Mornin’, pioneers!
Before the first caravans arrived and buildings began to rise, settlers had to answer a single question: Is this the right place?
Early pioneers learned to read the land carefully. They searched for water that would not dry up in summer, soil that could be worked season after season, and nearby hunting grounds that could sustain a growing community. Wagon train journals from the Oregon and California Trails dating back to the 1830s repeat the same hard-earned advice: water first, land second, everything else later. Where animals move regularly, water and food are never far behind.
Some settlements endured despite poor early decisions, but many struggled to prosper—slowly undone by small mistakes in placement.
In Wild West Pioneers, choosing your place to settle is just as important. Fertile soil, reliable water sources, and nearby resources like wildlife can support long-term growth, while a poor decision can quietly undermine even the strongest settlement.
Ready to make that choice yourself? The Wild West Pioneers demo will be available soon.