Ahoy there, digital buccaneers and adventurers of the high seas! Welcome to the golden age of pirate-themed massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, where scallywags and brigands rule the waves, and the search for treasure is more than just a dream. In the vast universe of MMOs, pirate aficionados can find an array of universes where they can hoist their colors, brandish cutlasses, and engage in epic battles on the high seas—all from the comfort of their command centers. From the fantastical realms of Azeroth and Tyria to the gritty reality of historical piracy, this article aims its spyglass at the top 5 MMOs that are a must-play for fans of pirates.
AHOY! Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life
Rare’s “Sea of Thieves” offers an unparalleled pirate experience that encourages players to live out their most fantastical pirate dreams. Within its vast and open world, players can crew up with fellow rogues to study uncharted waters, hunt for buried treasures, engage in ship-to-ship combat with other players, and fend off the occasional kraken. What sets “Sea of Thieves” apart from the flotilla of other pirate adventures is its sandbox nature, enabling players to create their own tales in a shared world.
As a first-rate example of co-operative and competitive pirating, the game shines brightest when you’re sailing alongside a crew of fellow rapscallions, figuring out riddles that lead to treasure or launching a surprise broadside on an enemy vessel. The developers at Rare have continuously expanded the oceanic world with updates, such as the “A Pirate’s Life” crossover with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, bringing familiar faces like Captain Jack Sparrow into the game. The addition of saga-driven quests alongside the already robust sandbox play offers a perfect blend for those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the life of a pirate.
World of Warcraft: Pirates of Azeroth
Blizzard’s titan of an MMO, “World of Warcraft (WoW)”, has dipped its toes into almost every imaginable theme over its storied existence, and piracy is no exception. While not an entirely pirate-themed game, specific areas and expansions like Booty Bay in Stranglethorn Vale and the Kul Tiras content from the Battle for Azeroth expansion submerge intense into the pirate refinement and mythology.
In “WoW”, players inclined towards the swashbuckling lifestyle can engage in quests that involve hunting for treasure, battling rival pirate factions, and even commandeering pirate ships. The game’s immense lore and vibrant world-building enrich the pirate experience, making the life of a pirate in Azeroth as thrilling as it is in any dedicated pirate title. Factional warfare, a cornerstone of the “WoW” experience, mirrors the factional battles between pirate lords, making it a compelling draw for players looking to exhibit their dominance on the high seas or engage in PvP encounters.
Guild Wars 2: Pirates of Tyria
ArenaNet’s “Guild Wars 2” gives players a chance to dive into the piratical adventures within the fantasy realm of Tyria. The game intricately weaves piracy into its world and story, with locales like Lion’s Arch serving as a nexus for pirates and seafaring folk. Players can investigate the lore-rich universe and partake in events that are brimming with piracy, including battling ghostly pirates, searching for buried treasure, and even partaking in piracy-themed festivities.
One of the standout features of “Guild Wars 2” is its Living World, a constantly evolving story that has, at times, placed piracy at its forefront. This dynamic storytelling mechanism keeps the game fresh and offers players new piratical content regularly. The heart of the game, however, lies in its cooperative gameplay and massive world events, where players can band together to take down gargantuan sea monsters or rival pirate crews, driving home the camaraderie and brutal competition that is synonymous with pirate lore.
Elder Scrolls Online: Pirates of Tamriel
Zenimax Online Studios’ “Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)” encompasses all the richness of the Elder Scrolls’ universe in an MMO format. Within its extensive world, players can encounter pirates at several points, most notably in areas like Stros M’Kai and the Abecean Sea. ESO allows players to rub shoulders with pirates, embark on quests that involve searching for legendary lost treasures, and, in true Elder Scrolls fashion, immerse into the lore behind famous piratical figures within the game’s world.
The game’s DLC, such as “Thieves Guild” and “Dark Brotherhood,” though not exclusively about piracy, imbue the game with a lawless, underground feel that matches well with the pirate theme, offering players a multitude of sneaky, underhanded methods for accomplishing their goals, much like a true pirate. ESO’s strength lies in its storytelling and the sheer volume of content available to players—ensuring that those interested in pirate lore will have plenty to investigate and discover in the world of Tamriel.
ArcheAge: Be a Pirate in a Sandbox World
XL Games’ “ArcheAge” offers a more traditional sandbox MMO experience where players can choose to live the life of a pirate quite literally. In this expansive open-world game, players have the freedom to become a pirate by engaging in acts of piracy against other players. Once you’ve committed enough dastardly deeds, you can become a full-fledged pirate, making you an enemy of the game’s main factions but also opening up a whole new world of gameplay.
The life of a pirate in “ArcheAge” is not an easy one, as it involves constant battling against both NPCs and other players, resource pillaging, and maintaining your notoriety. However, it also allows for a level of freedom and player-driven narrative that is hard to find in other games. You can capture and commandeer ships, engage in maritime trade (or plunder others’ trade routes), and establish pirate havens. For those willing to embrace the high-risk, high-reward lifestyle of a pirate, “ArcheAge” offers an enticing and absorbing world.
Charting New Horizons
The digital sea is vast and full of ports worth exploring for the would-be digital pirate. Each of these MMOs offers a unique take on piracy, from the high fantasy realms of Azeroth and Tyria to the realism-inspired sandbox worlds of “Sea of Thieves” and “ArcheAge.” Whether you’re a lone wolf looking to make your mark on the seas or part of a crew of fellow scoundrels, there’s an MMO out there that will let you live out your most audacious pirate fantasies.
So, hoist the Jolly Roger, set the course, and prepare to embark on an adventure across the digital Seven Seas. Who knows what treasures you’ll find or what dangers you’ll encounter on this vast, virtual ocean. One thing is for sure: the life of a pirate, with all its risks and rewards, is never dull. Whether charting the geopolitics of Azeroth, uncovering the mysteries of Tyria, exploring the depths of Tamriel, or carving out your own path in ArcheAge’s sandbox world, there’s a rich and thrilling world of pirate-themed gameplay waiting for you.