Digging Deeper in Pirates!

General tips are great for setting a foundation to build on, but occasionally more unique circumstances arise that require some detailed assistance. Sid Meier's Pirates!® is no exception so, with that in mind, I've come up with the following tips that can help you out of a few specific jams.

The Cowardly Baron
On a quest to find the missing members of your family, you track down and duel the infamous Baron Raymondo. Of course, you have to find him first. Stake out his last known location, but if he doesn't show in short order, don't wait for long. Standing off a port only decreases your crew's morale, and the Baron moves around often enough that you get a new location soon.

Exploration has its rewards.

Pirate Hunters
Harass a country's men-of-war or plunder their trade ships long enough and they send out a pirate hunter brimming with men and cannons to take you down. Often, this happens after several captures when your fleet has already taken a beating. If victory is not assured, switch your flagship to a vessel that you don't mind losing, then turn and run like the wind. With a little luck, you escape and all's well. If not, at least you don't lose a heavily upgraded ship.

Map Landmarks
Many inexperienced pirates disregard a treasure map location until after the "in the vicinity of …" message appears at the bottom of the map. However, you often notice a landmark or two (Captain's Shoals, for instance) on the map that's visible from the sea. Remember the landmark's name and keep an eye out for it while cruising.

Crew Size
Finding just the right number of crew members is a delicate balancing act. Reduce the number if you don't plan on raiding towns, but because that's where large chunks of plunder reside, you probably need enough crew to conquer a fair-sized port. If morale plummets even when the gold is pouring in, raid a town with a sizable force. It's a brutal tactic, but you lose a number of men in the process. The fewer crew members, the more likely the ones you have will be happy (after all, dead men tell no tales—and they don't get a share of the loot).

Man, I love the Caribbean.

Cavalry Tactics
When the cavalry arrives in a land fight, it's time to sprint for cover. Horses don't fare well in dense foliage, so move your units into the jungle. Retreat quickly—the speedy cavalry units can move multiple squares each turn.

Escorts and Trade Ships
The most bountiful prizes are protected by escort ships, so plan accordingly. Make the escort your primary target. First, it's the dangerous ship of the two; second, with it disabled or sunk, the trade ship is more likely to give up without a fight. An undamaged ship results in even more profit.

Belles of the Balls
At social functions, you soon discover that the more comely the wench, the more difficult the dance. When you don't impress the fairer of the ladies, try your dance moves at balls with lots of "plain looking" Governors' daughters. There are more "plain looking" lasses than any other, so overwhelm them with your fancy footwork for faster and easier gifts.

Pirates! is such a wide-open adventure—during your long and illustrious career, you cross swords with mortal foes, dig up buried treasure, raid island towns, woo winsome wenches, and track down your long-lost family. These tips should give you a head start, but many obstacles lie ahead. Head out to sea and make your reputation as the terror of the Caribbean!

Article by Alex McLain