Instruments:

Master the early game of Anno 1404 with this comprehensive walkthrough. Learn how to find the perfect island, establish your first settlement, and manage resources efficiently.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for Anno 1404, covering essential gameplay mechanics from the very beginning of a continuous game. It outlines strategies for island selection, initial settlement setup, resource production, and citizen needs.

Gameplay Walkthrough:

Continuous game mechanics are similar to Campaign or Scenarios, with random NPC quests. If starting with a ship or escort, purchase all available wood from Lord Northburgh. For an aggressive start, also buy all available tools. Settle on a suitable island; restarting is recommended if an AI claims the best island early.

1. Finding a perfect island: Look for a large, flat island with no lakes, close to a neutral port, centrally located, with Cider and Hemp fertilities, and at least two Stone and Iron Ore deposits. Settle on the southern end for initial deliveries.
2. First settlement: Immediately build three woodcutters near the warehouse, ensuring 100% efficiency with Trees. Build two Fisherman's Huts connected to the port. Construct a Marketplace and surround it with as many houses as wood allows. Increase taxes to 'Happy' or 'Calm' as needed. Build Cider farms once 60 peasants settle; a Chapel is only needed after peasants are satisfied with cider.
3. Exploration: Use your Flagship to explore the archipelago and claim islands. Visit Northburgh, buy a Diplomatic Scroll with honor points, and then purchase more Wood and Tools. Deliver the scroll to Al Zahir to receive a Caravel with resources.
4. Stone and tool production: While exploring, focus on producing Stone and Tools to reduce reliance on NPCs. Block ascension after reaching 16 Citizen houses. Build Stonemason's huts and an Iron Ore mine with a Charcoal burner's hut to support Tool maker's workshops.
5. Satisfying citizen needs: Once Tools production is stable, satisfy Citizen needs for Linen Garments (Hemp Farms, Weavers Hut) and Ropes (Hemp Farms, Rope Yards). Set up a second Tools chain. Implement Fire protection with Carpenters or Fire stations once you pass 355 Citizens.
6. Developing the Orient: Settle a large Oriental island with Spices and Dates fertilities. Build Nomad Houses to enable Spice production and deliver Spices to your northern island. Aim for 440 Nomads to access buildings and rewards. Build Milk farms and consider a Stonecutter's hut.
7. Developing the north further: With Spices, Citizens can progress to Patrician level. Settle a new northern island with Brine deposits, a river, and Crop/Herb fertilities. Produce Bread, Beer, and Leather Jerkins, and sell surplus. Upgrade trading fleets of Al Vizir and Northburgh with honor points.