The player views islands from an isometric perspective and places roads, residences, public buildings, farms, mines, workshops, and defensive structures. Ships explore the map, establish colonies, transport goods, trade with other factions, and engage in naval combat when relations deteriorate.

Population tiers unlock new buildings and demands. A settlement must maintain access to food, clothing, tools, and other goods while balancing taxes, storage, production capacity, and housing. Scenarios provide defined objectives, while free-play games allow more flexible expansion and competition.

Begin with a compact settlement near fertile land, forests, and a useful shoreline. Keep production chains short at first and build storage close to producers and docks.

Upgrade residents only after basic goods are reliable. Scout islands early, reserve room for roads and public buildings, and use trade to cover shortages before committing to expensive military expansion. Protect vital ships and maintain more than one source of critical resources when possible.