Highlights

  • Pirate games offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences, from MMORPGs to real-time strategy, satisfying different player preferences.
  • Some classic pirate games, like Sea Dogs, offer a nostalgic experience despite aging graphics and gameplay mechanics.
  • Pirate-themed games often feature elements of adventure, puzzles, customization, and historical lore, appealing to a wide audience.

Pirates have been capturing the imagination in popular culture for a long time now and the video game audience is heavily invested in the mythology of these swashbuckling vagabonds. Some of these games, like Sid Meier’s Pirates!, have even helped to change the landscape of the gaming world. Not all pirate games are as successful though.

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Some games are hidden by the sands of time, patiently waiting to be found by a daring buccaneer who finds the X that marks the spot. With so many pirate games available on the market, it is easy to lose track of them, but that's not to say that there aren't still plenty of great pirate games that deserve a second glance.

Updated February 22, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Ubisoft has just released Skull and Bones, one of the biggest pirate games of all time. While garnering a very mixed reception, especially for a project that has been in development for so long, the title will not be forgotten anytime soon, even if its longevity remains to be seen. The same cannot be said for every pirate game, many of which have been dragged out to sea and forgotten. The specifications have been added for every game included in this discussion.

Pirates: The Legend Of Black Kat

Metascore: 74

Black Kat Pirate Ship
Pirates: The Legend of Black Kat

Platform(s)
PS2 , Xbox (Original)
Released
February 19, 2002
Developer(s)
Westwood Studios
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure
How Long To Beat
7 Hours

Pirates: The Legend of Black Kat was released on Playstation and Xbox consoles in 2002. The plot follows a dangerous female pirate: Katarina de Leon, better known as Black Kat. In a quest for revenge and lost treasure, Black Kat sails the seas searching for Captain Hawke, the man responsible for her father’s death.

The game itself had some solid gameplay, especially the sailing mechanics, which were simple but fun. There is a surprising amount of customization available too. Players can utilize different projectiles for the cannon, including chain shots, and they can even call upon magic in battle. The Legend of Black Kat is a serviceable game to scratch those nostalgic itches, although newcomers who want to give this a try should go in expecting some slight jank.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Online

Metascore: 60

Pirates Of The Caribbean Online
Pirates of the Caribbean Online

Platform(s)
PC
Released
October 31, 2007
Developer(s)
SilverTree Media , Disney Online
Genre(s)
MMORPG

Released in 2007, Pirates of the Caribbean Online was a pirate MMORPG that built the movie universe into a playable world for fans to enjoy. The game centered around creating a pirate, exploring the lore of the universe, and completing quests to progress in level. Players flocked to the game to battle against the most dangerous pirates from the franchise.

The studio closed the game in 2013, but some enthusiastic fans created their own spin-off game. The Legends of Pirates Online is, of course, in no way affiliated with the original game, but is a fully built replica of Pirates of the Caribbean Online. While hardly a genre-defining MMO, this project had its charm, and it provided fans with a fun way to immerse themselves in this Disney universe.

Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer

Metascore: 42

Francis Blade Black Buccaneer
Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer

Platform(s)
PC , PS2
Released
August 15, 2006
Developer(s)
Widescreen Games
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure
How Long To Beat
5 Hours

In this pirate epic, players control Francis Blade as he explores the island of La Borgne after being shipwrecked. Once the player finds an amulet that allows Blade to transform into the Black Buccaneer, an undead voodoo pirate captain, the game gets more interesting. The aim is to repair a ship, so players can escape the island. There is also an exciting boss battle that rewards players with long-lost pirate treasure.

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The game contains puzzles to keep players guessing what to do next. Although the game looked visually impressive for its era, the overall experience could be lackluster and frustrating, which led to a less-than-stellar reception. Still, Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer has its fans.

Age Of Booty

Metascore: 76

Age Of Booty Art
Age of Booty

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360
Released
October 15, 2008
Developer(s)
Certain Affinity
Genre(s)
Real-Time Strategy
How Long To Beat
8 Hours

Age of Booty is a real-time tile-based strategy game published by Capcom. Players will need to take over tiles, fight for resources, and battle against other pirates who are looking to steal the loot. It has an easy learning curve, so, players can pick it up at a casual pace.

The challenge modes are not easy, however, as once players get toward the most serious difficulty, things can get tricky. Age of Booty is an addictive experience when played with friends and rewards communication and teamwork. It’s simple, but there is depth to the game that can keep players hooked. Also, Age of Booty: Tactics was released in 2016.

Pirate101

Metacritic User Score: 8.2

Pirate101 Character
Pirate101

Platform(s)
PC
Released
October 15, 2012
Developer
KingsIsle Entertainment
Genre(s)
MMORPG

Launched way back in 2012 and published by KingsIsle, Pirate101 was almost forgotten until 2022, when loyal players took a stand and flooded the servers. The idea was that joining en masse would force the developers to update the game. The game already boasts voice acting, companions, and turn-based combat.

The plan to force KingIsle to update the game worked as the studio promised updates to the game in 2022. While nothing too major, which makes sense due to the project's age, Pirate101 has received a couple of updates over the last few years, including a quality-of-life release. The game is free-to-play and offers customizable ships and pirates, and it's family-friendly.

Pirates, Vikings, and Knights 2

Metacritic User Score: 7.8

pirates, Vikings, and Knights II
Pirates, Vikings, and Knights 2

Platform(s)
PC
Released
January 1, 2007
Developer(s)
Octoshark Studios , The PVKII Team
Genre(s)
Multiplayer , Action

Pirates, Vikings, and Knights 2 is a free-to-play game that combines three eras into one war zone. There is a team deathmatch mode, a territory mode, and a unique booty game. Each faction is unique and comes with different equipment, strengths, and special moves. Players use mouse movements to direct melee strikes, but opponents can try to deflect in the same way. It is a lot like Chivalry or Mordhau, and it's free!

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Being a free, exciting medieval combat simulator is why the reviews for the game are still very positive. Sadly, due to the rise of newer titles, the game's player base is hovering around 25 peak concurrent players, according to Steam Stats.

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Metascore: 87

Zack & Wiki Quest for Barbaros' Treasure
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Platform(s)
Wii
Released
October 23, 2007
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Point-and-click
How Long To Beat
14 Hours

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is an excellent pirate-themed adventure game published by Capcom for the Nintendo Wii. The Wii console is a unique platform that gave Zack & Wiki a special twist to the point-and-click adventure style.

Players control Zack and his sidekick monkey Wiki as they search for the treasure of legendary pirate Barbaros. The game combines puzzle-solving with bright, exciting cutscenes. Zack & Wiki gained highly positive reviews from critics due to the originality and unique experience that only the Wii could offer. Despite the cult following of fans, commercially, the game didn't meet expectations.

Sea Dogs

Metascore: 71

Sea Dogs  gameplay of ship sailing near boulders
Sea Dogs: An Epic Adventure at Sea

Platform(s)
PC
Released
November 24, 2000
Developer(s)
Akella
Genre(s)
RPG
How Long To Beat
16 Hours
  • Platform: Microsoft Windows

Released in 2000 and published by Bethesda, Sea Dogs follows in the footsteps of previous titles, such as Sid Meier's Pirates! The gameplay is more developed and uses an updated engine to allow Sea Dogs to improve the design. It is action mixed with strategy and a hint of role-playing. At first, it can be confusing for players, but the gameplay actually has an endearing simplicity.

Players control Nicolas Sharp as he attempts to manage a ship and crew. Like many Bethesda games, the story is nonlinear, and players can pick and choose where to go. Despite obvious issues, the game is a fun experience but is a product of its time and has aged considerably. Sea Dogs is a nostalgic hit for players who have already played it, but outdated.

Treasure Island (1984)

Gamefaqs: 4.33/5

Treasure Island
Treasure Island

Platform(s)
PC , ZX Spectrum , Commodore 64
Released
March 6, 2008
Developer
Greg Duddle
Genre(s)
Adventure
How Long To Beat
5 Hours

Treasure Island is a game based on a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1882 that transcends its original period. The video game was released in 1984, making it one of the very first pirate games ever made, and, as a result, it is a product of its time. The gameplay is limited, but it is great for a nostalgia trip for the players who had the pleasure of playing the game at its peak.

In the game, players take control of Jim Hawkins, the protagonist of the book, who is preparing for a showdown with the immortalized Long John Silver. Throwing cutlasses at pirates and using limited resources to progress through each level; swashbuckling action at its finest. The game begs the question: why aren't more classic books adapted into games?

Sea Legends

Sea Legends
Sea Legends

Platform(s)
PC
Released
May 31, 1996
Developer
Ocean
Genre(s)
Strategy , Action-Adventure

Set in 1667, Sea Legends challenges players to sail to Barbados, but there are many plot twists ahead. The game features piracy and war on the high seas with layers of a scripted role-playing quest to follow. Players take the role of Captain Richard Grey, a noble British sailor who can turn into a pirate if the player chooses.

There are elements of a point-and-click adventure style that is a precursor to popular pirate games like the revived Monkey Island series. However, for a game released in 1996 and with a total download size of 135MB, Sea Legends has some impressive 3D duels and interesting sailing mechanics. Family secrets, betrayal, and murder all await in this project.

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