Pirate Board Games: 5 Swashbuckling Adventures for Game Night

Looking for the best pirate board games for your next swashbuckling game night?

This popular game sub genre has been around for decades. These games are centered around a pirate theme and involve players taking on the role of pirates aboard a pirate ship — from captain to deck crew.

While it varies based on the game you choose, the objective of these games is usually to accumulate wealth and power through hunting, ship battles, trading, and looting merchant ships.

I know there’s a lot to think about when trying out new games, so I decided to research and test a few games and recommend my favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned board game veteran or a newcomer, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best pirate board games on the market.

Best Pirate Board Games

Set sail on the high seas with these exciting pirate board games. Whether you’re searching for treasure, engaging in ship-to-ship combat, or navigating dangerous waters, these games offer hours of swashbuckling fun. Below is our list of the best pirate board games to add to your collection:

If you want a fun and engaging pirate board game that’s easy to learn and has high replayability, then Plunder is my top recommendation!

Plunder is a great game for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun and easy-to-learn pirate board game. The game board itself is created by combining six different double-sided ocean tiles, ensuring that no two games are ever the same. There is also a team play option, allowing for even more strategy to be involved!

Components of this game are well-crafted, with ships that are easy to assemble and upgrade with masts and cannons. The rulebook is easy to understand, and there is no elimination to each pirate captain plans to the very end.

Overall, Plunder is a great addition to any game night and is sure to please both beginner and veteran gamers alike. So set sail and prepare to conquer the high seas!

Get ready to set sail and race around the island to become the richest pirate in Jamaica. With simple rules and cunning tactics, this pirate-themed game (that’s clearly centered on the island of Jamaica) is perfect for families or gamers looking to introduce new friends to their favorite hobby.

I find that the creator did a fantastic job with the game — it’s well designed, easy to learn and fund to play. It features beautiful artwork and high-quality components, making it a pleasure to look at and handle.

The game’s flexible player count and accessible rules make it a great choice for families or gamers looking to introduce new friends to their favorite hobby. However, the game may feel repetitive after multiple plays, and some players may find the luck-based elements frustrating. Additionally, the game can take longer than expected with larger player counts, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging pirate-themed board game that is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, Jamaica is definitely worth considering. With its fast-paced gameplay, beautiful artwork, and flexible player count, it’s sure to provide hours of entertainment for you and your friends.

Forgotten Waters is a pirate themed board game that offers a silly and magical world of adventure. With its immersive story-driven gameplay, every choice you make can leave a lasting impact on your own personal stories, along with others in the game, making it a highly variable and replayable game.

Its unique scenarios, massive location book, and streamlined rules system, it’s a game that you’ll want to play over and over again. One of the best features of Forgotten Waters is the free web app that provides immersive scenarios and crossroads moments without page flipping. This makes the game more engaging and interactive.

Overall, Forgotten Waters is a fantastic pirate board game that’s perfect for adults and teens who love adventure and strategy games. With its immersive story-driven gameplay, highly variable scenarios, and streamlined rules system, it’s a game that you won’t want to miss out on.

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging pirate-themed board game, Game of Life: Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest Edition is definitely worth considering.

If you’re a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies or just looking for a fun and engaging board game with a unique twist, this game is definitely worth checking out.

What appeals most is that because this is based on a game most of us have played before (Life), it’s really easy to learn. It’s also family friendly (perfect for game nights with your kids), but still manages to sneak in exciting twists and turns to keep players engaged.

If you don’t like the original Life game, then you won’t like this one. Plus, if you’re looking for a game where everyone’s working towards a common goal, or you’re using more strategy — this is not going to be the game for you.

If you’re looking for a pirate board game that offers a unique experience and high-end trading, then the Gamelyn Tiny Epic Pirate Board Game is a great choice.

The Gamelyn Tiny Epic Pirate Board Game is a unique pirate game that offers a real plundering experience. However, the sails of the ships are pretty fragile and some of the pieces might be more challenging to use.

That said, if you’re looking for a pirate board game that offers a unique experience and high-end trading, then the Gamelyn Tiny Epic Pirate Board Game is a great choice. Plus, you can play as a single player too — so great for bringing on the road!

Pirate board game buying guide

When it comes to choosing the best pirate board game, there are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Gameplay

Look for a game with engaging and challenging gameplay that will keep you and your friends entertained for hours.

Theme

Consider the theme of the game and whether it matches your personal preferences. Do you prefer a more realistic pirate experience or a more lighthearted and whimsical one?

Number of Players

Make sure to choose a game that accommodates the number of players you typically have for game night.

Complexity

Consider the complexity of the game and whether it is suitable for your group’s skill level. Some games may be too simple or too complex for certain players.

Features to look for

When I look for a board game, regardless of the theme (pirates, space crafts or otherwise!) here’s what I keep in mind:

• High-quality components, such as sturdy game pieces and detailed artwork
• Varied gameplay options, such as different game modes or scenarios
• Replayability, with randomized elements or different strategies to try out
• Clear and concise rules that are easy to understand and follow

Final thoughts: Best pirate board games

When it it comes to pirate games, I have to say that Plunder is my favorite. It’s a competitive, strategy-based game with the aim of bringing home the most loot (AKA “Plunder Points”). Who doesn’t want to pretend to live the life of a pirate for a little while?

But there are plenty of multi player games that focus on treasure chests and the pirate’s life. Ultimately, the best pirate board game for you will depend on your personal preferences and gaming group.

So what kind of swashbuckling fun will you be having next game night?