Buy Low

Master the 'Buy Low' strategy in Anno 1404 with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to efficiently acquire resources, establish production chains, and maximize profits from the start.

This guide covers the early game strategy for Anno 1404, focusing on efficient resource acquisition and settlement development. It details how to establish your first settlement, manage resources like wood and tools, and expand your economy.

Key Steps:

• Initial Purchase: Buy all available wood from Lord Northburgh, and if gold allows, purchase tools as well.
• Island Selection: Find a large, flat island with Cider and Hemp fertility, and at least two Stone and Iron Ore deposits. Settle on the southern end.
• First Buildings: Construct woodcutters, fisherman's huts, and housing around a marketplace. Adjust taxes to manage population growth and revenue.
• Resource Production: Establish Cider farms to increase tax income and enable citizen ascension.
• Exploration: Use your flagship to discover islands and claim good ones. Visit Northburgh for a Diplomatic Scroll to trade with Al Zahir for resources.
• Independent Production: Prioritize producing Stone and Tools to reduce reliance on NPC traders. Block citizen ascension temporarily to conserve tools.
• Citizen Needs: Once tools are available, establish production chains for Linen Garments and Ropes. Ensure fire protection with Fire Stations.
• Oriental Settlement: Settle a southern island with Spices and Dates fertility. Build Nomad houses, Spice plantations, and Date plantations to supply your northern island. Expand production to include wood, stone, and tools.
• Northern Expansion: With Spices, Citizens can ascend to Patricians. Settle new northern islands with Brine deposits and fertilities for Crops and Herbs. Establish production chains for Bread, Beer, and Leather Jerkins.

The guide also touches upon managing honor points to upgrade trading fleets and preparing for further development and potential conflict.