Top 18 Best Pirate Games for Swashbuckling Adventures in 2025

Pirate games have long captured the imaginations of gamers seeking the thrill of high-seas adventure, hidden treasure, and naval warfare. From timeless classics to modern open-world experiences, the genre offers a broad array of styles — RPGs, strategy games, narrative-driven mysteries, and action-packed simulations. Whether you're steering a schooner through a hurricane or negotiating trade routes during the Age of Sail, there’s a pirate game to suit every swashbuckler’s taste.

This curated list of the top 18 pirate games in 2025 focuses on titles rooted in the Golden Age of Piracy, emphasizing sailing, ship combat, treasure hunting, and classic nautical themes. These games have been chosen for their originality, player reception, and gameplay depth — spanning both AAA blockbusters and charming indie gems.

1. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – The Ultimate Pirate Experience

Widely regarded as one of the best pirate games ever made, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is an epic open-world adventure that seamlessly blends the stealth and combat elements of the Assassin’s Creed franchise with fully realized naval exploration. Set in 1715, you step into the boots of Edward Kenway — a charismatic privateer turned pirate navigating Caribbean waters at the height of piracy.

With stunning visuals, immersive naval combat, treasure-laden islands, and a compelling story, Black Flag delivers everything one could want from a pirate fantasy. Whether you're boarding ships in brutal sea battles or diving for treasure in sunken ruins, this game defines what a modern pirate adventure should be.

2. Sea of Thieves – Multiplayer Mayhem on the High Seas

Sea of Thieves has evolved into a must-play multiplayer pirate sandbox. Offering a vibrant, stylized world with a true sense of freedom, players can team up or go solo in search of buried treasure, fight ghost ships, explore ancient ruins, or clash with rival crews.

The unpredictable nature of its shared open world makes every voyage feel unique. Cooperative play is especially rewarding, whether you're raising sails together or launching cannonballs in heated naval clashes. Constant updates from its developers have added significant depth, introducing new factions, story-driven voyages, and supernatural threats. It’s one of the most dynamic and engaging pirate games available today.

3. Return of the Obra Dinn – A Pirate Mystery Like No Other

While not a traditional swashbuckling adventure, Return of the Obra Dinn delivers one of the most intellectually engaging experiences in the genre. Set in 1807 aboard a derelict merchant ship, players assume the role of an insurance investigator piecing together what happened to the crew using only logic and a supernatural pocket watch that reveals moments before each death.

Its monochrome visual style is unlike anything else, but it’s the deeply immersive storytelling and brilliant puzzle design that steal the show. Each deduction feels like solving a riddle at sea, offering a cerebral twist on the traditional pirate theme.

4. Sid Meier’s Pirates! – The Timeless Classic

Few games have stood the test of time quite like Sid Meier’s Pirates!. Whether you're chasing down a fleeing merchant ship, fencing with rival captains, or courting a governor's daughter, the game offers an unmatched sense of pirate freedom and role-playing.

With turn-based naval battles, real-time duels, and an evolving Caribbean world influenced by your actions, Sid Meier’s Pirates! remains the quintessential pirate simulator. Its balance of accessible mechanics and deep gameplay systems make it endlessly replayable, and it's just as fun now as when it first launched.

5. Ultimate Admiral: Age of Sail – Tactical Warfare on the High Seas

For players who enjoy historical realism and strategic depth, Ultimate Admiral: Age of Sail is a standout title. It places you in command of both naval and land forces during iconic battles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Ship design, weather conditions, crew morale, and cannon positioning all factor into a realistic simulation of maritime warfare.

Although it leans more toward historical naval combat than piracy, its attention to detail and authentic Age of Sail atmosphere earns it a spot on this list. It’s a compelling choice for fans of tactical strategy and ship-to-ship warfare.

6. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – CRPG Meets the Open Sea

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire takes the deep character customization and choice-driven storytelling of a classic CRPG and sets it adrift in an expansive archipelago. As the captain of your own ship, you’ll chart your course across exotic islands, engage in naval skirmishes, and navigate the political intrigue of warring factions.

The game masterfully merges high fantasy with pirate motifs, offering dynamic ship combat, seafaring exploration, and a richly layered narrative. Its strategic combat and philosophical dialogue choices provide a sophisticated experience for those who want more depth in their pirate adventures.

7. Return to Monkey Island – Point-and-Click Perfection

A delightful return to one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, Return to Monkey Island brings back the wit, charm, and clever puzzles that made the original games iconic. Players once again follow Guybrush Threepwood on a quest to uncover the fabled secret of Monkey Island, navigating a colorful world filled with eccentric characters and hilarious dialogue.

This installment respects its roots while modernizing the mechanics and visual design, making it accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, story-driven pirate game, this is one of the finest.

8. Assassin’s Creed: Rogue – A Darker Pirate Perspective

Assassin’s Creed: Rogue flips the traditional narrative by casting you as Shay Cormac, a former assassin turned Templar. Set during the Seven Years' War, the game spans icy North Atlantic waters and features much of the naval exploration and combat made famous by Black Flag.

Though often overlooked, Rogue offers a grittier, morally complex take on the series. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoyed Black Flag and want a new perspective with similar gameplay mechanics. Its narrative bridges the gap between Black Flag and Unity, offering lore-rich insight into the Assassin’s Creed universe.

9. Man O’ War: Corsair – Warhammer Meets Naval Combat

For a unique fusion of fantasy and naval warfare, Man O’ War: Corsair brings the grimdark world of Warhammer to the high seas. Based on the classic tabletop game, players can command warships, battle sea monsters, and engage in brutal maritime skirmishes while exploring a richly detailed fantasy ocean.

Despite a few rough edges and a learning curve, the game is packed with atmosphere and chaotic, rewarding battles. It’s an excellent choice for fans of Warhammer and pirate-themed combat who crave a darker, more fantastical experience.

10. Risen 2: Dark Waters – Fantasy Pirate Adventure

Set in a world ravaged by titans and crawling with sea monsters, Risen 2: Dark Waters blends fantasy RPG mechanics with a classic pirate setting. As a member of the Inquisition, your mission is to reclaim control of the seas by hunting down creatures and uncovering ancient secrets across tropical islands.

The game has a gritty, aged charm, mixing traditional swordplay and firearms with voodoo magic. While the graphics and combat may feel dated, Risen 2 delivers a unique, narrative-rich pirate experience with a distinct tone and a lot of personality. It’s especially appealing for players seeking something different from the typical pirate formula.

11. Hero of the Kingdom II – Casual Adventure with Pirate Flavor

For those who prefer a more relaxed and story-driven experience, Hero of the Kingdom II offers a charming, casual adventure where you embark on a journey to rescue your kidnapped sister from a notorious pirate crew. The gameplay revolves around exploration, item collection, and helping locals with various tasks to progress through the narrative.

While it lacks combat and flashy visuals, the game's heartwarming story and satisfying loop of exploration and quest completion make it a hidden gem. Its laid-back pacing and straightforward mechanics make it ideal for players seeking a mellow pirate-themed journey.

12. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew – Strategy Meets the Supernatural

Combining stealth tactics with supernatural storytelling, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew offers a refreshing take on pirate strategy games. You control a crew of undead pirates, each with unique magical abilities, as you battle the Inquisition across a mystical Caribbean archipelago.

With its rich tactical depth, open-ended level design, and character-driven story, the game invites creative problem-solving and replayability. It’s a standout for fans of games like Desperados or Shadow Tactics, but with a distinct pirate twist and supernatural flavor that elevates it above the typical stealth strategy formula.

13. Port Royale 3 – Trader or Raider?

Port Royale 3 is a historical strategy game set in the 17th-century Caribbean, offering two distinct campaigns: one focused on peaceful trade, and the other on swashbuckling conquest. As a captain, you build trade routes, develop colonies, and engage in real-time naval battles.

While it leans more on economics than piracy, its combination of trading mechanics and naval strategy gives players the freedom to forge their own legacy — whether as a wealthy merchant or fearsome privateer. The pacing can be slower than action titles, but it rewards strategic planning and long-term growth.

14. Salt 2: Shores of Gold – Peaceful Pirate Survival

For those seeking a more tranquil pirate experience, Salt 2: Shores of Gold offers a procedurally generated open world filled with peaceful sailing, survival crafting, and solo exploration. Players can customize their ship, gather resources, fish, fight off bandits, and uncover the mysteries of uncharted islands.

The minimalist art style and ambient soundtrack create a calming atmosphere, while the constant discovery of new islands and secrets keeps the gameplay engaging. It’s a great option for players who prefer relaxed progression and immersive worldbuilding over high-intensity combat.

15. Cursed Crew – Roguelike Ship Management

Cursed Crew puts you in control of a haunted vessel trying to lift a supernatural curse. This roguelike strategy game focuses on crew management, resource balancing, and random events as you sail through perilous waters. Your decisions shape your journey — from who to save to which upgrades to prioritize.

Though still in Early Access, it offers a compelling gameplay loop with unique art direction reminiscent of titles like Don’t Starve. The emphasis on survival and replayability makes it an interesting entry in the pirate genre, especially for fans of strategy and base-building games.

16. Rum & Gun – Indie ARPG with Pirate Vibes

An under-the-radar gem, Rum & Gun is a pirate-themed action RPG with gameplay reminiscent of Diablo. Set across the Indian Ocean, the game follows your journey to uncover the mysteries of a drunken god while battling hordes of enemies and collecting loot.

Developed by a solo indie creator, it’s rough around the edges but packed with charm, creativity, and replayability. Its affordability and heart make it a worthy addition to any pirate fan’s library, especially for those who enjoy action-driven dungeon crawlers with a unique setting.

17. Sea Dogs – Old-School Pirate RPG

Sea Dogs is a classic open-world RPG that allows players to build their pirate legacy from humble beginnings. You’ll sail between ports, trade goods, upgrade your ship, and battle rival captains in a dynamic Caribbean setting. Its freedom of choice and depth of systems still hold up despite its age.

It’s also worth noting that Sea Dogs 2 was rebranded as Pirates of the Caribbean and became a cult favorite. Though harder to find today, both titles are treasured by fans of open-world naval adventures and richly layered pirate simulations.

18. Tempest – Arcade-Style High Seas Fun

Rounding out the list is Tempest, an action-packed pirate RPG focused on sailing, ship combat, and exploration. Players command a vessel across three large regions, battling mythical creatures like the Kraken and Leviathan while upgrading ships and plundering treasures.

The game leans more toward arcade mechanics than realism, making it accessible and fast-paced. It’s not the deepest title on the list, but for players looking for quick pirate-themed fun and eye-catching sea battles, Tempest is a solid choice — especially when on sale.

From the immersive storytelling of Black Flag to the strategic depth of Ultimate Admiral and the indie innovation of Rum & Gun, pirate games in 2025 offer something for every taste. Whether you’re looking to command a cursed crew, duel rival captains, or peacefully explore exotic islands, the variety and quality of games in this genre have never been better.

So hoist the anchor, chart your course, and dive into the high seas with one (or several) of these incredible pirate adventures. There’s a whole world of treasure, danger, and discovery waiting — all that’s missing is your ship and your courage.