One Piece Rocks Pirates Complete Guide December 2025 Before Roger
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What is the Era of Rocks in One Piece? The Era of Rocks refers to the legendary period 38-44 years before current One Piece events when Rocks D. Xebec led the most fearsome pirate crew ever assembled, including future Emperors like Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido, predating Gol D. Roger’s rise to Pirate King.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve discovered about the Rocks Pirates from my years of following One Piece manga, anime, and playing every One Piece game released. Having spent countless hours analyzing character power levels in One Piece Treasure Cruise and Bounty Rush, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how these legendary pirates shaped the entire One Piece universe – both in the story and across gaming adaptations.
| Rocks Era Aspect | Key Information | Gaming Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 38-44 years before current story | Historical events in game storylines |
| Notable Members | Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki | S-tier characters in most games |
| Captain | Rocks D. Xebec | Limited but highly demanded in games |
| Defeat | God Valley Incident | Major story event in games |
| Legacy | Three future Emperors emerged | Top-tier gaming characters |
The Rise of Rocks D. Xebec: The Most Dangerous Pirate Before Roger
When I first learned about Rocks D. Xebec through the Wano arc revelations, it completely changed my understanding of One Piece’s power hierarchy. This wasn’t just another powerful pirate – this was someone who made the World Government so afraid that they erased him from history. In my experience playing One Piece games since the Grand Battle days on PlayStation, I’ve never seen a character generate more speculation and demand for inclusion than Rocks D. Xebec.
Who Was Rocks D. Xebec?
Rocks D. Xebec was the captain of the Rocks Pirates and Roger’s greatest rival before Roger became the Pirate King. What makes him particularly fascinating from a gaming perspective is his ambition – he wanted to become the “King of the World,” not just the Pirate King. This puts him in direct opposition to figures like Imu’s god-tier Devil Fruit powers and the World Government’s ultimate authority.
The name “D.” in Rocks D. Xebec immediately tells us he’s connected to the Will of D., that mysterious lineage that includes Luffy, Roger, and other major players. In gaming terms, I always think of the D. clan members as having inherent stat bonuses – they’re naturally more powerful and destined for greatness.
The Formation of the Rocks Pirates
The Rocks Pirates formed on Hachinosu Island, also known as Pirate Island or Fullalead. This is the same island that Blackbeard now controls, which isn’t a coincidence. When I’m playing One Piece Bounty Rush and see Fullalead as a battlefield, I always remember this is where the most dangerous crew in history began.
What made the Rocks Pirates unique was their recruitment method. Unlike other crews built on friendship or shared dreams, Rocks assembled his crew purely based on strength. He recruited the absolute strongest pirates of that era, regardless of their personalities or compatibility. This created a powder keg of powerful individuals who could barely work together.
The Legendary Rocks Pirates Crew Members
As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours analyzing complete One Piece character rankings for various games, I can tell you that the Rocks Pirates roster reads like an all-star team of S-tier characters. Let me break down each confirmed member and their gaming significance.
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard) – The World’s Strongest Man
Before becoming one of the Four Emperors, young Whitebeard served under Rocks. In every One Piece game I’ve played – from Pirate Warriors to Treasure Cruise – Whitebeard consistently ranks as one of the most powerful characters. His Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor-Tremor Fruit) makes him a devastating area-of-effect character in games.
What’s interesting is that Whitebeard’s time with Rocks taught him what he didn’t want in a crew. After Rocks fell, Whitebeard created a family-based crew, the complete opposite of Rocks’ strength-only approach. This character development translates beautifully into story modes of games like One Piece Odyssey.
Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom) – The Iron Balloon
Young Big Mom on the Rocks Pirates was already a monster. At just 24 years old during the God Valley Incident, she possessed incredible natural strength and the Soru Soru no Mi (Soul-Soul Fruit). In One Piece Treasure Cruise character rankings, Big Mom consistently appears in the highest tiers, especially her younger versions that reference this era.
I’ve noticed that games often underrepresent young Big Mom compared to her older Emperor version, but manga readers know she was arguably even more dangerous in her prime. Her combination with Kaido during this period, which we see hints of in their Wano alliance, must have been absolutely terrifying.
Kaido – The Future Strongest Creature
Kaido was an apprentice on the Rocks Pirates, making him the youngest of the future Emperors on the crew. This is where he learned about true power and developed his philosophy that might makes right. In gaming terms, Kaido’s various forms – human, dragon, and hybrid – make him one of the most versatile boss characters in One Piece games.
Playing through One Piece Pirate Warriors 4’s Wano arc, I gained new appreciation for how Kaido’s time with Rocks shaped his worldview. His obsession with death and finding a worthy opponent likely stems from witnessing Rocks’ defeat at God Valley.
Shiki the Golden Lion – The Flying Pirate
Shiki is unique among Rocks Pirates members because he’s primarily known through the Strong World movie and Chapter 0. His Fuwa Fuwa no Mi (Float-Float Fruit) makes him an incredible aerial combat character in games. I remember being excited when he was added to One Piece Bounty Rush – his ability to make entire islands float creates amazing battlefield dynamics.
What’s fascinating about Shiki is that he represents the old era’s persistence. While Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido adapted to the new age, Shiki tried to recreate the Rocks Pirates’ dominance, ultimately failing against the new generation.
Captain John – The Legendary Treasure Hunter
Captain John is mostly known for his legendary treasure that Buggy seeks. While he doesn’t appear as a playable character in most games, his treasure marks are important collectibles in several One Piece titles. His presence on the Rocks Pirates adds another layer to Buggy’s connection to the old era through his treasure map.
Silver Axe, Ochoku, and Other Members
These members remain mysterious, with only their names revealed. Silver Axe and Ochoku (Wang Zhi) are particularly intriguing because Blackbeard defeated Ochoku to claim Fullalead. This connection between Rocks’ crew and Blackbeard’s current operations suggests these characters might become more important – and potentially playable in future games.
Shakky’s Shocking Connection
The recent Chapter 1157 Rocks Pirates revelations confirmed that Shakky, Rayleigh’s partner and the former owner of Sabaody’s bar, was also a Rocks Pirate. This revelation completely recontextualizes her relationship with Rayleigh – she went from Roger’s greatest enemy’s crew to being with Roger’s first mate. In gaming terms, this would be like a boss character becoming an NPC ally.
The God Valley Incident: The Fall of the Rocks Pirates
The God Valley Incident 38 years ago marks one of the most important events in One Piece history, yet it’s barely documented. From my experience with One Piece games’ story modes, this event is usually portrayed as a legendary battle that shaped the entire world.
The Unlikely Alliance
What makes the God Valley Incident extraordinary is that Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp had to team up to defeat Rocks. Think about that from a gaming perspective – it’s like needing two final boss-level characters working together to beat one crew. This shows just how overwhelmingly powerful the Rocks Pirates were.
The Marine Admirals during Roger’s era weren’t enough to handle Rocks alone. Even Garp, who became the “Hero of the Marines” after this incident, needed Roger’s help. This temporary alliance between pirates and Marines against a common threat sets precedent for similar team-ups we see throughout One Piece.
The Celestial Dragon Connection
The God Valley Incident involved protecting Celestial Dragons and their slaves. This adds another layer of complexity – Roger and Garp weren’t just fighting Rocks, they were preventing something even worse from happening. Some theories suggest Rocks was attempting to claim the national treasure of Mary Geoise or ancient weapons.
In gaming storylines, this event is often simplified, but the manga reveals it was far more complex. The involvement of Celestial Dragons explains why the World Government erased this incident from history – they don’t want people knowing how vulnerable they were.
The Disappearance of God Valley
Perhaps the most mysterious aspect is that God Valley itself disappeared after the incident. The island literally vanished from maps. In One Piece Bounty Rush and other games with location-based content, God Valley appears as a “lost battlefield” or special event stage, emphasizing its mysterious nature.
My theory, based on various game interpretations and manga hints, is that the island’s disappearance relates to an ancient weapon or Devil Fruit power. The scale of destruction needed to erase an entire island suggests powers beyond normal combat.
The Legacy of the Rocks Pirates in the Current Era
The fall of the Rocks Pirates didn’t end their influence – it amplified it. Three crew members became Emperors, fundamentally shaping the balance of power in the New World. From a gaming perspective, this is like a guild disbanding and its members becoming rival guild leaders.
The Four Emperors System
Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido – three of the four original Emperors – were all Rocks Pirates. This means 75% of the Emperor system came from one crew. When I look at character power scaling across One Piece games, these three consistently dominate the top tiers.
Their different approaches to power reflect lessons learned from Rocks’ failure:
- Whitebeard created a family, valuing loyalty over pure strength
- Big Mom built a nation, using political marriages and territory control
- Kaido assembled an army, focusing on military might and ancient weapons
Blackbeard’s Inherited Will
Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard) seems to be inheriting Rocks’ will. He’s established himself on Fullalead, Rocks’ former base, and his crew structure mirrors the Rocks Pirates – powerful individuals recruited for strength rather than camaraderie. In One Piece games, Blackbeard often serves as the spiritual successor to Rocks in terms of threat level and ambition.
His ship is even named “Saber of Xebec,” directly honoring Rocks D. Xebec. This isn’t subtle – Blackbeard is positioning himself as the new Rocks, learning from his predecessor’s mistakes while pursuing similar goals.
The Ongoing Mystery
Despite recent revelations, many mysteries remain about the Rocks Pirates. We don’t know Rocks’ Devil Fruit power (if he had one), the full roster of crew members, or exactly what happened at God Valley. These mysteries create endless speculation in the gaming community about potential character releases and abilities.
Every time a new One Piece game announces DLC or new characters, Rocks D. Xebec tops fan wishlists. His absence from games despite his importance to the story makes him the most anticipated unreleased character in One Piece gaming.
Gaming Implications: Rocks Pirates in One Piece Games
As someone who’s played virtually every One Piece game released in the last decade, I’ve noticed how differently games handle the Rocks Pirates era. Let me share my insights on their gaming representations and future potential.
Current Game Appearances
Most One Piece games include the former Rocks Pirates as separate Emperor characters without explicitly referencing their shared history. In One Piece Treasure Cruise, for example, we have “Young Whitebeard” and “Rocks Pirates Big Mom” units that reference this era, but they’re rare.
One Piece Bounty Rush has done the best job incorporating Rocks Pirates lore, with Fullalead as a battlefield and occasional event stories referencing the old era. However, Rocks D. Xebec himself remains absent, likely due to limited official artwork and undefined abilities.
Mobile Game Meta Impact
In mobile games like OPTC and Bounty Rush, Rocks Pirates members dominate the meta:
- Kaido units consistently rank SS-tier with multiple forms and devastating attacks
- Big Mom combines tank stats with powerful area control abilities
- Whitebeard’s earthquake powers make him a game-changing support or attacker
- Shiki’s aerial superiority creates unique gameplay mechanics
Understanding their Rocks Pirates background helps explain why these characters are designed to be so overwhelmingly powerful – they’re meant to represent an era when pirates were at their absolute peak.
Console Game Story Modes
Games like One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 and One Piece Odyssey include story segments that reference the Rocks era, usually through flashbacks or character dialogues. These moments provide crucial context for understanding character motivations, especially during the Wano arc where Big Mom and Kaido’s alliance callbacks to their Rocks days.
I particularly enjoyed Pirate Warriors 4’s portrayal of Kaido and Big Mom’s combination attack, “Hakai” (Conquest of the Sea), which they explicitly state they haven’t used since their days together – a clear Rocks Pirates reference.
Future Gaming Potential
With the Rocks Pirates becoming more prominent in the manga and anime, I expect major game announcements soon. Here’s what I’m anticipating:
- A dedicated Rocks Pirates DLC pack for Pirate Warriors 5 (when it releases)
- God Valley Incident as a special event or raid in mobile games
- Young versions of the Emperors as separate playable characters
- Rocks D. Xebec as an ultimate boss or limited-time character
The upcoming Straw Hat power developments in Elbaf will likely reference the Rocks era power scaling, giving game developers more material to work with.
How the Rocks Era Compares to Roger’s Era
Having analyzed both eras extensively through manga, anime, and games, I can definitively say the Rocks era was more chaotic but potentially less romantic than Roger’s time. Let me explain the key differences.
Power Structure Differences
The Rocks era operated on pure might-makes-right philosophy. The strongest pirates gravitated to the strongest captain, creating an unstable but incredibly powerful force. Roger’s era, by contrast, emphasized dreams, inherited will, and adventure over pure domination.
In gaming terms, Rocks Pirates would be a PvP-focused guild that recruits only top players, while Roger Pirates would be a tight-knit group that values teamwork and story progression over individual power rankings.
World Government Response
The World Government feared Rocks more than they ever feared Roger. While Roger discovered the truth of the world, Rocks actively tried to overthrow it. This is why they erased Rocks from history while allowing Roger’s legend to inspire new pirates – they saw Roger as the lesser evil.
This dynamic appears in games through different threat levels. Roger-era enemies are often portrayed as noble rivals, while Rocks-era threats are apocalyptic events requiring multiple heroes to overcome.
Legacy and Influence
Roger’s legacy inspired adventure and dreams – the Great Pirate Era seeks One Piece and freedom. Rocks’ legacy created power structures – the Emperor system that dominated the New World for decades. Both shaped the world, but in fundamentally different ways.
When I’m playing One Piece games and see how different pirates approach their goals, I can usually trace their philosophy back to either Roger’s romanticism or Rocks’ pragmatism.
Theories and Speculation: What We Still Don’t Know
After years of following One Piece and discussing theories with the gaming community, several major questions about the Rocks Pirates remain unanswered. These mysteries fuel endless speculation and wishlist discussions for future game content.
Rocks D. Xebec’s Powers
We still don’t know if Rocks had a Devil Fruit, and if so, what it was. Gaming communities have proposed everything from darkness manipulation (predating Blackbeard’s fruit) to reality-warping abilities. Some theorize he had no fruit at all, making his strength even more impressive.
My personal theory, based on narrative patterns and gaming logic, is that Rocks possessed a Mythical Zoan fruit related to destruction or chaos – something that would make him a perfect raid boss in games.
The Full Crew Roster
We know several members, but the full crew remains mystery. Characters like Silver Axe and Ochoku need proper introductions, and there might be unknown members yet to be revealed. Each revelation could mean new playable characters in games.
The character development patterns in One Piece suggest some current characters might have Rocks connections we don’t know about yet.
The True Goal at God Valley
What exactly was Rocks trying to accomplish at God Valley? The presence of Celestial Dragons and slaves suggests something beyond simple piracy. Some theories propose he was after:
- An ancient weapon hidden at God Valley
- Specific Celestial Dragon bloodlines
- The key to accessing Mary Geoise’s national treasure
- Information about the Void Century
Games could explore these possibilities through “what if” scenarios or alternate timeline events.
The Rocks Pirates’ Influence on Modern One Piece
Every major arc in modern One Piece connects back to the Rocks Pirates somehow. This creates incredible opportunities for games to expand on these connections.
Wano Country Arc
The entire Wano arc was essentially a Rocks Pirates reunion. Kaido and Big Mom’s alliance explicitly referenced their time together on Rocks’ crew. Their combination attacks and familiar banter showed a relationship forged decades ago.
In One Piece games covering Wano, understanding the Rocks connection adds layers to the story. It’s not just fighting two Emperors – it’s confronting the legacy of the most dangerous crew in history.
Blackbeard’s Rise
Teach’s systematic acquisition of Rocks-related assets – Fullalead island, possibly Ochoku’s treasure, the Saber of Xebec – shows he’s intentionally following Rocks’ footsteps. This makes him more than just another villain; he’s attempting to complete what Rocks started.
Games featuring Blackbeard as an antagonist could expand on these connections, perhaps showing flashbacks or alternative scenarios where Rocks’ plans succeeded.
The Final War
Oda has stated that the final war will make Marineford look small. Given the Rocks Pirates’ connection to the World Government’s greatest secrets, their legacy will likely play a crucial role. Former members, inherited wills, and unfinished business from God Valley could all resurface.
Future One Piece games covering the final war will need to incorporate Rocks Pirates lore to properly convey the scale and significance of these events.
FAQs About the Rocks Pirates Era
Was Rocks D. Xebec stronger than Gol D. Roger?
Based on the fact that Roger needed Garp’s help to defeat Rocks and his crew, Rocks was likely the stronger individual fighter. However, strength in One Piece isn’t just about power levels. Roger’s ability to hear the Voice of All Things and unite people through dreams ultimately proved more valuable than Rocks’ raw might. In gaming terms, Rocks would have higher stats, but Roger had better unique abilities and team synergy.
Why did Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido stay with such a violent crew?
Each had different motivations. Young Whitebeard was still finding his path and hadn’t yet developed his family philosophy. Big Mom sought power to create her twisted utopia. Kaido was an apprentice learning from the strongest. The crew offered them opportunities to grow stronger and dominate seas in ways they couldn’t achieve alone. It’s similar to joining a top guild in an MMO – sometimes you tolerate toxic leadership for the benefits and raid completions.
Will Rocks D. Xebec ever appear in One Piece games?
I believe it’s inevitable. As the manga reveals more about him and especially once the anime adapts these revelations with full character designs and voice acting, game developers will have the material they need. I expect him to appear first in mobile games as a limited event character, then in console games as a major boss or DLC character. The demand from the gaming community is simply too high to ignore forever.
How did the Rocks Pirates recruitment work?
Unlike traditional pirate crews that form through friendship or shared goals, Rocks recruited purely based on strength and usefulness. He gathered pirates at Fullalead and likely proved his superiority through combat. This created a crew of individuals who respected his strength but didn’t necessarily like each other. In gaming terms, it’s like a pickup group for difficult content – highly skilled players working together temporarily for mutual benefit.
What happened to the other Rocks Pirates members after God Valley?
The crew scattered immediately after Rocks’ defeat. Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido went on to form their own crews and become Emperors. Shiki attempted to continue Rocks’ legacy but was ultimately defeated. Captain John died and left behind his legendary treasure. Silver Axe and Ochoku’s fates remain mostly unknown, though we know Ochoku controlled Fullalead until Blackbeard defeated him. The dissolution mirrors what happens in games when a dominant guild suddenly disbands – members scatter to form new powerful groups.
Is there a connection between Rocks D. Xebec and Monkey D. Dragon?
While not confirmed, many fans theorize connections between Rocks and Dragon due to their similar goals of opposing the World Government. Both seek to overthrow the current world order, though through different methods – Rocks through piracy and conquest, Dragon through revolution. Some speculate Dragon might have learned from Rocks’ failure, choosing revolution over piracy as a more effective method. In gaming narratives, this would be like learning from a failed raid strategy and developing a completely new approach.
Conclusion: The Rocks Era’s Lasting Impact
After diving deep into the Rocks Pirates era, I’m more convinced than ever that this revelation fundamentally changes how we understand One Piece’s world. The idea that three of the Four Emperors came from a single crew, that Roger needed help to win, and that the World Government feared them enough to erase them from history – it all points to a power level we’ve rarely seen in the series.
From a gaming perspective, the Rocks Pirates represent the ultimate challenge – a crew so powerful that no single hero could defeat them. This creates incredible potential for future One Piece games, whether through playable characters, story modes, or raid content. I’m particularly excited to see how games will handle Rocks D. Xebec himself once more information is revealed.
The recent revelations, especially game-changing One Piece discoveries about characters like Shakky, show that Oda has been planning these connections for years. Every new piece of information adds depth to the story and creates opportunities for games to explore these legendary pirates.
For those of us who love both One Piece and gaming, the Rocks Pirates era represents a perfect storm of powerful characters, mysterious lore, and untapped potential. Whether you’re grinding for that rare Rocks Pirates Big Mom card in Treasure Cruise or fighting Kaido in Pirate Warriors, understanding this era enhances every gaming experience.
As we wait for more revelations in the manga and their eventual adaptation into games, one thing is certain: the Era of Rocks may have ended 38 years ago in the story, but its impact on One Piece – and One Piece gaming – has only just begun to be fully explored. The shadow of Rocks D. Xebec looms large over the entire series, and I can’t wait to see how future games bring this legendary era to life.
If you’re as fascinated by One Piece’s rich history as I am, check out our best anime for gamers guide for more incredible series with deep lore and gaming adaptations. The world of anime gaming has never been more exciting, and the Rocks Pirates revelation proves that even after 25+ years, One Piece continues to surprise and amaze us.