PREVIEW – Ubisoft Mainz is bringing strategy fans back to the glory days of ancient Rome with Anno 117: Pax Romana. Players take on the role of a Roman governor, making key decisions that will shape the fate of the empire. Set to launch in 2025, the game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

The Anno series has long been celebrated for its deep city-building mechanics and historical authenticity, and Anno 117: Pax Romana continues that legacy. This time, the game transports players to the heart of the Roman Empire, where they must build, govern, and expand their territories. With multiple provinces to oversee, each offering unique challenges and opportunities, every decision matters.

Exploring the Roman Empire

Anno 117: Pax Romana marks a departure from the modern and futuristic themes of previous entries, instead immersing players in the ancient world. For the first time in the franchise, players can start their journey from two distinct provinces—Latium, the heart of the empire, or Albion, the mysterious Celtic frontier. Each starting point presents its own strategic advantages and obstacles.

Latium, the capital of Roman civilization, is a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and politics. With bustling marketplaces, opulent villas, and legendary amphitheaters, it embodies the power and wealth of Rome. Here, players will have access to advanced infrastructure, but managing the demands of a growing population will be key to success. Efficient city planning and resource management will determine whether their province flourishes or flounders.

Albion, on the other hand, is a rugged and untamed land ruled by Celtic tribes. Conquering and integrating this region will be no easy feat, as the harsh climate and fiercely independent locals make expansion challenging. Players must decide whether to bring the Celts under Roman rule by force or win their loyalty through diplomacy. With its valuable resources and strategic position, controlling Albion could be crucial to the empire’s long-term stability.

Governance and Consequences

At the heart of Anno 117: Pax Romana lies a complex web of choices. As governor, players dictate whether the empire thrives through economic prosperity or military conquest. But that’s only part of the equation—will they remain loyal to the emperor, or will they seize power for themselves? Every decision carries weight, leading to unique challenges and lasting consequences. Diplomacy plays a pivotal role as well, determining whether the empire remains stable or crumbles from within.

For those who prioritize economic expansion, managing trade networks, supply chains, and citizen satisfaction will be paramount. A growing city brings wealth but also logistical hurdles—food supplies, infrastructure, and social harmony must be maintained to prevent unrest. A strong economy demands long-term strategic planning, but in return, it ensures stability and sustainable growth.

Military conquest offers a more aggressive path to dominance. Expanding the empire through force means maintaining a powerful army and securing newly acquired territories. While military victories bring glory and resources, they also add strain to the empire’s administration. Integrating conquered populations and fortifying borders will be a constant struggle, especially when resistance movements threaten to undo hard-won gains. Overextend the military, and the empire risks collapse; underinvest in defense, and revolts may spiral out of control.

Loyalist players will focus on strengthening the empire’s unity and serving the emperor. Ensuring citizens’ well-being, enforcing laws, and spreading Roman culture can create a stable and prosperous domain. However, excessive rigidity can stifle innovation, leading to stagnation and growing discontent.

For the more rebellious-minded, Anno 117: Pax Romana offers the opportunity to overthrow the emperor entirely. This high-risk, high-reward path requires gathering allies, stockpiling resources, and carefully plotting against imperial rule. A successful coup unlocks new possibilities, but failure means losing everything.

Building, Trading, and Expanding

Players can construct sprawling cities, erecting iconic Roman landmarks such as amphitheaters, bathhouses, and aqueducts while balancing the needs of their citizens. Society is stratified—slaves, commoners, patricians, and senators all have unique demands, and success hinges on keeping them satisfied.

Trade is the lifeblood of the empire, and players must establish and protect key trade routes. Managing the flow of agricultural goods, building materials, and luxury items will be crucial to economic growth. A well-oiled trade system ensures the empire’s longevity and prosperity.

When it comes to expansion, players can choose between peaceful annexation and military conquest. Diplomatic expansion involves forging alliances and integrating new territories through negotiations, while military campaigns offer a more direct approach. Each method comes with its own set of risks and rewards, and strategic foresight will be essential to maintaining power.

Story-Driven Campaign and Dynamic Events

Beyond city-building, Anno 117: Pax Romana delivers an engaging, choice-driven campaign where players’ actions shape the course of history. As they govern their province, unexpected events will test their leadership—natural disasters, political conspiracies, and military uprisings will keep them on their toes.

The game also introduces legendary historical figures, each with their own agendas. Players will interact with senators, generals, and even the emperor himself, all of whom can either aid or hinder their rule. Alliances must be carefully managed, as today’s trusted ally could become tomorrow’s greatest rival.

No two playthroughs will be the same, thanks to a dynamic event system. A sudden plague could spark a famine, a rebellious province might attempt to secede, or an invasion from a foreign power could throw the empire into chaos. Adapting to these ever-changing circumstances will separate the competent governors from those doomed to fail. One misstep can lead to an empire-wide crisis, but a well-timed political maneuver might turn the tide in the player’s favor.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Ubisoft Mainz has spared no expense in bringing ancient Rome to life. Anno 117: Pax Romana boasts breathtaking visuals, featuring vibrant cities, bustling marketplaces, and grand monuments that make the empire feel truly alive.

Each province is visually distinct—Latium’s rich, elegant architecture reflects Rome’s golden age, while Albion’s misty forests, ancient shrines, and mysterious Celtic traditions create a sense of wild, untamed beauty.

The game’s dynamic weather and day-night cycle further enhance immersion. A sunlit morning in Latium might showcase bustling streets and busy docks, while a stormy night in Albion could transform its landscapes into an eerie, foreboding battleground. The environmental details go beyond mere aesthetics—extended droughts can lead to food shortages, and torrential rains may flood farmland, forcing players to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Sound design also plays a crucial role in setting the tone. The game’s soundtrack blends epic Roman military marches with haunting Celtic melodies, while detailed audio effects—from the distant clang of blacksmiths’ hammers to the roar of an amphitheater crowd—further draw players into the world. Anno 117: Pax Romana isn’t just a city-building game; it’s a fully immersive historical experience.

Release Date and Platforms

Anno 117: Pax Romana is set to launch in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Ubisoft promises this will be the most ambitious Anno entry yet, blending classic city-building gameplay with deep strategic elements and historical authenticity.

The game will be available on Steam and the Ubisoft Store at launch, ensuring players can experience the grandeur of Rome on their preferred platform. Post-launch support is already planned, with additional content expansions expected to introduce new regions, historical events, and architectural wonders.

For fans of strategy games, Anno 117: Pax Romana is shaping up to be an unmissable entry in the genre. With its detailed city-building mechanics, dynamic political system, and immersive world, players will have the chance to forge their own Roman legacy—whether as a loyal governor, an ambitious conqueror, or a cunning usurper. The fate of the empire is in your hands.

-Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-