The best boat games

about 1 month ago, by Enzo

If it’s not exactly the most appropriate place to play video games, the sea has always fascinated people: it is often synonymous with adventure, freedom, danger, and mystery. In this virtual world, boats are not just a simple means of transport: they become refuges, weapons of war, tools for exploration, or even instruments of survival. Sailing across pirate-infested oceans, exploring abyssal depths, or commanding a fleet in the middle of a naval battle—there are countless possibilities. Here is a selection of the best titles in which boats play a central role, each offering a unique experience on the waves.

We cheat a little with the very first game, since in Raft you start on a few planks that serve as a raft… but those will eventually become a fine boat. The appeal lies in the constant progression: you expand your vessel, collect drifting resources, and explore mysterious islands. Still in early access, Voyagers of Nera offers a fairly similar experience, featuring survival both on land and at sea with magical powers and fantastical companions.

The scale changes dramatically when we talk about Assassin’s Creed Black Flag, or Sea of Thieves. These two titles are undoubtedly among the best experiences in the pirate universe, and both feature many interesting mechanics, making them almost essential for those who love the genre. One might almost be tempted to mention Skull and Bones, but I don't know about that…

Let’s set a course for multiplayer games. Age of Water is an MMO set in a post-apocalyptic world covered by water, focusing on boat customization and player-versus-player combat. World of Warship is a strategic simulation centered on historical warships, while Maelstrom is more fantastical. It stands out for its dark universe and its fast, competitive encounters.

For those looking for a wide variety of boats, The Crew 2 is the place to go. Dredge is an unsettling fishing game that blends maritime exploration with Lovecraftian horror. Its nighttime atmosphere and boat management create a constant tension that’s well worth discovering. In a similar vein, Abandon Ship is inspired by classic maritime aesthetics. This strategy game focuses on crew management and tactical sea combat.

More symbolic than realistic, the water represents the character’s emotions in Sea of Solitude. The boat becomes a form of introspection within a powerful narrative adventure. The Last Caretaker is an intriguing project featuring storytelling and maritime exploration in a submerged world, centered on solitude and reconstruction. With the War Sails expansion, Mount & Blade 2 Bannerlord introduces a naval aspects to the battles, allowing for even more tactical depth and immersion.

Finally, even though they are not really boats, let’s talk a little about submarines. Uboat is a demanding sim set during the Second World War. Crew management, constant tension, and realism make it a title appreciated by fans of the genre. Meanwhile, Subnautica offers an immersive and unsettling exploration of an alien ocean world.

Realistic, fantastical, competitive, or even contemplative, games centered on boats offer a rare richness of experiences. Navigation creates a unique dynamic: slow and strategic or fast and explosive, solitary or cooperative. From peaceful oceans to intense battles and unsettling atmospheres, everyone can find their ideal maritime adventure. Raise the anchor and set a course for one of these games—and may the wind carry you!