Hanse: Die Expedition

Hanse: Die Expedition is a historical trading simulation set in the 13th century. The player begins as a merchant based in the port city of Lübeck, aiming to eventually become its mayor. This long-term goal involves establishing a trade network by opening stores in distant cities such as Riga, Malmö, or Nowgorod.

Core economic activity revolves around acquiring local specialty goods like wool, furs, or honey from these outposts and selling them at fluctuating prices back in Lübeck. The hometown also provides essential services, including a shipyard for expanding one's fleet and a bank for securing loans. The gameplay integrates generational management, where starting a family requires educating children and can lead to sending them on expeditions to discover new cities.

Succession is a critical mechanic, as upon the player character's death, a child must be present in Lübeck to inherit the business. External threats come from pirates and rival nations, triggering tactical combat resolved on a separate strategic map where the player positions cannons for an automated battle. The campaign concludes after 250 simulated years, upon achieving the mayoralty, or if no heir is available to take over the store.