After Five Years of Creation, Anno 1800 Mod “New Horizons” Brings the Far East to Life
Since launching in 2019, Anno 1800 has entranced city-building and strategy enthusiasts with its intricate portrayal of the Industrial Age. Players have navigated areas inspired by Europe, South America, the Arctic, and Africa through a mix of base game features and official DLCs. Yet, one significant cultural region has notably been missing—until now.
Thanks to the commitment of a devoted group of modders, the eagerly anticipated fan-developed extension “New Horizons” is at last finished. After five years of development, this extensive mod introduces a vividly detailed Far East-themed region to Anno 1800, providing players with an innovative and immersive experience that rivals official expansions—all at no cost.
A Trip to the Far East: Welcome to Horai
“New Horizons” whisks players away to the freshly crafted Horai region, a land influenced by the cultural and architectural beauty of China and Japan. This new locale is not merely a visual revamp—it brings in an array of distinctive gameplay mechanics, population tiers, production chains, and environmental hurdles.
In Horai, players will oversee two new population classes: the Nóngmín (农民), signifying rural farmers, and the Gōngrén (工人), or workers. These inhabitants reside in exquisitely designed residential structures and contribute to the economy by producing and consuming region-specific items like porcelain, tea, and sake.
The region also features fresh natural resources and agricultural products, compelling players to modify their strategies. Adding to the difficulty are dynamic weather phenomena such as monsoon rains, which can disrupt farming efforts and supply chains. This environmental authenticity enhances the complexity and immersion of the gameplay.
New Characters and Familiar Voices
“New Horizons” not only broadens the map—it enhances the story and character interactions too. The mod features fully animated and voiced NPCs, some of whom are derived from previous Anno games. These characters animate the world of Horai, providing quests, trade possibilities, and diplomatic engagement that feel as refined as the base game.
A Community-Driven Masterpiece
The creation of “New Horizons” is a tribute to the commitment and ingenuity of the Anno modding community. The initiative was kicked off by Taubenangriff, who spent the initial two years solely crafting 3D assets. Subsequently, jje1000 and Hier0nimus became involved, adding programming and game design expertise. Over the years, the team expanded to include around 15 volunteers, each contributing their own skills.
The outcome is a mod that not only introduces new content but also integrates effortlessly with the existing game. From the user interface to the artistic direction and gameplay balance, “New Horizons” feels like a natural growth of Anno 1800.
How to Download and Play
“New Horizons” is available at no cost on Mod.io, a well-known platform for game modifications. The mod page features comprehensive installation guidelines, along with a list of recommended companion mods that improve compatibility and performance. A German translation is also provided for native speakers.
To begin, visit the official mod page: https://mod.io/g/anno-1800/m/new-horizonsdescription
Final Thoughts
“New Horizons” transcends being just a fan mod—it acts as a robust expansion that revitalizes Anno 1800. With its breathtaking visuals, inventive mechanics, and culturally rich backdrop, it presents players with a new frontier to explore and conquer. Whether you are a seasoned Anno veteran or a newcomer to the series, this mod is an essential addition that highlights the remarkable potential of community-driven content.
As the Anno community continues to flourish and develop, “New Horizons” exemplifies the incredible feats that passionate fans can achieve. Set sail for Horai and unveil the wonders that await beyond the horizon.