5 Best Pirate Video Games

Few genres in gaming provide the sense of freedom that Pirate games do. The natural exhilaration that players feel when exploring the high seas is certainly palpable in these titles. While they may differ in their depiction of piracy and pirate life, these games each have the seas calling out to players. This makes them incredible adventures to enjoy for newcomers to the genre, as well as veterans. So without further ado, here are the 5 Best Pirate Video Games.

5. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4

We begin today's list of the best Pirate video games, with a fantastic title. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is a game based on the critically acclaimed manga/anime One Piece. In this series, pirates take to the seas in order to further their goals. In One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, the game does a fantastic job of incorporating traditional Musou gameplay elements, with a great amount of care given to its characters. The combat in the game looks and feels very smooth and fluid, and can easily entertain players for quite some time.

While the game itself does have an original ending, as the manga arc the game is based on hadn't been completed yet, that hardly takes away from the experience. For fans who are familiar with the One Piece series, these games are the closest fans have come to an action-based brawler in the One Piece universe. For fans of the Dynasty Warriors series, this game is sure to tick a lot of boxes in terms of enjoyment. Simply put, we consider this title one of the best Pirate video games on the market.

4. Elite Dangerous

Switching things up considerably from the high seas and sails to a space pirating title that is simply phenomenal. Elite Dangerous is a game that allows players to participate in piracy on a grand scale. This can be seen in the gameplay of the game, as players are tasked with controlling resources. For players looking for a fantastic massively multiplayer game to jump into with piracy elements. You would be hard-pressed to find a better title than Elite Dangerous. This is due to the quality that is present in the game that is palpable as soon as players boot the game up.

In terms of sheer content to explore, this title is the most ambitious entry on our list. This is due to the fact that Elite Dangerous features well over four hundred billion star systems to explore. This is great, as it means that players will never run out of content for the game. One of the best aspects of the game is the ship customization, which is fairly in-depth. So, if charting a route through a nearly-infinite space sounds appealing to you, check out one of the best Pirate games to date.

3. Sid Meier's Pirates!

For the next entry on our list of the best Pirate games you can play today, we have an absolute classic. Sid Meier's Pirates! is a game that in many ways, encapsulates what it means to be a pirate. Players are able to explore the Caribbean and clash with rival pirate crews along the way. This is great, as it does a great job of varying the moment-to-moment gameplay. Additionally, for players looking for an immersive experience, this game gives players a great amount of choice in their gameplay. So if you decide to pillage a village, you can certainly do so.

While the visuals for the game might have aged a bit, the gameplay on offer is solid. Everything from naval combat to more tense combat situations is presented wonderfully. This is fantastic and gives the game a sense of immersion for players to enjoy. So while it might not be the new kid on the block anymore, Sid Meier's Pirates! is a fantastic vision of what a pirating game should look like. For these reasons, we consider it one of the best Pirate games available today.

2. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Now, following our last entry is one of the best Pirate games ever made. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag does a fantastic job of capturing the world of piracy and life on the high seas. This can be seen in the shanties that the crew sings aboard your ship, as well as the stellar, and in many ways, underrated naval combat. While this title is certainly an Assassin's Creed title through and through, the inclusion of naval combat manages to freshen up the game wonderfully. Players can seek out adventure and treasure at every turn.

The ability to loot enemy ships is great, and the cannon mechanics in the game are great as well. This makes the ship combat in the game something that anyone who enjoys piracy in games can enjoy. Playing as Edward Kenway, players will be able to journey along a fantastic Assassin's Creed storyline. Additionally, for fans of upgradable ships, this game allows players to do so in a way that is simple, but effective. All in all, if you are looking for one of the best Pirate games of all time, definitely check this one out.

1. Sea of Thieves

Wrapping up our list of the best Pirate games, we have Sea of Thieves. Now, we would certainly be remiss if we left this entry off of our list. This is due to the fact that few games manage to properly express and encapsulate that feeling of having a crew with salty air hitting your back. However, Sea of Thieves does this wonderfully. This can be seen in the game's strong gameplay loop and sense of discovery. Players are able to explore a vast world and discover all that there is to find. This is great and really taps into the adventure aspects of piracy.

Additionally, there are several systems in the game for players to utilize as far as controlling their ship goes. This is great, as it encourages teamwork among players. For fans of narrative direction in games, this game also does a great job of incorporating this. Added to this, are the additions that have been made, and continue to be made to the game. Which serves to improve the overall experience. So, to close, if you are looking for one of the best Pirate games you can experience today, definitely check out Sea of Thieves.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Pirate Video Games? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.