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Difference between revisions of "Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004)"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (→‎top: updated GOG.com ID format)
 
(52 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
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 +
{{disambig||the original game|[[Sid Meier's Pirates!]]}}
 
{{Infobox game
 
{{Infobox game
 
|title        = Sid Meier's Pirates!
 
|title        = Sid Meier's Pirates!
Line 4: Line 5:
 
|developers  =  
 
|developers  =  
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/developer|Firaxis Games}}
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Robosoft Technologies|OS X}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/porter|Robosoft Technologies|OS X|ref=<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://support.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/pirates/|title=Feral Support - Sid Meier's Pirates!|date=2023-07-21}}</ref>}}
 
|publishers  =  
 
|publishers  =  
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Atari|2004-2005}}
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games}}
+
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|2K Games|2005-present}}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Sold Out Software|Re-release}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/publisher|Feral Interactive|OS X}}
 
|engines      =  
 
|engines      =  
Line 14: Line 16:
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 22, 2004}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|Windows|November 22, 2004}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|August 29, 2008}}
 
{{Infobox game/row/date|OS X|August 29, 2008}}
 +
|reception    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/reception|Metacritic|sid-meiers-pirates|88}}
 +
|taxonomy    =
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization      | One-time game purchase }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | None }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes            | Singleplayer }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/pacing            | Real-time }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives      | Bird's-eye view, Third-person }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls          | Direct control }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres            | Adventure, Action, Strategy, RPG }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles          | Naval/watercraft }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles        | Realistic }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes            | Piracy }}
 +
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series            | Sid Meier's Pirates! }}
 
|steam appid  = 3920
 
|steam appid  = 3920
 
|gogcom id    = 1445250653
 
|gogcom id    = 1445250653
 +
|official site= https://2k.com/en-US/game/sid-meiers-pirates/
 +
|hltb        = 8516
 +
|igdb        = sid-meier-s-pirates
 +
|lutris      = sid-meiers-pirates
 
|strategywiki = Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004)
 
|strategywiki = Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004)
 +
|mobygames    = 15645
 
|wikipedia    = Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004 video game)
 
|wikipedia    = Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004 video game)
 
|winehq      = 1985
 
|winehq      = 1985
 
|license      = commercial
 
|license      = commercial
 
}}
 
}}
{{Series|Sid Meier's Pirates!}}
 
{{disambig||the original game|[[Sid Meier's Pirates!]]}}
 
  
'''Key points'''
+
{{Introduction
{{--}} Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS.<ref name="FPS cap">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120314021501/http://forums.steampowered.com:80/forums/showthread.php?t=2037840 Framerate capped to 30!? - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref>
+
|introduction      =
 +
 
 +
|release history  =
 +
 
 +
|current state    =
 +
}}
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
{{mm}} [http://www.sidmeierspirates.com/ Official website]
+
{{ii}} Also known as '''''Sid Meier's Pirates!: Live the Life''''' to distinguish from the original game.
 +
{{mm}} [https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/sections/200299833-Sid-Meier-s-Pirates Official support knowledgebase]
 
{{GOG.com links|1445250653|sid_meiers_pirates}}
 
{{GOG.com links|1445250653|sid_meiers_pirates}}
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3920/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 
{{mm}} [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3920/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
Line 35: Line 60:
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | {{DRM|SecuROM}} disc check. | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key | {{DRM|SecuROM}} disc check. | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Publisher | https://store.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-linux-games/pirates/ | key, activation, actlimit, account | Five machines limit. | | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | unknown | | | OS X }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamesplanet | 2606-1 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_pirates | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| GOG.com | sid_meiers_pirates | DRM-free | | | Windows }}
{{Availability/row| Mac App Store | id429633730 | MacApp |  |  | OS X }}
+
{{Availability/row| GMG | sid-meiers-pirates | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Humble | sid-meiers-pirates | Steam |  |  | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3920 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 
{{Availability/row| Steam | 3920 | Steam | | | Windows }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Publisher | https://www.macgamestore.com/product/1878/Sid-Meiers-Pirates/ | unknown | | | OS X | unavailable }}
 +
{{Availability/row| Gamersgate | sid-meiers-pirates | Steam |  |  | Windows | unavailable }}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{ii}} The Mac OS X version is no longer sold digitally.
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
 +
===Patches===
 +
{{ii}} [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1088-sid-meiers-pirates-patch/ 1.02 patch] is the latest version.
 +
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2017}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename video files|ref={{cn|date=July 2017}}|fix=
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Assets\Bink</code>
+
# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\Assets\Bink\}}.
# Delete or rename <code>firaxis_logo.bik</code> and <code>Logos.bik</code>
+
# Delete or rename {{file|firaxis_logo.bik}} and {{file|Logos.bik}}.
 
}}
 
}}
 
===Patches===
 
[https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1088-sid-meiers-pirates-patch/ 1.02 patch] is the latest version.
 
  
 
==Game data==
 
==Game data==
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
===Configuration file(s) location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates!\Config.ini}}
+
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/config|OS X|}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 60: Line 90:
 
===Save game data location===
 
===Save game data location===
 
{{Game data|
 
{{Game data|
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates!\}}
+
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
{{Game data/saves|OS X|}}
 
}}
 
}}
Line 66: Line 96:
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
|gog galaxy           = false
+
|discord                  =
|gog galaxy notes     =  
+
|discord notes            =
|origin               =  
+
|epic games launcher      =
|origin notes         =  
+
|epic games launcher notes =
|steam cloud           = false
+
|gog galaxy               = false
|steam cloud notes     =  
+
|gog galaxy notes         =  
|uplay                =  
+
|origin                   =  
|uplay notes           =  
+
|origin notes             =  
|xbox cloud           =  
+
|steam cloud               = false
|xbox cloud notes     =  
+
|steam cloud notes         =  
 +
|ubisoft connect          =  
 +
|ubisoft connect notes     =  
 +
|xbox cloud               =  
 +
|xbox cloud notes         =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Video settings==
+
==Video==
 
{{Image|Sid Meiers Pirates 2004 Video Settings.png|Video Settings.}}
 
{{Image|Sid Meiers Pirates 2004 Video Settings.png|Video Settings.}}
{{Video settings
+
{{Video
|wsgf link                  = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/sid-meiers-pirates-2004
+
|wsgf link                  = https://www.wsgf.org/dr/sid-meiers-pirates-2004
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = unsupported
 
|widescreen wsgf award      = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
 
|multimonitor wsgf award    = unsupported
Line 87: Line 121:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = false
 
|widescreen resolution      = false
|widescreen resolution notes=  
+
|widescreen resolution notes= {{term|Stretched}} 4:3, Default Resolution of '''1400x1050''' without GUI Loss (Anything Beyond this de-synchronizes the mouse). Use Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix (instructions below), doesn't give a widescreen picture however.
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor              = false
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
 
|multimonitor notes        =  
Line 93: Line 127:
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      =  
 
|4k ultra hd                = false
 
|4k ultra hd                = false
|4k ultra hd notes          = 2880x2160 (the 4:3 equivalent) can be forced via the INI file.
+
|4k ultra hd notes          = 2880x2160 (the 4:3 equivalent) can be forced via {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini}}.
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov                        = false
 
|fov notes                  =  
 
|fov notes                  =  
Line 104: Line 138:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        = Forcing [[MSAA]] through the graphics card control panel causes the pre-rendered cutscenes to flicker.
 
|antialiasing notes        = Forcing [[MSAA]] through the graphics card control panel causes the pre-rendered cutscenes to flicker.
 +
|upscaling                  = false
 +
|upscaling tech            =
 +
|upscaling notes            =
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
|60 fps                    = false
+
|60 fps                    = limited
|60 fps notes              = Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS<ref name="FPS cap"/> with 60 FPS in some scenes.
+
|60 fps notes              = Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS<ref name="FPS cap">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120314021501/http://forums.steampowered.com:80/forums/showthread.php?t=2037840 Framerate capped to 30!? - Steam Users' Forums] (retrieved)</ref> with 60 FPS in some scenes.
 
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps                    = false
 
|120 fps notes              =  
 
|120 fps notes              =  
|hdr                        = unknown
+
|hdr                        = false
 
|hdr notes                  =  
 
|hdr notes                  =  
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Forcefully Stretched Widescreen|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Skid.Shajmil|date=2020-01-11|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download [https://mega.nz/file/m9I3UIob#vWMLJ3p2eAC9yBrQVYq7gGiZCh2K4LCcF-riKr3S_T4 Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix].
 +
# Follow [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2228839602 Dr.Skid's guide] on how to properly configure the patch.
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} This patch uses [[dgVoodoo 2]] to force the game to scale by stretching to fit.
 +
{{ii}} To play with a working cursor, the game must run in a stretched '''4:3''' resolution. This will make the game a bit blurry, however.
 +
{{ii}} To play in a stretched '''16:9''' ''(Internally still maintaining aspect ratio)'', the game will have a desynchronized mouse cursor making it only playable with the keypad but with sharper image quality.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Windowed|Windowed]]===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set in Config.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Set in Config.ini|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix=
# Go to the [[#Game data|configuration file(s) location]].
+
# Open {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini}}.
# Open {{file|Config.ini}}.
 
 
# Go to the bottom of the file.
 
# Go to the bottom of the file.
 
# Add the line <code>fullscreen = 0</code>
 
# Add the line <code>fullscreen = 0</code>
Line 128: Line 175:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Input settings==
+
==Input==
{{Input settings
+
{{Input
 
|key remap                = hackable
 
|key remap                = hackable
|key remap notes          = Check KeyMap.ini in the [[#Game data|Configuration folder]].
+
|key remap notes          = Change binds in {{file|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\KeyMap.ini}}.
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option      = false
 
|acceleration option notes =  
 
|acceleration option notes =  
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|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis      = false
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
|touchscreen              = unknown
+
|touchscreen              = false
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
Line 192: Line 239:
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Audio settings==
+
==Audio==
 
{{Image|Sid Meiers Pirates 2004 Audio Settings.png|Audio Settings.}}
 
{{Image|Sid Meiers Pirates 2004 Audio Settings.png|Audio Settings.}}
{{Audio settings
+
{{Audio
|separate volume          = True
+
|separate volume          = true
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|separate volume notes    =  
 
|surround sound          = true
 
|surround sound          = true
|surround sound notes    = Dolby Surround
+
|surround sound notes    = Dolby Surround or Creative EAX.
 
|subtitles                = true
 
|subtitles                = true
|subtitles notes          = Most dialogue is in Simlish (e.g. "Shoo-Ban!" When getting in a barfight)
+
|subtitles notes          = Most dialogue is in Simlish (e.g. "Shoo-Ban!" When getting in a barfight).
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions          = false
 
|closed captions notes    =  
 
|closed captions notes    =  
|mute on focus lost      = True
+
|mute on focus lost      = always on
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
 
|mute on focus lost notes =  
|eax support              = True
+
|eax support              = true
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
|royalty free audio      = always on
 +
|royalty free audio notes =
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 212: Line 261:
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = English
 
  |language  = English
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = yes
+
  |audio    = true
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    =  
 
  |notes    =  
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = unknown
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail only.
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Italian
 
  |language  = Italian
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3920/discussions/0/540744935927613120/ download].
 
  |notes    = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/app/3920/discussions/0/540744935927613120/ download].
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = false
 +
|subtitles = true
 +
|notes    = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2071473569/ download].
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{L10n/switch
 
{{L10n/switch
 
  |language  = Spanish
 
  |language  = Spanish
  |interface = yes
+
  |interface = true
  |audio    = no
+
  |audio    = false
  |subtitles = yes
+
  |subtitles = true
 
  |notes    = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=509491031 download].
 
  |notes    = Retail version, [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=509491031 download].
 
  |fan      =  
 
  |fan      =  
Line 238: Line 303:
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
 
===Severe performance issues===
 
===Severe performance issues===
This issue has been present since release. Although the 2005 [http://www.gamewatcher.com/games/sid-meiers-pirates/downloads 1.02 patch] addressed many issues, some users (especially those with high spec, modern systems) still experience low frame rates, with currently no available solution.
+
This issue has been present since release. Although the 2005 [https://www.gamewatcher.com/games/sid-meiers-pirates/downloads 1.02 patch] addressed many issues, some users (especially those with high spec, modern systems) still experience low frame rates, with currently no available solution.
  
 
==Other information==
 
==Other information==
Line 247: Line 312:
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw versions    =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
 
|directdraw notes      =  
|opengl versions        =  
+
|opengl versions        = true <!-- Exact version needed. -->
|opengl notes          =  
+
|opengl notes          = OS X only.
 
|glide versions        =  
 
|glide versions        =  
 
|glide notes            =  
 
|glide notes            =  
Line 263: Line 328:
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model versions  =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
 
|shader model notes    =  
|64-bit executable     = false
+
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
|64-bit executable notes=  
+
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 +
|windows arm app        = unknown
 +
|windows exe notes     =
 +
|mac os x powerpc app  = true
 +
|macos intel 32-bit app = true
 +
|macos intel 64-bit app = false
 +
|macos arm app          = unknown
 +
|macos app notes        = 32-bit only.<ref>[https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/news/933/ Last chance to buy these Mac classics! | Feral News]</ref>
 +
|linux 32-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux 64-bit executable= unknown
 +
|linux arm app          = unknown
 +
|linux executable notes =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 285: Line 361:
 
|OSfamily = OS X
 
|OSfamily = OS X
  
|minOS    = 10.5
+
|minOS    = 10.4
|minCPU  = PowerPC 1.4 GHz
+
|minCPU  = PowerPC G4 1.4 GHz
 
|minCPU2  = Intel 1.4 GHz
 
|minCPU2  = Intel 1.4 GHz
 
|minRAM  = 512 MB
 
|minRAM  = 512 MB
Line 293: Line 369:
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
 
|minVRAM  = 64 MB
  
|recOS    = 10.6
+
|recOS    = 10.5
 
|recCPU  = PowerPC 2.0 GHz
 
|recCPU  = PowerPC 2.0 GHz
 
|recCPU2  = Intel 2.0 GHz
 
|recCPU2  = Intel 2.0 GHz

Latest revision as of 19:06, 19 April 2024

For the original game, see Sid Meier's Pirates!.

Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sid Meier's Pirates! cover
Developers
Firaxis Games
macOS (OS X) Robosoft Technologies[1]
Publishers
2004-2005 Atari
2005-present 2K Games
Re-release Sold Out Software
OS X Feral Interactive
Engines
Gamebryo
Release dates
Windows November 22, 2004
macOS (OS X) August 29, 2008
Reception
Metacritic 88
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Bird's-eye view, Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Adventure, Action, Strategy, RPG
Vehicles Naval/watercraft
Art styles Realistic
Themes Piracy
Series Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) on HowLongToBeat
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) on IGDB
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) guide on StrategyWiki
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) on MobyGames
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) on Wikipedia
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sid Meier's Pirates! 1987
Pirates! Gold 1993
Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) 2004

Warnings

The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.

Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) is a singleplayer bird's-eye view and third-person adventure, action, strategy and RPG game in the Sid Meier's Pirates! series.

General information

Also known as Sid Meier's Pirates!: Live the Life to distinguish from the original game.
Official support knowledgebase
GOG.com Community Discussions
GOG.com Support Page
Steam Community Discussions

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
SecuROM DRM disc check.
Windows
Retail
DRM details are not known
macOS (OS X)
Gamesplanet logo.svg
Icon overlay.png
Windows
GOG.com
DRM-free
Windows
Green Man Gaming
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Humble Store
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Steam
Icon overlay.png
Windows
Publisher website (unavailable)
DRM details are not known
macOS (OS X)
GamersGate (unavailable)
Icon overlay.png
Windows
The Mac OS X version is no longer sold digitally.

Essential improvements

Patches

1.02 patch is the latest version.

Skip intro videos

Delete or rename video files[citation needed]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\Assets\Bink\.
  2. Delete or rename firaxis_logo.bik and Logos.bik.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3920/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game data location

System Location
Windows %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\
macOS (OS X)
Steam Play (Linux) <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/3920/pfx/[Note 1]

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
GOG Galaxy
OneDrive
Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers.
Steam Cloud

Video

Video Settings.
Video Settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
Stretched 4:3, Default Resolution of 1400x1050 without GUI Loss (Anything Beyond this de-synchronizes the mouse). Use Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix (instructions below), doesn't give a widescreen picture however.
Multi-monitor
Ultra-widescreen
4K Ultra HD
2880x2160 (the 4:3 equivalent) can be forced via %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini.
Field of view (FOV)
Windowed
See Windowed.
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Use Borderless Gaming. Note: This can de-synchronize the mouse, so use the keyboard for menus.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
Forcing MSAA through the graphics card control panel causes the pre-rendered cutscenes to flicker.
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
60 FPS
Frame rate is capped at 30 FPS[2] with 60 FPS in some scenes.
120+ FPS
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix

Forcefully Stretched Widescreen[3]
  1. Download Skid_Sultan's Widescreen fix.
  2. Follow Dr.Skid's guide on how to properly configure the patch.

Notes

This patch uses dgVoodoo 2 to force the game to scale by stretching to fit.
To play with a working cursor, the game must run in a stretched 4:3 resolution. This will make the game a bit blurry, however.
To play in a stretched 16:9 (Internally still maintaining aspect ratio), the game will have a desynchronized mouse cursor making it only playable with the keypad but with sharper image quality.

Windowed

Set in Config.ini[citation needed]
  1. Open %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\Config.ini.
  2. Go to the bottom of the file.
  3. Add the line fullscreen = 0
  4. Save your changes.

Notes

In some cases, this may cause strange issues with the mouse in menus, such as having to click to the lower right of a button for it to activate.

Input

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Change binds in %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Pirates\KeyMap.ini.
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
If using windowed mode, the mouse may desynchronize from menus, making them frustrating to use.
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Controller types

Audio

Audio Settings.
Audio Settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Surround sound
Dolby Surround or Creative EAX.
Subtitles
Most dialogue is in Simlish (e.g. "Shoo-Ban!" When getting in a barfight).
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
Royalty free audio

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German
Retail only.
Italian
Retail version, download.
Polish
Retail version, download.
Spanish
Retail version, download.

Issues fixed

Severe performance issues

This issue has been present since release. Although the 2005 1.02 patch addressed many issues, some users (especially those with high spec, modern systems) still experience low frame rates, with currently no available solution.

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
Direct3D 9
OpenGL
OS X only.
ExecutablePPC 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
macOS (OS X)
32-bit only.[4]

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 1.0 GHz
System memory (RAM) 256 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.2 GB
Video card (GPU) 64 MB of VRAM
DirectX 9.0b compatible
macOS (OS X)
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 10.4
Processor (CPU) PowerPC G4 1.4 GHz
Intel 1.4 GHz
System memory (RAM) 512 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1.4 GHz
Video card (GPU) 64 MB of VRAM


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:

References