You can now test Anno 1800 for free on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

You can now test Anno 1800 for free on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

A full four years after its release for PC, Anno 1800 has made it to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in a specially adapted console version. As colleague Martin Deppe found out in his test, you can expect a great implementation for consoles thanks to many practical adjustments.

It is therefore all the nicer that their Ubisoft strategy masterpiece even Try it for free – and not just in a time-limited demo, but the complete package for seven days at a time, which you can now find on the PS Store and the Microsoft Store.

• Start of the test phase: March 16, 5 p.m
• End of the test phase: March 23rd

You can play this Anno 1800 content

You have access to for one week the entire main game including Campaign, Freeplay and Multiplayer. You can carry over your progress from the trial version if you decide to buy it afterwards.

However, there are differences to the PC version. So the scope on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in points DLCs is significantly lower. In the console version of Anno 1800 you will find all the free DLCs in addition to the main game, but not the twelve paid expansions. According to Ubisoft, they should no longer appear for consoles at a later date.

You can see Martin’s detailed test video for the console version of Anno 1800 here:

10:20

Test video for the console version of Anno 1800 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Is there crossplay? Unfortunately, no. If you want to play Anno 1800 in multiplayer, you can only do that with everyone who is playing on the same platform as you.

Sexism issues at Ubisoft: The French developer and publisher has been accused of a toxic corporate culture since July 2020. These include far-reaching sexism problems, misogyny and discrimination, which are said to be deeply rooted in the company. Although Ubisoft has already drawn conclusions, for example by exchanging management staff and openly commenting on the allegations, many employees feel that these measures are not sufficient within the company.

This is new in the console version of Anno 1800

The PC version was mainly adapted graphically and in terms of usability. The game runs in 4K and a stable 30 fps, but does not offer an alternative graphics mode. The biggest visual shortcoming is currently the late loading of textures when you zoom in closer to the game.

The biggest difference but you can see it in the HUD. Elements and icons are displayed much larger and clearer and menus are adjusted so that you can easily select them with the controller. According to Martin, you can also enjoy Anno 1800 comfortably with the pad and from the couch.

Are you going to download the trial version and if so, please write in the comments how you like Anno on console.