stock game is OK, although there are some bugs that were never fixed with a patch since there never was one released, so modders took it into their hands and did a superb job.You can buy POTC for $10.00 to $15,00.so all you need is stock game. install Build 13 over top. Choose your main character at start, play as a pirate, loot'n an plunder'n ships, Forts, smuggle, or aquire a letter of Marque and sail as an officer and work your way up to Admiral, marry one the Governor's daughters,aquire land and fame, Also one of key features is Build setting h folder which you open up and tweak your game to your preferance by turning mods on or off, many selectable choices,There is main quest and plenty of side quests, you can play them or not, its your dhoice