Overview: The Pirate Fortress in Ikariam
The Pirate Fortress is the only building you can construct on the island in the harbour basin. It was introduced with version 0.5.3 in December 2012.
By building this structure, you can conduct privateering expeditions and launch raids on other Pirate Fortresses. The aim is to acquire plunder points and gold – the most successful pirates are rewarded with fame and vast quantities of resources.
Requirements for Construction
To build a Pirate Fortress, you need the Piracy research in the Seafaring research area.
- Research area: Seafaring
- Research requirement: Deck Weapons
- Research cost: 18 research points
What the Research Enables
- Construction of Pirate Fortresses
- Conducting privateering expeditions and pirate raids
- Participation in the plunder points leaderboard
Privateering: Two Options
There are two ways to conduct privateering. Either you privateer without opponents and have nine staggered time options to obtain plunder points and gold – depending on how long you privateer.
Alternatively, you attack another player and steal their plunder points. If you have a larger crew than your opponent, you will succeed.
Plunder Points and Rewards
You earn plunder points through privateering expeditions. Those who make it into the TOP 50 by the end of the 21-day scoring period are additionally rewarded with plenty of resources. After a scoring period expires, plunder points are reset to zero.
Expand Your Crew
- Ten plunder points equal one new crew member when you convert these points.
- Additional crew members are provided by buildings – depending on the number of Pirate Fortresses and their upgrade level.
- You receive further crew members when you have more than 7,000 plunder points.
Upgrade Levels of the Pirate Fortress
The table shows a selection of upgrade levels with build time and values from the Wiki:
| Level | Value 1 | Value 2 | Build Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 441 | 245 | 40s |
| 5 | 2.541 | 1.503 | 28m 41s |
| 10 | 10.078 | 7.150 | 1h 18m |
| 15 | 35.294 | 27.458 | 4h 27m |
| 20 | 98.657 | 79.399 | 15h 12m |
| 25 | 228.074 | 186.116 | 1d 14h |
| 30 | 458.671 | 376.740 | 4d 5h |
FAQ About the Pirate Fortress
Where is the Pirate Fortress built?
The Pirate Fortress is the only building that can be constructed on the island in the harbour basin.
How long is a scoring period?
A scoring period lasts 21 days. After that, plunder points are reset to zero.
How do I get new crew members?
Ten plunder points equal one new crew member when you convert them. Additionally, the buildings themselves provide crew members, depending on the number and upgrade level of your Pirate Fortresses, and you get more once you have more than 7,000 plunder points.