In Anno 117: Pax Romana, your first island is only the beginning. As your population grows, you will need more space and new resources. Settling on other islands lets you expand your empire, unlock new production chains, and strengthen your economy.
The process is simple, but costs, timing, and island choice matter if you want to avoid money problems later.
How To Settle on Other Islands in Anno 117: Pax Romana
1. What You Need Before You Settle
First thing’s first, you must possess a vessel to claim a new island. At the beginning stage, your flagship can act as a vessel, however, any ship which is capable of sailing will suffice.
Additionally, it is necessary to put some fundamental goods for construction on the ship, particularly timber. The materials are not required to set up a trading post, but they will be required immediately afterward for the construction of houses and production facilities.
2. Finding an Island You Can Claim
Move across the map until you encounter an unclaimed island. Pay attention to the coast very well. The only place where you can set up a trading post is the flat beach areas.
The steep and rocky sides won’t let you do so. When your vessel approaches a spot that is suitable for a valid trading post, the structure of the trading post will appear on the screen automatically.
3. Building the Trading Post
Select the trading post outline and confirm the settlement. You will need to pay a one-time settlement fee in Denarii to the Emperor. Once this payment is made, the island becomes yours instantly. A new trading post appears, and you can start building your city right away.
4. Settlement Costs Explained
The cost to settle an island changes based on several factors. Larger islands are more expensive than smaller ones.
The more islands you already control in the same province, the higher the price becomes. Difficulty settings also affect the final amount, and you can adjust settlement costs in the game settings if needed. Because of how scaling works, settling large islands earlier is usually cheaper in the long run.
5. Imperial Standing and Why It Matters
The Emperor’s relationship you maintain has an instant impact on the cost of settlements. A high standard of prestige cuts the price for you to claim new islands.
By completing the Imperial Requests and making the choices in the Emperor-pleasing events, you have the potential to increase this standing.
6. Land Tax After Settlement
A recurring land tax is to be paid after island settlement. The taxation rate is based on the area of the island, with larger islands being subject to higher taxes.
Although this cost is considerably less than the settlement cost, it still influences the amount of money you will have in the future. Similar to settlement fees, land tax rates can be changed through the game settings.
7. Sandbox Mode vs Story Mode Rules
In Sandbox mode, you can settle new islands whenever you want as long as you can afford the cost. In Story mode, expansion is restricted by progression. You must advance far enough in the campaign before the option becomes available.
When it unlocks, you are usually given a limited choice of islands, each offering different resources, so your decision should match your current production needs.
8. Choosing the Right Island
Not all islands are equal. Each one has its own fertility and resource deposits. Before settling, check what the island offers and compare it to what your empire lacks.
If you need farming goods like barley or dye plants, choose an island where those resources are plentiful. Smart island selection reduces transport strain and makes your economy more stable.
