How to Unlock Ships in Anno 117 – Expert (May 2026) Guide

In the vast world of Anno 117: Pax Romana, mastering naval power isn’t just an option—it’s essential for building a thriving Roman empire. As a governor tasked with expanding Rome’s influence across the Mediterranean, your ships will serve as the lifeline connecting your territories, defending your waters, and projecting your power across the known world. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of naval warfare, from unlocking your first shipyard to commanding a dominant fleet that strikes fear into your enemies’ hearts.

Whether you’re a seasoned Anno veteran or new to the series, understanding the intricacies of ship management will separate successful governors from failed ones. Ships in Anno 117 are more than just transportation—they’re customizable, strategic assets that can make or break your empire’s economy and military might.

Quick Reference: Ship Progression Overview (May 2026)

Ship Type	Tier	Unlock Method	Primary Use	Module Slots	Workforce Cost
Penteconter	1	Starting ship	Exploration/Basic trade	3 slots	15 workforce
Trireme	2	Economics tree research	Combat/Advanced trade	5 slots	25 workforce
Quinquereme	3	Late-game research	Naval dominance	7+ slots	40+ workforce

How to Unlock and Build the Shipyard?

Before you can even think about building ships, you need access to a Shipyard—your gateway to naval dominance. Here’s exactly how to get it:

Prerequisites for Shipyard Construction

1. City Status Progression: The Shipyard becomes available by progressing through early-game objectives, typically requiring you to reach a specific City Status level with your population
2. Population Requirements: You’ll need at least Plebeians (tier 2 residents) in your city before the Shipyard option unlocks
3. Resource Preparation: Ensure you have basic construction materials ready, as the Shipyard requires significant resources

Step-by-Step Shipyard Building Process

1. Complete Early Objectives: Focus on quests that involve upgrading your City Status—check your quest log regularly for guidance
2. Locate the Shipyard Option: Once unlocked, find the Shipyard in the Harbour Building tab of your construction menu
3. Choose Strategic Location: The Shipyard must be constructed directly on the coastline with deep water access—plan your harbor layout carefully
4. Resource Allocation: Gather the required construction materials (typically timber, tools, and other basic resources)
5. Construction: Place the Shipyard and wait for construction to complete

Shipyard Optimization Tips

• Multiple Shipyards: Consider building additional Shipyards on different islands for faster fleet production
• Deep Water Access: Ensure your Shipyard has access to deep water for larger ships
• Warehouse Proximity: Place warehouses near your Shipyard for efficient material flow
• Defense Coverage: Protect your Shipyard with defensive towers and military ships

Complete Ship Types and Progression

Ships in Anno 117 are divided into two main categories, each with three distinct tiers that unlock as you progress through the game.

Civilian Ships: The Economic Backbone

Civilian ships are designed for non-combat roles like transport and trade. They’re essential for building and maintaining your economic empire.

Penteconter (Tier 1 Civilian)

• Unlock Method: Available from the start
• Primary Role: Basic exploration and establishing first trade routes
• Module Slots: 3 slots available for customization
• Best Uses:
  • Initial island exploration
  • Basic resource transport between islands
  • Early-game trade route establishment
• Workforce Cost: 15 workforce units
• Strategic Value: Your first workhorse ship—versatile but limited in capacity and defense

Trireme (Tier 2 Civilian)

• Unlock Method: Research in the Economics tree
• Primary Role: Advanced trade and logistics
• Module Slots: 5 slots with 2 dedicated cargo slots
• Best Uses:
  • Core logistics network management
  • High-volume trade routes
  • Resource transport between developed islands
• Workforce Cost: 25 workforce units
• Strategic Value: The backbone of mid-game economy—significantly improved speed and capacity

Quinquereme (Tier 3 Civilian)

• Unlock Method: Late-game research and objectives
• Primary Role: Late-game trade empire management
• Module Slots: 7+ slots with extensive customization options
• Best Uses:
  • Major trade route management
  • Bulk resource transport
  • High-value cargo protection
• Workforce Cost: 40+ workforce units
• Strategic Value: The pinnacle of civilian naval power—massive capacity and durability

Military Ships: Instruments of War

Military ships are your warships, built for combat and defense. They’re essential for protecting your trade routes and projecting military power.

Penteconter (Tier 1 Military)

• Unlock Method: Available from the start
• Primary Role: Basic patrol and coastal defense
• Module Slots: 3 slots with military-focused options
• Best Uses:
  • Early-game coastal patrol
  • Basic pirate defense
  • Light escort for trade ships
• Workforce Cost: 15 workforce units
• Strategic Value: Your first line of defense—basic but essential for early security

Trireme (Tier 2 Military)

• Unlock Method: Military tree research
• Primary Role: Balanced combat vessel
• Module Slots: 5 slots with enhanced military options
• Best Uses:
  • Fleet escort duty
  • Pirate hunting
  • Coastal bombardment support
• Workforce Cost: 25 workforce units
• Strategic Value: The workhorse of your navy—versatile and combat-capable

Quinquereme (Tier 3 Military)

• Unlock Method: Advanced military research
• Primary Role: Naval dominance and fleet command
• Module Slots: 7+ slots with elite military options
• Best Uses:
  • Fleet flagship duties
  • Major naval battles
  • Invasion support and troop transport
• Workforce Cost: 40+ workforce units
• Strategic Value: The ultimate expression of Roman naval power—dominates any engagement

Advanced Ship Module System

One of the most innovative features in Anno 117 is the modular ship system, which allows you to customize your vessels for specific roles and missions.

Understanding Module Mechanics

Modules are special upgrades that provide unique functions and stat bonuses to your ships. Higher-tier ships have more module slots, allowing for greater customization and specialization.

Available Module Types and Effects

Combat Modules

• Ship Archer: Adds ranged combat capability
• Reinforced Hull: Increases hit points and durability
• Ramming Spike: Enhances boarding and ramming damage
• Scorpion Tower: Provides long-range artillery support

Economic Modules

• Extended Cargo Hold: Increases storage capacity
• Speed Sail: Improves sailing speed and maneuverability
• Efficient Rigging: Reduces workforce requirements
• Trade Manifest: Improves trade route profitability

Support Modules

• Repair Crew: Allows field repairs during voyages
• Navigation Tools: Improves route finding and reduces travel time
• Signal Flags: Enhances fleet coordination and effectiveness

Optimal Module Combinations

Trade Ship Configuration

Trireme Trade Ship Setup:
- Extended Cargo Hold (maximizes profit per voyage)
- Speed Sail (reduces travel time, increases efficiency)
- Efficient Rigging (reduces ongoing workforce costs)
- Repair Crew (minimizes downtime from damage)

Military Ship Configuration

Trireme Warship Setup:
- Ship Archer (provides ranged combat capability)
- Reinforced Hull (increases survivability in combat)
- Ramming Spike (enhances boarding effectiveness)
- Navigation Tools (improves tactical positioning)

Exploration Ship Configuration

Penteconter Explorer Setup:
- Speed Sail (maximizes exploration speed)
- Navigation Tools (improves discovery efficiency)
- Repair Crew (handles damage from unknown threats)
- Extended Cargo Hold (carries more discovered resources)

Strategic Module Placement

When equipping modules, consider these strategic principles:

1. Role Specialization: Design ships for specific roles rather than trying to make them do everything
2. Synergistic Effects: Some modules work better together—plan combinations that complement each other
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: More expensive modules aren’t always better—consider the return on investment
4. Situational Adaptation: Be prepared to reconfigure modules based on changing strategic needs

Essential Fleet Management Strategies

Building a fleet is one thing; managing it effectively is another. Proper fleet management can mean the difference between a thriving empire and economic collapse.

Workforce Management for Ships

Ships consume significant workforce, and mismanagement can cripple your city’s development.

Understanding Workforce Costs

• Penteconter: 15 workforce units
• Trireme: 25 workforce units
• Quinquereme: 40+ workforce units

Workforce Optimization Strategies

1. Gradual Expansion: Don’t build your entire fleet at once—expand gradually as your population grows
2. Population Growth Priority: Focus on housing and citizen needs to increase your workforce pool
3. Specialized Islands: Consider dedicating specific islands to ship production with focused workforce allocation
4. Module Efficiency: Use workforce-reducing modules to minimize the impact on your economy

Fleet Composition Tips

A balanced fleet is essential for both economic and military success.

Ideal Early-Game Fleet Composition

- 2-3 Penteconter Trade Ships (for basic logistics)
- 1-2 Penteconter Warships (for basic defense)
- 1 Penteconter Explorer (for island discovery)

Mid-Game Fleet Composition

- 3-4 Trireme Trade Ships (core logistics network)
- 2-3 Trireme Warships (fleet escort and defense)
- 1-2 Penteconter Explorers (continued exploration)
- 1 Trireme Command Ship (fleet coordination)

Late-Game Fleet Composition

- 4-6 Quinquereme Trade Ships (major trade routes)
- 3-4 Quinquereme Warships (naval dominance)
- 2-3 Trireme Support Ships (specialized roles)
- 1 Quinquereme Flagship (empire-wide coordination)

Expansion and Defense Strategies

Expansion Planning

1. Scout First: Use fast, lightly-armed ships to explore and identify resource-rich islands
2. Secure Trade Routes: Establish military protection before setting up major trade operations
3. Gradual Settlement: Don’t overextend—secure one area before moving to the next
4. Resource Priority: Focus on islands with resources you can’t produce elsewhere

Defense Planning

1. Layered Defense: Combine coastal defenses with naval patrols
2. Rapid Response: Keep fast military ships positioned to respond to threats quickly
3. Trade Route Protection: Escort valuable cargo ships with military vessels
4. Intelligence Network: Use scout ships to monitor enemy movements and pirate activity

Combat and Naval Warfare

Naval combat in Anno 117 requires strategic thinking and proper fleet management. Understanding the mechanics will help you dominate the seas.

Ship Combat Mechanics

Basic Combat Principles

1. Right-Click to Attack: Select your ship or fleet, then right-click on the enemy target
2. Pause for Precision: Use the pause feature to carefully target moving enemies
3. Formation Matters: Keep your ships in proper formation for maximum effectiveness
4. Combined Arms: Use different ship types together for synergistic effects

Combat Stances

Ships can be set to different combat stances, each with advantages and disadvantages:

• Aggressive: Ships actively seek combat and pursue enemies
• Disciplined: Ships hold formation and engage only when threatened
• Evasive: Ships avoid combat and focus on escape or mission completion

Troop Transport and Invasion

Ships play a crucial role in military operations beyond naval combat.

Loading Troops onto Ships

1. Build Barracks: Unlock the Barracks to recruit troops (Auxilia and Archers initially)
2. Position Ships: Move your transport ships to the loading area
3. Select Troops: Click the Land Troop button at the bottom of the screen
4. Load Units: Right-click on the transport ships to load troops
5. Form Army: Select all loaded troops to form an army for coordinated movement

Invasion Strategy

1. Naval Supremacy: Clear enemy ships from the target area first
2. Beachhead Establishment: Land troops in a secure, defensible location
3. Reinforcement Pipeline: Maintain a steady flow of troops and supplies
4. Expansion: Gradually expand from the beachhead to secure the entire island

Naval Battle Tactics

Formations and Positioning

• Line Formation: Maximizes firepower against enemy fleets
• Wedge Formation: Effective for breaking through enemy lines
• Screen Formation: Protects valuable ships with military vessels
• Picket Formation: Provides early warning and reconnaissance

Target Prioritization

1. Flagships First: Eliminate enemy command ships to disrupt coordination
2. Troop Transports: Prevent enemy landings by targeting transport ships
3. Economic Targets: Destroy trade ships to cripple enemy economy
4. Support Ships: Eliminate repair and support vessels to reduce enemy endurance

2026 Pro Tips and Advanced Strategies

Wind Awareness for Naval Dominance

Wind direction and speed significantly affect ship performance in Anno 117.

Understanding Wind Mechanics

• Tail Winds: Provide maximum speed and efficiency
• Head Winds: Slow ships considerably and increase fuel consumption
• Cross Winds: Require careful navigation and route planning
• Seasonal Variations: Wind patterns change with seasons, affecting long-term planning

Wind-Based Strategy

1. Route Planning: Plan trade routes to take advantage of prevailing winds
2. Timing: Launch major naval operations during favorable wind conditions
3. Ship Selection: Different ship types handle wind conditions differently
4. Tactical Positioning: Use wind to your advantage in combat situations

Trade Route Optimization

Efficient trade routes are the lifeblood of your empire’s economy.

Automated Trade Systems

1. Harbor Commerce: Set up automated buy/sell orders at trading posts
2. Manual Mercantile Missions: Use merchant vessels for direct, high-profit trades
3. Macro-Logistical Management: Create automated trade routes connecting multiple islands
4. Supply Chain Integration: Coordinate trade routes with production chains

Profit Maximization Strategies

1. Supply and Demand: Monitor market conditions and adjust accordingly
2. Bulk Trading: Focus on high-volume, consistent profit goods
3. Specialization: Develop specific islands for specific production types
4. Risk Management: Diversify trade routes to minimize disruption impact

Cost-Effective Fleet Management

Managing the costs associated with maintaining a large fleet is crucial for long-term success.

Upkeep Reduction Strategies

1. Module Optimization: Use modules that reduce workforce and maintenance costs
2. Specialized Ships: Build ships for specific roles rather than general-purpose vessels
3. Efficient Routing: Minimize unnecessary travel and fuel consumption
4. Technology Investment: Research upgrades that reduce fleet maintenance costs

Resource Management

1. Strategic Reserves: Maintain reserves of critical shipbuilding materials
2. Production Planning: Coordinate ship production with resource availability
3. Salvage Operations: Recover materials from damaged or destroyed ships
4. Alliance Benefits: Leverage alliances for resource sharing and cost reduction

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overproduction Pitfalls

Many governors make the mistake of building too many ships too quickly.

Signs of Overproduction

• Negative workforce balance
• Economic stagnation due to high maintenance costs
• Inability to upgrade citizen housing
• Resource shortages in other areas

Prevention Strategies

1. Gradual Expansion: Build ships as needed, not all at once
2. Regular Assessment: Continuously evaluate your fleet’s necessity and effectiveness
3. Economic Priority: Ensure your economy can support fleet expansion before building
4. Modular Approach: Start with essential ships and expand gradually

Poor Fleet Composition

Having the wrong mix of ships can be as damaging as having too few.

Common Composition Errors

• Too many military ships and not enough trade vessels
• Over-reliance on early-game ships in the late game
• Lack of specialized ships for specific roles
• Insufficient protection for valuable trade routes

Optimization Strategies

1. Role-Based Planning: Design your fleet around specific roles and missions
2. Balanced Approach: Maintain a healthy mix of civilian and military vessels
3. Progressive Upgrading: Gradually replace older ships with more advanced models
4. Situational Adaptation: Be prepared to adjust fleet composition based on changing needs

Ignoring Workforce Requirements

Ships consume significant workforce, and ignoring this can cripple your empire.

Workforce Management Mistakes

• Building ships without ensuring adequate workforce availability
• Failing to plan for population growth to support fleet expansion
• Neglecting citizen needs, leading to workforce shortages
• Overlooking the impact of ships on other economic sectors

Solutions

1. Population Priority: Focus on housing and citizen needs to grow workforce
2. Gradual Expansion: Build ships as your population grows
3. Efficiency Modules: Use modules that reduce workforce requirements
4. Strategic Planning: Coordinate ship building with overall economic development

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can’t I build a Shipyard in Anno 117?

A: The most common reason is not meeting the prerequisites. Ensure you have:

• Completed the required early-game objectives (usually involving City Status upgrades)
• Reached Plebeians (tier 2 residents) in your population
• Sufficient basic resources for construction Check your quest log for specific guidance on what objectives need to be completed.

Q: What is the best ship type in Anno 117?

A: There’s no single “best” ship—each type excels in specific roles:

• Quinquereme: Most powerful overall, but expensive and workforce-intensive
• Trireme: Excellent balance of cost, effectiveness, and versatility
• Penteconter: Cost-effective for early game and specific roles The “best” ship depends on your current situation, available resources, and strategic needs.

Q: How do I get more workforce for my ships?

A: Workforce comes from your population. To increase available workforce:

• Build more housing to increase population
• Fulfill citizen needs to upgrade them to higher tiers
• Provide entertainment and services to attract more residents
• Use efficiency modules to reduce workforce requirements
• Consider specializing islands to balance workforce distribution

Q: Can I change a ship’s modules after it’s built?

A: Based on Anno series mechanics, modules are typically applied during construction and cannot be changed afterward. This makes planning crucial—always consider a ship’s intended role before building it and choose modules accordingly. Some advanced ships or special modules might offer flexibility, but generally, module choices are permanent.

Q: How do I protect my trade routes from pirates?

A: Effective trade route protection requires a multi-layered approach:

• Escort valuable cargo ships with military vessels
• Establish patrol routes along major trade lanes
• Build coastal defenses near trading posts
• Use faster ships for reconnaissance and early warning
• Maintain good relations with local powers to reduce pirate activity
• Consider paying tribute to pirates as a temporary solution while building your military

Q: What’s the most cost-effective way to build a navy?

A: Cost-effectiveness depends on your current situation, but generally:

• Start with Penteconters for basic needs
• Gradually upgrade to Triremes as your economy grows
• Focus on versatile ships that can serve multiple roles
• Use modules to enhance effectiveness rather than building more ships
• Research economic and military technologies to reduce costs
• Balance military spending with economic development

Q: How do wind conditions affect my ships?

A: Wind significantly impacts ship performance:

• Tail winds provide maximum speed and efficiency
• Head winds slow ships and increase costs
• Cross winds require careful navigation
• Different ship types handle wind conditions differently
• Plan trade routes and military operations around prevailing wind patterns
• Use wind-aware navigation to optimize travel times and fuel consumption

Q: What’s the optimal fleet size for mid-game?

A: Optimal fleet size depends on your empire’s scale, but a balanced mid-game fleet typically includes:

• 3-4 trade ships for core logistics
• 2-3 military ships for defense and escort
• 1-2 exploration ships for continued expansion
• Focus on quality over quantity—well-equipped, properly managed ships are more effective than larger numbers of poorly maintained vessels

Conclusion

Mastering the art of naval warfare in Anno 117: Pax Romana is essential for building a thriving Roman empire. From unlocking your first Shipyard to commanding a dominant fleet, every decision you make about your ships will impact your empire’s success.

Remember these key principles as you develop your naval strategy:

1. Strategic Planning: Always plan your fleet development around your overall empire strategy
2. Resource Management: Balance ship production with available workforce and economic capacity
3. Modular Customization: Use the module system to create specialized ships for specific roles
4. Fleet Composition: Maintain a balanced mix of civilian and military vessels
5. Continuous Adaptation: Be prepared to adjust your naval strategy based on changing circumstances

The seas of Anno 117 are filled with opportunity and danger. With the knowledge from this guide, you’re now equipped to unlock the full potential of your naval forces and build an empire that will stand the test of time. Set sail, governor—your Roman destiny awaits!