Tycoons like to exploit resources quickly for immediate use, which leads to workers that are richer and can pay more taxes. This faction is representative of the Global Trust, Earth's number one leading energy supplier in 2070. Resources and technology upgrades can be carried on Arks, and be used in another game in 'Continuous Mode'. Players can customize their Ark to fit personal preference, which only is for aesthetic, as well as gaining special rewards that affect gameplay. Players can also gain achievement and rewards from just playing the game. For example, voting for the Tycoons' CEO Skylar Banes will increase productivity of manufacturing buildings. Participation will give different effects to all players, depending on who is president or what bill was passed, until the next cycle of voting begins.

Players can also vote for a World President and vote in Senate Council. All humankind rally under one global government where the three main factions of the game control the world's decisions. In Anno 2070, politics are no longer defined by countries, boundaries, religions, races, etc., but how humans choose to produce energy. Current Events change daily, unlike World Events, which can be around for several months. There are also 'Current Events', where a player can complete a particular quest for one of the three factions to gain rewards. Third event: Global Distrust - players help the Global Trust to prevent a global recession by expanding trades and decrease taxes to attract more inhabitants.Second event: Project Eden - players help the Eden Initiative activate 'Former' technologies, which are high-performance air and water filtration systems, to fight pollution on islands.First event: Neo Skullz Pirates - players answer the World Council's call to war against the pirates who threaten humanity with nuclear missiles.Completing missions will reward players depending on how many people participate. The gameplay includes 'World Events' special missions only offered for a limited time, allowing all players to band together and complete the missions. The Tech is a support faction available to the other two, and they are useful in researching the latest and most powerful technologies.

Tycoons are industrious and expand quickly, but have problems with pollution and dwindling resources.

Ecos are environmental and build sustainable cities, but are inefficient and slow to expand. The game has three factions: The Eden Initiative (referred to as the 'Ecos'), The Global Trust (referred to as the 'Tycoons'), and the S.A.A.T. Global warming has melted the Arctic ice cap, which has raised the global sea level so high that what used to be mountains are all that remains of land.

Anno 2070 city layout