Laying the Foundations of Rome: Anno 117: Pax Romana’s Deep-Dive Gameplay Reveal
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Release Date | Winter 2025 |
| Genres | City-building, Strategy, Simulation |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series |
Anno’s long-running legacy of city-building excellence is taking a dramatic leap into antiquity. Ubisoft Mainz has lifted the veil on Anno 117: Pax Romana, transporting players to the heart of the Roman Empire’s ascent. In the recently unveiled six-minute gameplay trailer, fans get their first real taste of what governing a Roman province will mean when the game launches in winter 2025.
From City Plots to Senates: A Roman Sandbox for Strategy Fans
Stepping into the sandals of a newly appointed governor, you’ll begin your journey on the small but promising island of Latium. Ubisoft Mainz’s signature approach to urban planning is on full display: you’ll design road networks, arrange city districts, and manage the delicate balance between resource production and citizen happiness. Every decision-whether about trade routes or the shape of your forum-ripples through the wider province.
Diplomacy, Danger, and the Unexpected
While Anno veterans will feel at home with the focus on logistics and optimization, Pax Romana spices up the formula with new layers: Pirates prowl the seas, ready to disrupt trade, and neighboring rivals force players to weigh diplomatic overtures against military readiness. According to Ubisoft, diplomatic solutions won’t always hold, meaning players must prepare for conflict and ever-shifting political alliances—a notable shift from some earlier, more peaceful Anno entries.
Fresh Setting, Familiar Depth
Anno 117 isn’t just a reskin—by moving to ancient Rome, Ubisoft Mainz opens up rich new opportunities for economic systems, architectural styles, and the social tensions of the era. The previewed gameplay hints at a deeper narrative and more complex decision-making than previous games, challenging even series veterans. Those who tried the recent preview report an experience that balances accessibility for newcomers with fresh challenges for longtime fans.
With a launch window set for winter 2025 and simultaneous release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, Anno 117: Pax Romana aims to be a landmark not just for the franchise, but for historical strategy games as a whole.
TL;DR: Anno 117: Pax Romana brings the acclaimed city-building series to ancient Rome, introducing new gameplay twists like pirate threats, deep diplomacy, and the challenge of governing a Roman province. Launching in winter 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, it promises both classic Anno depth and fresh historical flavor for strategy fans.
Source: Ubisoft via GamesPress