5 Best Games Like Tortuga — A Pirate’s Tale

Privateering has long been a subject of interest for video game developers, and understandably so, given that it's a realm that neither sleeps nor loses public figures to chronicle. Its latest addition, Tortuga — A Pirate's Tale, brings all the same swashbuckling antics as seen in most modern pirate-themed RPGs, only with a second helping of sandbox elements that let you explore and plunder the whole of the Caribbean seas.

Tortuga and its connected isles aside, there are of course plenty of other regions open to go gallivanting about on with the local privateers and crewmates. With that in mind, if you're keen on the idea of branching out and plundering even more treasure-filled islands, then you're in luck, as these following five games will surely tick all the same boxes.

5. Skull & Bones

The jury's still very much out on Skull & Bones, as it has yet to actually grace the system, meaning even our own verdict on it is still somewhat undecided. Nevertheless, as far as close alternatives to Tortuga go, it's an easy-to-digest listing, and it brings a slew of familiar piratey components to the slate. This of course includes a multiplayer-based RPG, a fully customizable crew and ship, and an entire ocean swarming with quality loot to plunder. You know, “pirate things.”

Skull & Bones gives you the vessel needed to charter the Indian Ocean in its entirety, either alone or with a full-bodied crew of loyal privateers. With countless bounties to acquire, treasure chests to unlock, and islands to unearth, budding captains will no doubt have plenty of content to shovel through when it eventually weighs anchor. But as for when that'll be, exactly, is still anybody's guess at this point.

4. Sea of Thieves

As far as immersive pirate simulators go, Sea of Thieves still holds its place as one of the best in the businesses, and rightfully so. Even after several years of hashing out expansions and new island tales for its player base to tackle, the MMO is still finding new ways to keep its loyalest of fans captivated and ravenous for more. And if you haven't joined the millions of sailors out on its ever-evolving ocean yet, then perhaps it's time to adopt your sea legs.

Sea of Thieves operates in a similar way to other MMORPGs; as an up-and-coming player, you can create your own goals and charter your own fully customizable vessels and shipmates. With no primary objectives or rules to adhere to, you can make each session out on the big blue an entirely new adventure, meaning the sky truly is the limit. So, if you've ever fancied yourself a money-making captain of a famous pirate ship, then perhaps your next port of call should be the Old Sailor Isle.

3. Port Royale 4

Port Royale 4 stems from one of the most successful pirate-themed turn-based strategy franchises on the market. Much like its predecessors, the idea behind it is to let players conquer the Carribbean seas, either through the power of trade, or through privateering and unlawful plundering. As a governor of sorts, you must build a concrete empire that can not only withstand the elements, but the pirates that fight for supremacy over the ocean.

From a single dockside trading post to a network of bustling harbors packed full of booming businesses and a continuous flow of resources—Port Royale 4 gives you the tools to develop your very own a rags-to-riches tale. With every session being vastly different from the other, there is a genuine level of replayability stowed away here, and it really is no wonder the series, despite being overshadowed by some bigger franchises, is still standing on its own two feet after all these years.

2. Blackwake

Blackwake may have been somewhat overshadowed by the likes of Sea of Thieves upon launch, but that doesn't change the fact that it is, all things considered, still a fantastic pirate MMO. And what's more, it brings more of a realistic tone to the theme, whereas Rare's highly popular cartoon-like world favors something a little less intense. It's a matter of opinion, sure, but if you're more inclined to play something a little, shall we say, edgier, then it's definitely worth looking at.

Let it be said that naval combat is the heart and soul here; it's very much anchored by action-packed ship battles and its string of familiar multiplayer modes, including Team Deathmatch, Siege, and Capture the Booty. And so, if you'd much rather leave out the open-world aspects and lean more towards full-fat competitive gameplay, then look no further.

1. King of Seas

In spite of its somewhat risque but time-appropriate theme and dialogue, King of Seas is still more or less an incredibly satisfying ARPG on PC. Its goals, which mostly revolve around conquering the seven seas in your menacingly tough pirate ship, aren't anything out of the ordinary, though they do give you plenty to chew through as you explore the nooks and crannies of its ocean-packed interface.

From the moment you weigh anchor and hoist the flag, King of Seas gives you a procedurally generated ocean to divide and conquer in any way you see fit. However, with countless rival pirates and trading companies all on the same mission to capitalize on the ocean's bounties, you must always remain one step ahead of the game. And so, there's plenty to enjoy here—especially for those who enjoy cooking up a good strategy plan and bossing fellow sailors around.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any games like Tortuga — A Pirate's Tale that you would recommend playing? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.