For those who prefer the heat of the desert and the riches of the Orient:
Best for: Intermediate players, speed-runners, and high-score seekers.
This is considered a top-tier starting map for beginners and veterans alike. The main occidental island is large and conveniently located near an Oriental island, offering quick access to crucial early-game resources like Spices, Dates, Quartz, and Clay.
have Cider and Hemp fertilities and at least two Stone and Iron Ore deposits. Strategic Positioning anno 1404 best maps
: It spawns two giant southern islands directly next to Al-Zahir's port and Kingsport.
If you aren't using a specific seed, you can maximize your building space and population capacity by using the following world-generation settings: World Size Island Size : Large (to ensure the most building land possible). Resources & Fertility
In Anno 1404 , the term "map" refers to the randomized output of a seed generator influenced by player-defined parameters. Unlike static maps in traditional RTS games, an Anno map is defined by its archipelago structure. A "bad" map is characterized by islands with insufficient building space, disjointed fertilities that prevent self-sufficient production chains, or strategic bottlenecks that cripple trade logistics. Conversely, a "best" map optimizes space, resources, and defensibility. For those who prefer the heat of the
(Medium, Archipelago)
: For the most expansive experience, set Map Size to Large and Island Size to Huge in the advanced settings. This ensures you have the necessary "Megacity" foundations. Strategic Map Selection Criteria
If you prefer to generate your own random maps, use these custom settings in the sandbox menu to guarantee a highly playable layout: have Cider and Hemp fertilities and at least
Suggest playing each map type once to learn their nuances and pick one that fits your preferred playstyle (economic, military, or trade-focused).
3.4 Resource-Rich vs. Resource-Poor Maps — Maps intentionally biased toward abundance or scarcity.
Map sizes range from Small to Huge. Huge maps are mandatory for high-population records.
What are you focusing on (e.g., maximum population, warfare, aesthetics)? Are you playing the base game or Venice ?