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Anno 1404

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Follow this comprehensive Anno 1404 walkthrough to master gameplay mechanics, from finding the perfect island and establishing your first settlement to developing both Western and Oriental regions and managing citizen needs.

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Follow this comprehensive Anno 1404 walkthrough to master gameplay mechanics, from finding the perfect island and establishing your first settlement to developing both Western and Oriental regions and managing citizen needs.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Gameplay Basics: Continuous game mechanics are similar to Campaign/Scenarios. NPCs offer random quests. Start by purchasing all available wood from Lord Northburgh's Warehouse, and potentially tools if gold allows.
  2. 2
    Finding a Perfect Island: Aim for a large, flat island with no lakes, close to neutral ports, centrally located, with Cider and Hemp fertilities, and at least two Stone and Iron Ore deposits. Settle on the southern end.
  3. 3
    First Settlement: After landing, build three Woodcutters near the warehouse, ensuring space for 100% operation. Add Trees to boost efficiency. 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 population grows, but revert to 'Euphoric' for ascension. Build Cider farms once 60 peasants settle; a Chapel is only needed after peasants are satisfied with cider.
  4. 4
    Exploration: Use your Flagship to explore the archipelago to claim good islands. Visit Northburgh, buy a Diplomatic Scroll with honor, and purchase more Wood and Tools. Deliver the scroll to Al Zahir to receive a ship with resources, which can aid your main island or start an Oriental settlement.
  5. 5
    Stone and Tool Production: While exploring, focus on producing Stone and Tools to reduce reliance on NPCs. Block ascension after reaching 16 Citizen houses (240 capacity) to conserve tools. Build Stonemason's huts and an Iron Ore mine with a Charcoal burner. Set up Tool maker's workshops connected to a Market.
  6. 6
    Satisfying Citizen Needs: Once Tool production is stable, meet Citizen needs for Linen Garments (Hemp Farms, Weavers Hut) and Ropes (Hemp Farms, Rope Yards). Establish a second Tool chain. Implement Fire protection (Carpenter/Fire Station) for settlements over 355 Citizens.
  7. 7
    Developing the Orient: Settle a large Oriental island with Spices and Dates fertilities. Build 10 Nomad Houses for Spice production, and Date plantations. Deliver Spices to your northern island. Aim for 440 Nomads to unlock buildings and gain honor rewards. Build Milk farms and consider a Stonecutter's hut.
  8. 8
    Developing the North Further: With Spices, Citizens can ascend to Patricians. Settle a new northern island with Brine deposits, a river, and Crop/Herb fertilities. Establish production chains for Bread (Crop Farms, Mill, Bakery), Beer (Monastery Garden, Crop Farm, Monastery Brewery), and Leather Jerkins (Pigs, Salt Mine, Salt Works, Charcoal Burner, Tannery). Upgrade trading fleets of Al Vizir and Northburgh with Honor points.
Tips
  • Prioritize securing good islands early, as AI can claim them. Restarting is recommended if a prime island is lost.
  • Manage taxes carefully to balance revenue with population happiness and ascension.
  • Utilize trade routes effectively for resource delivery and surplus sales.
  • Upgrade NPC trading fleets with honor points to improve their visit frequency and purchasing power.
  • Focus on self-sufficiency in key resources like Tools to avoid high NPC costs.

Successful implementation of these steps leads to a thriving economy, a growing population, and the ability to progress through the game's various stages, unlocking advanced buildings and fulfilling complex citizen needs.

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