Ever since Black Flag Resynced's reveal 3 months ago, I've daydreamed about setting sail and these 6 games are letting me live out my best pirate life

Avast me hearties! If like me you've ever found yourself thinking a pirate's life is for you, then you've come to the right place, because I'm here bring you the best pirate games you can play right now.

Whether you're looking to live out all your pirate-shaped dreams in some great swashbuckling adventures, or the prospect of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has put the wind in your sails as it has done for me and you want to see what other adventures await you on the high seas, I've charted a course and found some fantastic pirate games that will help you fulfill all your nautical fantasies.

Of course, Ubisoft's remake is included here, but if you're looking for alternatives, I've brought together a great assortment of options. From some of the best open world RPGs, to one of the best co-op games, and even some old school classics that are still playable today, there's picks across most platforms so you can find something for you. So, if you're ready to find your sea legs and hoist your sails, join me as I take you through the best pirate games to play in 2026.



(Image credit: LucasArts / LucasFilm / Disney) Release date: July 15, 2009
Developer: LucasArts
Platform(s): PC

Bringing back the classic point-and-click adventure that first released back in 1990, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is here for any would-be pirate with a penchant for puzzle-solving. Packed with humor, you follow the story of protagonist Guybrush Threepwood as you try to uncover the secret of Monkey Island (hence the name). As you puzzle your way through a swashbuckling plot, you can expect to encounter many pirates, including an evil ghost buccaneer called LeChuck.

Of course, there's always the hope that you'll uncover some riches, too (because where there's pirates, there's usually treasure). It may be a little more dated as pirate adventures go, but with the special edition re-release bringing in a hint system, updated art style, and full voice over, it's still very enjoyable. If you're after a throwback, this is a great one to tuck into. Plus, if you enjoy it, the series made a more recent comeback in 2022 with Return to Monkey Island; that's a real delight.



(Image credit: Rare) Release date: April 9, 2026
Developer: Rare
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Sea of Thieves: 2026 Edition is the revised version of Rare's open world multiplayer pirate adventure, which brings in all of the permanent updates that have come to the game since it initially launched. When it comes to living your best pirate life, Sea of Thieves has plenty to offer. Whether you want to captain your own ship solo or you want to team up with pals to form your own pirate crew, the many islands and oceans are yours to explore – you can even plumb the depths for treasure with sunken sites below the surface of the sea.

With the freedom to create your own custom pirate and set off on voyages to become a legend of your own making, you can spend your time fishing, taking down a mighty kraken, or burying your most prized spoils (don't worry, you can create a map that will lead you right back to your loot). With lots of optional objects and side quests to keep you busy, I've never had a dull time with this one. Plus, you can also shape your own modes with the Custom Seas feature, which introduces a host of tools so you can be the kind of pirate you want to be.



(Image credit: Kraken Express) Release date: April 14, 2026 [Early Access]
Developer: Kraken Express
Platform(s): PC

Currently out in Early Access, Windrose draws you into an alternate take on the age of piracy in a survival adventure that blends swashbuckling action and naval combat with crafting and settlement building. Taking on the role of a captain who challenges Blackbeard, an infamous figure of legend, you soon get caught up in the conflicts of the high seas, complete with rival clans and empires.

But how you spend your time in Windrose is up to you. With procedurally generated biomes to explore, you can sail across the seas in search of new locations, weigh anchor and venture onto the shores to delve into dungeons, or try your hand at plundering some treasure (which is, of course, a classic pirate pastime). With resource gathering and crafting at play, you can also work to create your own bases in a place of your choosing, and while it's playable solo, you can also venture across the seas with pals in online co-op. You can get sea-ready with our pick of the best ships in Windrose.



(Image credit: SEGA) The Yakuza series has brought us some of the best ARPGs over the years, but it's also home to a character that has all of the traits of a pirate in the making. I'm of course talking about Goro Majima, the eye-patch-wearing, butt-kicking member of the Yakuza who has an on-going rivalry with the leading man, Kiryu. He's always gone his own way with a commanding presence, and that translates perfectly into his distinctly unique and endlessly entertaining spin-off, Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

After finding himself stranded on an island with no memory to speak of, you play as Majima as he takes over his own ship and reinvents himself as a modern-day pirate. Navigating through the Pacific Ocean, you form your own ragtag crew, work to upgrade your ship, and of course, get your hands on some riches. Naturally, there's always criminals and rival pirates trying to take the wind out of your sails, but that's where Majima's fighting skills in the best Yakuza games come in handy here. If you're after an action-packed pirate adventure with plenty of humor, then look no further. For more, check out our Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii review.



(Image credit: 2K) Release date: July 11, 2005
Developer: Firaxis Games
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X (backward compatibility)

If you're a strategy fan who's also looking to become a pirate legend, then Sid Meier's Pirates! is a classic spin-off that might just be right up your alley. Yes, it's a bit of a throwback, but it's aged very well and is still fun to play to this day. After a marquis your father is indebted to takes your family away during your childhood years, you set out to exact revenge when you're older and get your hands on your very own ship in the process.

From there, you're essentially free to decide what you do and how you want to do it as you set sail across the Caribbean. Whether you decide to raid villages for riches or be a true privateer who hunts down enemy ships and wanted criminals for your chosen allied nation, you can become as famous (or infamous) as you like. With naval combat, treasure hunting, and various activities to get stuck into, you'll also have to be mindful of your crew, as any good pirate captain should be.



(Image credit: Ubisoft) Release date: July 9, 2026
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

Assassin's Creed Black Flag first made waves back in 2013 thanks to its Caribbean open world setting and its pirate, assassin fantasy. Fast forward to 2026, and one of the best Assassin's Creed protagonists has made a comeback in that very same adventure, only this time, it's been rebuilt on the latest Anvil Engine with a suite of improvements and additions. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sees you play as Edward Kenway, a true buccaneer in the 18th century who captains the Jackdaw.

With appearances from pirates from history and legend, Black Flag is a great way to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of piracy. With improved, action-orientation fighting, naval combat, and plenty of treasures to uncover, it continues to be one of the best pirate games around – even if it isn't always smooth sailing, as we explore in our Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review. But if you've yet to tuck into this stealthy, pirate adventure, or you're looking to experience it all over again, Resynced is worth getting on board with.

Set off on more journeys (on both sea and land) with our pick of the best adventure games.

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