5 Best Pirate Video Games Of All Time, Ranked

The life of a pirate is one that's always been intriguing to explore in fiction, and there have been several video games over the years that allow players to live out their fantasy as a swashbuckler cruising around the open seas. However, compared to other role-playing settings, there aren't an overwhelming number of games that allow you to become a full-fledged pirate. Fortunately, some of the pirate games that are available don't hold anything back and let you truly become the captain of your own ship.

You'll also find a wide variety of genres available in pirate games, so not every game is an RPG that lets you take control of a captain with a ship and crew. Of course, not all pirate games are created equal, either, as some of them offer a much more in-depth experience than others. If you're looking for the five best pirate games ever, though, you can find that in our ranked list (arranged by writer preference) below.

Surprisingly, there haven't been many survival games with a pirate setting, but in early 2026, "Windrose" finally solved that problem. While "Windrose" launched in early access, there is already a ton of content available to players right off the bat, and more is being added through updates on a frequent basis. From the start, though, you begin as the survivor of a shipwreck, which was caused by some strange and mysterious forces.

Washed up on the beach, you must assemble a crew, build your ship from scratch, and establish a new base, all while trying to survive the Caribbean elements in the Age of Piracy. "Windrose" has everything that you'd hope for in a pirate game. There's naval exploration, progression, and combat, as well as plenty of things to do on land. The game also has a fairly deep story for a survival game, allowing you to explore a huge map where you'll see some real-world and fictional locations and meet a variety of characters. It didn't quite make our list of the best survival games in 2026, but with some more content to come, it could certainly crack the top five. 

By far the oldest game on this list, "Sid Meier's Pirates!" is one of the original pirate games to hit the mainstream market, being released way back in 2004. While its graphics and gameplay are certainly dated, many recent reviews from modern players still say it's an enjoyable experience. Unlike many of the other "Sid Meier" games, "Pirates!" isn't a city-builder or even a traditional strategy game. Instead, it's more of an open-world where you get to simply be the pirate of your dreams.

There's even some manner of choice involved when you begin a playthrough, as you have to decide what your character's end goal is. You can sail all throughout the Caribbean Sea, marauding enemy pirate ships, searching for treasure and riches; pillage settlements on land; or engage in some romance. There's an incredible amount of depth in "Pirates!" for a 2004 game, and it is more than worthy of a playthrough today.

The "Pillars of Eternity" franchise consists of some fantastic RPGs, but you might be surprised to hear that the series' second game, "Deadfire," is a pirate game. Mostly separate from the first "Pillars of Eternity," the sequel is a masterful RPG that lets you command your own pirate ship with a crew and traverse both land and sea. You can also engage with two separate combat systems, real-time with pausing, or turn-based, with the latter being a more recent addition to the game.

Regardless of what combat style you choose, though, you're in for a grand adventure in "Deadfire." After going through the in-depth character customization that is infused with a custom "Dungeons & Dragons"-like ruleset, you'll get to sail around from island to island as you attempt to stop a rogue god from destroying the region. Your ship and crew are also customizable, and both serve as major forms of progression in "Deadfire," in addition to upgrading your character's stats and abilities. "Pillars of Eternity" features some of the best RPGs in the genre, and "Deadfire" is the series at its best.

"Sea of Thieves" has become the quintessential pirate game for many players, and it's fairly easy to see why. Originally released in 2018, "Sea of Thieves" started out slightly rocky, but quickly developed into a fantastic live service title that is still receiving content and updates in 2026. While long-time players can engage with the newer content, fresh players are also able to hop in and immediately become the captain of their own ship.

There's a mix of both single-player and multiplayer elements in "Sea of Thieves," as you can play through the game's story mode as a lone wolf or in a party. However, the real fun in "Sea of Thieves" comes through the multiplayer elements, which you can access by joining one of the many online servers. If you decide to play solo, though, you'll need some tips to help manage the rough waters in "Sea of Thieves." Regardless of how you're playing, you can sail the seas, upgrade your ship, take part in fierce naval combat, and even raid other players' ships for booty.

Finally, the number one game on our list is "Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced." While, of course, the original "Black Flag" is still a terrific game, the "Resynced" remaster improves several elements of the game, adds new content, and provides a more modern experience overall. When it comes to the core of "Black Flag," though, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better or purer pirate adventure.

The game follows the journey of Edward Kenway, a former pirate captain who stumbles upon an assassin and assumes his identity. During your time as Kenway, you'll acquire a ship — the Jackdaw — and must upgrade it meticulously to challenge stronger and stronger enemy ships. You'll also need the help of your crew, which can also be upgraded over time. Naturally, as with any "Assassin's Creed" title, there's also plenty of land missions, objectives, and collectibles, including an entire island that you can upgrade and customize to become the home of your pirates. There's a reason why "Black Flag" is considered the best "Assassin's Creed" game of all time, but at its core, it's also the best pirate game ever made.