Anno 117: Pax Romana is the latest historical strategy title from Ubisoft Blue Byte, set during the height of the Roman Empire. Announced for release in 2025, the game offers a deeper and more grounded experience than its predecessors, focusing on urban development, trade, politics, and the military balance that defined Emperor Trajan’s reign. It marks the twelfth main entry in the long-running Anno series and introduces new systems that reflect the complexity of managing an empire at its peak.
The Setting and Historical Context
The story unfolds in 117 AD, the year when the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent. Players step into the role of a provincial governor serving under Trajan, responsible for maintaining stability, prosperity, and loyalty in the empire’s far-reaching territories. Unlike the medieval or colonial settings of previous Anno instalments, this chapter explores the intricate socio-economic fabric of Roman society, from bustling cities like Antioch and Alexandria to the fortified frontiers along the Rhine and the Euphrates.
Ubisoft’s development team has collaborated with historians and archaeologists to recreate authentic Roman architecture, trade networks, and administrative systems. Each province features distinct resources, climates, and cultural influences, providing strategic depth and variety. For instance, players managing provinces in Egypt will rely on the Nile’s floods for agriculture, while those in Britannia must secure local loyalty through military presence and diplomacy.
Anno 117 also introduces a dynamic political model. Local uprisings, senatorial influence, and imperial decrees all affect gameplay, ensuring that success depends not only on economic growth but also on social cohesion and political foresight. This shift aligns the title closer to grand strategy experiences while retaining Anno’s characteristic city-building charm.
Game Mechanics and Player Strategy
At its core, the game combines traditional city-building with large-scale imperial management. The familiar economic chains return, but they are now supplemented with logistics routes stretching across the Mediterranean. Players must maintain a steady flow of goods such as olive oil, marble, and wine to sustain urban populations and satisfy Rome’s ever-growing demands.
One of the most notable innovations is the new Senate system. Decisions voted by the Senate can alter taxation, military spending, and even the player’s reputation among rival governors. Balancing personal ambition with imperial duty becomes central to the gameplay experience. Diplomacy with local tribes and internal politics now matter as much as infrastructure and trade.
The developers have also refined combat. Instead of large-scale wars, the focus is on tactical engagements, border security, and strategic deterrence. Garrisons can be stationed along roads, ports, and mountain passes to protect supply lines and maintain order. Military victories earn prestige, but overexpansion risks rebellion and economic strain.
Visuals, Sound, and Atmosphere
Anno 117: Pax Romana runs on a modified Snowdrop engine, ensuring lifelike landscapes, intricate cityscapes, and seamless transitions between bustling metropolises and remote provinces. The attention to detail is striking — from mosaics on public baths to the animation of legionaries patrolling the streets. Environmental cycles like droughts, sandstorms, and seasonal floods impact gameplay and aesthetics simultaneously.
The audio design plays a crucial role in immersion. Composers have created a soundtrack that blends Roman instruments with cinematic orchestration, reinforcing the grandeur and tension of imperial rule. Voice acting, available in multiple languages, reflects the multicultural composition of the empire, adding depth and authenticity.
Players will also appreciate the improved user interface. The information panels, inspired by Roman scrolls and ledgers, deliver clarity without clutter. A built-in historical codex provides insights into Roman society, architecture, religion, and governance — an educational addition that complements the strategic gameplay.
Development and Community Expectations
Ubisoft Blue Byte officially announced the title during Gamescom 2024, with an anticipated release window in late 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Early previews and developer diaries reveal a strong focus on historical authenticity, realism, and slower, more deliberate gameplay compared to the faster tempo of Anno 1800.
The developers have confirmed both a single-player campaign and sandbox mode, with future plans for cooperative online sessions. They emphasise the importance of long-term management rather than short-term expansion, encouraging players to cultivate stable economies and content populations.
The Anno community has responded positively to the announcement. Fans praise the setting’s originality and the return to strategic depth over spectacle. Discussions on official forums and Reddit highlight anticipation for mod support and post-launch expansions that may explore other regions of the empire, such as North Africa or the Iberian Peninsula.
Release, Editions, and System Requirements
According to Ubisoft’s 2025 roadmap, Anno 117: Pax Romana will launch worldwide in the fourth quarter, with both Standard and Imperial Editions. The latter includes exclusive digital content such as unique monuments, Roman-themed cosmetics, and a behind-the-scenes documentary detailing the research process behind the game’s development.
System requirements reflect the game’s ambitious scale. On PC, the recommended configuration includes an Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a modern GPU such as the RTX 4070 or Radeon RX 7900 XT. Optimisation for next-generation consoles ensures consistent performance at 60 frames per second in 4K resolution.
Ubisoft has also confirmed ongoing support and content updates post-launch. Planned expansions are expected to introduce additional provinces, naval mechanics, and complex diplomatic systems. Players can anticipate long-term development similar to Anno 1800, with seasonal events and community challenges extending the game’s lifespan well beyond its initial release.
Why Anno 117 Matters in 2025
Anno 117: Pax Romana stands out not only as a technical achievement but as a statement about how historical strategy games can evolve. In a gaming landscape often dominated by futuristic settings and fantasy elements, it returns to the roots of civilisation-building, focusing on realism, ethics, and long-term vision.
The title demonstrates Ubisoft’s renewed commitment to meaningful design and cultural authenticity. Rather than glorifying conquest, it invites players to understand the complexity of empire management — the balance between prosperity, governance, and moral responsibility.
For both strategy veterans and newcomers, Anno 117 promises an engaging experience that blends knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. By revisiting the Pax Romana era, the series reminds us that true empire-building lies not in expansion but in stability and peace.