Anno 117: Pax Romana may be the most ambitious entry yet in Ubisoft’s long‑running city‑building series. Set at the height of the Roman Empire, the new game tasks you with governing provinces, constructing bustling cities and steering the fate of Rome’s territories. With a release date of 13 November 2025 across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, it marks the franchise’s first fully current‑generation entry and promises to be a deep strategic sandbox where every decision shapes history.
In this news preview we’ll break down everything you should know before stepping into the sandals of a provincial governor. We’ll look at the premise, core gameplay systems, editions and pre‑order bonuses, system requirements and more. Whether you’re a veteran Anno fan or curious newcomer, there’s plenty of detail to enjoy.
Watch the official release date trailer
Below you can watch the cinematic trailer that sets the stage for your Roman adventure:
Build, trade and expand your influence
At its core, Anno 117 remains a grand city builder. You design thriving Roman cities at the empire’s zenith, balancing the needs of your citizens against the demands of Emperor Hadrian. Expect to manage housing, entertainment, religious buildings and infrastructure across varied regions—from the sun‑baked villas of Latium to the marshy wetlands of Britannia.
The game emphasises the interconnected economy that has defined the series. You’ll establish supply chains between provinces, trade rare goods and manage workforce distribution while negotiating with traders. Expansion isn’t just economic: as a governor, you’ll expand your authority by improving production and military power through a discovery tree that unlocks new technologies.
Another intriguing mechanic is diplomacy. You can forge alliances with local Celtic clans or other Roman governors, or seize territory through land and naval battles. The world is richly detailed and dynamic; your cities will bustle with markets and forums, while rivers and seas allow for trade routes and military maneuvers.
Choose the fate of your provinces
One of Anno 117’s most interesting ideas is giving players moral and cultural choices. When dealing with conquered territories, you must decide whether to respect local Celtic culture or enforce Roman traditions. Your decision affects the citizens’ happiness and economic output and can even change a province’s architectural style. You also choose which gods to appease; worshiping Mars, Minerva or Jupiter grants gameplay bonuses such as military efficiency or construction speed. These decisions ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
Step into the role of a Roman governor
You’re not just an omniscient city planner; you are a Roman official with personal stakes. The story begins when Hadrian entrusts you with a new province. Each decision you make—whether to side with local leaders, fund public works or levy taxes—shifts the political balance. Intrigue abounds; you’ll navigate Senate politics, whispers of rebellion and requests from Emperor Hadrian.
To expand your domain, you must balance economic growth, diplomatic finesse and military might. The discovery tree lets you improve production chains, build specialised military structures and recruit powerful legions and galleys. With real‑time land and naval battles, your strategic decisions will determine whether Rome flourishes or falters at the empire’s.
Editions and pre‑order bonuses
Ubisoft and Blue Byte are offering several editions with different perks. Pre‑ordering any edition grants players a Builder Pack with exclusive cosmetics and additional construction materials.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition includes the full base game: players build detailed provinces, manage the needs of citizens and the emperor, trade goods and forge alliances or wage war. It’s the ideal entry point for new players.
Gold Edition
The Gold Edition bundles the base game with the Year 1 Pass, which promises three DLCs planned for the game’s first year and extra Day 1 content. If you expect to spend dozens of hours in the game, this edition adds more content and expansions at a discount.
Governor’s Edition
For collectors, the Governor’s Edition is an elaborate physical package. It includes a steelbook case, a forged Anno emblem, Roman coin replicas, an amphitheatre puzzle, a hardcover artbook, lithographs, a governor’s letter and even blueprint prints. It also contains the Gold Edition of the game.
| Edition | Contents | Price & bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base game – build provinces, manage citizens & trade | Base price (platform‑dependent) |
| Gold | Base game + Year 1 Pass (3 DLCs) + Day 1 content | Higher price, includes Builder Pack |
| Governor’s | Gold Edition + physical collectibles: steelbook, forged emblem, coins, amphitheatre puzzle, artbook, lithographs, governor’s letter, blueprints | Premium price, includes Builder Pack |
System requirements and platforms
The game runs exclusively on 64‑bit operating systems and requires a processor supporting AVX2 instructions. Minimum specifications call for a 64‑bit Windows OS, an Intel Core i5‑4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon RX 470 GPU with 8 GB VRAM. Recommended specs include a Core i7‑8700K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM and a GeForce RTX 2070 or Radeon RX 6600 XT. Expect a download around 40 GB and ensure your system supports DirectX 12.
Anno 117: Pax Romana launches on 13 November 2025 for PC (via Ubisoft Connect), PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. There’s no mention of a Nintendo Switch port, and cross‑play hasn’t been confirmed.
Why you should be excited
For fans of the Anno series and city builders, Anno 117: Pax Romana offers a refreshing historical setting and deep strategic layers. The ability to choose cultural policies and deities adds meaningful role‑playing elements. Diplomacy and combat are integral—not just an afterthought—so you’ll juggle growth with security and politics. The lush environments range from Mediterranean villas to damp British marshlands and stormy islands, offering visual variety and new production challenges.
Ubisoft has also promised ongoing support with the Year 1 Pass, meaning expansions will add fresh mechanics and story content. If Anno 1800 proved the series could thrive on consoles, Anno 117 seems poised to deliver a next‑gen experience that builds on its predecessors while exploring new frontiers.
Final thoughts
With a November release date, Anno 117: Pax Romana is one of the most significant strategy games on the 2025 horizon. Its mix of economic simulation, political intrigue and cultural choices should appeal to both hardcore Anno fans and anyone who appreciates a well‑crafted city builder. Start planning your aqueducts and amphitheatres—come November, the empire’s fortunes will rest on your shoulders.
