Ahoy, privateers and powder monkeys! The Summer of Plunder is back! Blood & Plunder or Oak & Iron, this global community campaign is your chance to hoist the colors, rep your faction, and leave your mark on the high seas.
Summer of Plunder is a big event with multiple moving parts and can be a little overwhelming for new players.
This article answers the most common questions players have about the event, hopefully, this FAQ will help you get going.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Summer of Plunder
What is the Summer of Plunder?
It’s an online, global campaign for pirate-themed wargaming awesomeness. Players from around the world participate in playing their choice of games of Blood & Plunder, Oak & Iron, and, new this year, Port Royal.
You play games and submit a super short entry, logging in to earn points for your faction and chances to win prizes. Each game you play counts as a “vote” influencing control over a dynamic campaign map of the Caribbean and the Americas. Weekly results shift territorial control between nations, and at the end of the nine-week campaign, prizes will go to overall winners, national champions, and random participants.
When does it take place?
Every summer! This is our 5th year.
Sunday, June 1st, to Monday, August 4th, ending at 10PM EST
Do I need to register or Sign Up to play?
No. Just start playing and submitting your results. Just make sure you use the same name and email with every entry so we can tabulate your entries properly.
Where Do I Start?
- Watch the Intro to Summer of Plunder video if you are completely lost.
- Read the Rules
- Check out the Campaign Map
- Join the Discord to participate with the community, join your nation’s chat
How do I submit my games?
Play games of Blood & Plunder, Oak & Iron, or Port Royal, and take at least 1 picture of your game. All submissions go through a form on BloodAndPigment.com. It’s fast, easy, and mobile-friendly. https://bloodandpigment.com/2025-summer-of-plunder-entry-form/
Do I have to play against the Nation I want to Attack for it to count?
No. Not at all. We understand that not all players have opponents of all types. You can play an opponent from any Nation and then target any Nation with your vote.
If I play Port Royal, do the votes have to go to Jamaica?
Nope. The location you pick to Attack or Defend is completely independent of the game or system you play.
Do I have to play every week? What if I miss a week?
No, you don’t have to play every week. You can play as little or as much as you’d like, there are no penalties for missing a week.
Can I play at home, or does it have to be at a store or event?
Anywhere works. Play at home, a buddy’s place, or your local game store, gaming convention, in a box with a fox—doesn’t matter, it all counts. We just want you to play games.
Are solo games allowed?
Absolutely. Log it just like a normal game. just log one side, not both. Firelock has Blood & Plunder “Solitaire” rules on their website in the download section for solo play. Port Royal has rules for solo play in the rulebook and a player aid deck to help make it easier. For Oak & Iron, you’ll have to just play both sides in a normal game.
Are virtual games on Tabletop Simulator allowed?
Yes! Tabletop Simulator is an online tool that lets you play with people around the world and build a community — a goal we highly encourage! Learn how to Get Started with Blood & Plunder in Tabletop Simulator.
Please note Tabletop Simulator entries, even if played on a public server, DO NOT count as playing in a “public space” for the bonus point. The goal of the bonus is to encourage sales of tangible products from Firelock Games and at local game stores.
Do I need fully painted models?
Nope. But I’ve heard that painted minis help you roll better!
Is there a painting competition too?
The Great Pirate Paint Off is a different event we typically run prior to the Summer of Plunder. It runs January to April to help encourage people to get their miniatures, ships, or terrain painted. Painting for Summer of Plunder is NOT required, just encouraged. Some nations are hosting paint nights to build community; check out the details in your nation’s Discord.
Do I have to use Official Firelock Games minis/ships?
While the event is officially sponsored by Firelock Games and we would LOVE for you to use exclusively their minis/ships, Firelock’s official policy is that mini proxies are fully allowed.
Unofficial ships are allowed, but up to your local crew to decide if they are “legal” for play. A ship’s design, size, and scale affect movement. The deck capacity, sail plan, and cannon/swivel layout all affect its combat effectiveness.
If you want to expand your forces this year, add a new ship to your fleet, or add a new game to your repertoire, head over to Firelock Games’ online store and take advantage of their Summer of Plunder exclusive giveaway on orders of $100 or more. Everyone needs a drunk pirate! A drunk pirate that totally doesn’t look like Jack Sparrow…
They just put up some great new Port Royal mini sets and those new dice from Baron of Dice look amazing!
Can I switch Teams/Nations mid-campaign?
You can, but it’s discouraged. Each nation has its own goals, strategies, and plans, and changing teams makes you privvy to info to which you wouldn’t normally have access. If you do change, please keep any knowledge you have of another nation secret/private. Sharing secrets can lead to disqualification from the event.
Also, your points stay with the faction you played for in each submission. Choose wisely!
Are there prizes?
Are you kidding? Of course there is PLUNDER to be won! There are a ridiculous number of prizes awarded for all sorts of things from simply participation, special objectives, submitting game reports, and more! Check out this article for the full list of prizes and criteria for winning.
How are winners determined?
Various prize criteria determine individual winners. The National campaign winners for
- At the end of each week, each Nation will score 2 Victory Points (VP) per standard location, 5 VP points for their own Capital, and 4 VP for each enemy Capital city they control.
- Some Commander Actions can also earn points for the nation (Trade, Raid, or Tribute).
- There may be special events that can earn bonus Victory Points for a Nation along the way.
- Victory Points accumulate per week toward a final overall total.
- The Nation with the most points at the end of the campaign wins.
Example: During the second Week, the Spanish ended the round controlling their capital, plus 4 other locations, netting them 13 points. They also launched a moderately successful raid against the Dutch, stealing 1 point. Their total points for the round would be 14, added to the 9 points they received during Week 1, their total points for the campaign so far are 23.
Can I get my local store involved?
Absolutely! Stores can host games, post about the campaign, and even offer in-store prizes. Firelock Games is offering an Organized Play Kit to help support it. Details and how to order info.
What’s Your Favorite Color?
Black… as in Raise the Black!
Is this just for the U.S.?
No way. This is a worldwide event. We get submissions from all over the globe.
What if I’m new to the game? How Do I find Players?
Jump in! It’s a great time to learn, meet other players, and start painting your first force.
- This Play Locator Map shows you players and Quartermasters (the Firelock Games Demo team members) near you that can help you get a jumpstart.
- Our Discord has a #find-nearby-players section
- Firelock Games Discord and Blood & Plunder Facebook have thousands of members.
Why should I join?
Because it’s fun! Play more games, meet the community, win prizes, and push your faction toward victory.
What if I have a question not listed here?
One of our staff or helpful folks from the community are available on the Summer of Plunder 2025 Discord, or you can reach out via our Contact Us form.
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