Retro LEGO | All Pirates Sets Ranked! (1993)

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:00]Greetings, LEGO fans, and welcome to Retro LEGO, where we revisit and rank the sets and beloved LEGO themes from the past.

[00:00:09]Today, we set sail once again into the world of Lego Pirates with the small but mighty 1993 wave. Much like 1991, this year's six sets are more of a continuation of what came in the previous wave rather than blazing its own new trail. But though we didn't get any new factions or characters this year, we did get a few of the theme's most highly regarded and valuable sets.

[00:00:36]And thanks to Slegginger, we can see them all in their full glory. So, fly your true colors and let's jump right back into Lego Pirates.

[00:00:49]Taking the bottom spot for 1993 is set number 6237, Pirates Plunder. True to the theme's form thus far, this little $3 slice of treasure laden island is what we've come to expect at the affordable end of the spectrum. It's nothing particularly revolutionary, but it checks the usual boxes with the inclusion of gold, an animal sidekick, and a tiny suggestion of terrain, but actually exceeds the typical standard by including two minifigures instead of one. This iteration of first mate Rummy and the red coat Imperial officer have both been seen in a smattering of sets before this, but it's nice to have representatives from these two opposing forces together in such a small set. I can't exactly say it's an essential pickup if you're not a completionist, but it's a serviceable enough way to get a fun smattering of pirate stuff.

[00:01:48]At number five is set number 1 1970, Pirates Gun Cart. If you're a fan of Lego Castle, this type of set should look pretty familiar to you, as tiny little siege engines like this were a staple of that theme. But it's a first for the world of Lego pirates, crossing from the world of spears and crossbows into guns, featuring three flint lock musketss mounted on the top. When the barrage of cannon fire from their ship runs its course, this super mobile land-based weapon can come in quite handy for this band of scallwags. The scallwags in question are first mate Rummy, who's quickly becoming a Lego pirates MVP and a pirate crewman who we last saw in the castaways raft from the theme's debut year.

[00:02:37]While it's hardly a must-have, it's nice to see something we haven't yet seen in the theme coming in at a perfectly attainable price.

[00:02:48]Coming in at number four is set number 6252, Sea Mates. This minifigure pack, originally retailing for 725, is a clear follow-up to the pirates minifigures entry from 1989, retaining pretty much the same accessories while swapping out the blue coats for red and one of the pirates for a monkey. These battle packesque sets in the era before those were commonplace were a fantastic way to scale up your pirate and Imperial armies. And it's kind of mind-blowing to think of a set with five minifigures costing just seven bucks. Though it's not treading any particularly new ground, this set earns a place above the previous two simply due to its value, including some of the theme's best figures and plenty of bounty at a price that most folks could afford back in 1993.

[00:03:45]Taking the number three spot is set number 6266, Cannon Cove. Hitting shelves at 1750 in 1993, this set is yet another Imperial outpost, seemingly on the outskirts of their domain, this lonely little fortress is rather reminiscent of Broadsid's Brig from 1991. Featuring a battle ready Spanish colonial facade and a jail cell for any troublemaker who dares to set foot on their turf. The cell is much more primitive this time though, built right into the back of the rock face, suggesting it's probably a bit slimy in there. The interior of the fortress itself is actually pretty roomy given its footprint, but most of that space is taken up by the titular cannon, which peers out of the opening in the front for an ideal defensive posture.

[00:04:38]A stack of extra ammo also sits at the side to keep the volleys going. There should actually be a bush element in the corner, but it was missing from this copy. It's something I could have easily thrown in from my own collection, but as it often goes, I unfortunately didn't notice until after I had filmed it. For either a surprise attack or a daring escape, a red rowboat is also included here just to heighten the drama, even including a rope to tie it to the dock.

[00:05:08]This remote base comes with three minifigures. the familiar red coat Imperial soldier and officer along with a set exclusive pirate whose combination of red bandana, black pants, and the new shirt print introduced in the previous year grants him that status.

[00:05:26]Canon Cove is an excellent small addition to the Lego Pirates world, giving the red coats more of a presence in these perilous waters.

[00:05:38]The runner up is set number 6268, the Renegade Runner. Originally retailing for the odd price of 3975, it's hard to overstate just how desperately needed a set like this was by 1993.

[00:05:54]Previous to this, the only quote unquote small ships were the Caribbean Clipper and the Imperial Flagship, and even they were both over $50 upon release. Now we finally get a proper pirate ship in a smaller but still very much functional and menacing form factor. They really nailed the look of this thing with the giant skull and crossbones waving villainously in the wind and the light and speedy nature of the vessel seeming perfect for surprise attacks. The enormous main sail not only lends a sense of size to the ship, but is also practical, able to catch the wind in any direction it needs. The rudder in the back is also adjustable along with the cannon in the center of the deck, able to turn in either direction to face the enemy. Sure, the deck isn't exactly spacious like we've seen in the larger ships, and there are no quarters or enclosed areas to speak of, but that doesn't strike me as the purpose of the Renegade Runner. This thing is built for speed and stealth, and no doubt it proves a very valuable asset in the pirate fleet.

[00:07:04]Manning the Renegade Runner are four minifigures, mostly familiar Buccaneers, with the only set exclusive one being this guy, a pirate crewman with a red bandana, a blue striped shirt, and red pants. We also get the second and final appearance of who I learned from the comments of the last video to be Captain Iron Hook, who rather than being a young Redbeard, as I suggested earlier, seems to be more like one of his right-hand men. seen in both of his appearances as the commander of one of the fleet smaller vessels. I won't say it's exactly cheap on the aftermarket, but if you're looking for an entry point into classic Lego pirate ships, I can't recommend this one enough. It may be small, but it's certainly mighty and earns its place among the great ships of this theme.

[00:07:57]And the least surprising number one you could think of is indeed set number 6286, the Skulls Eye Schooner. Originally retailing for the equally odd price of 12650, this set is now the most valuable classic Lego pirate set on the aftermarket, and it's no mystery as to why. I mentioned in my 1989 video that the Black Seas Barracuda was perhaps my favorite in the entire Pirates theme.

[00:08:27]Well guys, it's possible that's still true, but this absolute masterpiece is definitely in contention for that spot.

[00:08:35]This is the first time I've had a chance to see it in person, and it absolutely awesometime great. Much like the Renegade Runner before it, the giant Jolly Rodger on the main sail is a glorious addition, leaving no question as to who you're dealing with here. The expected crane and retractable anchor are included here, but just slightly polished from their previous iterations.

[00:09:07]Speaking of improving on past features, the Skulls Eye Skooner manages the best of both worlds here on multiple fronts.

[00:09:15]The first is with the officer's quarters, which still manages to be large and accessible from either side with these giant hinged access points, but also incorporates the steering feature from the Imperial flagship, allowing the ship's wheel to turn the rudder without sacrificing the space below. It's some peak LEGO engineering and is the culmination of many good ideas all combined into one. You can also peek down below the deck with this removable platform on top, furthering the accessibility and playability.

[00:09:48]Another upgrade comes in the form of the cannons, which were fixed in one direction on the previous ships, with the exception of the Renegade Runner, but are all on swivels here, allowing quick repositioning of the ship's weaponry in a dicey sea battle. It's brilliant and easy to use, making for a truly awesome play experience.

[00:10:10]But that's not all. A generous cargo hold in the front stands at the ready to carry the crew's loot, and a rowboat is standing by for quick shore excursions with the very handy and tidy ability to hang it from the rear of the vessel when it's not in use. But watch yourself, because the included shark is likely getting pretty hungry.

[00:10:32]This barrage of cool features is also complemented by a fabulous crew of nautical wrap scallions, all under the command of the notorious Captain Redbeard. Once again, the only newcomers here are just variations on folks we've already seen before, like a version of Rummy with a black hat and white pants, and a variation on the merchant we saw in the Imperial Trading Post from the previous year. This time with gray pants and a black hat. perhaps a nod to his turn into a life of piracy.

[00:11:06]Folks, the Skulls Eyee Schooner is one of the finest Lego sets ever produced, and it'll be interesting to see where it lands on my inevitable ranking of all the classic Lego pirate ships. There are probably less than 10 total LEGO sets that I can call a masterpiece, and this is certainly one of them, and without a doubt, the best to come out in 1993.

[00:11:32]But what are your thoughts on this small but hugely influential year of Lego Pirates? Do you prefer the Black Seas Barracuda or the Skulls Eye schooner?

[00:11:42]Let me know in the comments below. And be sure to catch my other Lego Pirates retrospectives by clicking on the playlist on your screen. Finally, thank you once again to the generous scallywags of the Brick Guild who keep this channel going. And until next time, shiver me timbers.