Go from humble beginnings to a feared pirate captain in this seafaring open-world adventure! Enhance your reputation as you take on bounties, upgrade your ship, hire a crew and search for treasure, or just go fishing instead!
Players can freely roam an open world map, exploring numerous islands, battling enemies, and uncovering hidden treasures. The game encourages players to take on bounties, upgrade their ship, and hire a capable crew as they work towards becoming a feared pirate captain.
A core gameplay mechanic is the ability to customize and upgrade one's ship. Players can purchase a better vessel or enhance their existing one, choosing from over 48 different cannon and special weapon upgrades. These upgrades offer a wide range of offensive and defensive capabilities, such as hull breaches, fire, poison gas, and magic shields. Experimenting with various weapon combinations allows players to tailor their ship's loadout to their preferred playstyle. The ship-to-ship combat uses a split-screen, turn-based approach reminiscent of FTL: Faster Than Light. Players must strategically target and attack enemy vessels while managing their own ship's systems and crew. Random events like the presence of sharks, icebergs, or storms can occur during combat, adding an element of unpredictability that can swing the balance of power.
Hiring and managing a crew is crucial. Each sailor is unique, with a limited number available, so players must treat them well. As sailors level up, they earn points to invest in attributes like health, luck, and intelligence, and can also learn random skills that provide various battle bonuses depending on their faction (pirates, redcoats, or bluecoats).
In addition to the core ship combat and exploration, the game offers various minigames and diversions. The robust fishing minigame allows players to cast their lines and reel in catches, providing a relaxing break from the high seas. The game also features lockpicking mechanics, which can be used to discover hidden secrets and treasure.