Pearl Docks is a maritime board game in which the finest Captains of the Kingdom of Thorim, acting on the orders of a dying ruler, explore an archipelago in search of Royal Pearls, symbols of power. Over the course of the game they discover new lands, trade resources, explore or plunder islands in search of treasure, and clash with pirates as well as with one another.
Players use a variety of Ability Cards to influence both their own actions and those of other players. Sea battles and island explorations are resolved through separate dice systems, with their outcomes depending on the condition of each ship’s crew and equipment.
The game features a reputation system. Players may follow the path of a celebrated Nobleman of the Seas, seeking Prestige, or become a Corsair devoted to Infamy. Their chosen path determines which abilities become available to their Captains.
The unpredictability and replayability of the game are driven by a system of Event Cards, which modify the conditions of play in response to the actions most frequently taken by the players.
At the end of the game, the player who has secured the most Royal Pearls wins.