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5 Best Naval Warfare Games in 2022

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It's true, naval combat video games haven't been given the same tender loving care as other variants in the war domain. Although boasting a variety of games that revolve around the open seas, only few have ever really tapped into and explored the combat that swirls around it. A pirate here or there, sure, but not a great deal more.

Saying that, the few that have gone on to really push the boat out have often ended up being in leagues of their own. Whether they were conjured from the Golden Age of Piracy, the Second World War, or the Viking Age — some, though not all, were able to address the issues that gravitate toward such a niche subject. As for the highlights, well, we'd probably have to sway with these specific tides. So, put up your pegleg, matey, and allow us to introduce some of the best naval combat games in 2022.

 

5. Port Royale 4

Port Royale 4 | Announcement Trailer | PS4

Port Royale has been knocking about for a good few years now, which underlines the fact that the guys over at Gaming Minds Studios must be doing something right, otherwise the series would've capsized quite a ways back. But it's 2022, and both pirate-loving gamers and swashbuckling critics still can't help but sing it a superbly choreographed sea shanty.

The goal is simple: take over the world. Or, more specifically, the Caribbean, which is the next best thing when you're an up and coming governor of a newfound trade empire. Getting to that stage, however, involves branching out and taking over the seas, body by body. Make alliances, battle pirates, establish a trade route — just so long as it aids you on your voyage to supremacy. Do whatever it takes to make the Carribbean bow down to your legendary prowess.

 

4. World of Warships

World of Warships - Launch Trailer

Although World of Warships misses out on the first-person experience, therefore losing a great deal of its appeal, its gameplay is still as vigorous as it is deadly. Sadly, being a game that launched shortly after Assassin's Creed Rogue, it was something that many glossed over. Looking back, it should have received twice the praise as it did on launch.

Embarking with the power of a fleet behind your back ignites a feeling unlike anything else, and for that, we have to give World of Warships credit. There's honestly nothing more intensifying than going to war where the odds are rarely in your favor, but forever asking that you defy them regardless. Despite being a good seven years old, Wargaming really knew how to build a timeless beauty when slotting all the necessary pieces together. Even today, the game is still hands down one of the most thrilling online platforms in the industry. Just try and tell us otherwise.

 

3. Blackwake

Blackwake - Cinematic Gameplay Trailer

What better way to build on your communication skills than to assemble a crew of sixteen to man your ship out on the big blue? Thanks to Blackwake, that very team-building exercise springs to life, giving you endless opportunities to channel your combined skills into piloting an up and coming vessel fit for the Pacific.

Of course, it doesn't always take sixteen people to tow a ship. In fact, it can be done single-handedly, providing you have the stamina of a race horse and the patience of a saint. However, when you're going toe-to-toe with another ship on the rough and ready open sea, you'll want all the help you can get. The point is — no role is minor when you're battling for survival. One wrong move, and it's off the plank with ye!

 

2. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - World Premiere Trailer

Prior to Black Flag coming out, Ubisoft wasn't exactly known for procuring assets to build worlds out on the ocean blue. A couple of segments here and there, but nothing as fleshed out as its Edward Kenway sequence, that's for sure. It was at that moment, out on the open seas, bombarded with shanties and unfamiliar tides, that we knew the devs were on to something, and that Assassin's Creed was steering towards its true north.

It wasn't just the naval warfare that drove us crazy when Black Flag dropped, but the fact you could approach any battle out on the seas in a number of ways. Bundled in with plenty of customizable ship components, epic rival encounters, and an endless amount of treasure to hoard, Black Flag set the new standard for the category. Even to this day, it remains atop the highest iceberg as one of the greatest games of its kind. Full marks for Ubisoft.

 

1. Sea of Thieves

Official Sea of Thieves Gameplay Launch Trailer

Of course, Sea of Thieves, being a game based entirely on the age of piracy and almost every cliché in the history of pirate movies, it only made sense that it ended up doing well for itself. Fast-forward a few years, and it still stands tall as one of the best in the naval-based library.

Having an entire watery playground to traverse with a crew at your disposal provides a sense of achievement like no other. Being able to embark on a series of quests crammed full of treasure, Sea of Thieves gives you free rein over how you build a legacy on the open seas. The world is bustling and grand, and it shares enough with you to keep you sailing for years, forever lingering over the next hidden cave or treasure trove.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

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Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.