Introduction Trading in Anno 1800 is a fundamental mechanic that plays a crucial role in expanding and sustaining your empire. Whether you are trading with AI or other players, mastering trade routes is essential for efficiency and profitability. This guide will walk you through the different types of trade routes, how to set them up, and how to optimize your trading strategy.

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Why Trading is Important

• Provides essential resources for your islands.
• Allows you to sell surplus goods for profit.
• Enables diplomatic relations through trade agreements.
• Facilitates economic growth by automating resource transportation.

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Types of Trade in Anno 1800

1. Manual Trading – Transport goods manually by sending a ship between islands.
2. Charter Routes – Automated single-resource transport routes that cost money but require no ships.
3. Trade Routes – Fully customizable shipping routes to move multiple goods between islands or AI traders.

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How to Set Up a Charter Route

A charter route is a great option when you want to move goods between your own islands without using ships.

Steps to Create a Charter Route:

1. Click Create Route at the bottom left of the screen.
2. Select Charter Route.
3. Choose the good you want to transport (e.g., Lumber).
4. Select the pickup island and the destination island.
5. Set the amount to transport (cost remains the same regardless of quantity).
6. Confirm and activate the route.

Tip: Charter routes can be useful in the early game, but they cost money per trip, so use them wisely.

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How to Set Up a Trade Route

A trade route allows you to trade between multiple locations with customizable options for loading and unloading goods.

Steps to Create a Trade Route:

1. Click Create Route and select Trade Route.
2. Name your trade route (e.g., “Soap Export Route”).
3. Select a ship to assign to the route.
4. Choose the pickup island and add the goods to be loaded.
5. Select the destination island and add the goods to be unloaded.
6. Adjust trade preferences:
   • Wait for Goods: Ensures the ship waits until it has fully loaded its cargo.
   • Discard Excess: If space is needed, the ship will discard goods.
   • Wait to Unload: The ship will wait until there is enough space at the destination to unload everything.
7. Confirm and activate the route.

Tip: Naming trade routes helps manage them better as your empire grows.

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Trading with AI and Players

To trade with AI factions or other players, you need trade rights. You can obtain trade rights through diplomacy or by increasing your reputation with them.

• Hover over AI islands to check trade availability.
• AI factions request specific goods, which they buy at a set price.
• Selling high-value goods (like soap or beer) can be a reliable income stream.

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Trade Route Optimization Tips

• Use large cargo ships for high-volume trade routes.
• Monitor supply levels to prevent shortages.
• Protect trade routes from pirates by using escort ships.
• Adjust ship routes to avoid congested or hostile waters.
• Set up multiple trade ships on the same route to increase efficiency.

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Conclusion

Trading in Anno 1800 can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. By mastering charter routes, trade routes, and AI trading, you can ensure your economy remains strong and self-sufficient. Set up efficient trade networks, manage your resources wisely, and watch your empire thrive!

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