Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Indie, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Shining Rock Software
Publishers: Shining Rock Software

Banished (2014): A Comprehensive Guide to Surviving in the Wilderness

In the unforgiving wilderness of Banished, you take on the role of a leader guiding a group of exiled travelers as they attempt to build a new life in a distant land. With only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies, they must overcome harsh weather conditions, dwindling resources, and potential threats to establish a thriving community.

Gameplay

Banished is a city-building strategy game that emphasizes survival and sustainability. Players must manage their population’s needs, including food, shelter, firewood, and tools. Balancing these needs is crucial to ensure the survival and growth of your settlement.

Resources

Resources are essential for survival in Banished. Wood, stone, and iron are used for construction, while food and firewood are necessary to sustain the population. Players must carefully manage their resources to avoid shortages and ensure the long-term viability of their settlement.

Food Production

Feeding your population is paramount in Banished. Hunting and gathering are initially available, but agriculture is essential for sustainable food production. Players must cultivate crops, such as wheat and turnips, and establish orchards for fruit production. Fishing is another valuable source of food, especially in coastal areas.

Shelter

Providing adequate shelter is crucial for protecting the population from the elements. Houses are the basic form of shelter, but players can also construct barns, storage facilities, and other structures to meet the needs of the community.

Firewood

Firewood is essential for warmth and cooking. Players must ensure a steady supply of firewood by assigning workers to chop down trees and gather wood. Woodcutters can be assigned to specific areas to prevent deforestation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource.

Tools

Tools are necessary for performing various tasks in Banished. Blacksmiths can forge tools from iron, including axes, hammers, and saws. Tools increase the efficiency of workers, allowing them to perform tasks more quickly and effectively.

Trading

Trading is an important way to acquire resources that are scarce or unavailable in your settlement. Players can establish trade routes with neighboring settlements to exchange goods and resources. Trading can be used to supplement food supplies, obtain building materials, or acquire luxury goods.

Population Management

Managing your population is crucial in Banished. As your settlement grows, you must ensure that there is enough food, shelter, and resources to sustain everyone. Balancing the population’s needs with the available resources is essential for long-term survival.

Diplomacy

Diplomacy plays a role in Banished, as neighboring settlements can be allies or potential threats. Players can establish alliances with other settlements to gain access to resources, trade goods, and military support. However, conflicts can arise, and players may need to defend their settlement from attacks.

Disasters and Events

Banished features a variety of random events and disasters that can challenge players’ survival. These events include fires, droughts, and disease outbreaks. Players must be prepared to respond to these events effectively to minimize their impact on the settlement.

Longevity and Replayability

Banished offers a high degree of replayability. The randomly generated maps and the variety of challenges ensure that each playthrough is unique. The game’s modding community has also created numerous custom maps, scenarios, and mods, extending the game’s longevity and providing endless opportunities for exploration and experimentation.

Conclusion

Banished is a captivating city-building strategy game that challenges players to survive and thrive in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness. With its emphasis on sustainability, resource management, and population growth, Banished offers a deep and rewarding gameplay experience. Whether you are a seasoned strategy gamer or new to the genre, Banished is sure to provide hours of engaging and thought-provoking gameplay.