For fans of open-world exploration, naval combat, and treasure hunting, Salt 2: Shores of Gold offered a unique and engaging experience. Its blend of sailing, island discovery, and resource management captured the hearts of many. If you've exhausted the treasures of its digital seas and are yearning for more adventures in a similar vein, you're in luck! The gaming world is vast, and several titles echo the spirit of Salt 2. Here, we explore the top 5 best games that offer a comparable experience, perfect for scratching that piratical itch in 2025.
1. Sea of Thieves
Perhaps the most direct comparison to Salt 2 in terms of sheer pirate fantasy fulfillment is Sea of Thieves. Developed by Rare, this game immerses players in a shared-world adventure where they can crew a ship with friends or brave the oceans solo. The core gameplay loop revolves around sailing, engaging in naval battles, digging for buried treasure, battling skeletons and krakens, and completing voyages for various pirate factions. The emphasis on emergent gameplay and player interaction creates endless possibilities and unforgettable stories. While it lacks some of the survival elements of Salt 2, its focus on the piratical life is unparalleled.
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2. Blackwake
For those who enjoyed the intense naval combat and strategic team play in Salt 2, Blackwake is a must-try. This multiplayer naval combat game puts players in the roles of captains and crew members on historical sailing vessels. Success hinges on coordinated efforts, with players managing cannons, sails, repairs, and boarding actions. The realistic physics and detailed ship management offer a deep and rewarding experience for those who appreciate the tactical aspects of naval warfare. It’s less about exploration and more about the thrill of large-scale ship battles.
Blackwake Steam Key EUROPE is available in our store
3. Atlas
If you're looking for a more hardcore survival and sandbox experience with a pirate theme, Atlas might be for you. This ambitious title offers a massive open world filled with islands to explore, resources to gather, and creatures to tame. Players can build sprawling bases, craft intricate ships, and engage in both PvE and PvP combat. The game features a complex progression system and a strong emphasis on company management, allowing players to form pirate guilds and conquer territories. While it can be more demanding than Salt 2, the sheer scale and depth of content are impressive.
4. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
While not purely a naval simulation, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers one of the most celebrated open-world pirate experiences in gaming. Players step into the boots of Captain Edward Kenway, navigating the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. The game seamlessly blends thrilling ship combat, exploration of lush islands, treasure hunting, and a compelling storyline. The freedom to upgrade your ship, recruit your crew, and engage in naval battles provides a strong sense of progression and adventure that fans of Salt 2 will appreciate.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) - Xbox Live Key GLOBAL is available in our store
5. ArcheAge
For players seeking a more MMORPG-centric experience with robust sailing and trading mechanics, ArcheAge presents a compelling option. This free-to-play title features a vast world with extensive ocean travel, allowing players to build and customize their own ships, engage in naval combat, trade goods across different continents, and even engage in piracy. The game offers a deep crafting system, political intrigue, and large-scale battles, providing a persistent world that can be as cooperative or competitive as players desire. The freedom to chart your own course, much like in Salt 2, is a significant draw.
Conclusion
While Salt 2: Shores of Gold left a memorable mark on players, the gaming landscape in 2025 offers a wealth of experiences that capture its adventurous spirit. Whether you crave the shared-world chaos of Sea of Thieves, the tactical naval combat of Blackwake, the expansive sandbox of Atlas, the narrative-driven piracy of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, or the MMORPG depth of ArcheAge, there's a perfect game waiting for you. Set sail, gather your crew, and embark on your next great digital adventure!
