Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Sid Meier's Pirates! (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Sid Meier's Pirates! on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt, which both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy.
- Sid Meier's Pirates! is tagged Pirates, Open World, RPG, Adventure, Singleplayer, Naval, Sailing, Sandbox by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt
Why it matched: both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Naval Combat, Pirates and Naval.
Hail to the Captain! Sail into the heart of the Caribbean in the Age of Piracy - the time of black flags and white skulls, blue waves and golden opportunities. Hoist the Jolly Roger and grab the steering wheel to sail through battles and raids, ransoms and treasures, to become the Crimson King of the Antilles!
The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt at a glance Released 2016 Studio Home Net Games Player sentiment 83% positive of 4,639 Price Free Naval CombatPiratesNavalStrategySailingHistoricalExplorationEconomy
- 2
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Why it matched: both open world, historical and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Pirates, Naval and Historical.
Discover Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag, the classic pirate action-adventure game from 2013. Command your ship, hunt Templars and carve your legend as Edward Kenway across the Caribbean's Golden Age of Piracy.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag at a glance Released 2013 Studio Ubisoft Romania Player sentiment 88% positive of 78,523 Price $39.99 PiratesNavalHistoricalExplorationNaval CombatRPG
- 3
Stronghold: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Sandbox and Economy.
Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.
Stronghold: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2023 Studio Firefly Studios Player sentiment 87% positive of 10,346 Price $4.49 StrategySandboxEconomyHistorical
- 4
Stronghold Crusader 2
Why it matched: both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Classic.
Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation.
Stronghold Crusader 2 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Firefly Studios Player sentiment 72% positive of 18,080 Price $3.99 StrategyHistoricalClassicSandbox
- 5
FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Exploration and Classic.
FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE - This revered classic returns, now fully remastered for the first time for PC, featuring all new and enhanced gameplay.
FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE at a glance Released 2018 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,211 Price $49.99 RPGExplorationClassicRemakeStrategy
- 6
Railway Empire
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Economy and Trading.
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition.
Railway Empire at a glance Released 2018 Studio Gaming Minds Studios Player sentiment 83% positive of 9,712 Price $29.99 StrategyEconomyTradingHistoricalSandboxExploration
- 7
Anno 1800
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Economy and Sandbox.
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Anno 1800 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Ubisoft Mainz Player sentiment 81% positive of 32,232 Price $59.99 StrategyEconomySandboxExplorationHistoricalChoose Your Own Adventure
- 8
Iron Front: Digital War Edition
Why it matched: both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 3 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Sandbox.
Command your own troops, man authentic weaponry and take to the sky in deadly warplanes.
Iron Front: Digital War Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio X1 Software Player sentiment 59% positive of 869 Price $14.99 StrategyHistoricalSandbox
- 9
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Trading and Exploration.
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky at a glance Released 2015 Studio Michael Zahniser Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,092 Price Free RPGTradingExplorationSandboxEconomyStrategy
- 10
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Naval.
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 91% positive of 38,055 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalNavalClassic
- 11
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Sandbox and Historical.
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic at a glance Released 2024 Studio 3Division Player sentiment 91% positive of 27,164 Price $9.99 StrategySandboxHistoricalEconomy
- 12
Tropico 3
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Sandbox and Economy.
Become the dictator of a remote island during the Cold War. Charm, persuade, intimidate, oppress, or cheat your people to stay in power! Are you a kind and generous leader? A corrupt and ruthless tyrant ruling with an iron fist?
Tropico 3 at a glance Released 2009 Studio Haemimont Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 1,944 Price $9.99 StrategySandboxEconomyClassic
- 13
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, RPG and Sandbox.
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord at a glance Released 2020 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 88% positive of 296,754 Price $49.99 StrategyRPGSandboxHistorical
- 14
Battle Brothers
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, RPG and Sandbox.
Lead a mercenary company in this tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. Chase fame and fortune as you choose where to go, who to recruit, which contracts to pursue, and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
Battle Brothers at a glance Released 2017 Studio Overhype Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 28,671 Price $8.99 StrategyRPGSandboxHistorical
- 15
Dawn of Man
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Sandbox.
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
Dawn of Man at a glance Released 2019 Studio Madruga Works Player sentiment 87% positive of 17,830 Price $12.49 StrategyHistoricalSandboxEconomy
- 16
Age of Empires
Why it matched: both historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Classic.
Age of Empires, the pivotal real-time strategy game that launched a 20-year legacy returns with modernized gameplay, all-new 4K visuals, 8-person multiplayer battles and a host of other new features. Welcome back to history.
Age of Empires at a glance Released 1997 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 84% positive of 15,616 Price $19.99 StrategyHistoricalClassicRemake
- 17
Manor Lords
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Sandbox.
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Manor Lords at a glance Released 2024 Studio Slavic Magic Player sentiment 84% positive of 90,905 Price $25.99 StrategyHistoricalSandboxEconomy
- 18
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Classic.
Age of Empires, the pivotal real-time strategy game that launched a 20-year legacy returns with modernized gameplay, all-new 4K visuals, 8-person multiplayer battles and a host of other new features. Welcome back to history.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2019 Studio World's Edge Player sentiment 84% positive of 15,619 Price $19.99 StrategyHistoricalClassicRemake
- 19
Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Why it matched: both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy; shares 3 player tags including Historical, Strategy and RPG.
London, 1868. Lead your underworld organization in the midst of the Industrial Revolution to break the corrupt stranglehold on the city in a visceral adventure filled with action, intrigue, and brutal combat.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate at a glance Released 2015 Studio Ubisoft Quebec Player sentiment 80% positive of 33,045 Price $29.99 HistoricalStrategyRPG
- 20
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Economy.
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Imperator: Rome at a glance Released 2019 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 66% positive of 26,891 Price $39.99 StrategyHistoricalEconomySandbox
- 21
Mount & Blade: Warband
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox.
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Mount & Blade: Warband at a glance Released 2010 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 98% positive of 172,005 Price $19.99 RPGStrategySandboxHistorical
- 22
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both open world, atmospheric and strategy; shares 4 player tags including RPG, Classic and Exploration.
You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2015 Studio Interplay Inc. Player sentiment 94% positive of 25,164 Price $9.99 RPGClassicExplorationSandbox
- 23
Mount & Blade
Why it matched: both open world, historical and strategy; shares 4 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox.
Calradia is a land at war, offering great riches and even greater dangers to adventurers and mercenaries that flock to shed their blood on its soil. With courage and a strong sword, an unknown stranger can make a name as a warrior. Free-form sand-box gameplay.
Mount & Blade at a glance Released 2008 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 92% positive of 6,718 Price $9.99 RPGStrategySandboxHistorical
- 24
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, RPG and Historical.
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Crusader Kings III at a glance Released 2020 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 143,235 Price $49.99 StrategyRPGHistoricalSandboxEconomy
Common questions
What game is most like Sid Meier's Pirates!?
The Pirate: Caribbean Hunt, on the evidence we have. It both open world, historical, atmospheric and strategy. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Sid Meier's Pirates!" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Sid Meier's Pirates!. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.