For PC (Ubisoft Connect or Steam + Ubisoft Connect)
Note: Direct IP connection is not available in Anno 1800.
One of the most common questions regarding Anno 1800 LAN play involves game ownership.
Officially: Yes. Every player needs to own a copy of the game on the platform of choice (Steam, Epic Games Store, or Ubisoft Connect) and have their own Ubisoft account logged in.
The "Family Sharing" Exception: Anno 1800 does not support Steam Family Sharing for multiplayer. If you try to launch the game via Family Sharing while the owner is playing, Steam will prevent you from launching. Therefore, for a legitimate LAN setup, each PC needs its own license.
Even with a LAN setup, Anno 1800 relies on the Ubisoft Connect backend. Here are fixes for common headaches:
Anno 1800 does not offer true offline LAN multiplayer. However, with persistent internet access and proper network configuration, players can enjoy a stable, low-latency multiplayer experience on a local network. The major limitations are the mandatory Ubisoft Connect dependency, susceptibility to desynchronization, and lack of host migration.
For LAN parties focused on Anno 1800, organizers should prioritize a powerful host PC, wired connections, and frequent saving. If offline LAN capability is a strict requirement, earlier Anno titles (e.g., Anno 1404 with its “DirectPlay” LAN mode) or other RTS games remain better choices. Nonetheless, Anno 1800’s cooperative and competitive multiplayer over LAN, when working correctly, provides hundreds of hours of locally networked industrial revolution gameplay.
Appendix – Useful Ports for Anno 1800 (UDP)
Report compiled based on game version 18.x (post-Game of the Year Edition).
Anno 1800: Multiplayer and Local Connectivity supports a robust multiplayer framework that allows for both competitive and highly collaborative play. While the game primarily uses an online infrastructure, there are specific ways to enjoy "LAN-style" sessions with friends. 🏗️ Multiplayer Overview
Multiplayer in Anno 1800 can accommodate up to 16 players simultaneously. Teams: Players can be divided into up to four factions.
Co-op Mode: Multiple players (up to four) can control the same faction, sharing resources, ships, and islands. This is widely considered one of the most rewarding ways to play, as it allows for role specialization—for example, one player managing the Old World while another handles New World logistics.
Competitive (PvP): Players can race to reach victory conditions or engage in naval combat.
AI Integration: Open slots in any match can be filled with AI opponents to balance the challenge. 🌐 LAN and Connectivity
Though Anno 1800 does not feature a "Legacy LAN" button in the traditional sense, players can achieve the same effect:
Online Requirement: The game typically requires an internet connection to authenticate through the Ubisoft platform.
Simulated LAN: To play in a local network setting across the internet or within the same house, players often use third-party virtual LAN solutions (like Hamachi or Radmin VPN) if they wish to bypass certain regional server constraints, though standard multiplayer invites are the intended method.
Invite System: Multiplayer sessions are generally invite-only. You must add friends to your Ubisoft account to invite them to a game. anno 1800 lan multiplayer
Public Games: There is an option for "Public Games," allowing anyone in the community to join. 🛠️ Multiplayer Setup Guide How to Start a Session (PC) Select Multiplayer from the main menu. Choose Host New Game. Use the "+" icon to invite friends or add AI.
Toggle "Public Game" or "Friend Game" (Friends can join without an invite). Modding in Multiplayer
You can use mods in multiplayer, but every player must have the exact same mod files and versions installed. The game will notify you if there is a mismatch with the host's setup. 💡 Key Strategies for Success Newspapers | Anno 1800 Wiki | Fandom
does not have a dedicated offline LAN mode; an active internet connection is required to authenticate through Ubisoft Connect
even when playing with others on the same local network. You can, however, simulate a LAN experience by Custom Match
and inviting players from your friends list while all connected to the same router Multiplayer Features in Anno 1800
Anno 1800 does not officially support offline LAN (Local Area Network) play. Multiplayer matches are hosted through Ubisoft Connect and require an active internet connection to authenticate and connect players, even if they are in the same physical room. Multiplayer Features & Requirements
While traditional offline LAN is unavailable, you can still play with friends locally by using the standard online multiplayer menus:
Internet Dependency: All players must be logged into their own unique accounts (Ubisoft or Steam) with separate game licenses to play together; you cannot play multiplayer offline or share a single license across two local PCs.
Player Capacity: Matches support up to 16 players divided across four factions.
Co-op Mode: Up to four players can share control of a single "governor" (faction), sharing resources, money, and islands to manage a complex empire more efficiently.
Hosting: One player hosts a "Custom Game" and invites friends via the Ubisoft Connect friend list. Troubleshooting Connectivity
If you are trying to play with someone on your local network and experiencing issues, ensure:
Both players have a green "connected to matchmaking" icon in the main menu.
You have added each other directly through the Ubisoft Connect App, as Steam invites can occasionally be unreliable.
Firewalls are not blocking the game's connection to Ubisoft services.
You can play the same "player" in multiplayer and it's amazing! : r/anno
Anno 1800 does not officially support native LAN (Local Area Network) or offline multiplayer. While the game features robust multiplayer options, it requires an active internet connection and a Ubisoft Connect account to verify ownership and synchronize sessions. Multiplayer Core Features For PC (Ubisoft Connect or Steam + Ubisoft Connect)
Despite the lack of a dedicated LAN mode, you can still play with people in the same building by using the standard online multiplayer menus:
Player Count: Supports up to 16 players total across four distinct teams.
Co-op Mode: A standout feature where up to 4 players can control the same company, sharing resources, islands, and fleets to manage a complex empire together.
Modes: You can create Custom Sessions for private games with friends or use Quick Match to find random opponents. How to Set Up a "Local" Multiplayer Match
To play with someone on the same network, follow these steps while both players are online: Howto: Coop Multiplayer Anno 1800 with a friend on Steam PC
does not have a native, offline LAN mode; it requires an active internet connection to authenticate through Ubisoft Connect
. However, you can simulate a LAN experience by hosting a private custom session and inviting friends on the same local network. Setting Up Your "LAN" Session
To play with people in the same room, everyone must be online and on each other's friends lists. Anno Union Host the Game : From the main menu, select Multiplayer Host New Game Configure Privacy : Check the "Friend Game"
option to allow friends to join without a direct invitation. Invite Players button to bring friends into the lobby. : If using mods, every player must have the exact same versions installed to avoid desynchronization. Multiplayer Modes & Dynamics Anno 1800 supports up to 16 players across four factions. Co-Optimus Co-op Mode
: Multiple players can control the same "company" or faction. This is highly recommended for LAN play as it allows one person to manage the New World while another focuses on Old World logistics. Competitive Play
: Players can act as rival companies, racing to settle key islands or achieve specific victory conditions. AI Fillers
: If you don't have a full group of human players, you can fill open slots with AI opponents to keep the world lively. Optimization for Local Play Since the game uses a "lock-step" sync mechanism
, it primarily sends user inputs (mouse/keyboard actions) rather than the entire game state. This keeps bandwidth usage low, but stability is critical. Prevent Desyncs
: Ensure all players have updated network drivers and have performed a clean boot to minimize background interference. Managing Complexity
: As the game progresses across multiple regions (Old World, New World, Enbesa, etc.), use the number pad keys to switch between instances quickly. Shared Strategy
: In co-op, communicate constantly about resource transfers. One player might overproduce timber while the other focuses on bricks to speed up early expansion. How to Play Anno 1800 | The Complete Beginners Guide 2022
Building Your Industrial Empire Together: An Anno 1800 LAN Multiplayer Guide
There is nothing quite like the hum of dozens of steam engines and the frantic clicking of mice in a room full of friends. Note: Direct IP connection is not available in Anno 1800
brings the dawn of the industrial age to life, and while online play is standard, a LAN (Local Area Network) setup offers the lowest latency and the best atmosphere for a marathon session. 🛠️ Setting Up Your Local Network
Before you start placing blueprints, you need to ensure everyone is on the same page—literally.
Version Matching: Every player must have the exact same version of the game. Check the version number in the bottom corner of the main menu.
DLC Synchronization: Ideally, all players should own the same DLCs. If the host has DLCs that others don't, those features may be disabled for the session to ensure compatibility.
Ubisoft Connect: Even for LAN, Anno 1800 requires an active Ubisoft Connect login. The game "heartbeats" to Ubisoft servers, so an internet connection is usually required to start the session, even if the data stays local.
Firewall Permissions: Ensure Anno1800.exe is allowed through your Windows Firewall on Private Networks. 🏗️ Creating the Match
Once everyone is logged in and sitting in the same room, follow these steps: The Host: Select Multiplayer from the main menu.
Game Setup: Choose "Create Game." You can set the difficulty, map size, and island types.
Privacy Settings: Set the lobby to "Public" or "Friends Only." In a LAN setting, your friends should see your username pop up in the "Available Games" list.
Inviting: Alternatively, use the Shift + F2 overlay to invite players directly from your friends list. 🤝 Co-op vs. Competitive You have two primary ways to play with your friends: 1. Competitive (Classic)
Each player controls their own company. You race for the best islands, compete for trade dominance, and eventually decide whether to form alliances or go to war. This is best for groups who enjoy a bit of friendly sabotage. 2. Co-op Mode Up to four players can control the same empire.
Divide and Conquer: One person manages the Old World production, another handles the logistics of the New World, and a third focuses on naval combat.
Shared Purse: You share all finances and resources. It’s the ultimate test of communication! 💡 Pro-Tips for a Smooth Session
The "Save Game" Rule: Only the host saves the progress. If you plan to play over multiple days, ensure the same person always hosts.
Performance Matters: Anno 1800 is CPU-intensive. If one player's PC is struggling, it can cause "desync" errors for everyone. Set the simulation speed based on the slowest computer in the room.
Synchronize Breaks: High-tier gameplay requires intense focus. Use the in-game "Pause" feature (available in multiplayer) to make sure no one misses a vital trade ship arrival during a pizza run. 🛡️ Troubleshooting Desyncs If you get a "Desync" error:
Stop: Don't try to keep playing; the game states have diverged.
Re-host: The host should exit to the menu and reload the most recent Autosave.
Check Hardware: If it happens constantly, ensure no one is using a faulty Wi-Fi connection. A wired Ethernet setup is always superior for LAN. Ready to start the revolution? If you'd like, I can help you with: A New World layout to maximize coffee production. The best items to socket in your Trade Unions.
How to efficiently manage your influence in a 4-player game.