Goods Demand Explained: What Each Settlement Actually Buys

Every settlement in TRADESMAN belongs to one of four demand types, and that type — not the demand star — decides what raises your reputation there. This is the mechanic behind both our reputation grinding and best first trade route guides, explained in one place.

#The four demand types

The color coding is shown on the settlement, so you can identify the type at a glance before you even open the trade screen.

#Why this matters more than the demand star

Selling goods that match the settlement's type raises reputation whether or not they carry the in-demand star. Players reported being misled by the star "the entire game" before figuring this out. Check the type first, then load the wagon.

#Practical strategy

• Neutral goods are the hardest to run. Iron ore, tools, and wolf skins are heavy and push your danger level up fast — only haul them with a strong party that can survive the road fights they attract.
• Military goods have the best value-per-danger ratio at the low end (pickaxes and arrows), but armor is heavy and risky.
• Domestic goods (fish, grain, flour, eggs) are light and cheap — ideal for early-game reputation grinding.
• Industrial goods sit in the middle: bread, meat, and honey are safe staples; planks and saws are bulkier.

#Settlements by type (representative)

• Domestic: Grampstead, Hivesville, Miningham, Furryfoot Village, Cluckingtown
• Industrial: Sawmillstead, Fishpool
• Military: the three Watchmanshams, Fortsville, Redrage Village, Wildshire
• Neutral: Grubgrog Village, Squintytown, Lower Squintytown

For the full 17-settlement list with rewards, see settlement reputation rewards.

#Sources

• Steam guide: 攻略心得 (Nanaosei, CN) — town demand goods by type
• Steam guide: Reputation rewards (M.VoronRUs, RU/EN) — settlement types

Community-compiled as of September 2026.