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Anno 117: Pax Romana marks the latest entry in Ubisoft’s legendary city-building franchise, taking players back to the height of the Roman Empire. This historical strategy game combines intricate production chains, complex economic management, and stunning visuals to create an immersive experience set during one of history’s most fascinating periods. Whether you’re a veteran Anno player or new to the series, this comprehensive guide covers everything from gameplay mechanics to release information.

What Is Anno 117: Pax Romana?

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a city-building strategy game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Set during the reign of Emperor Trajan around 117 AD, the game places you in the role of a provincial governor tasked with expanding Rome’s influence across the Mediterranean. The title represents a significant departure from previous Anno games by embracing a historical setting rather than futuristic or fantasy themes.

The game builds on the foundation established by Anno 1800 while introducing new mechanics specific to the Roman era. Players will manage complex supply chains, construct iconic Roman architecture, and navigate the political challenges of maintaining peace across a vast empire. The Pax Romana period, meaning “Roman Peace,” provides the perfect backdrop for a game focused on economic prosperity and territorial expansion through both diplomacy and military might.

Anno 117 Release Date and Platform Availability

Anno 117: Pax Romana is scheduled to release on November 12, 2025. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This marks one of the first times an Anno game launches simultaneously across console and PC platforms, making the city-building experience accessible to a broader audience.

Pre-orders are currently available with several special editions offering exclusive content. The Standard Edition provides the base game, while the Deluxe Edition includes additional ornamental building packs and the Season Pass. Players who pre-order any edition receive early access bonuses and cosmetic items themed around Roman military regalia.

Core Gameplay Mechanics and Features

Anno 117: Pax Romana delivers deep strategic gameplay that requires careful planning and resource management. The game centers around building thriving Roman settlements, establishing trade routes, and satisfying the increasingly complex needs of your population. As your settlement grows from a small outpost to a bustling metropolis, you’ll unlock new building types, production chains, and citizen tiers.

The production chain system forms the backbone of Anno 117’s economy. Raw materials like wood, stone, and iron must be harvested, processed, and transformed into finished goods. For example, wheat fields supply grain to bakeries, which produce bread to feed your population. As citizens advance through social tiers – from Plebeians to Patricians – their demands become more sophisticated, requiring luxury goods like wine, jewelry, and fine pottery.

Key Gameplay Systems

The game introduces several interconnected systems that create challenging strategic decisions:

• Population Management – Balance housing, employment, and happiness across different social classes while meeting their evolving needs for goods and services
• Trade Networks – Establish maritime trade routes across the Mediterranean to import rare resources and export surplus production for profit
• Military Campaigns – Lead legions to secure new territories, protect trade routes from pirates, and defend your settlements from barbarian incursions
• Political Influence – Navigate relationships with the Roman Senate, rival governors, and local tribal leaders to advance your position
• Infrastructure Development – Plan efficient road networks, aqueducts, and public buildings to maximize productivity and citizen satisfaction

Roman Architecture and City Planning

One of Anno 117’s most impressive features is its authentic recreation of Roman architecture and urban planning principles. Players can construct iconic structures like the Colosseum, Forums, Temples to various gods, and luxurious bath complexes. Each building serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, with monuments providing significant bonuses to productivity or happiness.

The game emphasizes historically accurate city layouts. Roman cities were organized around a central forum, with residential districts arranged in orderly blocks called insulae. Major roads connected important structures, while aqueducts supplied fresh water to public fountains and private homes. Recreating these authentic urban designs isn’t just visually rewarding – it’s mechanically advantageous, as proper city planning improves efficiency and reduces transportation times.

Ornamental items allow for extensive customization. Players can add statues, gardens, decorative walls, and plaza designs to create unique cities that reflect their personal style. The game’s graphics engine showcases these details beautifully, with dynamic lighting, seasonal changes, and realistic weather effects bringing the Roman world to life.

Anno 117 Maps and Mediterranean Setting

The Mediterranean Sea serves as the primary theater for Anno 117’s empire-building gameplay. The game features multiple regions representing different parts of the Roman Empire, from the Italian Peninsula to North Africa, Greece, and the Near East. Each region offers unique resources, building styles, and challenges that require adaptive strategies.

Maps in Anno 117 combine land and sea in intricate configurations. Coastal settlements form the foundation of your empire, with harbors serving as hubs for trade and naval operations. Players must carefully select settlement locations based on available resources, defensive positions, and proximity to trade partners. Some maps include multiple islands, creating natural barriers that require naval dominance to overcome.

Regional specialization becomes crucial as you expand. Northern territories might excel at timber production and mining, while southern regions provide access to exotic spices, silk, and precious metals. Managing trade between these specialized settlements creates satisfying gameplay loops where every region contributes to your empire’s overall prosperity.

Production Chains and Economic Systems

Mastering Anno 117’s production chains separates successful governors from struggling ones. The game features dozens of interconnected production buildings, each transforming raw materials into increasingly valuable goods. Understanding these chains and optimizing their placement is essential for efficient city management.

Basic chains start simple but branch into complex networks. Iron ore mines supply smelters, which produce iron ingots for blacksmiths, who craft tools for other industries. Meanwhile, clay pits feed pottery workshops, sheep farms supply wool for textile production, and olive groves provide oil for both cooking and lamp fuel. As citizens advance through social tiers, new production chains unlock, requiring rare imported materials and specialized craftsmen.

The game introduces a warehouse and logistics system that automatically distributes goods across your settlement. However, poorly planned production areas create bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Strategic players position related industries near each other, ensuring smooth material flow and minimizing cart travel time. Balancing production rates to match consumption prevents wasteful overproduction while avoiding shortages that anger citizens.

Military and Expansion Strategy

While Anno 117 focuses primarily on economic gameplay, military forces play an important supporting role. Roman legions can be recruited, trained, and deployed to secure new territories, eliminate pirate threats, and defend against barbarian invasions. Military strength also influences diplomatic negotiations, as powerful armies command respect from potential trade partners.

Naval supremacy is particularly crucial given the Mediterranean setting. A strong fleet protects your trade routes from piracy, blockades rival ports during conflicts, and transports legions to distant battlefields. Players must balance military spending against economic development – maintaining large armies is expensive, but inadequate defenses leave you vulnerable to attacks that can cripple your economy.

The expansion system allows peaceful and military approaches. Diplomatic annexation of neighboring settlements through trade agreements and cultural influence provides a non-violent path to growth. However, some territories require military conquest, especially those controlled by hostile barbarian tribes or rival governors. Each approach has strategic advantages depending on your playstyle and current situation.

Combat Unit Types

Anno 117 features authentic Roman military units organized into specialized roles:

Unit Type	Primary Role	Strengths	Weaknesses
Legionaries	Infantry core	Strong in formations, versatile	Vulnerable to cavalry charges
Archers	Ranged support	Effective against infantry	Weak in melee combat
Cavalry	Mobile strike force	Fast, flanking attacks	Expensive to maintain
Siege Weapons	Fortification destruction	Breaks defensive positions	Slow, requires protection
Warships	Naval combat	Controls sea lanes	Cannot fight on land

Diplomacy and Political Systems

The diplomatic layer in Anno 117 adds strategic depth beyond simple military conquest. You’ll interact with various factions including other Roman governors, independent city-states, barbarian tribes, and merchant guilds. Each faction has distinct personalities, objectives, and relationship mechanics that influence how they respond to your actions.

Trade agreements form the foundation of diplomatic relations. Establishing mutually beneficial trade routes improves relationships and unlocks access to exclusive goods. Gift exchanges, marriage alliances, and military support pacts further cement friendships. However, aggressive expansion, trade competition, and broken promises can turn allies into enemies.

The Roman Senate represents an additional political challenge. Your performance as governor is constantly evaluated based on economic prosperity, military victories, and citizen satisfaction. High Senate approval unlocks special privileges like tax relief, military reinforcements, and prestigious building permits. Poor performance results in sanctions, reduced funding, or even removal from office in extreme cases.

Graphics, Performance, and Technical Features

Anno 117: Pax Romana showcases impressive visual fidelity powered by modern gaming technology. The game engine renders thousands of individual citizens going about their daily routines, with each character model displaying unique behaviors and interactions. Buildings feature intricate architectural details that become more elaborate as structures are upgraded through progressive tiers.

Dynamic weather and day-night cycles create atmospheric variety. Morning mist over harbors, afternoon sunshine illuminating marble temples, and dramatic storms at sea all contribute to immersion. Seasonal changes affect not just visuals but gameplay – winter reduces agricultural output while summer enables faster construction. These environmental factors require adaptive planning and resource management.

Performance optimization ensures smooth gameplay even in late-game scenarios with massive cities. The UI provides comprehensive tooltips, production statistics, and economic reports that help players understand complex systems. Customizable difficulty settings allow both casual players seeking relaxed city-building and hardcore strategists wanting maximum challenge to enjoy the experience.

Comparison with Previous Anno Games

Veterans of the Anno series will find familiar core mechanics while discovering meaningful innovations. Anno 117 retains the signature complex production chains, multi-tier population system, and beautiful presentation that define the franchise. However, the Roman setting introduces unique elements that distinguish it from predecessors like Anno 1800.

The historical setting allows for more grounded mechanics compared to futuristic entries. Instead of electricity and advanced technology, players work with ancient Roman engineering like aqueducts, Roman roads, and primitive machinery. The military system receives greater emphasis, reflecting the Roman Empire’s martial culture. Naval warfare becomes more prominent given the Mediterranean’s strategic importance.

Monument construction plays a larger role in Anno 117. Iconic structures like the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and Pantheon serve as mega-projects that consume enormous resources but provide empire-wide bonuses. These monuments create long-term goals that give direction to your economic planning and territorial expansion efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anno 117: Pax Romana

When does Anno 117: Pax Romana release?

Anno 117: Pax Romana launches on November 12, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

What platforms will Anno 117 be available on?

The game releases simultaneously on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Is Anno 117: Pax Romana multiplayer?

Yes, Anno 117 includes multiplayer modes allowing cooperative empire-building and competitive scenarios with other players.

Do I need to play previous Anno games to understand Anno 117?

No, each Anno game features a self-contained story and setting. Anno 117 is accessible to newcomers while offering depth for series veterans.

What historical period does Anno 117 cover?

The game is set during the Pax Romana period around 117 AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan at the Roman Empire’s territorial peak.

Can you build famous Roman monuments in Anno 117?

Yes, players can construct iconic structures including the Colosseum, various temples, aqueducts, forums, and other famous Roman architecture.

What is the main objective in Anno 117: Pax Romana?

The primary goal involves building prosperous Roman settlements, managing complex economies, expanding your territory, and maintaining citizen happiness across different social classes.

Will there be DLC content for Anno 117?

Ubisoft has announced a Season Pass with additional content planned post-launch, including new regions, building packs, and gameplay scenarios.

Tips for New Players Getting Started

Beginning your journey as a Roman governor can feel overwhelming given Anno 117’s mechanical complexity. Start small by focusing on basic production chains that supply food, tools, and building materials. Don’t rush expansion – establish a stable economic foundation before attempting to grow your empire rapidly.

Pay close attention to citizen needs and satisfaction levels. Unhappy populations become unproductive, reducing tax income and potentially triggering unrest. Ensure consistent supply of required goods and place public buildings that improve quality of life. Forums, temples, and entertainment venues keep citizens content even during resource shortages.

Learn to read production statistics and identify bottlenecks early. The game provides detailed economic reports showing consumption rates, storage levels, and production efficiency. Use this information to adjust building counts and balance your economy. It’s better to slightly overproduce essential goods than face shortages that cascade into larger problems.

Trading with other settlements provides access to resources unavailable in your territory. Establish trade routes early and maintain friendly diplomatic relations with merchant partners. Import expensive luxury goods rather than attempting to produce everything locally – specialized production is more efficient than self-sufficiency.

The Future of Anno 117 and Post-Launch Support

Ubisoft has committed to substantial post-launch support for Anno 117: Pax Romana. The Season Pass promises multiple content updates throughout 2025 and beyond, including new regions that expand the map with additional territories to conquer and colonize. These expansions will introduce region-specific resources, building styles, and gameplay mechanics.

The development team actively engages with the community through forums, social media, and regular developer diaries. Player feedback influences balancing adjustments, quality-of-life improvements, and future content direction. This collaborative approach has become a hallmark of Anno games, with developers incorporating community suggestions into patches and expansions.

Modding support remains an important consideration for PC players. While official modding tools haven’t been fully detailed, previous Anno titles supported extensive modification through community-created content. Players anticipate similar flexibility in Anno 117, potentially allowing custom maps, new production chains, and visual enhancements that extend the game’s longevity.

Why Anno 117: Pax Romana Stands Out in 2025

In a gaming landscape dominated by fast-paced action and competitive multiplayer, Anno 117: Pax Romana offers a refreshing alternative for players seeking thoughtful, methodical gameplay. The Roman setting provides immediate recognition and appeal while allowing developers to explore historically grounded mechanics. The combination of economic simulation, light military strategy, and creative city-building creates a uniquely satisfying experience.

The game’s accessibility across platforms breaks down barriers that previously limited the Anno audience primarily to PC players. Console optimization ensures controller interfaces work smoothly for complex city management, bringing the franchise to millions of potential new players. Cross-platform multiplayer further enhances the community by uniting players regardless of their preferred gaming system.

Anno 117 represents Ubisoft’s continued commitment to the city-building genre during an era when many publishers focus exclusively on live-service games and microtransactions. The traditional premium game model with substantial post-launch DLC provides clear value while avoiding predatory monetization. For strategy fans and history enthusiasts, Anno 117: Pax Romana promises dozens of hours of engaging empire-building set during one of civilization’s most influential periods.