat’s unique abilities and weapons to defeat hordes of enemies, including fearsome bosses. Whether it’s Horatio’s swordsmanship, Tormaigh’s archery skills, Fergus’ brute strength, or Bertrand’s magical prowess, you’ll need to strategize and coordinate your attacks to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Puzzle-solving is another integral part of the gameplay. Expect brain-teasing riddles, environmental puzzles, and clever traps that will require you to think outside the box. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and tools that will aid you in your quest, allowing you to access previously inaccessible areas and unveil the secrets of Ratlantis.
Combat in Curse of the Sea Rats is fast-paced and action-packed. Utilize each rat’s unique abilities and weapons to defeat hordes of enemies, including fearsome bosses.

Whether it’s Horatio’s swordsmanship, Tormaigh’s archery skills, Fergus’ brute strength, or Bertrand’s magical prowess, you’ll need to strategize and coordinate your attacks to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Puzzle-solving is another integral part of the gameplay. Expect brain-teasing riddles, environmental puzzles, and clever traps that will require you to think outside the box. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and tools that will aid you in your quest, allowing you to access previously inaccessible areas and unveil the secrets of Ratlantis.

Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale (2024)

Developed by Gaming Minds Studios, Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale offers a unique blend of strategy, exploration, and action-packed battles. As a pirate captain, you’ll start with a small ship and a crew of misfits, but through cunning tactics and daring feats, you’ll rise through the ranks of the pirate world. 

The game features a vast open world, allowing you to sail freely across the Caribbean Sea, visiting various islands and ports. Each location is teeming with opportunities, from trading goods to recruiting new crew members or engaging in thrilling ship-to-ship combat.

Ship management is a crucial aspect of the game. You’ll need to upgrade your vessel, hire skilled sailors, and equip powerful cannons to outmaneuver and overpower rival pirates. The wind and sea conditions play a significant role in battles, adding a layer of realism and challenge to the gameplay.

But piracy isn’t just about fighting. Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale also offers a deep economic system. You can buy and sell goods, negotiate deals, and establish trade routes to amass wealth and build your pirate empire. The choices you make will shape your reputation among other pirates and influence the course of your adventure.

As you progress, you’ll encounter legendary pirate captains, formidable naval fleets, and mythical creatures lurking in the depths. Completing quests, uncovering hidden treasures, and forming alliances will unlock new abilities, ships, and crew members, allowing you to become the most feared pirate in the Caribbean. 

One Piece Odyssey (2023)

Developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, One Piece Odyssey takes place in the vast and treacherous world of the Grand Line, where pirates roam and dreams of finding the legendary One Piece treasure fuel their ambitions. The Straw Hat Pirates find themselves stranded on Waford, a mysterious island where their powers are sealed. Explore the island, uncover its secrets, and battle foes both new and familiar to regain their abilities.

The world of One Piece Odyssey is beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga and immersing players in its vibrant and colorful universe. The heart of One Piece Odyssey lies in its captivating storyline. As you sail through the Grand Line, you’ll encounter familiar faces from the One Piece series, such as Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and many more. Interact with these beloved characters, form alliances, and take on challenging quests that will test your skills as a pirate.

Each island you visit holds its own unique story, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected encounters. From battling fearsome pirates to unraveling the mysteries of ancient ruins, the narrative keeps you hooked, eager to uncover the next chapter of your adventure.

LEGO® Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game (2011)

LEGO® Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game is an action-adventure video game developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Disney Interactive Studios. It offers a unique and entertaining gameplay experience that combines the charm of LEGO® with the swashbuckling world of Pirates of the Caribbean. Players can take control of their favorite characters from the films, including Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and more. The game features a wide variety of levels, each based on iconic scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. From exploring the mysterious depths of Davy Jones’ locker to engaging in epic ship battles, there’s never a dull moment in this virtual pirate world. 

One of the highlights of the gameplay is the ability to engage in cooperative play with a friend or family member. Team up with a buddy and embark on this adventure together, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and collecting LEGO® studs along the way. The cooperative play adds an extra layer of fun and encourages teamwork, making it a perfect game for families to enjoy together.  

LEGO® Pirates of the Caribbean takes players on a journey through all four films of the franchise: “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Dead Man’s Chest,” “At World’s End,” and “On Stranger Tides.” The game beautifully recreates the iconic locations and memorable moments from these movies, capturing the humor and excitement that made them so beloved. Players will find themselves exploring familiar settings such as Port Royal, Tortuga, and the Black Pearl, as well as encountering beloved characters like Captain Barbossa, Davy Jones, and the notorious Blackbeard.

Tropico 2 – Pirates Cove (2003)

“Tropico 2: Pirate Cove” is a city-building and management simulation game developed by Frog City Software and published by Gathering of Developers. It was released in 2003 as the sequel to the original “Tropico.” While “Tropico” focused on building and managing a tropical island as a dictator, “Tropico 2” takes a different approach, putting players in control of a pirate haven.

In Tropico 2 – Pirates Cove, you play as the Pirate King, ruling over a hidden pirate island. Your goal is to attract a crew of scurvy pirates, keep them happy, and expand your pirate empire. As the Pirate King, you’ll face various challenges and tasks that will test your leadership and strategic skills. To build a successful pirate haven, you’ll need to construct buildings, such as taverns, shipyards, and hideouts, to keep your crew entertained, build and maintain a fleet of pirate ships, and raid nearby towns for booty and resources. 

You’ll also need to manage your crew’s needs, such as food, shelter, and entertainment, to ensure their loyalty and productivity. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter rival pirates, hostile nations, and even the occasional ghost ship. You’ll need to navigate these challenges, form alliances or engage in battles, and establish your dominance over the seas. The game offers a rich and immersive experience, with detailed graphics, a dynamic weather system, and a lively pirate-themed soundtrack. 

Tropico 2: Pirate Cove is no longer officially supported but still available on digital platforms like GOG.com.

By Aldo