Deal | This modernized city-building classic is now under $5 on Steam

Anno 1404 offers classic city-building gameplay with plenty of economic depth. What begins as a small harbor settlement gradually grows into a thriving trading metropolis. To get there, players must secure resources, establish production chains and meet the ever-growing demands of their population. Since no single island provides everything needed, expansion and the development of trade networks eventually become essential. Alongside the campaign, the game offers various scenarios and an endless mode where players can build their trading empire without having to pursue a fixed objective.

The History Edition primarily gives the aging city-building classic a technical overhaul. Among other improvements, the updated version supports 4K resolutions and modern 64-bit systems, features an adapted user interface and introduces multiplayer enhancements. Even old save files remain compatible. The package also includes the Venice expansion, which adds new scenarios, ships and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.

On Steam, 82% of more than 3,600 user reviews are positive. Many players even consider the city-building classic one of the strongest entries in the series. Praise focuses on its successful blend of relaxing city building and demanding economic management, its atmospheric medieval setting and its soundtrack. Criticism centers on the occasionally steep learning curve, isolated technical issues and, above all, the mandatory Ubisoft launcher. Some players even report being unable to launch the game at all due to login problems.

70% off on Steam

Anno 1404 – History Edition normally costs just under $15 on Steam, but it is currently 70% off, bringing the price down to $4.49 until November 24. According to SteamDB, this matches the game's previous all-time low, last reached in September. The city builder is officially rated "Unsupported" on the Steam Deck, although ProtonDB gives it a Gold rating. With a few tweaks, the game should therefore be playable on Valve's handheld. 

The following gameplay trailer offers a closer look at the classic in action:

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