Pirates' Spat is a local multiplayer platformer that blends cooperative exploration with competitive theft in pirate themed settings. Players control up to four pirates on a shared screen as they navigate dangerous locations, gather treasure, and compete for the best haul while still needing to work as a team to finish each round. The game supports single player or groups of two to four on PC through keyboard sharing, separate keyboards, controllers, or Steam Remote Play Together for remote sessions where only the host needs the game installed.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around short rounds divided into two distinct phases that force crews to balance teamwork and rivalry. In the first phase, pirates collect gold scattered across the level while avoiding or defeating local wildlife. Any gold carried at the end of the phase is lost, so players must bury their loot in personal chests to secure it. The second phase activates when the flag turns black, opening opportunities to steal buried gold from crewmates. Progress still requires solving the location specific puzzle together to unlock the relic before time runs out. This structure keeps rounds fast paced and encourages players to split attention between personal gain and group success.
Each location features unique challenges tied to its relic. Examples include relighting ghostly lanterns before they extinguish, tricking a kraken into drinking rum, or illuminating the eye sockets of Skull Island using torches. Completing the challenge and finishing the round grants a permanent power such as a double jump, extra heart, faster firing pistol, or reinforced leather. These powers can be reassigned among the crew at any time, adding flexibility for different play styles or crew compositions.
Game Modes
Three difficulty settings let crews tailor the experience to their preferred mix of cooperation and competition. Swabbie mode disables damage between pirates, allowing full focus on teamwork and puzzle solving without internal conflict. Freebooter serves as the standard setting that mixes cooperative progress with opportunities for squabbling over loot. Buccaneer increases the challenge with enemy reinforcements and removes power ups, suiting experienced groups that want a tougher test of coordination and survival skills.
Locations and Relics
Locations draw from classic pirate lore and each contains a hidden relic along with a tailored puzzle. Unlocking the relic provides lasting upgrades that carry forward through the adventure. Crews aim for bronze, silver, or gold medals in every area along with the highest possible score out of one hundred. After finishing the full adventure, groups receive an overall ranking based first on total gold collected and then on completion time, rewarding both efficiency and thorough exploration of secrets.
Customization and Multiplayer Options
Players personalize each pirate with a chosen name, appearance, and bandana color before starting. Controls accommodate various setups for up to four participants on one screen, including mixed keyboard and controller use. Remote play works through Steam Remote Play Together, letting guests join without owning the game. These features support both local couch sessions and online play with friends who may not have purchased the title.
Is It Worth Playing?
Pirates' Spat appeals to groups seeking a short session platformer that combines exploration, light combat, and lighthearted competition. The two phase structure and relic powers create repeatable rounds where crews can experiment with different strategies for gathering and protecting gold. Difficulty options make it accessible for casual play or more demanding runs. Since the game remains in a pre release state with no completed reviews available, potential buyers should monitor the official Steam page for launch details and any post release updates that may expand content or refine mechanics. Those who enjoy local or remote co op platformers with built in rivalry elements will likely find the core systems engaging once it becomes available.
