Strategy game in Mediterranean setting: Play directly in your browser
Are you looking for a strategy game set in the ancient Mediterranean – with islands, ships, harbours and trade? Then Ikariam is exactly the right game for you. The game does away with large downloads and installations: you start directly in your browser, free of charge and without waiting times.
The setting is based on the ancient Mediterranean: you build a city on an island, conduct trade with other islands and must defend your harbours against attackers. This way, Ikariam fills a niche that many classic strategy titles don't cover – a long-term island empire in your browser.
In the following, we show you what specific game mechanics make Ikariam the perfect Mediterranean strategy game.
Why Ikariam fits the Mediterranean setting
Ikariam consists of an island world – similar to the geography of the ancient Mediterranean. Since the game is built entirely on islands, seafaring plays a central role. Nothing goes without ships here: neither raw materials nor troops can be moved between islands without a fleet.
- Island world: Cities are founded on islands.
- Seafaring as core mechanic: Merchant ships transport raw materials and troops.
- Harbour defence: Warships protect the harbour from attackers.
- Attack logic: A land attack is only possible once there are no more enemy warships stationed in the harbour.
Trading harbour: The gateway to the Mediterranean
The trading harbour is the central building for everything to do with seafaring and trade. Here you buy merchant ships, load goods and set up trade routes. You also see incoming fleets in the trading harbour as well as ships being loaded and unloaded.
Whoever expands the trading harbour benefits from faster loading speeds – raw materials are shipped more quickly.
Examples of expansion levels
| Level | Loading time | Loading speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2m | 30 |
| 5 | 48m 15s | 169 |
| 10 | 2h 2m | 437 |
| 20 | 9h 32m | 1,565 |
| 30 | 1d 15h | 4,489 |
Merchant and warships
Merchant ships
Merchant ships are purchased in the trading harbour for gold. They are not tied to a city and can be deployed from any island. A maximum of 500 goods can be transported per ship – if you load less, you can receive a speed bonus of up to 66.4%.
- Maximum 180 merchant ships per player
- Each new ship costs more than the previous one (first ship: 480 gold)
- Merchant ships do not participate in combat
Warships
Warships are built in the shipyard and defend your harbour. Unlike merchant ships, they are tied to a specific city. They are crucial if you want to attack islands or defend your own against invasions.
Ikariam compared to other Mediterranean/Ancient strategy games
| Aspect | Ikariam | Classic PC strategy games (e.g. Anno series, Civilisation) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Browser, no download | Full installation on PC |
| Cost | Free-to-play | Premium title (purchase price) |
| Setting | Ancient Mediterranean island realm | Varies by title |
| Game mode | Persistent online world with other players | Often single-player or turn-based |
| Getting started | Playable immediately in browser | Installation and possibly account required |
Frequently asked questions about the Mediterranean strategy game Ikariam
Is Ikariam free to play?
Yes, Ikariam is free-to-play and can be started directly in your browser without needing a download.
Does Ikariam really take place in the Mediterranean?
Ikariam is an island world in ancient style. Seafaring, harbours and trade between islands are central game mechanics – the setting captures the classic Mediterranean feel.
How many ships can I own?
A maximum of 180 merchant ships per player is possible. Warships are built additionally in the shipyard and are tied to a city.
Do I need ships to attack other players?
Yes. A land attack is only possible once there are no more warships stationed in the enemy city's harbour. Nothing works without a fleet in the Mediterranean of Ikariam.
Get started now
If you are looking for a strategy game set in the Mediterranean that you can play immediately and without installation, Ikariam is the obvious choice. Build your island city, expand your trading harbour, send your merchant fleet across the sea and defend your harbours with warships.
Start Ikariam free in your browser – conquer islands, conduct trade, build a Mediterranean empire.