Anno 117: Pax Romana Prophecies of Ash Guide for Xbox Series X|S (2026)

The Prophecies of Ash DLC for Anno 117: Pax Romana arrives on Xbox Series X|S on April 23, 2026, introducing the massive island of Cinis and complex volcanic mechanics. As players navigate the challenges of this ancient Roman-inspired city builder, managing the environmental shifts of the island's active volcano becomes a primary gameplay loop. While many players compare the scale and complexity of the title to Civilization VII, the specific mechanics of Anno 117 require a unique approach to resource management and disaster mitigation. Whether you are playing on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or an Xbox handheld device, understanding how to balance the volcano's destructive phases with its agricultural benefits is essential for success.

To effectively manage your city on Cinis, follow these six developer-recommended strategies:

1. Customize your volcanic gameplay settings before starting.
2. Prioritize the construction of fire stations.
3. Utilize deity boons for enhanced fire safety.
4. Stockpile resources to survive the volcanic winter phase.
5. Upgrade trading posts and depots for increased storage.
6. Deploy specialists to bolster production during debuff periods.

Setting Up Your Volcanic Experience

Before you begin your expansion onto the island of Cinis, the game allows for granular control over the volcanic mechanics. By accessing the settings menu, you can adjust the intensity of initial tremors and determine whether falling volcanic rocks contain obsidian. This screen also serves as a hub to activate a tutorial that guides players through the specific features of the Prophecies of Ash expansion. For those interested in how this title stacks up against other strategy giants like Civ 7, these settings provide a way to tailor the difficulty to your preferred playstyle.

How to Minimize Volcano Damage in Anno 117: Pax Romana

The volcano on Cinis operates in distinct phases, ranging from active eruptions to periods of volcanic winter. During an eruption, fiery rocks fall from the sky, causing significant structural damage to your city. To mitigate these losses, fire stations are a mandatory investment. Placing these buildings strategically across your island limits the spread of fire caused by falling debris. Additionally, players can devote themselves to the deity Vulcan to unlock specific shrines. These shrines provide passive bonuses that improve fire safety in the surrounding area, acting as a vital layer of defense against environmental hazards.

How to Maximize Volcano Buffs in Anno 117: Prophecies of Ash

While the volcano presents a threat, it also offers significant economic advantages. During the "bloom" phase, the volcanic activity fertilizes the soil, which provides a substantial productivity boost to your farms. To maximize these buffs, players should ensure their agricultural zones are ready to take full advantage of this temporary increase in output. Planning your city layout to accommodate large-scale farming near fertile zones can lead to a surplus of goods that helps offset the losses incurred during the more destructive eruption phases.

Managing Obsidian Production and Resource Chains

The Prophecies of Ash DLC introduces obsidian as a new, critical resource. This material is tied to two new production chains that are essential for high-level city development. Because obsidian extraction can be disrupted by volcanic activity, players must learn how to manage obsidian production during the downtime caused by eruptions. This involves balancing the workforce allocated to these chains with the reality that these facilities may be temporarily incapacitated. By timing your production cycles to coincide with the volcano's dormant periods, you can maintain a steady flow of this rare resource.

Stockpiling for the Volcanic Winter

The most challenging aspect of the DLC is the volcanic winter phase, which creates production debuffs for mines, farms, and fisheries. As we noted in our coverage at In Game News, the best way to combat these debuffs is through preparation. Before the ash covers your islands, you must ensure your warehouses are filled to capacity. Upgrading your trading posts and building additional depots is a necessary step to increase your total storage limit. By maintaining a surplus of essential goods, you can ensure your population's needs are met even when your local production chains are operating at a reduced capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you maximize volcano buffs in Anno 117: Prophecies of Ash?

You can maximize volcano buffs by preparing your farms for the "bloom" phase, where the volcano's activity fertilizes the soil and increases agricultural productivity.

What are the new production chains in Anno 117: Prophecies of Ash?

The DLC introduces two new production chains dedicated to the extraction and processing of obsidian, a resource that becomes available on the island of Cinis.

How do I minimize volcano damage in Anno 117: Pax Romana?

You can minimize damage by building fire stations to limit fire spread and by unlocking shrines through deity devotion to increase fire safety across your city.