Have you ever dreamed of ruling an empire, shaping entire provinces, and deciding the destiny of thousands? Then Anno 117: Pax Romana is calling your name. This isn’t just another city-building game — it’s a massive, living tapestry of history, culture, and strategy woven together into one breathtaking experience.
Imagine stepping into the sandals of a Roman governor during the 2nd century AD, at the very height of the empire’s power. You’re not just laying down roads and placing buildings; you’re creating living, breathing cities where every citizen’s life is influenced by your decisions. Your provinces might become bustling hubs of commerce, spiritual sanctuaries blessed by the gods, or powerful military strongholds ready to dominate neighboring lands.
What makes Anno 117: Pax Romana truly special is how it brings ancient history to life. You’ll watch kids chase dogs through narrow alleys, listen to the roaring crowds in your grand arenas, and witness the slow, methodical construction of mighty aqueducts that symbolize Roman engineering genius. You’re the architect of dreams and the hand that enforces order — or chaos — depending on your leadership style.
This latest entry is the most ambitious chapter in the Anno series to date. Developed by Ubisoft Blue Byte, it promises a rich narrative layered with moral choices, an intricate economy, strategic combat, and even spiritual dynamics thanks to the gods of both Roman and Celtic pantheons. It’s a game that doesn’t just ask you to build; it dares you to rule.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of strategy games or someone who loves diving deep into historical settings, Anno 117: Pax Romana offers something extraordinary. You’ll find yourself constantly engaged, balancing diplomacy, warfare, trade, and the happiness of your citizens — all while dealing with the looming expectations of the emperor himself.
So, sharpen your mind, dust off your strategy scrolls, and get ready to step into a world where every choice echoes through the ages. Let’s take a closer look at why Anno 117: Pax Romana is the city-building epic every gamer needs on their must-play list.
Why Anno 117: Pax Romana is the ultimate city-builder you can’t miss
There are tons of city-building games out there. From medieval villages to futuristic metropolises, we’ve managed farms, built skylines, and designed countless towns. But every now and then, a game comes along that doesn’t just ask you to build — it challenges you to lead, to shape a society, and to leave a legacy. That’s exactly what Anno 117: Pax Romana delivers, and that’s why it deserves a spot at the very top of your must-play list.
For starters, the sheer scale and detail in Anno 117: Pax Romana are on another level. Imagine creating a Roman city so alive that you can almost hear the blacksmith’s hammer echo through the streets, smell the bread baking in communal ovens, and feel the energy of a bustling marketplace where merchants shout out their daily deals. You’re not just throwing down buildings and roads; you’re orchestrating an entire symphony of urban life.
What truly sets this game apart is its commitment to immersion and authenticity. Ubisoft Blue Byte has meticulously crafted an experience where every tile feels important, every citizen has a purpose, and every statue or aqueduct isn’t just for show — it’s a piece of a grander narrative. You’ll see kids chasing dogs in courtyards, citizens pouring into grand amphitheaters to watch naval battles, and farmers toiling away in golden fields. It feels like stepping into a historical documentary where you get to write the script.
Unlike many other city-builders, Anno 117 doesn’t lock you into a single strategy. Want to become a master trader, building an empire on olive oil and fine wine? You can. Want to dominate the seas with a powerful navy and enforce Roman law through military might? Absolutely. Or maybe you’d rather be a benevolent leader who respects local cultures, embraces Celtic traditions, and grows your province through diplomacy and spiritual favor? That’s totally possible too.
This freedom of choice makes every playthrough uniquely yours. No two cities — or governors — will look the same. You’ll constantly find yourself making meaningful decisions: Should you sacrifice economic efficiency to build an elaborate temple and gain favor with Mars? Do you risk angering the emperor by forging alliances with local Celtic chieftains? Every action has consequences, and that keeps the gameplay fresh and deeply engaging.
Another reason this game stands out is its advanced economic system. The depth of resource management, trade routes, and production chains is staggering. You’ll have to think three steps ahead, balancing supply and demand while also ensuring your citizens are happy and your army is strong enough to defend your growing empire. And don’t even get me started on the tech tree — it’s so deep and intricate that it feels like planning the future of an entire civilization.
Finally, there’s the simple joy of seeing your province evolve. From a humble settlement of wooden shacks and dirt paths to a sprawling marble city with grand arenas, aqueducts, and bustling ports, watching your vision come to life is incredibly rewarding. It’s like raising a child — every new building, every new festival, every successful harvest feels like a personal triumph.
In short, Anno 117: Pax Romana is not just a game you play — it’s a world you live in. It invites you to think like a governor, act like a leader, and dream like an emperor. Whether you’re a veteran Anno player or someone completely new to city-building games, this is an experience you simply can’t afford to miss.
A rich story set at the peak of Roman Empire glory and Celtic mysticism
If there’s one thing that truly sets Anno 117: Pax Romana apart from other city-building games, it’s the way it weaves a deep, immersive story into every stone you lay and every decision you make. This isn’t just a simulation of roads and resource chains — it’s a journey into a world where two dramatically different cultures collide, and you stand at the center of it all.
Set in the 2nd century AD, Anno 117 plunges you into a time when the Roman Empire was at its absolute peak, stretching its influence across vast territories and dictating the rhythm of life from Spain to Mesopotamia. You’ll feel the weight of Rome’s ambitions pressing down on your shoulders as a newly appointed governor tasked with taming the wild edges of the empire and turning them into thriving provinces.
One of the most fascinating elements is the dual setting: Latium and Albion. Latium, the heartland of Rome, is a place of grandeur and strict order. Here, you’ll find elegant villas, mighty aqueducts that snake across the countryside, and magnificent coliseums echoing with the roar of the crowd. The architecture is precise and grand, reflecting Rome’s obsession with control, efficiency, and spectacle. Your job in Latium is to maintain that imperial dream — to build cities worthy of the emperor’s praise and keep the spirit of Rome alive and strong.
On the other side lies Albion, shrouded in mist and mystery. Albion represents the ancient Celtic lands, where thick forests hide sacred groves, and local tribes hold fiercely to their spiritual traditions. It feels raw, alive, and untamed — a sharp contrast to Rome’s polished marble halls. In Albion, you face an entirely different set of challenges: Do you embrace the local culture and weave it into your governance? Or do you stamp out their gods and rituals to spread Roman order and “civilization” at any cost?
This choice isn’t just cosmetic. Your approach shapes your people’s happiness, your province’s stability, and your own standing with the emperor. Aligning yourself with Celtic traditions might earn the love of local tribes but risk imperial wrath. Meanwhile, enforcing Roman law and customs could bring immediate power but breed long-term resistance and resentment.
Adding another layer of depth is the presence of mythology and religion. In Latium, Roman gods such as Mars, Neptune, and Ceres offer blessings that can strengthen your armies, improve your harvests, or protect your fleets. Meanwhile, in Albion, ancient Celtic deities like Cernunnos and Epona watch over the forests and the cavalry. You aren’t just managing cities — you’re navigating the spiritual fabric of your society, deciding which gods to honor and how to balance divine favor with earthly ambitions.
What makes the story even more engaging is how these cultural and spiritual elements aren’t just in the background; they’re embedded into the very heart of your gameplay. You’ll find yourself making difficult moral choices: Will you demolish sacred groves to make room for Roman villas? Will you use brute military force to silence rebellious druids, or will you invite them to your senate chambers as advisors?
Moreover, your actions echo beyond your borders. The emperor is always watching, and your choices can lead to new alliances, internal conspiracies, or open conflict. Forge strong diplomatic ties with neighboring governors, or challenge them in brutal land and naval battles — it’s up to you.
Anno 117: Pax Romana doesn’t just tell a story — it immerses you in one. Every city feels like a chapter in a grand epic, every festival and public speech a line in a poem celebrating (or lamenting) your rule. It’s this narrative depth that transforms what could be just another city-building game into a living, breathing tapestry of Roman ambition and Celtic resistance.
In the end, this is more than just about expansion and economics; it’s about identity, faith, power, and legacy. You are not merely building an empire — you are writing history. And long after you shut down your console or PC, the echoes of your choices will linger in your mind like the chants of a victorious legion marching home.
A genre-defining blend of economic strategy and city building in Anno 117
Let’s talk gameplay, because Anno fans are all about those juicy systems. In true Anno fashion, you’ll be overseeing islands filled with unique resources. Your job? Gather them, build advanced production chains, and connect them all with roads — which, by the way, now include diagonal layouts for even more realistic city designs.
The economic depth is mind-boggling. You’ll be orchestrating supply chains to support not just citizens but also armies and religious structures. You’ll unlock tech trees, manage politics, and ensure your cities are aesthetically stunning and functionally efficient. Whether you’re weaving silk for luxurious togas or gathering grain for your legions, every resource and decision matters.
And yes, there are coliseums! Imagine hosting naumachia — mock naval battles inside an arena — while your citizens scream with joy. Or erecting aqueducts that make your city shine like a pearl among dusty provincial settlements.
Massive innovations in gameplay mechanics: battles, gods, and cultural choices
One of the most exciting new features is the addition of full-fledged land battles. You’ll no longer just build walls and hope for the best. Now, you get to recruit slingers, infantry, gladiators, and cavalry to actively defend or expand your territory. These battles feel like classic RTS (real-time strategy) skirmishes, adding a thrilling layer of military depth.
Religion is another game-changer. Dedicate islands to gods like Mars (military boosts), Ceres (farming bonuses), or Neptune (naval advantages). The Celtic gods make an appearance too, like Cernunnos for forests or Epona for cavalry. You’ll be constantly weighing spiritual favor against tangible benefits, turning your cities into reflections of your divine alliances.
The technology tree is bigger and more complex than ever. You can tailor your province to focus on economic dominance, military might, or cultural brilliance. Sure, you can try to unlock everything, but specializing brings its own rewards — and challenges.
When and where you can play Anno 117: Pax Romana — mark your calendars!
Ready to don your Roman toga and start ruling? Anno 117: Pax Romana is set to launch on November 13th, 2025. You’ll be able to play it on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
For the ultimate fan experience, there’s even a Governor’s Edition, which is packed with goodies like a 3D amphitheater puzzle, collectible coins, an artbook, lithographs, and more. It’s basically the Roman equivalent of being handed a laurel crown.
Oh, and if you pre-order, you’ll snag the Builder Pack — a sweet bonus for those eager to get their hands on exclusive in-game content.
Conclusion: Your destiny awaits in Anno 117: Pax Romana
Anno 117: Pax Romana isn’t just another addition to your game library — it’s an invitation to step into a world where your choices shape not just cities, but entire civilizations. This game doesn’t simply give you a sandbox to play in; it offers a living stage where your decisions ripple across history, turning you into the ultimate storyteller of your own Roman epic.
From designing detailed cityscapes and orchestrating complex economic chains to managing armies and honoring ancient gods, this game is a love letter to strategy fans and history buffs alike. Every moment feels alive, every street corner has a story, and every citizen looks up to you — whether in admiration, fear, or unwavering loyalty.
What makes Anno 117: Pax Romana truly special is its ability to merge deep, layered strategy with the freedom to express your personal leadership style. Want to rule with kindness and diplomacy? You can. Prefer to crush your rivals under your military boot? That’s an option too. Craving a cultural renaissance filled with temples, theaters, and philosophical gatherings? Go for it.
As you forge alliances, honor deities, and expand your provinces, you’ll constantly face moral dilemmas and exciting challenges that push you to think beyond simple city management. Every decision, from the smallest road placement to the biggest military campaign, contributes to a narrative that feels uniquely yours.
On November 13th, 2025, when Anno 117: Pax Romana launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, it’s not just a game release — it’s the beginning of a new empire waiting for its governor. You.
So, will you bring peace and prosperity, or will you rule with an iron fist? Will you honor the Celtic forests, or pave them over in the name of Roman progress? The empire is waiting, and the fate of your provinces — and your legacy — lies in your hands.
Prepare your mind, sharpen your strategies, and get ready to carve your name into history. Because in Anno 117: Pax Romana, your story is the empire’s story. And it’s time to make it legendary.
FAQs about Anno 117: Pax Romana
Q1: What makes Anno 117: Pax Romana different from previous Anno games?
Anno 117 introduces full-scale land battles, a rich narrative with moral choices, and a deeper religious system involving Roman and Celtic gods — all adding new layers to the classic city-building formula.
Q2: Can I focus purely on peaceful city-building, or do I have to engage in battles?
You can absolutely focus on economic growth and cultural development! Battles are optional but offer additional ways to expand and protect your provinces.
Q3: Will Anno 117: Pax Romana include multiplayer features?
While full details haven’t been revealed yet, previous Anno games have had multiplayer modes, so it’s highly likely that Anno 117 will include cooperative or competitive options.
Q4: What’s included in the Governor’s Edition of the game?
The Governor’s Edition includes the Gold Edition of the game, a 3D amphitheater puzzle, collectible coins, an 84-page artbook, lithographs, and other collector’s items — perfect for die-hard fans.
Q5: Can I pre-order Anno 117: Pax Romana now?
Yes! You can pre-order today and get the Builder Pack, which includes exclusive in-game bonuses to kickstart your empire-building adventure.