Anno 117: Pax Romana, the latest entry in Ubisoft’s Anno series, brings players to Rome at the peak of the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. The game releases on the Epic Games Store on November 12, 2025, and represents the first Anno title developed under Creative Director Manuel Reinher.
The Anno series has long combined city-building, strategy, and economic management, allowing players to create sprawling settlements while managing resources, trade routes, and population needs. In Anno 117: Pax Romana, these mechanics are set against the backdrop of Rome’s apex in 117 AD, offering both familiar and new challenges for veteran players and newcomers alike.
Balancing Historical Accuracy and Gameplay
Reinher initially questioned whether Rome was a suitable setting, given how often it has appeared in games, movies, and media. To differentiate the project, the development team conducted extensive historical research and decided to focus on the multicultural aspects of the Roman Empire. The game emphasizes not only Latium, representing central Italy, but also Albion, a Celtic province at the empire’s periphery. This contrast provides players with different cultural, architectural, and gameplay experiences, highlighting the empire’s diversity.
The focus on multicultural Rome affects both the narrative and gameplay systems. Players manage provinces with unique needs, resources, and architectural styles. Land-based combat returns to the series with infantry, cavalry, and artillery units alongside naval warfare, adding strategic options while staying consistent with the historical setting.
Expanding Anno Mechanics
Anno 117: Pax Romana maintains the series’ core pillars of city-building, economy, 4X strategy, and immersive presentation. Players begin with an empty canvas and construct cities from roads to villas, production facilities, and houses of worship. Production chains, trade routes, and population needs form the economic foundation, while exploration, diplomacy, and warfare add layers of strategic decision-making.
The game introduces more modularity and player choice than previous entries. For example, the active pause system allows players to manage construction and planning without time pressure, and simplified communication between provinces streamlines management. These adjustments make the game more accessible while retaining the complexity and depth the series is known for.
Preparing for Long-Term Expansion
Reinher notes that the design of Anno 117: Pax Romana leaves room for future expansions. By establishing provinces such as Latium and Albion, the game sets the stage for additional regions, potentially including Egypt or other areas of the Roman Empire. This approach reflects the series’ history of post-launch support, allowing the world to expand while providing players with ongoing content.
The game also applies lessons learned from Anno 1800, focusing on removing softlocks, providing more options for progression, and easing new players into the mechanics. By combining historical accuracy, cultural diversity, and accessible gameplay, Anno 117: Pax Romana aims to appeal to long-time fans while attracting a broader audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Anno 117: Pax Romana release?
Anno 117: Pax Romana launches on the Epic Games Store on November 12, 2025.
What platforms is Anno 117: Pax Romana available on?
The game is available for PC via the Epic Games Store.
What is the setting of Anno 117: Pax Romana?
The game is set in the Roman Empire during the year 117 AD, at the height of the Pax Romana. Players manage provinces like Latium and Albion, experiencing the empire’s cultural diversity.
Does the game include combat?
Yes, Anno 117: Pax Romana features both land and naval combat. Infantry, cavalry, and artillery units return for land battles, while naval warfare remains part of the series’ established mechanics.
How does Anno 117 differ from previous entries?
The game introduces more modular gameplay, an active pause system, and streamlined province management. It also emphasizes multicultural aspects of Rome, expanding the traditional setting to include provinces with distinct challenges.
Is Anno 117 suitable for new players?
Yes, the game includes features designed to ease new players into the series’ complexity, such as the active pause system and clearer progression paths without forced biome transitions.
