Anno 117: Pax Romana Reimagines the Empire With a Bold New Direction

The next chapter in Ubisoft's acclaimed city-building saga is heading to the age of legions and Caesars with Anno 117: Pax Romana, set for release on November 13, 2025. The official reveal confirms the long-rumored Roman setting, casting players as a Governor expanding the empire's influence. But the biggest news is a strategic victory for the franchise itself: Anno 117 will be the first in the series to launch simultaneously on PC and consoles, bringing its famously deep gameplay to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S from day one. This, combined with a core campaign choice that promises two wildly different experiences, marks a bold new path for the beloved builder.

The Governor's Burden: Taming Albion or Feeding Rome

At the heart of Anno 117: Pax Romana is a decision that will define your entire game. Players must choose to govern one of two provinces: Latium, the familiar Roman heartland, or Albion, the wild Celtic frontier. Creative Director Manuel Reinher explained this was a deliberate move to provide both the expected Roman fantasy and a fresh challenge for veterans. Opting for Latium will focus on building a sprawling metropolis to support the Empire. Choosing Albion, however, thrusts players into an entirely different environment where they must contend with local cultures and decide between assimilation and integration, promising significant replayability.

An Anno for All Citizens

For years, console players have waited to experience Anno's intricate gameplay on release day. That changes with Anno 117. Learning from Anno 1800's console edition, the team is ensuring parity from the start. This includes tailored user interfaces to manage the game's depth without compromise, like a radial construction menu for controllers, and full mouse-and-keyboard support on consoles for those who prefer it. This unified approach is a clear signal that Ubisoft sees a strong demand for deep strategy games on consoles and is ready to fully support that audience from day one.

More Than Just Roads and Aqueducts

The Roman setting doesn't just provide a new aesthetic; it reintroduces core mechanics. To deliver the "full fantasy" of the era, land combat is making its return to the series after a long absence, complementing the expected naval warfare. Beyond military might, the game's design is heavily influenced by the cultural aspects of the Pax Romana. The development team was particularly interested in the "untold story of the multicultural Rome" and how the empire held its diverse provinces together. This focus suggests that diplomacy and managing local populations will be a key part of the gameplay loop.

The Empire's New Foundation

Anno 117: Pax Romana is poised to be a transformative entry for the franchise. The Roman setting provides a rich historical canvas, while the foundational choice between Latium and Albion offers a compelling hook. By breaking down the barrier between PC and console players with a simultaneous global launch, Ubisoft is not just building a new game but a larger, more unified community for one of strategy gaming's most respected series. Players can mark their calendars to begin their governorship this fall.