Battles take place on 2D side-scrolling arenas where players control characters such as Luffy using normal attacks, combos, jumps, dodges, and special moves. The main mode, Great Pirate Grand Prix, progresses through map nodes with recommended difficulty levels. Clearing stages earns money, advances the story, and levels up fighters. Other modes include standard versus battles, training, local wireless and download multiplayer. In Pirate Team Edit, players build teams with playable and support characters to extend combos, interrupt enemies, or provide recovery effects.

Monkey D. Luffy

Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the game's signature protagonist, specializing in rubber-based melee attacks.

Roronoa Zoro

The Straw Hat swordsman, focused on strong close-range slashes and high damage output.

Nami

Navigator of the crew who uses weather-based tools for mid-range pressure.

Sanji

A fast kick-based fighter known for relentless rushdown strings.

Tony Tony Chopper

The crew's doctor, using different forms for flexible combat options.

Boa Hancock

One of the Seven Warlords, featuring control-oriented attacks tied to petrification.

Bartholomew Kuma

A powerful Warlord with large attack range and strong knockback tools.

Focus on leveling a few main characters early in Great Pirate Grand Prix, since tackling high-level stages while underpowered is much harder. Reliable damage usually comes from simple light-to-heavy combo routes into specials, so practice each character's starters and recovery in Training first. Support characters are most useful when they add interruption, launch, or healing utility rather than raw damage alone. Against enemies with wide-area attacks, rely on jumping and repositioning to attack from behind. In tight stages, use shorter combos and quick knockback to avoid being punished during long recovery animations.

Tips and tricks

Invest in two or three main fighters instead of spreading upgrades across the entire roster.

Tips and tricks

Check recommended stage levels before entering new map nodes and grind older stages if needed.

Tips and tricks

Use support characters proactively for combo extension or escape, not only in emergencies.

User Reviews

Fans of One Piece often praise the roster and Sabaody-themed presentation.

User Reviews

Its resemblance to Jump Ultimate Stars makes it easy to pick up while still offering team-building depth.

User Reviews

The DS multiplayer and support system add plenty of fun to versus matches.