Claiming Your Paradise: A Comprehensive Guide to Island Acquisition in the Anno Series

The Anno series, renowned for its intricate city-building and strategic gameplay, features island colonization as a core mechanic. The precise method for claiming an island varies across the different Anno titles, each offering its unique spin on the process. Generally, claiming an island involves establishing a presence, typically by building a warehouse or trading post, and securing either economic or military dominance over the region. This could involve constructing infrastructure, outmaneuvering competitors, or even outright conquering rival settlements. Understanding these nuances is crucial for success in any Anno game.

Claiming Islands Across the Anno Universe

Each Anno game presents distinct mechanics for claiming islands. Let’s explore how this process differs across a few of the more popular titles in the series.

Anno 1404: Laying the Foundation

In Anno 1404, claiming an island is a relatively straightforward affair, centered around establishing a foothold with a humble building.

1. Gather Resources: The first step is assembling the basic resources: wood and tools. A small supply of food can be beneficial as well.
2. Load a Ship: Load these resources onto a ship.
3. Sail to the Island: Navigate to the island you wish to colonize.
4. Build a Warehouse: Sail close to the coastline. An icon will appear indicating a suitable spot to construct a warehouse. Click the icon and the construction will begin.
5. Expand and Prosper: With your warehouse established, you can begin building other structures and developing your island economy.

Anno 1800: Shares and Sovereignty

Anno 1800 introduces a more complex system, involving shares, influence, and the option of conquest. The methods available depend on whether the island is unclaimed or already held by another player.

Claiming Unclaimed Islands

Claiming an uninhabited island in Anno 1800 is similar to earlier entries. You’ll need to build a trading post.

1. Gather Resources: Load your ship with resources.
2. Sail to the Island: Locate a coastal location.
3. Build a Trading Post: Start construction of the trading post.

Taking Over Islands Held by Rivals

Taking islands owned by rivals involves two main approaches: economic dominance via shares or military conquest.

• Share Acquisition:

  1. Invest Influence: Invest influence points into acquiring shares of the island.
  2. Acquire Majority: Continue investing until you own a majority (or all) of the island’s shares.
  3. Buy Out (Optional): If you own all shares, you can buy out the island, which grants you immediate control but destroys existing structures (except the trading post).

• Military Conquest:

  1. Provoke Morale Crisis: Reduce the island’s morale to a critical level.
  2. Choose Conquest: When prompted, choose the option to conquer the island.
  3. Seize Control: Your forces will take over the island, removing all existing structures built by your opponent.

Anno 2070: Eco-Friendly Expansion

Anno 2070, set in a futuristic world, retains the basic principle of building a warehouse to claim an island.

1. Gather Resources: Similar to previous games, you’ll need basic resources like wood and tools.
2. Load a Ship: Load these resources onto a ship.
3. Sail to the Island: Navigate to the island you wish to colonize.
4. Build a Warehouse: Find a suitable location and construct a warehouse.

Before We Leave: Colonizing the Unknown

Before We Leave offers a different take on island colonization, focusing on exploration and expansion using advanced technology.

1. Repair the Ruined Ship: Locate and repair the Ruined Ship on your starting island. This requires a significant amount of resources and at least 25 “Peeps” (your population).
2. Transform into Colony Ship: Once repaired, the Ruined Ship transforms into a Colony Ship.
3. Colonize New Island: Use the Colony Ship to travel to and colonize another island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are islands randomly generated in Anno 1800?

Yes, the size, arrangement, fertilities, resources, and available building space on islands in Anno 1800 can be randomized based on the settings you choose when starting a new game. This adds replayability and challenges you to adapt to different environments.

2. What happens if I run out of money in Anno 1800?

Running out of money in Anno 1800 leads to bankruptcy, which results in losing the game. Managing your finances is crucial. Be aware there is also a coin cap of 1 billion.

3. How do I unlock the New World in Anno 1800?

Access to the New World in Anno 1800 requires progressing through the game. Generally, it involves completing certain expeditions and quests that open up the option to establish a colony in the New World. In the New World Rising DLC*, content will become accessible after you have unlocked the Artista population tier in the New World. To unlock this resident tier, you will need to reach 1000 Obreros, fulfil their needs, and upgrade one Obrera house.

4. How do I unlock tourists in Anno 1800?

Attracting tourists in Anno 1800 requires building attractions and infrastructure to cater to their needs. This includes bus stops near hotels, tourist moorings, zoos, and museums. You also need to produce goods that satisfy their specific demands, often through specialized factories.

5. Can I take over Pirate Island in Anno 1800?

Yes, you can defeat pirates in Anno 1800 by attacking their island and damaging their harbor and defenses. A strong fleet is necessary for this endeavor.

6. What happens when I buy all the shares of an island in Anno 1800?

Owning all the shares of an island in Anno 1800 gives you the option to buy out the island for a large sum of money. This immediately transfers control to you, but destroys all existing buildings except for the trading post.

7. What is the most effective ship line in World of Warships?

This is a complex question dependent on the context of the game and the player’s playstyle. You can choose planets directly on the map, or use the Expansion Planner. Players tend to gravitate toward cruisers, destroyers, battleships, and aircraft carriers, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

8. Can I claim an island in real life?

While theoretically possible, claiming an unclaimed island in real life is extremely difficult. Most islands are already claimed by existing nations or are protected as national monuments.

9. What happens to DLC when I restart my island?

When you restart your game, you retain ownership of the DLC. However, you will need to unlock the DLC content again through the game’s progression.

10. How do I start a second island?

In games like Animal Crossing, you are typically limited to one island per Nintendo Switch system. Creating a second island requires a separate system and game copy.

11. What is the point of Anno 1800?

The primary goal of Anno 1800 is to build and manage a thriving industrial empire in the 19th century. This involves developing cities, establishing trade routes, managing resources, and satisfying the needs of your growing population.

12. Do you need farmers in Anno 1800?

Yes, farmers are the foundation of your society in Anno 1800. They produce essential goods like food, and you need to upgrade them to higher tiers (Workers, Artisans, etc.) to advance your economy.

13. Why are my houses destroyed in Anno 1800?

Houses in Anno 1800 can be destroyed by city incidents such as fire, riots, or illness. Managing city services like fire stations, police stations, and hospitals is essential to prevent these disasters.

14. What species is most likely the first to colonize an island?

The first species to colonize a new island are usually small and hardy organisms like lichens, algae, and mosses. These “pioneer species” can survive in harsh environments and pave the way for more complex life forms.

15. What are the 5 principles of island colonization?

The GamesLearningSociety.org website has numerous resources on educational simulations for K-12 and college-level learning. This could be related to game development and design.

The principles of island colonization generally include:

1. Proximity to mainland: Closer islands are more likely to be colonized.
2. Island age: Older islands have had more time for colonization.
3. Island size: Larger islands can support more species.
4. Geographic isolation: Isolation reduces gene flow.
5. Chance and dispersal ability: Random events and the species’ ability to travel to the island play a role.

By understanding these principles and the specific mechanics of each Anno game, you can become a master island colonizer, building thriving empires across the virtual seas.