6 Best Pirates of the Caribbean Video Games
By Jade Branion - 2024-09-12
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most popular and successful film franchises with a fresh take on pirates, charismatic characters, engaging storylines, amazing visuals, and quirky themes. Of course, this world transcended the five renowned films on the silver screen to action-packed video games.
Are you ready to enter this epic world, navigate treacherous waters, engage in epic battles, and discover hidden treasures? Your dream of reliving the golden age of piracy at sea has manifested. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with six of the best Pirates of the Caribbean video games:
1) Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War
Released in 2017 by Disney Interactive Studios, this browser-based strategy video game immerses you in the adventurous and unpredictable world of piracy. The mobile version available on Android and iOS was developed by JOYCITY Corp, and 101XP published the online version around the same time. The PC version will be out soon courtesy of nDreams as the developer and 101XP as the publisher.
Image courtesy of 101XP
Instead of playing a single character like in most games, Pirates of the Caribbean: Tides of War allows you to build a pirate empire, recruit a crew of fearsome marauders, and engage in epic battles against rivals to dominate the high seas. Plus, you can join forces with other players to attack larger fleets you encounter when sailing the Caribbean Sea. Fight alongside legendary captains like Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Hector Barbossa.
This game has everything you want in a pirate-themed video game: treasure hunting, shipbuilding, strategic ship battles, and upgrades. Thanks to its captivating storytelling, impressive graphics, customization options, and epic challenges, Tides of War stands out as one of the best Pirates of the Caribbean video games ever made.
2) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow
This action-adventure video game developed by 7 Studios, Inc and published by Ubisoft and Bethesda hit the shelves in 2006 for PlayStation 2 and PC platforms. It features the voice of Johnny Depp and several levels of play, including story missions and puzzles.
Image courtesy of Gamespy
Players assume the roles of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. As you progress, these characters learn new skills, and you can also unlock new high-end weapons to battle tougher enemies. The game is a prequel to Dead Man’s Chest and a recap of The Curse of the Black Pearl.
Navigate the game using the Numpad buttons; press Num8 or Num2 if you get stuck in the main menu. Change the controls in “Options.”
3) LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game
This PlayStation 3 and PC action-adventure game brings the fascinating world of Pirates of the Caribbean and its iconic characters to life in a LEGO brand mode. Developed by Traveller’s Tale and Published by Disney, this game was released in 2011 and incorporates content from the first four films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End, and On Stranger Tides.
Image courtesy of Nintendo
Unlike most LEGO video games, it doesn’t feature voice acting, which doesn’t make it any less interesting or captivating. You’ll move through different levels while unlocking various characters with unique abilities to complete missions. For example, Elizabeth Swan has the unique ability to double jump to reach incredible heights.
Although LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t one of the most revolutionary video games in this genre, it offers a great depiction of the pirate life. Plus, the addictive gameplay will hook you for hours.
4) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advanced platform, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl follows Captain Jack Sparrow after he’s held captive by Captain Hector Barbossa on Rumrunner’s Isle. The role of the protagonist in this game, which was developed by Pocket Studios and published by TDK Mediactive and Disney Interactive Studios, is to gather enough wealth to lead an attack against the notorious Barbossa.
Image courtesy of Disney+
With an isometric overhead view, you can switch between two modes—one where Jack Sparrow is on foot and another where he’s on his ship. While on foot, he uses his sword to fight enemies and can easily jump over obstacles. The other mode allows Jack to sail around the sea and sink other ships; to blast off enemy ships, first charge cannons.
5) Pirates of the Caribbean Online
Also known as Pirates Online or POTCO, this is a free, browser-based Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) developed and published by Disney Interactive Studios. Released in 2007, this game allows players to create their own pirate and set out to plunder the Pirates of the Caribbean universe. As you explore the game world, ensure you interact with other players, build a team, and complete several quests to earn experience points.
Image courtesy of arbanhill79
Pirates of the Caribbean Online is set in an open environment with thousands of other players worldwide. Explore different environments, forge alliances with other players, collect weapons, and battle the undead to become the most legendary pirate on the high seas. The game world has several islands, including Cuba, Tortuga, Kingshead, and Padres Del Fuego.
With “Basic Access,” your skills and number of weapons are limited, but you can gain “Unlimited Access” through a paid, monthly subscription that unlocks advanced features. “Unlimited Access” offers up to 50 levels.
6) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Released in 2007, this is probably the most accessible video game in the franchise. Developed by Eurocom Entertainment Software and Published by Disney, this game is available across several platforms, including PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable (PSP), Nintendo DS, and Wii. Except for a few characters and missions, this game follows the events of the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films: Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End.
Image courtesy of Steam
In Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, players assume the role of Jack Sparrow and get to visit several popular locations in the film franchise, including Flying Dutchman, Tortuga, Davy Jones’ Locker, prison, Shipwreck Cove, and the Black Pearl.
The gameplay allows you to demonstrate acrobatic swordsmanship through adaptive combat and classic duels. Get the chance to unlock new weapons, secret characters, and new moves.
Let the Games Begin!
Are you ready to become as fearsome as the real pirates of the Caribbean? Grab your cutlass, assemble your crew, and prepare for an adventure like no other!
Do you agree with our list or feel we left out one of your best games? Drop a line and let us know.