Sid Meier's Pirates

Back in the day when I played it on the commodore 64 for a bazillion hours, getting good at the dueling was key. I would use some small, fast and maneuverable like a sloop to move around and blast them. Then once boarding try and take down the captain quick.

Not sure if it works as well/easily with the remastered/newer versions.

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I would use some small, fast and maneuverable like a sloop to move around and blast them. Then once boarding try and take down the captain quick.

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I think that was the best overall strategy. You only needed a big, heavy warship to sink pirate hunting warships and, even then, you could just run with the smaller, faster ship. Using a big ship to pound the targets would result in sinking rather than looting.

Had this game on Sega as well and loved it but could never beat it

In general -

Learn to sword fight, as that will be required to win the final battle of the game

Consider choosing “medicine” as your talent if you are going to be making a serious run at winning it all, as your character’s reflexes drop as he ages

Choose what factions you support or fight with carefully. Spanish are most powerful but their bigger colonies won’t trade with you and they have the Treasure Fleet and Silver Train (depending on versions), which are times of the year when you can raid certain colonies and hit the jackpot if you take them while either is in town. OTOH, troop levels are higher at those times and arriving unprepared can wreck your day.




In general, you can have any ships you can capture but the smaller and more maneuverable boats (barque, sloot, pinnacle) tend to be preferred because the larger boats tend to get stuck if the wind is wrong, making them bad choices for a raid.

And keep in mind that your fleet on the main map is only as fast as the slowest boat in your fleet, so that big fat merchantman may be full of goodies but it will drag you down like an anchor if you are in the wrong place and can’t find a colony to sell off the cargo and boat.

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I downloaded this game as soon as I got an Xbox. Certainly didn't play it properly in my younger years. Anyone play this? How do I be good at it?

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If you upgrade your fighting speed or whatever you basically juice the game and become unstoppable.

Two of my best investments as a kid were the original Civ and the Sid Meier trilogy bundle from Walmart (original versions of Pirates and Railroad Tycoon plus Covert Action).

All four of those games kicked arse though Covert Action is generally forgotten.

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You need to learn to dance

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My probably most hated feature of the game. I suck at action, mini games, etc, which is why I avoid games that include them. To learn that it is a nearly essential interaction is disappointing. But, this is why I buy games on discount.

I loved the game, but knew I couldn't win.

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How do I be good at it?

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Get an Indian war canoe

It can sail against the wind and is the fastest ship in the game. (Also makes your fleet faster).

Board the enemy ship, use rapier, send him overboard

Learn to dance. Good rewards and clues.

Load up on troops and sack cities using forest for cover.

Your advice seems contradictive, but I'm also intrigued enough to reinstall and try it. Damnit.