Besides introducing characters, it also doubles as a tutorial and introduction to the basics of Anno 1404 game-play. It tells the story of planned crusade-turned-plot to overthrow the Emperor. Anno 1404 features a single-player story mode known as the Campaign.
Bei Anno 1503 gibt es keine Steuern mehr, dagegen verdient der Spieler nun. Es funktioniert nach einem ähnlichen Spielprinzip wie der Vorgänger Anno 1602, jedoch ist die Grafik detaillierter und die Wirtschaftskreisläufe sind komplexer.
The AI can be included into multiplayer sessions: Dependent on the chosen game scenario, AI controlled characters will occupy all free slots not used by human players. It can be played as Continuous play or in special multiplayer scenarios.