9 Games You’re Bound to Enjoy if You Loved Assassin's Creed Black Flag

May 2, 2026 - 13:19

If you spent countless hours in Assassin's Creed Black Flag, you know the real star was the open sea. The blend of naval combat, tropical exploration, and pirate fantasy made it a standout. If you are looking for more of that salty spray and buried treasure, here are nine games that capture that same spirit.

First on the list is Sea of Thieves. This game is all about the crew experience. You and your friends navigate a shared world, digging up maps, fighting skeleton ships, and hunting for loot. The sailing mechanics are deep and rewarding, and the threat of other player crews keeps every voyage tense.

For a more story-driven experience, look at Skull and Bones. While it had a rocky launch, it focuses entirely on ship-to-ship combat and building your pirate empire. You customize your vessel, take on contracts, and battle the high seas. It is Black Flag without the stealth sections.

If you prefer a single-player narrative, try The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The cel-shaded art style hides a surprisingly mature adventure. You sail between islands, solve puzzles, and battle giant sea monsters. The sense of discovery is very similar to charting unknown waters in Black Flag.

Another great choice is Risen 2: Dark Waters. This RPG puts you in a pirate world with voodoo magic, jungle islands, and ship battles. The combat is clunky, but the atmosphere and freedom to explore are spot on.

For hardcore simulation fans, there is Sailwind. This game focuses on realistic sailing. You navigate by the stars, manage wind direction, and plan long voyages. It is slow and methodical, perfect for players who loved the pure sailing parts of Black Flag.

If you want a classic, check out Sid Meier's Pirates!. This old gem lets you trade, fight, and romance governors' daughters. The naval battles are simple but addictive, and the open world feels huge even by modern standards.

For a modern take with a twist, try Atlas. This MMO mixes pirate life with fantasy elements like dragons and giant sea creatures. You build your own ship, raid forts, and join a crew. It is rough around the edges but offers massive scale.

Another option is Assassin's Creed Rogue. It is essentially Black Flag with a different story. You play as a Templar, but the ship mechanics and exploration are nearly identical. It is a direct sequel in spirit.

Finally, consider Maneater. This is a wild card. You play as a shark in an open world. The gameplay loop of hunting, growing, and exploring a coastal map feels surprisingly similar to the pirate fantasy. You are the predator of the sea.

These games offer different takes on the open ocean, from realistic sailing to fantasy adventures. Whether you want to command a galleon or just explore a tropical archipelago, there is something here to satisfy your inner pirate.