Anno 117: Pax Romana Series Firsts

The Anno series has long been a cornerstone of the city-building genre, blending meticulous economic simulation with grand historical narratives. With Anno 117: Pax Romana, Ubisoft is pushing boundaries further than ever, introducing a host of series firsts that transform gameplay, storytelling, and long-term engagement. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in 117 AD, this title tasks players with forging Pax Romana – the famed Roman Peace – through economic mastery, diplomatic intrigue, or military conquest. Launching on November 13 across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Amazon Luna, it promises to be the most ambitious entry yet.

Immersive Narrative: A Choice-Driven Campaign

For the first time in Anno history, players step into the shoes of fully fleshed-out protagonists in a branching campaign mode. Choose between Marcus, a novice governor wrestling with self-doubt after an improbable rise to power, or Marcia, a trailblazing woman challenging the patriarchal norms of Roman society. Your decisions shape not just your settlement but the personal arcs of these characters, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the true price of empire.

This narrative depth adds emotional weight to traditional Anno mechanics. As Marcus, you’ll grapple with defining ‘Romanness’ amid political pressures, while Marcia defies elite conventions to carve her legacy. Player choices influence alliances, resource allocation, and even military engagements, creating replayable stories where the cost of peace is a constant dilemma. Unlike previous titles’ sandbox focus, this campaign weaves personal stakes into macro strategies, making every farm, aqueduct, and legionary barracks feel consequential.

Revolutionary Combat Systems: Land and Sea Warfare Returns

Anno 117 revitalizes military gameplay with modular land and naval combat, absent or limited in recent installments. On land, command diverse units including melee infantry, ranged archers, cavalry, artillery, and support healers. Units feature morale systems, health bars, and upkeep costs that drain workforce and funds, forcing strategic trade-offs between expansion and defense.

Naval battles introduce fleet customization, pitting Roman triremes against pirates and rival armadas. Combat demands tactical positioning, with weather, morale, and unit synergies playing key roles. This integration elevates warfare from a peripheral feature to a core pillar, allowing players to conquer provinces through dominance rather than mere economics.

Enhancements via a new research tree – boasting 150 discoveries across economic, civic, and military branches – allow upgrades to buildings, ships, and troops. Unlock efficient variants or power boosts, tailoring your empire’s might.

New Environmental and Building Innovations

The game world expands with dynamic biomes: lush Latium meadows, foggy Albion marshes, and arid desert deltas. Diagonal roads enable organic city layouts, while weather effects like rain impact crop yields and construction. Pause functionality aids complex planning, a boon for intricate metropolises.

• Diagonal Roads: Break free from grid rigidity for authentic Roman urban sprawl.
• Weather Systems: Rain floods fields but replenishes water; marshes hide barbarians but offer unique resources.
• Pause Mode: Strategize without time pressure, ideal for newcomers and veterans alike.
• Barbarian Faction: New tileset for tribal encounters, adding cultural and military variety.

Year 1 Pass: Expansive Post-Launch Horizons

Commit to the long haul with the Year 1 Pass, bundled in the Gold Edition. Three major expansions drop instantly upon release:

1. Prophecies of Ash: Tame a vast Latium island teeming with resources, new deities, and cultural clashes. Build colossal cities amid untamed wilds.
2. The Hippodrome: Erect a Circus Maximus-inspired arena for chariot races. Boost prestige, draw elite specialists, and thrill citizens.
3. Dawn of the Delta: Venture to pyramid-filled deserts with fertile rivers, exotic gods, and fresh challenges.

These additions promise sustained depth, echoing the acclaimed support of Anno 1800.

Demo Access and Multiplayer Features

Try before you buy with the free demo (available until September 16 on PC via Ubisoft Connect, Steam, Epic). Experience early-game sandbox in Latium and Albion up to population tier 2. No pre-order required, though full game includes PvP and co-op – absent in the demo.

Strategic Depth: Economy, Diplomacy, and Governance

Core to Anno, economics evolve with Roman twists: worship deities for bonuses, manage diverse cultures, and balance growth versus conquest. Will you prioritize trade routes, forge alliances, or crush foes? The discovery tree interlinks all paths, rewarding hybrid strategies.

Provinces demand unique governance – Albion’s misty isles favor defense, while desert outposts test logistics. Specialists from the Hippodrome add elite production chains, elevating late-game complexity.

Technical and Visual Marvels

Powered by upgraded engines, Anno 117 delivers sprawling vistas: aqueducts snaking through hills, hippodromes roaring with crowds, deltas shimmering under suns. Optimized for consoles and PC, with seamless 4X elements.

Why Anno 117 Redefines the Series

By fusing narrative campaigns, robust combat, dynamic environments, and rich DLC, Anno 117 crafts an empire-builder for the ages. It’s not just evolution – it’s reinvention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What platforms support Anno 117: Pax Romana?

PC (Ubisoft Store, Steam, Epic), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna.

Does the game have multiplayer?

Yes, full PvP and co-op in the final release; demo is single-player only.

What’s included in the Year 1 Pass?

Three expansions: Prophecies of Ash, The Hippodrome, Dawn of the Delta.

Is there a save feature in the demo?

No, demo progress does not carry over.

When does Anno 117 launch?

November 13.