Are you tired of being a landlubber? We’ve got 12 MMOs that might appeal to all ye freebooters, corsairs, marauders, swashbucklers, or scurvy dogs by any other name out there.
While the modern MMO scene is severely lacking in this area – blimey! – we do have a few titles that should satisfy one’s thirst for pillaging, fancy hats, and hooks.
12. The Legend of Pirates Online
- Developer: Disney Online
- Release Date: October 31, 2007
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Pirates of the Caribbean
Once upon a time, there was an official Pirates of the Caribbean MMORPG. It had decent content and a fair number of players. It all came to an abrupt end in August 2013 when the developer and publisher Disney announced that Pirates of the Caribbean Online would walk the shutdown plank in September.
Two years later, it resurfaced as The Legend of Pirates Online, a community-made revival. Players have access to all of the original content plus fan-made extras for free.
Beloved characters from the movie appear as NPCs. In addition to PvE quests and PvP, the gameplay includes ship battles, looting, fishing, and playing cards.
11. Puzzle Pirates
- Developer: Grey Havens, Three Rings Design
- Release Date: December 8, 2003
- Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
- For fans of Casual MMOs
Puzzle Pirates is one of the few MMOs with puzzle-based gameplay. Let’s take sailing, for example. This mechanic requires players to solve puzzles in order to man the sails, remove water from the vessel, and repair damaged parts to keep the boat afloat. Combat is puzzle-based as well.
Players create and customize their pirate characters. Wandering the seas in search of adventures and loot is the main activity.
Then there’s crafting. You can set up a shop and create various items, including ships.
Either by plunder or commerce, pirates have different opportunities to get rich.
Puzzle Pirates is a free-to-play MMO with a nice – although not very large – community.
10. ArcheAge
- Developer: XLGames
- Release Date: January 15, 2013
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Sandbox MMOs
Reviewing ArcheAge is a delicate matter. While the sandbox gameplay and graphics are amazing, the business model is abysmal. The fact that this 2013-MMORPG is still alive leads us to believe that the pros outweigh the cons. Still, this recommendation comes with an at your own peril warning.
Now, if you want to play a corsair, ArcheAge is an MMO that features Pirates as a playable faction. Becoming a pirate unlocks certain paths but restricts others.
It’s an interesting experience that’s worth exploring. However, the Pirate faction is not available from the start. Only a seasoned adventurer can jump into a pirate’s boots.
9. Elite Dangerous
- Developer: Frontier Developments plc
- Release Date: December 16, 2014
- Platform: PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of Sci-fi MMOs
Elite Dangerous may not be a specific pirate MMO, but it allows players to literally take the load off of fellow spacefarers or NPCs.
However, ED piracy is not really about the loot. You’re not in it for the money, you’re in it for the thrills. Being a pirate in Elite Dangerous takes skill and, equally important, a capable ship. Convincing others to willingly give up cargo without engaging in combat represents a challenge. If you destroy their ships, you’ll end up on the bounty hunters’ list.
Some say it’s not worth the bother, but playing as a pirate is exciting and a good way to stave off boredom. Unfortunately, it’s not accessible to new players.
8. Pirate King Online/Tales of Pirates
- Developer: I Got Games
- Release Date: March 15, 2007
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Anime MMOs
Tales of Pirates was a pirate-themed MMORPG that closed in 2016. Not to worry though, it escaped Davy Jones’ locker and came back in several forms. Out of all the available servers, Pirate King Online seems to be the official one. If you want to play on a private server, a simple search will yield plenty of options.
The game is easygoing and amusing. Numerous customization options ensure your character won’t lose itself in the crowd. PvE quests, PvP activities, and crafting make up the gameplay.
The graphics are old, but they’re cartoony and colorful, so it’s not all too bad. Pirate King Online is a homey free MMORPG for casual players.
7. Pirate 101
- Developer: KingsIsle Entertainment
- Release Date: October 15, 2012
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Kid-Friendly MMOs
Pirate 101 is a kids-safe MMO enjoyed by adults as well. The protagonist is a young pirate in training. Their quest is to find the map that unveils the location of a mythical place rich in treasures.
The gameplay is quite catchy, especially the tactical combat system. Cartoonish graphics and a whimsical atmosphere hide unexpected and decently-challenging activities. Many gamers fondly remember Pirate 101 as their childhood game.
This cozy MMO is now in maintenance mode, meaning no new content is in the works. However, don’t let that be a deterrent from trying it. With an E+10 rating, Pirate 101 is also an adequate introduction to gaming for the younger player base.
6. Atlas
- Developer: Grapeshot Games
- Release Date: 22 Dec, 2018
- Platform: PC, Xbox
- For fans of Survival MMOs
Unlike most pirate MMOs, Atlas has survival gameplay. It is a different take on the pirate experience and it’s great.
If you find a crew of mateys to share the hardships and spoils, you’ll have plenty of fun.
Ship and base building are core gameplay features. The ship creation and customization systems are quite complex.
If you lean into playing as a team, choose a PvE server. Otherwise, the PvP servers might suit you better.
It is too bad that the game has been in early access since 2018. The price is decent, but after being in development for so many years, players are wondering if Atlas is ever going to see the light of release day.
5. EVE Online
- Developer: CCP Games
- Release Date: May 6, 2003
- Platform: PC, Mac, Linux
- For fans of Sci-fi MMOs
Pirates exist in space too, you know. EVE Online is a sandbox MMO that lets you play your way. No one can stand in the way of one’s dream of roaming the galaxy in a spaceship looting and pillaging left and right. No one except stronger players with the same philosophy, that is.
EVE has an infamous reputation. It’s a challenging and merciless game with a steep learning curve. Newbies have a hard time in this universe.
EVE Online may not be the first title that comes to mind when thinking about pirate MMOs but, strictly from a PvP perspective, it’s way more piratey than any other game on this list.
4. Sea of Thieves
- Developer: Rare
- Release Date: March 20, 2018
- Platform: PC, Xbox
- For fans of PvP MMOs
If we’ve had a doubloon for each time Sea of Thieves made the object of an MMORPG list and someone pointed out that it’s not really an MMO, we would be wealthier than Black Sam. However, no one can argue that this is the best multiplayer pirate game.
Sea of Thieves features a shared open world, intense PvP, and story-driven campaigns, including one with Captain Jack Sparrow. Looting, plundering, and raiding are part of a pirate’s daily agenda.
The game is even more fun if you come across like-minded adventures. Several players can control a vessel in combat. Sea of Thieves is a PvP-oriented game, so be ready to face your fellow buccaneers.
3. Black Desert Online
- Developer: Pearl Abyss
- Release Date: December 2014
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Mobile
- For fans of Sandbox MMOs, Korean MMOs
BDO is an open-world sandbox MMORPG that allows you to role-play a pirate. Long story short, you can sail and attack other players’ boats.
Long story longer, a pirate’s life is not something for new players. You can sail the seas, yes, but you need a ship. Vessels don’t just grow on trees waiting for newbies to pick them.
You can engage in naval PvP, indeed, but penalties come with consequences, such as restricting access to areas and NPCs. On the other hand, if you become somehow proficient with the game and find a guild that’s into this pirate stuff, you’re going to have a great time.
BDO has a neat sailing system. It’s also one of the best-looking MMOs, so roaming the seas can be quite scenic.
2. Pirates of the Burning Seas
- Developer: Flying Lab Software
- Release Date: January 22, 2008
- Platform: PC
- For fans of PvP MMOs
Pirates of the Burning Seas is a name that frequently comes up when discussing pirate MMORPGs. The year is 1720. The location is the Caribbean. Will you stand with a nation or side with the Pirates? Or opt for the jack-of-all-trades Privateer class?
Four fighting techniques that utilize different weapons are available. The ship choice dictates the combat style as well. More than 50 unique ships are on the list.
Through players’ actions, ports turn into 24 versus 24 PvP battlegrounds. Gaining control of a port also means controlling local resources. This is important because Pirates of the Burning Seas has a user-driven economy where players create all items.
1. Uncharted Waters Online
- Developer: Koei
- Release Date: October 30, 2004
- Platform: PC, Playstation
- For fans of Anime MMOs
Uncharted Waters Online’s 2010 corsair charm still exerts a fascination. The game invites sailing fans to discover the Age of Exploration.
Being a pirate is one way of playing the game. You can also choose a merchant or a soldier’s career. The character system has more than 75 professions and 100 skills to ensure plenty of unique combinations.
Like all naval MMOs, Uncharted Waters Online has a generous ship selection with more than 500 historic vessels.
The game has captivating quest chains featuring nautical powers from the Medieval Ages.
UWO is available through Steam as a free-to-play MMO.
What is your favorite Pirate MMO? Let us know in the comments below!