Games like Anno 1800: If you enjoy building strategy, Ikariam could be something for you
Are you looking for games like Anno 1800 and want to immerse yourself in building strategy on the go or without installation? Then it's worth taking a look at Ikariam – a building and strategy game that runs directly in your browser. Anno 1800 by Ubisoft Mainz is and remains a high-quality simulation and strategy experience for PC. However, Ikariam takes a different approach: ancient setting, browser platform and free-to-play. So if the building concept of Anno 1800 appeals to you, but you're looking for something lighter, Ikariam could be worth a try.
What makes Anno 1800 special
Anno 1800 is a building and strategy game released on 16 April 2019 by Ubisoft Mainz. According to Steam data, the game offers the following key points:
- Setting: The beginning of the industrial age – players lead the Industrial Revolution.
- Genres: Simulations and strategy.
- Game modes: Single-player, multiplayer, PvP, online PvP, co-op and online co-op.
- Developer/Publisher: Ubisoft Mainz / Ubisoft.
- Platform: PC (Steam), not a free-to-play title.
Anno 1800 thus appeals to players who want to commit to extensive gaming sessions, narrative decisions ("Visionary or exploiter? Conqueror or liberator?") and a detailed economy game.
What Ikariam offers
Ikariam is an ancient building strategy game in the browser. The focus is on economic development, research, seafaring and conflicts between players. A central element is the extensive tech tree – particularly in the field of economics.
Economics research area (selection)
Economic research ranges from simple starting technologies to multi-level endgame research:
| Research points | Research |
|---|---|
| 12 | Preservation |
| 24 | Pulley |
| 112 | Prosperity |
| 336 | Wine culture |
| 3.672 | Architecture |
| 7.200 | Holiday recreation |
| 10.764 | Culinary specialties |
| 48.000 | Winery / Dump |
| 106.560 | Bureaucracy |
| 241.200 | Utopia |
| 532.800 – 5.328.000 | Future of Economics (Level 1–10) |
Examples of game content
- Culinary specialties: Allows training of chefs in the barracks – including combat effects.
- Architecture: Allows building of architectural offices and reduces marble costs for buildings.
- Pirate fortress & privateering: In the pirate fortress you can command privateering expeditions. A short voyage brings, for example, 115 privateer points and 40 gold; the expansion level determines duration, crew and range. Short voyages are considered particularly efficient.
- Balloon carrier: A floating fortress with balloons – requirements are shipyard level 7 and a floating base.
- Sea chart archive: Saves travel time between islands. Higher levels increase time savings – at 50 islands and level 35, for example, almost 7 hours.
Where Ikariam differs from Anno 1800
Both games share the appeal of building an economy and settlements – but place different emphases:
- Platform: Anno 1800 runs as a PC title via Steam, Ikariam directly in the browser without installation.
- Setting: Anno 1800 is set at the beginning of the industrial age, Ikariam in an ancient island realm.
- Pricing model: Anno 1800 is not a free-to-play title according to Steam. Ikariam is free-to-play.
- Game flow: Anno 1800 is designed for longer single-player and co-op sessions on PC. Ikariam runs as a browser building game with research and build times that progress in the background.
- Content depth: Ikariam shows its depth especially in the tech tree (e.g. ten levels of "Future of Economics") and in systems like pirate fortress, balloon carrier or sea chart archive.
Anno 1800 thus remains the classic choice for a full-featured building experience on PC. Ikariam is more the option if you're looking for something browser-based and accessible at any time.
Comparison table: Anno 1800 vs. Ikariam
| Criterion | Anno 1800 | Ikariam |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PC (Steam) | Browser |
| Free-to-play | No | Yes |
| Setting | Beginning of the industrial age | Ancient island world |
| Genre | Simulations, strategy | Building strategy (browser) |
| Playable immediately without installation | No | Yes |
| Developer/Publisher | Ubisoft Mainz / Ubisoft | — |
FAQ: Games like Anno 1800
Is Ikariam a replacement for Anno 1800?
No. Anno 1800 is a standalone PC title with single-player, co-op and PvP modes. Ikariam is a browser building game with an ancient setting. Both games share the building concept but are designed differently.
Do I have to buy or install Ikariam?
No. Ikariam runs directly in the browser and is free-to-play. Anno 1800 is not a free-to-play title according to Steam.
Does Ikariam also offer deep economic gameplay?
Yes. In the economics research area there are numerous technologies – from preservation to architecture and bureaucracy to ten levels of "Future of Economics". There are also mechanics like pirate fortress, privateering and sea chart archive.
Are there also military aspects in Ikariam?
Yes. Through research such as "Culinary specialties", for example, chefs can be trained in the barracks, and with privateering expeditions or units like the balloon carrier there are conflict and naval warfare elements.
Fancy building strategy in the browser?
If you like the building concept of Anno 1800 but are looking for a game that you can start immediately in the browser, without installation and free of charge, then just try Ikariam. Build your islands, advance your research and decide for yourself whether you want to be a merchant, diplomat or pirate.