Ubisoft has released Anno 117: Pax Romana on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via each Steam, the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect. Developed by Ubisoft Mainz, this positions the city builder franchise into the era of the Roman Empire.
In the story driven Campaign Mode, the series allows players to choose their own main character for the first time. The campaign follows either Marcus, a young man questioning his place while navigating difficult leadership decisions, or Marcia, a young woman trying to seize control of her fate during political upheaval. As governor, player choices are framed around shaping the daily lives of citizens and interpreting what Roman rule should look like in different corners of the empire.
Sandbox Mode aims to offer a a more open style of play, with the option to tailor starting conditions and pick a starting province. Players can begin in Latium, near the political core of Rome, or in Albion, described as a remote and less desirable posting. Each province features its own mix of culture, deities and beliefs. In Albion, for example, there is a choice between embracing local Celtic traditions or asserting Roman ambitions. Across all regions, players will decide which gods to venerate, how to meet citizen needs and whether to prioritise peace or engage in land and naval battles, with the trade offs of those decisions left to the governor.
The Standard Edition of Anno 117: Pax Romana is priced at $89.95 AUD on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Gold Edition, which bundles the base game with a Year 1 Pass, is listed at $129.95 AUD on the same platforms.
The Year 1 Pass includes three incrementally released DLC offerings that expand the game with new regions, systems and challenges:
Prophecies of Ash expands the Latium region with additional settlement space and introduces what is described as the largest island in Anno 117: Pax Romana. A natural volcanic disaster will test how cities are governed, while dedicating settlements to a new deity allows players to alter the landscape and rebuild.
Build The Hippodrome focuses on a new monument inspired by the Circus Maximus. Constructing the Hippodrome lets governors stage chariot races to entertain citizens, increase their prestige and attract new specialists to their cities.
Dawn of the Delta unlocks a new province built around wide deserts and a fertile river delta. Players will manage new population tiers with distinct needs and beliefs, balance Roman expansion against established Egyptian traditions and extend their reach with additional deities and military units.
