States Builder: Trade Empire is an addictive idle world-building simulator where you expand human civilization one tile at a time. From logging raw timber to constructing complex industrial facilities and launching rockets, success relies heavily on efficient supply chain management and smart investment choices.

Whether you are starting out in World 1 or looking to optimize your global trade networks, this comprehensive strategy guide will help you scale faster and boost your passive earnings.

1. Prioritize Supply Chain Processing

Raw resources like unprocessed timber and stone generate quick immediate cash, but they have low profit margins. Always upgrade toward secondary and tertiary production facilities (such as sawmills and board factories) as early as possible. Processed goods take slightly longer to produce but yield significantly higher coin outputs per cycle.

2. Focus on Permanent Global Upgrades

In States Builder: Trade Empire, upgrades fall into two main categories:

• Facility-Specific Upgrades: Each individual node on the map has up to 6 upgrade levels. These increase speed and output for that specific tile.
• Global Material Upgrades: Upgrades purchased for resource speed and overall profit apply across all facilities of that material type—and they carry over when moving to new levels! Always prioritize these long-term investments.

3. Maintain Balanced Hex Expansion

Resist the temptation to unlock random map hexes. Always prioritize hexes that contain brand-new resource nodes or connect directly to exploration facilities. Opening empty tiles without production value slows down your coin accumulation rate.

4. Leverage Exploration Balloons for Boosts

Diverting excess resources into launching exploration balloons is essential. Not only do balloons reveal nearby territory, but each successful launch grants direct coin and crystal bonuses that speed up your progress.

5. Prepare Ahead for Rocket Launches

To finish a continent and move to the next world, you must fully fuel a rocket. Rocket requirements demand large quantities of high-tier processed materials. Avoid selling off all your refined goods right before unlocking the rocket tile; hold onto stock so you can instantly fuel your launch.

Watch States Builder: Trade Empire Gameplay Walkthrough

Want to see these strategies in action? Check out this complete World 1 walkthrough video to get a visual feel for optimal hex placement and supply chain setups:

Summary Checklist for Speedrunning Continents

1. Max out local sawmill levels early.
2. Invest profit into global speed and multiplier upgrades.
3. Launch exploration balloons immediately when available.
4. Stockpile advanced materials for the rocket phase.

Have your own trading strategy or a faster hex route? Share your tips in the comments section below!