Instead of trying to make every island self-sufficient, specialize your islands for maximum efficiency. Dedicate certain islands solely to raw material production (e.g., a large island for Wheat and Hemp, another for Iron and Coal). Other islands can be specialized for processing these raw materials into finished goods (e.g., an island for Tools and Weapons, another for Clothes and Spices). Your main island should focus primarily on residential areas and high-tier public buildings, importing most of its goods. This reduces internal transport distances on each island and simplifies logistics. When choosing new islands, prioritize those with specific fertilities or rich mineral deposits that complement your existing production chains. This strategic specialization allows for massive scale production and minimizes resource bottlenecks across your empire.
