How To Set Up Trade Routes

April 24, 2024

In a colony sim as production-focussed as Anno 1800, it goes without saying that the establishment of efficient and profitable trade routes is a key element of inter-island infrastructure. In addition to building working production chains of buildings and road networks, players will also have to manage the storage and transfer of goods to avoid overstocking, which can be just as detrimental as having a shortage of goods in supply. One of the best ways in which players can mitigate this issue, as well as transfer certain resources from island to island, is by setting up Trade Routes.

Ubisoft’s RTS Anno 1800 comes with a ton of DLC, but which of them are actually worth buying? Here’s how all of them rank up in terms of content.

While trading can be done manually, as is sometimes necessary, there is an automated trading system which allows players to assign ships to custom routes and transfer goods or materials along the way. This can be done across several islands at once, and can also span into other regions such as from Old World to New World settlements. Without making use of this mechanic, it can be difficult to stay on top of each island and which resources or goods they may need to satisfy their inhabitants.

Manual Trade Routes

Roads are the lifeblood of an efficient economy in Anno 1800, so it is important to make sure that each of the buildings required in the production chain of any given resource are placed in proximity to one another. Warehouses will also be necessary to ensure these chains remain flowing without a build up of excess materials or goods at either end. If a material reaches full capacity, the excess will not be transferred to the next-closest storage facility (unless there are several in range of one another) it will simply cause the production buildings to stop being useful.

Anno 1800 players will need access to reliable ships if they wish to make the most out of expeditions. Here are the best options available.

In order to maintain efficiency, as well as generate some extra income, it is often a good idea to construct a few Schooners or Clippers in order to transfer and trade resources. In order to transfer or trade with a neutral vendor, players can simply load the cargo they wish to sell onto one of their ships, sail it to the destination, and then conduct a trade with the port building once the ship is in range. For other factions, it will first be necessary to negotiate a trade agreement through the diplomacy screen.

How To Automate Trade Routes

As players progress through the game and their islands begin to expand, it can become a big hassle trying to manage the transfer and trade of resources manually. Fortunately, players can automate trade through the Trade Routes screen, which is accessed as a sub-menu when clicking on any allied ships. From this screen, players will see a map with all the islands present, by clicking on an island, this will add it to the Trade Route. Trade Routes can span across multiple regions, and are not limited to a single area.

When looking to build a well-functioning city in Anno 1800, these layouts are a great place to start.

Quantities of goods can be specified and loaded/unloaded at each location. It is worth checking up on these routes frequently to ensure that the specified quantities are not being offloaded at the expense of production on the island they are being stored. Pirates will also make regular attempts to intercept and destroy shipments of valuable cargo, so it is always worth sending a proportionate escort along with any ships, particularly if they are travelling on longer routes between different regions.