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Starting on a new Ikariam server presents a unique challenge. While it offers the excitement of a fresh start, it also comes with the slow grind of undeveloped islands. This guide provides a comprehensive strategy for succeeding in a new game world.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW SERVER REALITY
The most important characteristic of a new server is the low production level of all resource mines and mills. Because no one has had time to donate resources to upgrade them, you and your fellow players must build these mines up from scratch. This means it will take months to build your towns because the islands’ levels of production will be very low . You will rely heavily on donations from other players on your island to increase production.
Because resources are scarce and islands are mostly empty, you have a unique opportunity to choose your location carefully. Players on new servers should prioritize finding an island with high-level sawmills and luxury mines compared to other available options, as this will give you a significant early advantage .
THE RELOCATION STRATEGY
A powerful opening strategy for a new world is to use your first town as a temporary base. The goal is to move your capital to a better location once you have researched Expansion and built a fleet of cargo ships .
The first step is to build an Academy and upgrade it to Level 4. Then, build Warehouses and research Expansion in the Seafaring branch . Once you have researched Expansion and have bought three Cargo Ships, build a Palace. After the Palace is complete, create a colony in a better location, build a Governor’s Residence there, then nominate that town as your Capital and abandon your first town . You will lose some time in the process, but you will be in a far superior position for long-term growth .
EARLY BUILDING AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES
In the first days of a new world, your building priorities are critical.
Academy: Build it as early as possible. Research is the key to progress in Ikariam .
Sawmill: This is your main resource at the start. Target level 10-12 first .
Carpenter: This reduces building costs and is worth it from level 3-4 .
Warehouse: Prevents surplus resources from decaying and protects your resources from pillaging .
For research, you should focus on Seafaring and Economy first. Seafaring provides faster ships, trade capacity, and is important for expansion and commerce. Economy gives production bonuses, storage capacity, and trade bonuses that strengthen your long-term economy . Military research comes later when you have something worth defending .
BUILDING YOUR RESOURCE NETWORK
The core mechanic of Ikariam is that every island produces one luxury resource: Wine, Marble, Crystal, or Sulfur. You can only harvest your own island’s resource. For the other three, you need to trade or fight . This makes diplomacy and trade essential.
When choosing where to expand, marble should be your top priority. Marble is required for higher-level buildings and is highly sought in trade . You cannot build a powerful empire without it.
A good plan is to get your first four towns on four different resource types to become self-sufficient . Look for islands that have high-level mines compared to the average, as this will save you enormous amounts of time and resources . Many players recommend starting on a marble island with a Forge, Poseidon, or Colossus wonder, as these are widely considered the most useful .
MANAGING YOUR POPULATION
Power building involves keeping your Growth Per Hour as high as possible. To do this, you must keep happiness levels up by upgrading the Tavern and serving wine . The objective is to time your builds in such a manner where there are no idle growth periods. A dedicated player can increase their Town Hall level to 7 in one day .
Time management is the most important factor in power building. Remember, Ikariam is always playing, even when you are not there. Schedule longer builds during times when you will be inactive, such as sleeping. This utilizes game time where otherwise no account activity would be going on .
When you start a new colony, build four warehouses first. This protects your resources from pillaging and prevents waste . Do not start a new town before your other towns are mature, as this puts strain on the distribution of resources and inhibits fast growth .
PROTECTING YOUR EMPIRE
In a new world, many players will attack you for resources. To defend yourself effectively, use a combination of passive and active defenses.
Keep surplus resources to a minimum. Transfer goods from all towns to one central, well-protected city at least once per day . Build high-level Warehouses in every town. Four level 1 warehouses protect 2020 of each resource from being stolen, meaning attackers can gain nothing from attacking you . A high-level Hideout makes it more difficult for potential raiders to know how much resources you have and where they are stored .
A very effective defensive strategy is to concentrate all of your army and resources in one town. This town should have a high-level Town Wall, a high-level Hideout, and your entire army. If enemies cannot easily defeat your main force, they will be less likely to attack you. To be safe, leave one warship in each port and a small army of one Spearman and one Slinger in every town to force attackers to spend time and money .
THE POWER OF SOCIAL STRATEGY
In a new server, diplomacy is just as important as military power. Use the in-game messaging system to introduce yourself to every player in your island chain and ask them for tips. This establishes a relationship with your neighbors, which will be important early on . Sign cultural treaties with every player in your island chain once you have researched them. This causes many players to hesitate attacking you due to the negative effects of breaking a treaty .
Joining an experienced and active alliance is one of the most important things you can do as a new player. An alliance provides protection, trade partners, and the ability to build World Wonders . Being in an alliance also gives you a support network of players who can provide extra resources and military defense .
A key mistake to avoid is becoming a “leach.” Players who do not donate to the development of communal mines and mills are resented and attacked constantly . Donate some wood to quarries and mills early on, even if it is just 100 logs of lumber. Post on the island Agora that you will soon donate more. This simple act of goodwill can prevent blockades and attacks that would seriously damage your economy .
THINKING LONG TERM
The power builder’s long-term strategy is more difficult but far more rewarding. While others fight and waste resources on conflicts, the builders steadily become more powerful. By building 7, 8, or 9 colonies, you will be able to field a larger army than your warring neighbors . It takes time and patience to achieve, but if you do that, you will be a force to be reckoned with .
To achieve this, you should aim to have your Palace and Governor’s Residences at high levels. For Level 4 Palace and Governor’s Residences, it is recommended to have a level 10 port in your main town as an absolute minimum. For Level 5 growth (6th colony), it would be best to have at least a Level 15 Trading Port there .
Do not forget that in a new world, time is your most precious resource. Keep your towns close to one another. If today you make 10 minutes between two towns, you will always make 10 minutes. If you make 30 minutes, you will always make 30 minutes. This time accumulates, so choose your colony locations wisely and close to each other .
Remember, Ikariam can be played as a war game, but it is the builders who will inherit the world. While warmongers clash and waste time and resources on conflicts, the builders steadily build and become more powerful. A sufficiently provoked builder can become a fighter, and a large builder account can support a larger military than a persistent warmonger .
