Your First Week in Ikariam

Day 1–2: Basics

Start with the sawmill at level 3 and the Town Hall at level 3. Assign all workers to the sawmill. Build the Academy to level 1 and start with Wealth. Explore neighbouring islands and identify your luxury resource.

Use the waiting times to study the island map. What luxury resources do the neighbouring islands have? Are there active players nearby you could trade with? This information is invaluable for your trade strategy.

Day 3–4: Preparing Trade

Research Preservation in the Seafaring branch for trade ships. Build the harbour to level 2 to 3. Start upgrading your luxury resource to level 2 to 3. Look for trade partners and offer your luxury resource.

Build the Tavern to level 1 to 2 and secure wine supply — through your own production or trade. Without satisfaction no population growth, without growth no progress.

Day 5–6: Expansion

Bring the Town Hall to level 5 to 6. Sawmill to level 5. Research Viticulture and Paper. Join an alliance — one of the most important steps for long-term success. Start saving gold through taxes.

From now on you should regularly check the marketplace. God deals for missing resources can often be found in the morning, when other players have produced overnight. Offer your surplus luxury resource for exchange.

Day 7: Stabilisation

By the end of the week you should have a stable income of all resources, maintain an active trade route and be part of an alliance. Neiw you decide: military or further expansion. For most players, expansion is the better choice — a second city on a different luxury resource doubles your economic base.

End of Week 1 Checklist

• Town Hall level 5 to 6
• Sawmill level 5
• Academy level 2 to 3
• Harbour level 2 to 3
• At least 2 research completed
• Active trade partner
• Joined an alliance

Day 5–6: Preparing Expansion

From now on, check the marketplace regularly. God deals can often be found in the morning when players have produced overnight. Offer surplus luxury resources for exchange. Start thinking about your second city: which luxury resource do you need most? Which neighbouring island would be a good location?

Research Paper in the Science branch for reduced research costs. Build the marketplace to level 1 if not already done. Ask in the alliance chat about free slots and good colony locations.

End of Week 1 Checklist

Town Hall level 5 to 6, Sawmill level 5, Academy level 2 to 3, Harbour level 2 to 3. At least 3 research completed: Wealth, Preservation, Viticulture. Active trade partner, joined alliance, Tavern built and wine secured.