7 Best Pirate Games (Open-World, Co-Op, Cross-Platform & More)

Pirate games are surprisingly rare considering the fact that most of us wanted to be a pirate at some point in our childhood. Skull and Bones was meant to be the ultimate pirate game, but then it just sort of… flopped?

But if you want some pirate adventuring, don’t worry — 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.

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 just maybe save the world.

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. 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.

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is an epic, isometric RPG where you’ll build your pirate crew, set sail across a stunning archipelago, and engage in deep, tactical battles.

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.

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.

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Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Sid Meier’s Pirates! was originally released in 2004, but it’s 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.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves is set in 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.

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Sea Dogs

Sea Dogs was released back in 2000, and it’s an underrated classic perfect for those who love the idea of sailing the Caribbean in the 17th century.

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 the seas have ever known. It’s a little dated, but if you’re looking for a pirate game with some serious depth, Sea Dogs will have you hooked.

Salt 1 & 2

Salt (both 1 and 2) 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.

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).

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