What are the differences between Pirates! and Pirates! Gold ?

Pirates! Gold is an enhanced version of Pirates! with better graphics. However, on certain operating systems this special edition has been reported as not being as playable as the original. Click here for more details.

Can you send me a copy of the game ?

No, I can't. Do not even ask, I will not answer to these questions.

Where can I buy of copy of the game ?

Pirates! Gold was discontinued at one time, but has been re-released in Microprose's "Conquer the World" pack, which includes Colonization, Transport Tycoon, Railroad Tycoon Deluxe and Pirates! Gold all on one CD-ROM. This pack was released for distribution at major US computer software stores at the end of September 1997. The original version of the game is no longer available.

On which machines were the games released ?

Pirates! was released on : Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, PC (CGA/EGA graphics), Atari ST, Amiga, NES
Pirates! Gold was released on : Sega Genesis, Amiga, Amiga CD32, PC (SVGA graphics), Macintosh

Which version should I buy ?

I would recommend you to buy either the Genesis version of Pirates! Gold or the Amiga CD-32 one. These versions are not the most graphically advanced but they offer the best gameplay. However, both versions are difficult to find.

What are the "Ten Great Quests" ?

1. Captured Pirate
2. Rescued Sister
3. Rescued Father
4. Rescued Mother
5. Rescued Uncle
6. Got Married
7. Silver Train
8. Treasure Fleet
9. Inca Treasure
10. Title of Nobility

Even if these quests are not mentioned in Pirates!, you should know that any valorous pirate has to complete these quests before retiring. Think about rescuing your family members early in the game, otherwise your uncle will stay on its distant island for ever.

Is Duke the highest title granted by a governor ?

Yes. The attribution of the titles follows this scale :
Ensign -> Captain -> Major -> Colonel -> Admiral -> Baron -> Count -> Marquis -> Duke

And of course you can have one for each country you fight for - as long as you have a letter of marque.

How will I be ranked in the hall of fame ?

above 95         King's Advisor
from 90 to 95    Governor
from 85 to 90	 Lt. Governor (represents the king in trade agreements)
from 80 to 85	 Fleet Admiral
from 75 to 80	 Rich Banker
from 70 to 75	 Plantation Owner
from 65 to 70	 Wealthy Merchant
from 60 to 65	 General
from 55 to 60	 Sugar Planter
from 50 to 55	 Merchant Captain
from 45 to 50	 Council Member
from 40 to 45	 Colonel
from 35 to 40	 Shop Owner
from 30 to 35	 Major
from 25 to 30	 Tavernkeeper
from 20 to 25	 Sailing Master
from 15 to 20	 Sergeant
from 10 to 15	 Bartender
from  5 to 10	 Sailor
from  0 to 5     Farm Hand
from -5 to 0     Rogue
from -10 to -5	 Scoundrel
from -15 to -10	 Pauper
below -20        Beggar

Which special ability should I choose ?

IMHO, skill at medicine is the most useful one since it will enable you to play longer and thus to score more points. Skill at fencing is the best choice for a new player.


I love flags. Do you know where to find pirates' flags ? or My hamster ate my flag sheet. Can you help me ? or Hi, I have bought the only copy amongst the 450,000 units sold whose box does not contain the sheet with the flags...

Hmmm... here.

Pirates! Gold does not run properly on my PC. What can I do ?

First, install the patch if needed. DOSBox, a DOS emulator for Windows/Linux/Mac OS should help if the game runs too fast. Check the forum for more information.

What are the other games designed by Sid Meier ?

Sid Meier worked on the design of the following games : Hellcat Ace (1981), Solo Flight (1982), Chopper Rescue (1982), Nato Commander (1983), F-15 Strike Eagle (1984), Silent Service (1986), Pirates ! (1987), F-19 Stealth Fighter (1988), Railroad Tycoon (1990), Sid Meier's Cover Action (1991), Civilization (1992), CPU Bach (1993), Colonization (1995), Gettysburg (1997), Alpha Centauri (1999), SimGolf (2002) and Civilization III (2002).

How does the last pirate ship you have seen look like ?

Hey, it was quite strange ! despite the crew was not very talkative, they were friendly. Have a look at the photo I took.