Settlers

Once they reach the "Settler" level of civilization the Inhabitants have - as is the case in all further increases in level - new needs and demands.

Pioneers can become Settlers once the required Settler needs have been satisfied. This goes hand in hand with an Upgrade in the Houses. Provided that their Needs remain adequately fulfilled, the Population will live in the Settlement and remain satisfied.

When the number of Settlers has increased to a certain level, the Settlers can progress to become Citizens.

Increases in level can also be clearly seen by casting a glance at the village center: the pond-like water source has suddenly become a pretty little well, and the first vendors have opened their market stands. Wait until you see how the village center develops with each additional increase in the level of civilization…

Foreign Cultures

There are four foreign cultures waiting to be discovered in the world of ANNO. And Pirates infest the sea and the southern islands, too!
The foreign cultures inhabit small and often isolated islands which they never leave. Still, they are willing to enter into diplomatic relations and to trade with the other Inhabitants of the archipelago. Those who prove reliable soon win their trust and are then offered an alliance. These always result in special trade advantages - such as the chance to buy Colonial goods, for example - and allow access to that culture's special ability. Yet those who throw away the chance and instead start a war with one of these cultures will soon get experience first-hand how powerful their curses can be.

The archipelago is home to the following foreign cultures:

• The Asians
• The Aztecs
• The Indians
• The Iroquois

And the Pirates are very special...

Pioneer

Pioneers are the first Inhabitants to settle a new Island. Once several Houses have been built on an Island, they gradually attract the first Pioneers. They go about their daily happily, provided that their Pioneer needs are satisfied.

The Pioneers are relatively simple souls who live in close touch with nature. Therefore their demands are relatively few, and easily satisfied. Players need only provide them with food and a place to gather together as a community. They then proceed to cheerfully and industriously build their houses around the village centre.

New Needs arise once the Population has reached a certain level. Pioneers can also progress to become Settlers when they are satisfied to a sufficiently high level.

Disasters in ANNO 1701

The tranquility of Island life is occasionally shattered by a Disaster. Disasters are purely random, but have a devastating effect on an Island's Population and Buildings.
The Disasters that may strike the Island world are:

• Earthquakes
• Fire
• Plague
• Plague of Rats
• Volcano eruptions
• Tornadoes

This area will be updated regularly, letting you gradually discover ever more natural catastrophes.

Fertilities

An Island's Fertility level determines which crops can be cultivated and which products can be produced there.

All Islands have Fertility levels particularly suited to particular plants. The types of plant that can be grown depend both on the Climatic zone where the Island is located and on the size of the Island.

While small Islands usually only have one specific Fertility level, large Islands may have up to three.

If the Fertility level is suitable, Farms and Plantations can be built on any level ground on an Island. Although some of this land is covered with trees, shrubs and flowers, this does not restrict building in any way.

Animals

The world of ANNO is inhabited not only by farm Animals such as Sheep, Cattle and Horses, but by all sorts of other Animals too.

In the Oceans, dolphins, sharks and blue whales swim alongside shoals of Fish, which can be used to produce Food. In the colder waters of the North, you can also hunt Whales. On land, uninhabited areas are teeming with wild Animals.

Depending on the Climatic zone, you will find bears, deer, tigers, zebras and many other species of Animals roaming around. These too can be hunted and processed to make Food. Gulls and other birds soar above the Islands, adler circle the mountains, while bees and butterflies buzz and flit among the flowers in the meadows. The Inhabitants of the Settlements keep domestic Animals such as cats and dogs.

At the start of play almost all islands play home to an incredible variety of animals. Yet once a player has landed and begun their first settlement, the animals populating the ANNO world exhibit a type of flight reflex, leading them to leave the area around the settlement for new pastures and territories.

We will be using this area to gradually introduce you to the animals living in the archipelago.

Undiscovered Area

Discovering uncharted Islands is an important part of ANNO 1701.
The Islands do not reveal their secrets immediately. The only way to find out which Islands have sufficient space and Raw materials for colonisation and which are already inhabited by other players is to explore them by Ship. This allows you to identify sources of danger and to find the best location for establishing a settlement.

With every further league an ANNO 1701 discoverer's ship sails into unexplored waters a bit more of the heretofore hidden map of the archipelago is revealed. This allows players to travel ever deeper into undiscovered territory, where they can discover and conquer new islands and dangers.

Climatic Zones

The Climatic zones determine the appearance of the land and sea. While most of the Islands in the Northern zone are characterised by lush green Forests and deep blue waters, the Islands in the Southern zone are mainly covered by jungle or steppes and set in turquoise seas.

Some Raw materials can only be found in either the North or South, so in order to attain the higher Civilisation levels it is advisable to explore and colonise both hemispheres as you progress in the game. It makes no difference whether you start on a Northern or Southern Island, as each has its different pros and cons.

Take a fascinating trip through the ANNO 1701 archipelago!

Discover

Discovering hitherto unknown islands with all their treasures and challenges plays a significant role in ANNO 1701

There is so much to discover and explore... Check it out!

Different climatic zones offer different possibilities for settlement. Discover useful resources and wild animals.

And these are just some of the possibilities available to you on land in this island world. There are secrets to be uncovered upon the high seas, as well. Lift the fog lying over the water to find islands previously undiscovered.

Yet beware: nature can also hold its' own dangers. Keep a watchful eye on any smoking volcanoes or smouldering fires.

Not to give too much away...