Pirate games on Steam attract a very specific type of player: people who enjoy freedom, exploration, risk, ship combat, and long-term progression instead of fast, linear action. While the genre itself remains niche, a small group of pirate games has managed to build large, loyal player communities.

This article ranks the Top 10 pirate games on Steam in 2025 by popularity among players, based on long-term community size, visibility, and sustained interest — not on temporary spikes or launch-week hype.

1. Sea of Thieves

Genre: Online Action-Adventure, Open World, Multiplayer
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Sea of Thieves offers a living pirate world where every session creates new stories. Alliances, betrayals, naval battles, treasure hunts, and social encounters make the experience endlessly replayable. Regular seasons and events keep the game relevant year after year.

Who it’s for

Players who enjoy multiplayer, co-op with friends, role-play, and emergent gameplay.

2. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World, Single Player
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Black Flag remains the most beloved single-player pirate game thanks to its cinematic story, strong characters, and polished naval combat. Franchise recognition and frequent discounts also keep it highly visible on Steam.

Who it’s for

Players who want a story-driven pirate adventure with exploration and high production value.

3. Corsairs Legacy

Genre: Action RPG, Open World, Sandbox
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Corsairs Legacy appeals to fans of classic pirate RPGs by focusing on systems: economy, ship progression, factions, and exploration. Its Early Access development and regular updates create a growing long-term community.

Who it’s for

Players who enjoy deep mechanics, RPG progression, and sandbox freedom.

4. Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Genre: Action, Strategy, Sandbox
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Its timeless design and high replay value keep players returning even decades after release. No modern pirate game has fully replaced its elegant sandbox structure.

Who it’s for

Players who value gameplay depth over visuals and enjoy strategic freedom.

5. Blackwake

Genre: Multiplayer Naval Combat, Action
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Blackwake delivers chaotic, teamwork-driven ship battles where coordination matters more than individual skill. It thrives in community play.

Who it’s for

Players who want fast, loud, team-based naval combat with friends.

6. Blood & Gold: Caribbean!

Genre: RPG, Strategy, Open World
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

It blends Mount & Blade-style progression with piracy: trading, armies, politics, and conquest create a slow but rewarding experience.

Who it’s for

Fans of strategy, simulation, and long-term progression.

7. The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt

Genre: Naval Combat, Adventure, Simulation
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

Its accessible controls and relaxed pacing make it appealing for casual pirate fans.

Who it’s for

Players who want a lighter pirate experience without heavy RPG systems.

8. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4

Genre: Action, Hack & Slash, Anime
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

The strength of the One Piece franchise and fast-paced combat attract a massive audience despite the game not being a traditional pirate simulator.

Who it’s for

Anime fans and action-focused players.

9. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Genre: Action-Adventure, Story-Driven, Pirate Theme
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

This spin-off from the Like a Dragon series gained strong attention thanks to its established fan base and unusual combination of crime drama and pirate adventure set in Hawaii.

Who it’s for

Players who enjoy story-heavy action games with quirky tone and strong characters.

10. Pirates (Survival Sandbox)

Genre: Survival, Sandbox, Open World
Game on Steam

Why it’s popular

It combines survival mechanics with pirate aesthetics, attracting fans of crafting and exploration.

Who it’s for

Survival game players who want a pirate-themed world.

This article was prepared by Mauris Studio as part of its ongoing research into pirate-themed games, interactive systems, and player behavior. The team is currently developing Corsairs Legacy — a pirate action RPG focused on sandbox gameplay, naval combat, and long-term progression.

The purpose of this article is educational and analytical, aiming to provide players with a clear overview of the pirate genre on Steam in 2025.