Conquering the Archipelago: A Masterclass in Island Settlement in Anno 1404
Ahoy, fellow Anno enthusiasts! Ever gazed longingly at that pristine, resource-rich island just beyond your burgeoning metropolis and wondered how to claim it as your own? Settling new islands is the lifeblood of success in Anno 1404, and mastering this art is crucial to building a thriving empire. This guide will serve as your compass, charting a course to efficient and profitable island expansion.
The Art of Colonization: Claiming Your New Domain
The core process is deceptively simple, yet demands careful consideration. To settle a new island in Anno 1404, you need a ship capable of transporting goods, a sufficient quantity of building materials (wood and tools are essential), and a Nomad or Beggar resident willing to make the perilous journey.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:
- Acquire the Necessary Resources: Prioritize gathering wood and tools. These are the bedrock of any new settlement. A small stockpile of food is also beneficial to prevent early unrest. Aim for at least 20 wood and 10 tools to start.
- Load Your Ship: Select a ship from your fleet, preferably a Small Trading Ship or larger. Open the ship’s inventory and transfer the wood, tools, and a unit of food.
- The Settler Unit: This is the key. You need a resident from your existing settlement to volunteer (or be persuaded!) to become a pioneer. Nomads or Beggars are the only classes willing to leave their current home and start anew. You’ll find the option to board a Settler unit into your ship when you click the “Add goods” button. Ensure you have a Nomad or Beggar available in one of your settlements.
- Choose Your Island: Scout potential islands thoroughly. Use your ship to explore and analyze resource deposits like ore, clay, and fertile land. Consider the presence of native populations and the overall layout of the island. Plan your city layout strategically before landing.
- Embark and Sail: Select the ship containing your resources and Settler unit, and navigate to your chosen island. Position the ship close to the shore where you plan to build.
- Establish a Settlement: Click on the ship, and you’ll see an action button that allows you to “Establish a Settlement.” Click this, and your Settler will disembark, planting the flag of your nascent colony. You can now start building.
- The First Buildings: Immediately construct a Warehouse to store your resources and a Marketplace to begin collecting taxes. Then, build a few Housing units for your Settler and any future immigrants. Start setting up necessary basic production facilities.
- Continuous Supply: Now that your first settlement is established, make sure the Settler is well supplied. Transport goods as necessary to level up the buildings and expand your production lines.
That’s the core loop! Repeat as needed to expand your empire across the seas. Remember to keep an eye on your resource levels, resident happiness, and potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Island Settlement
Here are some common questions regarding island settlement in Anno 1404, answered with the wisdom of a seasoned governor.
1. Why can’t I settle an island?
This is usually due to one of several reasons: lack of wood or tools in your ship’s inventory, not having a Nomad or Beggar unit on board, trying to settle an island that already belongs to another player (or is a pirate’s hideout), or attempting to settle on an area that is not suitable for settlement (such as a rocky coastline).
2. What is the best ship for settling islands?
While any ship capable of carrying goods can technically be used, a Small Trading Ship is a good early-game option due to its affordability and decent cargo capacity. As your empire grows, consider using larger ships like Cogs or Caravels for more efficient transportation.
3. How do I attract Nomads or Beggars to my settlements?
Nomads appear once you have access to the Oriental side of the game. They arrive automatically when the conditions are right, typically after establishing a certain level of development with your Oriental settlements. Beggars appear early on with your western islands. The key is to provide enough housing and meet their basic needs. Improve the attractiveness of your settlement to attract more immigrants.
4. What resources should I prioritize on a new island?
Prioritize resources that your existing settlements lack or are running low on. Ore (for metal production), clay (for brick production), fertile land for crops, and unique regional resources like spices or grapes are all valuable. The long-term goal is to establish a self-sufficient economy on each island.
5. How do I deal with pirates on a new island?
Pirates are a constant threat. Ensure you have a strong fleet of warships to patrol the seas and defend your settlements. Building towers on your island can also help deter pirate attacks. Consider bribing pirates early on to delay conflicts while establishing yourself.
6. Can I settle an island with a native population?
Yes, but it requires careful diplomacy. You can often trade with the natives to gain their favor. Be mindful of their needs and avoid actions that anger them. War is always an option, but it can be costly and time-consuming. You may improve your diplomacy through the card game at Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
7. How do I choose the best location for my Warehouse?
The location of your Warehouse is critical. Choose a spot with easy access to the sea for trade routes. Also, consider its proximity to key resource deposits and fertile land. You want to optimize the flow of goods in and out of your Warehouse.
8. What are the most important buildings to build after the Warehouse?
Immediately follow with Housing to increase your population. Next, build a Marketplace to collect taxes. Then, focus on establishing basic resource production: a Lumberjack’s Hut for wood, a Fisherman’s Hut for food, and a Toolmaker’s Workshop for tools.
9. How do I prevent unrest on a new island?
Meeting your residents’ needs is paramount. Ensure a steady supply of food, resources, and luxury goods. Keep taxes reasonable and provide access to amenities like churches or entertainment buildings. A happy population is a productive population.
10. How do I establish trade routes between islands?
Trade routes are essential for supplying your settlements. Use your ships to automatically transport goods between islands. Designate a source island and a destination island, and specify the quantity of goods to be transferred. Efficient trade routes are the backbone of a thriving empire.
11. What’s the best way to defend a newly settled island?
Start by constructing a few towers near your Warehouse and other critical buildings. Garrison your ships in the harbor to provide additional firepower. As your island develops, build a shipyard to produce your own warships.
12. How can I optimize my island layout?
Plan your city layout carefully. Group similar buildings together for efficiency. For example, place resource production buildings close to their corresponding deposits. Create a clear road network to facilitate the movement of goods.
13. How do I upgrade my island settlements?
To upgrade buildings, you need to meet the needs of your residents. As they become wealthier and more demanding, you’ll need to provide access to more advanced resources, services, and amenities. Upgrading buildings increases their productivity and tax revenue.
14. What do I do if I run out of resources on an island?
If a resource deposit is depleted, you have several options. You can import the resource from another island via trade routes. You can attempt to discover new resource deposits through exploration. Or, you can focus on developing other industries on the island.
15. How many islands should I aim to settle?
There’s no magic number. Settle as many islands as you need to meet your goals. Consider the unique resources each island offers and the overall strategic value. A well-balanced empire with diverse resource production is the key to long-term success. Some players like to collect as many islands as possible for a sense of completion.
By mastering the art of island settlement and keeping these FAQs in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building a glorious and prosperous empire in Anno 1404. Now go forth and conquer the archipelago!