Anno 117: Pax Romana Review – A Stunning Roman City-Building Revolution

Anno 117: Pax Romana marks a monumental step forward for Ubisoft’s beloved city-building franchise. 

Set during the peak of the Roman Empire’s Pax Romana, this game blends historical accuracy, complex trade systems, and dynamic gameplay to deliver a deeply immersive strategy experience. 

Releasing globally on November 12, 2025, Anno 117 redefines the art of empire management by merging cultural diversity with refined economic mechanics.

Exploring the Heart of Rome

Image Credit: IGN

Anno 117: Pax Romana transports players to the Mediterranean world of 117 AD, when the Roman Empire was at its height. 

Players begin in Latium, the heartland of Italy, and gradually expand their influence to distant provinces such as Albion (ancient Britain). 

Each province offers its own challenges—Latium is lush and structured, while Albion introduces foggy, resource-rich landscapes where Celtic traditions meet Roman order.

Ubisoft’s Creative Director, Manuel Reinher, emphasized that the development team wanted to focus on multiculturalism and authenticity rather than relying on stereotypical depictions of Rome. This approach gives the game depth and realism, as players can witness the empire’s diversity through architecture, trade, and diplomacy.

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Gameplay Mechanics and Core Systems

Image Credit: Ubisoft

The core of Anno 117 remains faithful to the franchise’s hallmark blend of economy, strategy, and city-building. Players begin with simple settlements and gradually evolve them into sprawling cities. 

You’ll manage resources, build production chains, establish trade routes, and meet the needs of different social classes—from freed citizens known as liberti to elite patricians demanding exotic goods.

Trade is a central pillar of gameplay. Establishing efficient logistics between provinces is crucial, as luxury resources often need to travel long distances. 

Ships, ports, and waystations all play essential roles in keeping your empire running smoothly. This system rewards careful planning and allows players to specialize regions for different types of production.

In addition, Anno 117’s naval and land-based combat introduces more tactical depth. Naval warfare, in particular, stands out for its realism—ships vary in maneuverability depending on their build, and players can execute advanced tactics like blockades or ambushes. 

While the land battles are simpler, they serve their purpose within the broader economic and political simulation.

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The Art of City-Building

City-building in Anno 117 is both beautiful and functional. Every villa, forum, and shrine feels meticulously designed, creating an immersive ancient world. 

Players will notice how urban planning impacts social development—higher-class citizens prefer living near prestigious buildings like theaters or temples, while industrial zones naturally form around production hubs.

One of the most satisfying elements is watching citizens—clad in traditional Roman togas—go about their daily routines. 

The attention to detail extends to environmental design, with bustling markets, scenic coastlines, and dynamic weather effects contributing to a living, breathing world.

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Balancing Diplomacy and Empire Politics

Diplomacy in Anno 117 plays a vital role in shaping your empire’s future. You can interact with rival governors, form alliances, or compete for dominance. The Emperor adds another layer of complexity, occasionally making demands that affect your reputation in Rome. 

Fulfilling his requests can earn bonuses, while defiance may lead to penalties—but also to powerful rewards if you manage to assert independence successfully.

These political systems encourage players to balance loyalty with ambition. Whether you aim to be a dutiful Consul or a self-proclaimed Proconsul, your decisions have lasting consequences on your campaign.

Campaign and Endless Mode

Anno 117 offers both a story-driven campaign and a customizable endless mode. The campaign serves as a tutorial that introduces the main mechanics and characters, including Marcus and Marcia, who each bring a unique storyline. 

While the narrative isn’t groundbreaking, it provides a charming entry point into the game’s world.

Endless mode, however, is where the game truly shines. Players can customize difficulty, choose starting provinces, and compete against AI-controlled governors. 

The replayability is immense, allowing for experimentation with different city layouts, trade strategies, and cultural approaches.

Anno 117 Performance and Visuals

Visually, Anno 117 is breathtaking. Ubisoft’s use of advanced rendering technology gives every scene a cinematic touch. The vibrant color palette and detailed animations make even the smallest settlements feel alive. 

However, some minor lip-syncing issues during cutscenes can momentarily break immersion—a small flaw in an otherwise stunning experience.

From a performance standpoint, the game runs smoothly on both high-end PCs and consoles, with optimized load times and minimal frame drops, even during massive naval battles or sprawling cityscapes.

The Verdict

Anno 117: Pax Romana successfully blends history, strategy, and creativity into a cohesive and captivating experience. Its rich trade system, realistic naval combat, and stunning visual design make it one of the best city-builders in recent years. 

While the campaign may feel short, the endless mode more than compensates with limitless replayability.

Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer to the Anno franchise, Anno 117 offers a deeply rewarding experience that captures the essence of ancient Rome’s grandeur. It’s more than just a game—it’s a digital monument to strategic artistry and historical storytelling.

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FAQs

What is Anno 117: Pax Romana?

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a city-building and strategy game by Ubisoft set during the height of the Roman Empire, focusing on trade, expansion, and cultural management across different provinces.

When is the Anno 117 release date?

Anno 117: Pax Romana is officially set to release on November 12, 2025, and will be available on the Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

What makes Anno 117 different from previous Anno games?

Unlike previous titles, Anno 117 introduces multicultural gameplay across Roman and Celtic provinces, realistic naval battles, and an enhanced trade system that connects multiple regions.

Is Anno 117 beginner-friendly for new players?

Yes, Anno 117 offers a tutorial-style campaign and accessibility features such as an active pause mode and simplified trade management, making it suitable for both newcomers and veterans.

Will Anno 117: Pax Romana have expansions or DLCs?

Ubisoft has hinted at future expansions that could explore new regions of the Roman Empire, such as Egypt or North Africa, continuing the game’s historical and strategic evolution.