Anno 117: Pax Romana Revealed, City-Builder Goes to Ancient Rome
Ubisoft has officially unveiled the next chapter in its beloved city-building series, confirming the long-rumored journey back in time with *Anno 117: Pax Romana*. This ambitious new title trades the industrial age and futuristic landscapes of recent entries for the marble columns and sprawling aqueducts of the Roman Empire, marking a significant and exciting new direction for the franchise.
Set in the titular year 117 AD, the game places players in the powerful sandals of a Roman Governor tasked with managing and expanding provinces under the historic peace and prosperity of the Pax Romana. This era, known as the "Roman Peace," represents the height of the Empire's power and influence, providing a rich backdrop for the intricate economic and societal simulation Anno is famous for.
A New Era: Welcome to the Roman Empire
*Anno 117: Pax Romana* is a groundbreaking entry, representing the earliest historical period the series has ever explored. The choice of 117 AD is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the beginning of Emperor Trajan's reign, a period of immense territorial expansion and architectural achievement. Players will step into this vibrant world, not as conquerors on the battlefield, but as architects of civilization.
Your primary mission is to serve the Empire by building thriving cities, establishing complex trade routes, and ensuring the happiness and prosperity of your citizens. This new setting promises a complete thematic overhaul, with familiar Anno mechanics reimagined through a Roman lens. Expect to manage resources like marble, olives, and wine, while constructing iconic structures such as forums, bathhouses, and amphitheaters to satisfy the needs of your growing populace.
Your Role as Governor
In a compelling new twist for the series, players will assume the role of a Governor with a crucial choice to make at the outset of their campaign. You will be tasked with overseeing provinces for the Empire, but your path to success is not a singular one. The central theme revolves around your gubernatorial approach: will you be a loyal enforcer of Roman law and culture, or will you foster a more independent identity by integrating with local traditions?
This decision appears to be more than just a narrative choice, likely influencing gameplay mechanics, building options, and the challenges you face. It presents a fascinating dynamic of cultural assimilation versus local preservation, adding a new layer of strategic depth to the city-building experience.
Choosing Your Path: Latium vs. Albion
To bring this gubernatorial choice to life, *Anno 117: Pax Romana* will allow players to select their starting province. Two distinct and historically rich locations have been announced, each offering a unique set of opportunities and challenges:
- Latium: The heartland of the Roman Empire. Building in this lush Mediterranean province, the home of Rome itself, will likely focus on grand-scale Imperial projects, intricate trade with established neighbors, and fulfilling the high demands of the Roman elite. This is the place to build the quintessential marble city of ancient dreams.
- Albion: The misty, untamed lands of Roman Britain. Governing this remote and "barbaric" province presents a starkly different challenge. Here, the focus may shift to pacification, resource extraction for the Empire, and navigating the cultural clash between Roman settlers and Celtic locals. This frontier setting promises a rugged and unique city-building experience far from the comforts of the capital.
This dual-province approach offers significant replayability, allowing players to experience two very different sides of the Roman world within a single game.
What We Know So Far
While many details are still under wraps, the initial announcement has provided a clear picture of what to expect from this next grand strategy title.
- Setting: The Roman Empire during 117 AD, at the peak of its power under Emperor Trajan.
- Player Role: A Roman Governor tasked with managing and growing their assigned province.
- Core Choice: Players must decide whether to enforce Roman culture or embrace local traditions.
- Provinces: Two playable provinces confirmed at launch: Latium (the Roman heartland) and Albion (Roman Britain).
- Gameplay Focus: Deep city-building, complex economic chains, trade, and citizen management, all tailored to the ancient Roman theme.
- Platforms: The game is confirmed to be in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, bringing the full Anno experience to console and PC players simultaneously.
A Bold New Direction for Anno
The move to the Roman Empire is a refreshing and widely requested change for the Anno series. It allows the development team at Ubisoft Mainz to explore new systems and mechanics rooted in one of history's most fascinating periods. The focus on player choice through the governor's role and the contrasting provinces of Latium and Albion suggests a commitment to a more dynamic and narrative-driven experience than ever before. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, *Anno 117: Pax Romana* is shaping up to be a monumental entry in the legacy of city-building games.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anno 117: Pax Romana
What is the release date for Anno 117: Pax Romana?Ubisoft has not yet announced a specific release date, but has confirmed the game is slated for a global release in 2025.
What platforms will Anno 117: Pax Romana be on?The game will be released on PC (via the Ubisoft Store and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What is the setting of Anno 117?The game is set in the year 117 AD within the Roman Empire, during the historical period known as the Pax Romana, or "Roman Peace."
Is Anno 117: Pax Romana a real-time strategy game?Yes, it is a city-building game, which is a sub-genre of real-time strategy (RTS) that focuses primarily on economic and logistical management rather than combat.