Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love quick cannon battles and bluffing, Pirates! will be your new favorite.
Highlights
- Fast and fun action
- Epic cannon battles
- Varied action cards
- Easy to learn
- Take That! mechanic
Keep in mind
- Requires cannon focus
- Card repetition may occur
- Few components
- 6‑player games get intense
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Pirates! (3rd Edition) brings a splash of adventure and cunning to the table in just 10 to 25 minutes of pure action. Each player takes on the role of a pirate ship captain, racing to collect five treasures before the others. The Action Points mechanic lets you play two cards each turn, buy new cards, or challenge another captain to a cannon duel. Duels are the heart of the game: you choose how many cannons to fire, shoot the cannonballs, and the winner eliminates all of the opponent’s pirates while also snatching a card from their hand. Other cards allow you to steal treasure, copy actions, flee from combat, or even sink an enemy pirate. The blend of “Take That!” with set collection creates tense and humorous moments, while the Card Play Conflict Resolution keeps the pace brisk. With a minimalist design featuring a 100‑card deck and treasure tokens, the game is easy to learn and quick to play, making it perfect for casual sessions or for those who want something more strategic without long explanations. The components include illustrated cards, treasure tokens, a four‑sided die, and a small board to track treasures. The 3rd edition refines card layout and rule clarity while preserving the charm that won fans of “Munchkin” and “Exploding Kittens.” If you enjoy card games that blend bluffing, cannon battles, and a lot of fun in a few minutes, Pirates! will be a hit at your table. With its frenetic pace and sharp humor, the game guarantees laughs and epic rivalries among any group of friends. Its simple rules and quick setup make it a staple for game nights and a great introduction to the world of pirate‑themed card games.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
BEST
6
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Geeks N' Orcs
Designer
Pedro Sales, Renato Simões
Artist
Alex Mamedes, Dan Ramos, Luis Francisco
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
362owners
40wishlist
1want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
2 to 6 players.
What is the typical game duration?
10 to 25 minutes.
What is the complexity level?
Easy to moderate; great for beginners and seasoned players.
What components are included?
A 100‑card deck, treasure tokens, a 4‑sided die, and a small board.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of bluffing, cannon battles, and quick card games.
How does the cannon duel work?
Players choose how many cannons to fire; the winner eliminates the opponent’s pirates and takes a card from their hand.
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