Ahoy there, matey! Have you ever dreamed of sailing the high seas, hunting for treasure, or commanding your ship without an eye patch, a hook for a hand, or a peg leg? Well, in that case, pirate games are your ticket to adventure!

These games blend strategy, luck, and just the right amount of mischief to keep every game night exciting. Whether you're battling sea monsters, outwitting rival crews, or racing to bury your loot before someone steals it, there’s a pirate-themed game out there for you. 

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best pirate games that are perfect for families, casual players, and seasoned board game fans alike. So hoist the sails, roll the dice, and prepare to plunder; fun and adventure await!

Best Pirate Games Comparison Table

1. Guns or Treasure - Best Bluffing Card Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.8/10
  
• Suggested Age: 8 years and up
  

Our first pick for the best pirate board games is a fun and strategic choice: Guns or Treasure. 

Guns or Treasure is an exciting pirate-themed game that requires a lot of strategic skills, fearless moves, and a low-key bluffing. It's the perfect choice for a game night with family and friends. The game is all about players hiding treasure, loading up their weapons, and picking the right time to attack.

The rules are easy to learn, and the gameplay is fast-paced. It’s an easy-to-learn game that keeps everyone on edge throughout. Whether you play as a smart captain or a sly first mate, Guns or Treasure offers an endless dose of fun, laughs, and sneaky surprises.

Plot of the Game

In Guns or Treasure, the players step into the boots of pirate captains, each racing to stash the most treasure before the game ends. But here’s the twist: you're not alone in this chase for gold, some captains will do whatever it takes to rob your haul! Each round, you’ll need to make a tough call: do you go after treasure, or cannon up your ship to keep it safe?

Play it cautiously, and you may sail away with the loot or get blown out of the water by a greedy rival. Load up on weapons, and you could plunder enemy ships, but at the cost of losing all the treasure.

It’s a fast-moving game packed with clever decisions, unexpected turns, and a dash of pirate mischief. Will you end up being the victorious pirate on the seas, or watch your ship sink in a blaze of cannon fire? Choose wisely, captain!

How to Play It?

Each player starts with 6 cards in hand, which can be treasure, or powerful guns. The goal? Build up your ships, load them with loot and firepower, and decide whether to go head-to-head with rival pirates or make a run for it with your gold!

It’s all about timing, risk, and knowing when to fight or flee.

Phase 1: Ship Building

The first phase is about ship building, in which players have to choose 3 cards from their deck and place them facing downward, so nobody can see what they are. These cards have either hidden cannons or treasure that the players will use to build their ships. Once they have played these cards, each player draws 3 more cards.

This cycle repeats until each player has drawn and played 12 cards in total. You can spread out your cards to build multiple ships, or focus all your power on one strong vessel. How you play is all part of your strategy!

Phase 2: Marauding

Once all players have drawn their 12 cards, it’s time to turn them over and reveal them. Now the real action begins!

Starting with the first player, everyone takes turns one by one. The players must attack other players' ships on their first turn during the marauding phase. After that, it’s your call; keep attacking to try and sink more ships and steal treasure, or play it safe and escape with whatever treasure you’ve got on board. 

Phase 3: Scoring and Winning

Now that all the ships have sunk or escaped, it’s time to count your loot. Each player totals the treasure they managed to keep safe. The pirate with the biggest haul stands victorious and sails off as the richest captain on the seas!

Why We Like It

Guns or Treasure stands out as one of the best bluffing board games thanks to its mix of deep strategy, quick decision making and sneaky bluffing. Every round feels different and keeps players on their toes. The fun pirate-y theme adds extra charm, and the rules are simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly, while still offering enough depth to keep skilled players hooked. 

The game rounds fast-paced and players are always trying to outsmart each other, making the game interesting and engaging all the way. Whether you're hiding treasure or blasting enemy ships, it stays fun and unpredictable. 

2. Dead Reckoning - Best Multiple Playstyle Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 8.2/10
  
• Suggested Age: 14 years and up
  

Get ready for an exciting adventure on the high seas with Dead Reckoning, a fun pirates board game that combines deck-building with thrilling naval battles!

In this game, you’ll explore uncharted waters, trade goods, plunder enemy ships, and build your name as a legendary pirate. With its unique modular map and a card-crafting system, you can upgrade your crew as you sail along.

Each game feels like its own special journey across the waves, guaranteeing loads of fun!

Why We Like It

Dead Reckoning is a great game because it allows you to create your own pirate story. You can choose to be a fearsome raider, a clever trader, or a savvy explorer. The freedom to choose your path and the deep mechanics keep players engaged. The card-crafting makes leveling up your crew feel personal, and the ship battles are exciting, filled with tension and treasure.

3. Maracaibo - Best 17th Century Caribbean Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 8/10
  
• Suggested Age: 12 years and up
  

Are you looking for pirate-themed board games that take you back to the 17th century? Well, say hello to Maracaibo! It sails you straight into the 17th-century Caribbean, where you take on the roles of adventurers looking to make a name and fortune by exploring, trading, and battling across the sea. 

This game offers a fantastic mix of mechanics: hand management, engine building, and an evolving story campaign for those looking for depth and strategy. Each turn, you’ll move your ship along a looping map, stopping in cities to take actions, build influence with powerful nations, and complete quests.

Why We Like It

Maracaibo is one of the best pirate board games for players who love strategy. It requires good planning and smart timing. The mix of exploration and decision-making makes each game feel like an exciting journey. The optional story mode offers surprises and a sense of progress. Whether you want to win battles, gain influence, or create a strong combination, there’s always something exciting to pursue.

4. Forgotten Waters - Best Story-Driven Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.8/10
  
• Suggested Age: 14 years and up
  

Next up on our list of the best pirate-themed board games is Forgotten Waters. It is a story-driven pirate adventure where adventurous scallywags take to the seas in search of glory and treasure. 

This semi-cooperative game is built around a fully voiced app that delivers hilarious, immersive storytelling and tough choices at every port. Each player takes on the role of a pirate with their own personal goals, while working together to keep the ship afloat and complete the main story. It's fast-paced, full of personality, and packed with surprises.

Why We Like It

If you’re someone who loves laughs and chaos, Forgotten Waters is for you! The writing is clever, the situations are entertaining, and it balances teamwork with moments of selfishness perfectly. 

One minute, you’ll be laughing out loud, and the next, you’ll be arguing about who gets the last biscuit! The app works well and makes the game feel more dynamic, which is uncommon in board games. It’s great for game nights with friends who prefer story over numbers.

5. The Isle of Cats - Best Cat Rescuing Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.7/10
  
• Suggested Age: 8 years and up

Let’s steer away from the chaos of battles and canyons for a bit and focus on rescuing cats! We’re talking about The Isle of Cats, a fun pirate-themed board game with a feline twist! 

In this game, you won’t be pillaging treasure chests, but rescuing magical cats from an island before an evil lord arrives. This clever polyomino-style game is part rescue mission, part puzzle, and part resource management. 

Each player captains a boat and tries to fit as many oddly shaped cat tiles aboard as possible, while also collecting scrolls that award points for meeting specific goals. With charming art and an easy-to-learn system, it’s a solid mix of strategy and fun.

Why We Like It

We think that The Isle of Cats is one of the top pirate board games because it’s adorable and smart. This game satisfies your craving for puzzles while keeping things light and fun. 
You draft cards, plan your moves, and try to fit one more cat onto your boat. This mix of relaxed strategy and low-pressure excitement makes it enjoyable. It also has family and solo modes, so you can always play, even if not everyone is around.

6. Merchants & Marauders - Best Thematic Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.4/10
  
• Suggested Age: 13 years and up

Do you want to live the full pirate life? If yes, then Merchants & Marauders is just the game you need! It drops you into the golden age of piracy, where the Caribbean is yours to conquer, through honest trade or ruthless plunder.

In this thematic adventure, you can buy and sell goods, hunt down bounties, upgrade your ship, or become the most feared pirate on the seas. The game features customizable events, a large map, and personal storylines. 

Why We Like It

We like this game because it feels like a real pirate simulation. You can chase gold through trade routes or hunt enemy captains. The freedom to choose your path makes it fun to play again and again. There is tension when naval ships appear, or when you decide whether to betray another player and act like a scoundrel. If you want to experience a pirate's life, with all the risks, rum, and treasure, Merchants & Marauders is your ticket.

7. Jamaica - Best Pirate Racing Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.1/10
• Suggested Age: 8 years and up

Jamaica is a fast-paced and vibrant pirate racing game where players race around the island, loot treasure, and blast each other with cannons, all in the name of glory and gold! It's a family-friendly pirates card game in which each player commands a ship, managing resources like food, gunpowder, and gold, while navigating treacherous waters, engaging in naval battles, and seeking hidden treasures. The game combines strategic planning with a dash of luck, offering an engaging experience for both families and seasoned gamers.

Why We Like It

Jamaica is one of the best pirate board games because it balances strategy and accessibility well. The game uses simultaneous action selection, keeping everyone engaged. The beautifully illustrated board and components create an exciting pirate adventure. Its mix of racing, resource management, and player interaction means that every game is different, making it a favorite for game nights.

8. Captain Flip - Best Quickplay Pirate Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.1/10
  
• Suggested Age: 8 years and up

Are you tired of playing lengthy games and are looking for something fast-paced, yet risky? Why don’t you give Captain Flip a try? It's a fast-paced, pirate-themed board game where players recruit crew members to their ships in pursuit of treasure. Each turn, players draw a double-sided tile, choose to keep the visible side or flip it blindly, and place it on their ship. The game combines simple mechanics with strategic decisions, as players aim to maximize their coin earnings.

Why We Like It

Captain Flip is a great choice for family game nights because it combines easy rules with interesting gameplay. The main action of flipping a tile creates a fun risk-reward challenge that keeps players engaged. Each crew member has unique effects, adding strategy without making the game too complex. It's 4 ship boards and 9 characters increase replay value, and the game moves quickly, so it fits well into any game night. Whether you are introducing new players to board games or looking for a light yet enjoyable game, Captain Flip offers a fun pirate adventure.

9. Catan: Explorers & Pirates - Best High Sea Adventure Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 7.1/10
  
• Suggested Age: 12 years and up

Catan: Explorers & Pirates is an exciting expansion of the classic Catan board game. In this game, the players go on adventures to find new lands and have maritime experiences. Players can set up harbor settlements and complete tasks like fighting pirate lairs, fishing, and trading spices. 

The game consists of 5 scenarios that build on each other, creating a rich experience that combines exploration, strategy, and resource management. New features like moving ships and transporting settlers give a fresh twist to the traditional Catan gameplay.

Why We Like It

Catan: Explorers & Pirates brings new excitement to Catan by changing the focus from building settlements to exploring and completing missions. The different game setups provide an easy way to learn, making it suitable for beginners while still challenging experienced players. 

The addition of various missions offers new experiences and fun, so each game session comes with different challenges and strategies. For anyone wanting to enhance their Catan experience beyond the basic game, Explorers & Pirates offers a fun and adventurous journey.

10. Swashbuckler: A Game of Swordplay & Derring-Do - Best Brawl Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.9/10
  
• Suggested Age: 12 years and up
  

Let’s plan a trip to the past with Swashbuckler: A Game of Swordplay & Derring-Do! It's a 1980 board game set in the era of The Three Musketeers. The game allows the players to engage in free-for-all brawls in a pirate ship or a tavern.

Players can choose to be either musketeers with rapiers or pirates with sabres. The game also includes tokens for items like tables, chairs, mugs, chandeliers, carpets, treasure chests, and cannons.

Why We Like It

Swashbuckler is a fun game that is easy to play but still has depth. The main mechanic of deciding whether to flip a tile adds an exciting risk-reward element that keeps everyone interested. 

Each crew member has special abilities, which add a bit of strategy without confusing anyone. With different ship boards to choose from, there is plenty of replay value, and the fast pace makes it great for game nights. Whether you're introducing friends to the game or just want something light and enjoyable, Swashbuckler offers an exciting pirate adventure that everyone will enjoy!

11. Plunder: A Pirate's Life - Best Family-Friendly Strategy Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.8/10
  
• Suggested Age: 10 years and up

Here’s a game that you can enjoy with your entire family: Plunder: A Pirate’s Life. In this strategy game, players go on an adventure at sea, trying to be the first to earn 10 Plunder Points. 

Each player commands a fleet, conquers islands, gathers resources, and battles other ships. The game uses a modular board with double-sided tiles, creating a different map every time you play. Players can upgrade their ships with masts and cannons to improve speed and firepower. Treasure cards bring surprises, while a roaming storm adds environmental challenges. With its mix of strategy and chance, Plunder provides an exciting experience for both beginners and experienced gamers.

Why We Like It

Plunder makes it to the list of the best pirate card games, as it offers fun and strategic gameplay that is easy to learn. The game features high-quality components, including sturdy ships and colorful artwork. Its modular board and different strategies, like combat, exploration, and resource management, make it enjoyable to play many times.

The game includes exciting elements, such as treasure hunts and unexpected storms, that create a lively pirate adventure. Whether you’re a family looking for a game night or friends wanting a light strategy game, Plunder provides a satisfying experience.

12. Admiral - Best Naval Warfare Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.7/10
• Suggested Age: 10 years and up

Next up, we have Admiral, a strategic board game that puts players in charge of naval battles during the Age of Sail. Players command miniature ships like the Santísima Trinidad and HMS Enterprise as they navigate tactical sea fights. The game focuses on historical accuracy and includes rules that reflect the challenges of naval combat at that time. Players must pay attention to wind direction, ship positioning, and firing angles to outmaneuver their opponents and win the game.

Why We Like It

If you’re a fan of pirate adventures and love naval history, you’ll definitely want to check out Admiral! It’s an incredibly engaging game that really pulls you into the world of tactical warfare on the high seas. 

The attention to detail and focus on historical accuracy make it not just fun, but also a great way to learn. Plus, with all the different types of ships and scenarios, there’s so much depth and replayability that you can always try out new strategies and see how things play out differently. 

13. Pirate's Cove - Best Light-Hearted Pirate Battle Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.6/10
• Suggested Age: 8 years and up

Pirate's Cove is a fun board game where players compete for fame over 12 months of pirate adventures. Each turn, players secretly pick islands to raid, aiming to collect treasure, improve their ships, and outsmart their opponents. If multiple pirates choose the same island, a battle will happen! 

In combat, players make strategic decisions and roll the dice, with the winner taking the treasure. Players can upgrade their ships' sails, crew, cannons, and hull for extra advantages. The game includes Legendary Pirates and the ever-watchful Royal Navy, adding more challenges and excitement.

With a mix of strategy, luck, and theme, Pirate's Cove is an exciting game for both casual players and experienced pirates!

Why We Like It

If you ask us, we think Pirate's Cove is one of the greatest pirate board games of all time. It really shines with its fun mix of easy-to-learn gameplay and some clever strategy! The secret island selection brings in a bit of bluffing fun, and the ship upgrades and combat choices keep everyone on their toes. Plus, the components are fantastic! The ship miniatures are super detailed, and the artwork is vibrant, truly pulling you into the pirate adventure. 

Whether you win or lose, it’s always a blast, making it perfect for game nights with friends and family!

14. Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends - Best Video Game Inspired Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.5/10
• Suggested Age: 14 years and up

Ahoy, fellow adventurers! Get ready to set sail with Sea of Thieves: Voyage of Legends, a fun and competitive board game inspired by the Sea of Thieves video game. In this exciting game, you'll navigate through ever-changing sea tiles, embark on thrilling voyages, face off against fearsome sea monsters, and hunt for treasure to boost your pirate reputation and strive to become a legendary pirate! 

This game includes ship standees, colorful dice, and over 300 fun tokens. It aims to bring the joy of the popular digital adventure to your tabletop. 

Get ready for some exciting swashbuckling action with your crew!

Why We Like It

This game does a fantastic job of bringing the fun themes of the video game right to the tabletop! Players can dive into thrilling activities like battling skeleton ships, raiding forts, and even facing off against the Kraken. It really adds a sense of adventure and variety to the gameplay. Plus, with the addition of Fortune cards and event-driven mechanics, there's always an element of surprise that keeps everyone on their toes and having a great time!

15. Winds of Plunder - Best Resource Management Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5

• BGG Rating: 6.4/10
  
• Suggested Age: 10 years and up
  

Let’s wrap up our list of the best pirate board games with Winds of Plunder. This strategy-based game is all about adventure on the high seas as you take on the role of a pirate sailing through the Caribbean. 

Each turn starts with a bit of excitement as players secretly pick their wind direction, followed by a fun blind bidding to see which way the winds will blow. Then, it’s time to set sail for different ports, where you can gather victory points and manage your supplies like weapons, crew, and provisions. 

The game mixes mechanics like area majority, action point allocation, and set collection, making it a delightful blend of strategic thinking and a swashbuckling pirate theme. Get ready for a thrilling journey full of fun!

Why We Like It

We absolutely love Winds of Plunder! It really shines with its awesome mix of strategy and theme. The wind bidding mechanic keeps things exciting and makes you rethink your plans on the fly. Plus, managing resources and controlling areas means there's always a fun decision to make each turn. And let’s not forget the thrill of boarding other players' ships! It adds a whole new level of interaction and really brings the pirate adventure to life.

Final Thoughts on the Best Pirate Games

Whether you’re a newcomer looking for a good laugh or a seasoned strategist ready to lead a crew, there’s a pirate game just for you! 

In this comprehensive guide, we have rounded up a list of 15 of the best pirate games for players of every age and level. From exciting adventures like Dead Reckoning and Maracaibo to quick and fun games like Captain Flip and Jamaica, these options are packed with all the plundering, scheming, and catchy sea shanties you could want.

So gather your friends, choose your favorite type of pirate adventure, and get ready for a game night you’ll remember!

And, if you’re a board game lover, you’ll be excited to know that we offer more than a thousand board games of every theme and genre. So, feel free to browse through our impressive collection and choose a board game of your liking!