Wonders in Ikariam: Overview
There is a wonder on every island, and each wonder has a different function. You can donate luxury goods to expand the wonder – however, not the luxury good that you mine on the island or on a colony yourself.
The higher the level of the wonder, the better its function performs. The wonder is activated via the temple; depending on the level of island belief, different strength levels can be unlocked.
At 20% island belief, the lowest level can be activated. For every additional 20% belief, the next higher level becomes available, until at 100% the strongest effect is unlocked.
The Eight Wonders and Their Effects
Forge of Hephaestus
Strengthens all combat units: At level 1 they gain 0 additional armour and 10% more damage, at level 5 it is 2 additional armour and 20% more damage. Duration: 1 day, Cooldown: 7 days.
Sacred Grove of Hades
A portion of the resource costs of all units that die in combat at your cities is credited as marble – from 10% at level 1 to 40% at level 5. Duration: 16 h, Cooldown: 4 days.
Gardens of Demeter
Increases population growth in your cities by 1/h (level 1) to 6/h (level 5). Duration: 1 day, Cooldown: 9 days.
Parthenon of Athena
Increases safe resources in all warehouses – from +20% (level 1) to +200% (level 5). Duration: 1 day, Cooldown: 7 days.
Temple of Hermes
Increases the loading speed of goods by 20% (level 1) to 100% (level 5). Duration: 4 h, Cooldown: 1 day.
Fortress of Ares
Provides additional morale per round for all armies at your cities – even for enemy ones! Values: +50 (level 1) to +1000 (level 5). Duration: 12 h, Cooldown: 3 days.
Fountain of Poseidon
Increases the speed of warships and transporters by 10% (level 1) to 100% (level 5). Duration: 4 h, Cooldown: 1 day.
The Colossus
A portion of all enemy ships and troops that fight against your troops at your cities are put to flight – from 10% (level 1) to 100% (level 5). At the same time, the dispersal time increases from 4 hours by 30 to 180 minutes. Cooldown: 3 days.
Effect Levels Overview
| Wonder | Level 1 (20%) | Level 5 (100%) | Duration | Cooldown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forge of Hephaestus | +0 Armour, +10% Damage | +2 Armour, +20% Damage | 1 day | 7 days |
| Sacred Grove of Hades | 10% as Marble | 40% as Marble | 16 h | 4 days |
| Gardens of Demeter | +1 Pop./h | +6 Pop./h | 1 day | 9 days |
| Parthenon of Athena | +20% Safe Resources | +200% Safe Resources | 1 day | 7 days |
| Temple of Hermes | +20% Loading Speed | +100% Loading Speed | 4 h | 1 day |
| Fortress of Ares | +50 Morale/Round | +1000 Morale/Round | 12 h | 3 days |
| Fountain of Poseidon | +10% Ship Speed | +100% Ship Speed | 4 h | 1 day |
| The Colossus | 10% Flight, +30 min | 100% Flight, +180 min | — | 3 days |
Activation and Expansion
A wonder is activated via the temple. The temple also provides priests – for example, 12 at level 1, 196 at level 10 and 543 at level 20.
To read the exact effects of a specific level, the game help in the top left of the game window under the entry "Wonders" will help.
To expand, you donate luxury goods from the resources wine, marble, crystal glass and sulphur – each with the exception of the luxury good that is mined on the island itself or on a colony.
Which Wonder is Worthwhile?
The Colossus and the Forge of Hephaestus are considered particularly useful: The Colossus can disperse the complete armies of enemies at maximum belief, the forge significantly strengthens units.
This is followed by the Fountain of Poseidon, because increased ship speed is very useful. The Sacred Grove of Hades offers an advantage – albeit not a particularly large one – from warfare.
After that come the Gardens of Demeter and the Fortress of Ares. The Temple of Hermes is second to last, since the highest expansion levels of the trading port already load more than 12,000 goods/min anyway. Last place is the Parthenon of Athena: 180 trading ships transport a maximum of 90,000 goods, which in comparison to the cargo hold and warehouses provides little benefit in the long run – especially since these goods are divided among building materials, wine, sulphur, marble and crystal glass.
FAQ
Can I donate every luxury good for expansion?
No. The luxury good that you mine on the island or on a colony cannot be donated.
How is a wonder activated?
Via the temple. Depending on the level of island belief, different strength levels are available – from 20% the lowest, with every additional 20% the next respective level.
Where can I see the exact effects of a level?
Under "Help" in the top left of the game window, there in the entry "Wonders".