Should you side with the Pirates or Global Trade in Dreaming Isles?

As you depart from the main island, you’ll reach a crossroads with the Pirate and Global Trade factions. This decision is not to be taken lightly, as it will shape the trajectory of your entire playthrough.

To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ll explore the two factions to help you decide between the Pirate or Global Trade in Dreaming Isles.

Dreaming Isles Pirate or Global Trade choice, explained

After you’ve left the farmhouse, you’ll embark on the two quests involving the NPCs, Garret (Freestad) and Elise (Scythe). While Garret asks you to help rebuild the Global Trade, Elise enlists you to get friendly with the Pirates to eliminate the opposing faction. Garret’s mission, in particular, has you working an inside job, where you must find a way to take down the GT’s evil emperor, getting this faction back to what it once was. If you side with the Global Trade, you’ll gain access to Pecunia island without retaliation but lose out on Pirate-specific missions.

Screenshot by Destructoid

Those who choose the Pirate faction cannot access the Global Trade quests and must go to battle to access Pecunia. No matter what, Pecunia island will be accessible, but Global Trade presents a much easier route. However, keep in mind that Pecunia won’t be a part of Dreaming Isles until Chapter 3: Restoration becomes available, which arrives in early 2026.

Even though the Global Trade may have a smoother path to Pecunia, the choice between the two factions ultimately rests on your playstyle. If you’ve ever fancied a cozy game as a freebooter, the Pirate faction is your calling. On the other hand, if you relish the idea of dismantling a nefarious corporation from within, Global Trade may be more your speed. The two routes relatively have the same goal in mind, but the GT likely has no future for those who go with Pirates.

Depending on your chosen side, you will get targeted by the opposing faction when out and about on the boat. So, when you’re on the friendly side of the Pirates, any nearby Global Traders will hunt you down, and vice versa the other route. You presumably won’t experience any of this retaliation when touching down on land. I’ve talked to various friendly NPCs and marriage candidates, and there don’t seem to be any consequences with them after choosing a faction. Apart from Garret and Elise (they’ll just be disappointed in your decision), characters will speak to you the same whether you’re a Pirate or a Global Trader.

Screenshot by Destructoid

How to reach friendly status with the Pirate or Global Trade in Dreaming Isles

If you’re ready to join a faction, you must get friendly with them to progress further in their quest. You can increase your relationships with your faction by eliminating opposing groups with your boat. Craft cannonballs with iron to load up your arsenal, then look around the map to target either the Global Trade or Pirate ships.

Screenshot by Destructoid

Each time you’ve brought down a ship, you’ll increase or decrease your points with the faction. For instance, eliminating enough Global Trade vessels will boost your bond with the Pirates but decrease your relationship with Global Trade. Rack in enough points to reach the friendly status for your faction-specific quests.

Your boat will likely take a beating every time you begin a fight, and you can repair it by visiting your farmstead. It’s essential to keep up with these repairs, as opposing factions will try to bring your ship down at any given moment. If you don’t have enough materials, you can craft them yourself or visit a local shop to get them instantly. You may even uncover some goods when getting rid of ships, offering more gold or cannonballs.

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