How to produce Steam Motors in Anno 1800

Producing Steam Motors in Anno 1800 is a complex chain that requires many buildings before we get to Motor Assembly Line. Steam Motors are core ingredient of of Steam Carriages production chain and also need for the production of steam ships at the Steam Shipyard.


What is produced

In this production chain we will be producing Steam Motors. Steam Motors are used in the production of Steam Carriages and also in the production of Steam Ships.

Steam Motors in Anno 1800

Buildings in this chain

Here we will look at what buildings are in this production chain. When looking at the buildings that are required we will first need to look at four mines that are needed. These are Iron Mine, Coal Mine, Copper Mine, and Zinc Mine. Obviously when using this many mines the production chain becomes quite cumbersome as you will be unlikely to find all of these resource on the same island. You will need to transport these from other islands to an island that can produce the final product. When you get these on an island you will then need to have Furnaces and Brass Smelteries to convert these into Steel in the Steel production chain and Brass in the Brass Smeltery. The final step is for these materials to go to the Motor Assembly Line to produce Steam Motors.

BuildingNo. neededCost per buildingTotal cost
Iron Mine1$800 Credits
4 Timber
4 Bricks
$800 Credits
4 Timber
4 Bricks
Coal Mine1$600 Credits
4 Timber
5 Bricks
$600 Credits
4 Timber
5 Bricks
Copper MIne2$5000 Credits
8 Timber
15 Bricks
12 Steel Beams
10 Windows
10 Reinforced Concrete
$10000 Credits
16 Timber
30 Bricks
24 Steel Beams
20 Windows
20 Reinforced Concrete
Zinc MIne2$5000 Credits
8 Timber
15 Bricks
12 Steel Beams
10 Windows
10 Reinforced Concrete
$10000 Credits
16 Timber
30 Bricks
24 Steel Beams
20 Windows
20 Reinforced Concrete
Furnace2$500 Credits
4 Timber
5 Bricks
$1000 Credits
8 Timber
10 Bricks
Brass Smeltery4$17000 Credits
8 Timber
15 Bricks
12 Steel Beams
10 Windows
10 Reinforced Concrete
$68000
32 Timber
60 Bricks
48 Steel Beams
40 Windows
40 Reinforced Concrete
Motor Assembly Line3$75000 Credits
16 Timber
30 Bricks
24 Steel Beams
20 Windows
20 Reinforced Concrete
$225000 Credits
48 Timber
90 Bricks
72 Steel Beams
60 Windows
60 Reinforced Concrete
Total$315400 Credits
128 Timber
229 Bricks
168 Steel Beams
140 Windows
140 reinforced Concrete

Iron mine

You can only build an Iron Mine on islands that actually contain iron deposits. To check this, start by looking at the resource bar, which lists all materials available on that island. If you prefer a more hands‑on approach, you can also explore the island directly and hover over each mining site to see what resource it provides. Additionally, iron deposits are always found near mountains, so those areas are the best places to check first.

To build an Iron mine, you will need the following items:

  • $800 credits
  • 4 timber
  • 5 bricks
  • Iron deposit on the island

As well as the build costs, you will also need the following ongoing costs:

  • 50 workers
  • $50 credits per minute for maintenance

Once these conditions are met, the mine will begin producing two iron ore per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your production chains running smoothly. In turn, this consistency helps prevent shortages, ensuring that your city can continue growing without interruption.

Iron mine production details in Anno 1800
  • Function : mines iron ore.
  • Limitation : can only be placed on top of iron ore deposit.
  • Unlocks : unlocks at 300 workers.
  • Depletion : Iron mines do not deplete over time.
  • Region : available in the Old World and Cape Trelawney

Coal mine

You can only build a Coal Mine in specific areas of the map. To find the right spot, start by checking which mining sites are designated for coal. Once you’ve identified a coal deposit, try to place your Coal Mine as close as possible to your Iron Mine, since this setup creates a more efficient production chain. Furthermore, keeping both mines nearby reduces transport time and helps maintain a steady flow of materials. In addition, remember that the Coal Mine only becomes available once you reach 250 Artisans, so it’s important to plan your progression with this milestone in mind. By preparing early, you can transition smoothly into a more efficient steel production setup.

To build the Coal mine, you will need the following:

  • $600 credits
  • 4 timber
  • 5 bricks
  • Coal deposit on the island

You will also need the following ongoing costs:

  • 50 workers
  • $50 credits per minute for maintenance

Once these conditions are met, the mine will continuously produce four tons of coal per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your Furnace running without interruption. Furthermore, this consistent fuel flow helps maintain smooth production, preventing slowdowns and keeping your Steel production chain efficient. Ultimately, with dependable coal coming in, the rest of your industry can operate at full speed.

Coal mine production details in Anno 1800
  • Function : mines coal.
  • Limitation : can only be placed on coal deposits.
  • Unlocks : unlocks at 250 Artisans.
  • Depletion : Coal mines do not deplete over time.
  • Region : available in the Old World and Cape Trelawney

Copper Mine

This is the Copper Mine. You will need to place down Copper Mines on top of Copper deposits. The Copper Mine is one of two mines that are required for the production of Brass io the Brass Smeltery. When dealing with the Copper Mine you will have to locate which island have Copper on them and then either build the extra factories on these islands or transport the Copper to another island.

To build the Copper Mine it will cost you:

  • $5000 Credits
  • Timber 8
  • Bricks 15
  • Steel Beams 12
  • Windows 10
  • Reinforced Concrete 10

In addition to these construction costs you will also need to account for the following:

  • 25 Workers
  • 250 Credits per minute in Maintenance

When working at 100% the Copper Mine will produce two tons of Copper per minute. This will enable your production chains to run at maximum efficiency.

Copper Mine details in Anno 1800
  • Function: To mine Copper
  • Placement: The Copper Mine can only be placed on islands that have Copper deposits available. You can only place the Copper Mine directly on top of these deposits.
  • Production Rate: Produces two tons of Copper per minute.

Zinc Mine

This is the Zinc Mine it is placed directly on top of Zinc deposits that are located on some of the islands in Anno 1800. The Zinc Mine is one of two mines that are required for the production of Brass in the Brass Smeltery. If you can it is best to place both of these mines on the same island if possible. This will limit the amount of transportation that you will need to do.

To build the Zinc Mine it will cost:

  • $5000 Credits
  • Timber 8
  • Bricks 15
  • Steel Beams 12
  • Windows 10
  • Reinforced Concrete 10

In addition to these construction costs you will also need to account for the following:

  • 25 Workers
  • 250 Credits per minute in Maintenance

When working at 100% the Zinc Mine will produce two tons of Zinc per minute. This will enable your production chains to run at maximum efficiency.

Zinc Mine details in Anno 1800
  • Function: To Mine Zinc.
  • Placement: Can only be placed on top of Zinc deposits. On an island with Zinc available.
  • Production rate: Will produce two tons of Zinc per minute.
  • Region: Old world only.
  • Unlocks at: 1 Engineer

Furnace

The Furnace is the last building in the Steel production chain in Anno 1800. The Furnace will take the coal and the iron ore and turn these into Steel. Steel in Anno 1800 is an important material, as it is needed for the Steel beams production chain and Weapons, and in later game items such as the Sewing machines production chain.

To build the Furnace, you will need the following items:

  • $500 credits
  • 4 timber
  • 5 bricks
  • 4×7 tile space

As well as the above, you will also need the following:

  • 100 workers
  • $100 credits per minute for maintenance

Once these conditions are met, the Furnace will continuously produce Two tons of Steel per minute. As a result, you’ll have a steady and reliable supply to keep your empire building going without interruption.

Furnace production details in Anno 1800
  • Function : converts iron ore and coal in to steel.
  • Placement : can be placed anywhere.
  • Unlocks : unlocks at 300 workers.
  • Regions : available in Old World, Cape Trelawney and the New World.

Brass Smeltery

This is the Brass Smeltery. It is used in Anno 1800 for the production of Brass. The Brass Smeltery can be placed on any island as their is no requirement for fertility or availability of items that it requires. It is best placed on to an island that has both Copper and Zinc as these are the items that it requires for the production of Brass. If these items are not available on the island then they will have to be transported there.

To build the Brass Smeltery it will cost you:

  • $17000 Credits
  • Timber 8
  • Bricks 15
  • Steel Beams 12
  • Windows 10
  • Reinforced Concrete 10

In addition to these costs you will also have to account for these running costs:

  • 25 Workers
  • -250 Credits per minute in maintenance
  • -10 Attractiveness

When these conditions are met the Brass Smeltery will produce ton of Brass every 60 seconds.

Brass production details in Anno 1800
  • Function: To turn Copper and Zinc into Brass
  • Placement: Can be placed anywhere
  • Production rate: One ton of Brass every 60 seconds
  • Regions: Old World
  • Unlocks at: 1 Engineer

Motor Assembly Line

This is the Motor Assembly Line in Anno 1800. This can be placed on any island as long as it has access to Electricity. The Motor Assembly Line will not function with out Electricity. It can only be built in the Old World. Ensure that you have a Furnace and Brass Smeltery on the same island as this is what it requires to build the Steam Motors. The Motor Assembly Line produces 1.33 tons of Steam Motors every minute.

To build the Motor Assembly Line it will cost you:

  • $75000 Credits
  • 16 Timber
  • 30 Bricks
  • 24 Steel Beams
  • 20 Windows
  • 20 Reinforced Concrete

In addition to these costs you will also have to account for these running costs:

  • 250 Engineers
  • -1800 Credits per minute in maintenance
  • -10 Attractiveness
Steam Motors production details in Anno 1800
  • Function: To produce Seam Motors
  • Production rate: 1.33 tons per minute
  • Regions: Old World
  • Unlocks at: 500 Engineers
  • Requirements: Electricity

Tech tree

This is the Tech tree for the production of Steam Motors. It is important to have a balanced layout for the Steam Motors production chain. As you can see from the Tech tree to produce a perfect production layout.

Steam Motors tech tree

Layout

This is a very basic layout for the Steam Motors production chain. When dealing with this production chain it is very difficult to have it all placed on the same island. This is because it requires four different mines for it to operate at maximum efficiency. The likely hood is that you will have to transport some materials from other islands to the island that contains the Furnace and the Brass Smeltery. It will also be best to place the Motor Assembly Line close to the Furnace and the Brass Smeltery for maximum efficiency.

Steam Motors simple layout in Anno 1800

Improving productivity

In this section we will look at what we can do to improve the Steam Motors production chain in Anno 1800. We will be looking at the Trade union and what benefits it gives to the buildings that it influences. Here we can see that we have placed down two Trade unions for assisting the production of Steam Motors.

Steam Motors simple layout in Anno 1800 with Trade unions

Lets now take a look at what items we can add to the Trade union to assist with these buildings.

Trade union items for Iron mine

Here are some of the best items for the Iron mine.

Item nameEffectRarity/Notes
Inflammable Concoction +100% productivity,
+50% chance of explosion
Common – destroyed after 2 hours use
Expedition bonus –
+5 crafting
Big box of Dynamite+200% productivity,
+100 chance of explosion
Uncommon – destroyed after 2 hours
Expedition bonus –
+ 5 force,
+4 naval power
Ventilator-50% workforce neededUncommon
Expedition bonus –
+20 crafting
Safety Elevator+35% productivity,
-25% maintenance costs,
+30% chance of explosion
Rare
Simmons Electrifying Elevator+40% productivity,
-35% maintenance costs
Epic

Trade union items for Coal mine

Here are some of the best items for the Coal mine.

Item nameEffectNotes
Dynamite100% productivity
+50% chance of explosion
Common – destroyed after 2 hours use
Expedition bonus –
+2 naval power
+3 force
Miner+20% productivityCommon
Expedition bonus –
+10 crafting
Freight Elevator+25% productivity
-15% maintenance costs
+50% chance of explosion
Uncommon
First-rate Sapper+50% Productivity
-75% workforce needed
Rare
Expedition bonus –
+30 crafting
+10 force
Micaela the Mining Engineer-100% maintenance costs
-100% workforce
Epic
Expedition bonus –
+40 craft
+20 force
Jorg von Malching, Augur of the Auric+70% productivity
occasionally produces gold or oil
Legendary
Expedition bonus –
+50 crafting
+30 force

Trade union items for Furnace

Here are some of the best items for the Furnace.

Item nameEffectNotes
Calciner+40% productivity,
+50% chance of fire,
-3 attractiveness
Uncommon
Coal Permit+25% productivity,
+20% attractiveness
Uncommon
Night Pollution By-law-10% productivity,
-40% attractiveness
Uncommon
Heavy Coal Permit+40% productivity,
+40% attractiveness
Rare
Bechamel Converter+60% productivity,
-1 attractiveness,
-50% workforce needed
Epic
Greens Law to Postpone the Apocalypse-30% productivity,
-80% attractiveness
Epic

Trade union items for Zinc and Copper Mines

Item nameEffetsRarity/Notes
Dynamite100% Productivity
+50% Explosion Chance
Duration:02:00:00
Destroyed after use
Common
Expedition bonus –
+3 Force
+2 Naval Power
Miner+20% ProductivityCommon
Expedition bonus –
+10 Crafting
Big Box of Dynamite+200% Productivity
+100% Explosion Chance
Duration:02:00:00
Destroyed after use
Uncommon
Expedition bonus –
+5 Force
+4 Naval Power
Freight Elevator+25% Productivity
-15% Maintenance Cost
+50% Explosion Chance
Uncommon
Ventilator-50% WorkforceUncommon
Expedition bonus –
+20 Crafting
First Rate Sapper+50% Productivity
-75% Workforce
Rare
Expedition bonus –
+30 Crafting
+10 Force
Mad Mary, Dynamite Enthusiast-35% Productivity
+50% Workforce Needed
+250% Maintenance Cost
+50% Chance of Illness
+50% Explosion Chance
New Input
The building now processes  Dynamite.
Extra Goods
Occasionally produces extra output
Rare
Expedition bonus –
+25 Crafting
+15 Force
Safety Elevator+35% Productivity
-25% Maintenance Cost
+30% Explosion Chance
Rare
Micaela the Mining Engineer-100% Maintenance Costs
-100% Workforce
Epic
Expedition bonus –
+40 Crafting
+20 Force
Simmons Electrifying Elevator+40% Productivity
-35% Maintenance Cost
Epic
Jörg von Malching, Augur of the Auric+70% Productivity
Extra Goods
Occasionally produces extra  Gold Ore
Occasionally produces extra  Oil
Legendary
Expedition bonus –
+50 Crafting
+30 Force

Trade union items for Brass Smeltery

Here are some of the items for the Brass Smeltery

Item nameEffectsRarity/Notes
Calciner+40% Productivity
-3 Attractiveness
+50% Chance of fire
Uncommon
Coal Permit+25% Productivity
+20% Attractiveness
Uncommon
Night Pollution Bye-Law-10% Productivity
-40% Attractiveness
Uncommon
Heavy Coal Permit+40% Productivity
+40% Attractiveness
Rare
Night and Day Pollution By-Law-20% Productivity
-60% Attractiveness
Rare
Reverberatory Furnace+50% Productivity
-2 Attractiveness
+30% Chance of fire
Rare
Bechamel Converter+60% Productivity
-1 Attractiveness
-50% Workforce
Epic
Green’s Law to Postpone The Apocalypse-30% Productivity
-80% Attractiveness
Epic
Lord Footprint’s Gargantuan Smokestack Act+55% Productivity
+660% Attractiveness
Epic

Trade union items for the Motor Assembly Line

Here are some of the items for the Motor Assembly Line

Item nameEffectsRarity/Notes
Calciner+40% Productivity
-3 Attractiveness
+50% Chance of fire
Uncommon
Coal Permit+25% Productivity
+20% Attractiveness
Ucommmon
Night Pollution By-Law-10% Productivity
-40% Attractiveness
Uncommon
Heavy Coal Permit+40% Productivity
+40% Attractiveness
Rare
Night and Day Pollution By-Law-20% Productivity
-60% Attractiveness
Rare
Reverberatory Furnace+50% Productivity
-2 Attractiveness
+30% Chance of fire
Rare
Bechamel Converter+60% Productivity
-1 Attractiveness
-50% Workforce
Epic
Green’s Law to Postpone The Apocalypse-30% Productivity
-80% Attractiveness
Epic
Lord Footprint’s Gargantuan Smokestack Act+55% Productivity
+60% Attractiveness
Epic

Using Electricity

Iron mine

The Iron Mine’s production will double once it receives electricity. As soon as you connect the mine to a Power Plant’s radius, its output increases immediately, allowing you to gather iron ore much faster. As a result, your entire production of Steel and Steel beams in Anno 1800 becomes more efficient, giving you a stronger and more reliable supply for the rest of your industry

Coal mine

The Coal mine’s production will double when it is supplied with electricity. Once the mine is within a power plant’s radius, its output increases immediately, allowing you to generate coal at a much faster rate.

Zinc Mine

This is the Zinc Mine it will massively benefit from the addition of Electricity, When added the Zinc Mine output will double.

Copper Mine

This is the Copper Mine. Like the Zinc Mine the Copper Mine‘s output will double.

Furnace

When a Furnace is supplied with electricity, its productivity receives a significant boost. Once the building is inside a power plant’s radius, its output immediately doubles, allowing it to process iron ore into steel at twice the normal speed.

Brass Smeltery

Adding Electricity to the Brass Smeltery will double it output.

Motor Assembly Line

The Motor Assembly Line requires Electricity to work. Without Electricity the Factory will sit idle. When you add Electricity to it the standard output will be 200%.