The wait is over, and the verdict is in — Anno 117: Pax Romana has officially launched, transporting city-building fans straight into the golden age of the Roman Empire.
But with so many major releases this year and only so much time to spare, one question stands out:
👉 Is Anno 117 really worth your time and denarii?
Whether you’re a veteran who mastered the industrial revolution in Anno 1800 or a newcomer curious about founding your first Roman settlement, this comprehensive buyer’s guide covers it all — reviews, editions, gameplay systems, and more.
Let’s explore what makes Anno 117: Pax Romana stand tall among 2025’s most ambitious strategy games.
The Essential Details: Release Date & Platforms
Anno 117: Pax Romana launched on November 13, 2025, marking the series’ earliest historical setting yet. It’s a bold shift from the industrial might of Anno 1800, diving into the empire-building challenges of Emperor Trajan’s reign.
Available Platforms:
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🖥️ PC (Steam & Ubisoft Connect)
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🎮 PlayStation 5
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🎮 Xbox Series X/S
The console versions come with optimized controls and menus, making city management surprisingly smooth with a controller. Meanwhile, PC players enjoy the precision of mouse and keyboard for perfecting their trade routes and production layouts.
The Critical Verdict: Should You Buy Anno 117?
What Critics and Players Love
⭐ Breathtaking Visuals and Atmosphere
From sun-drenched hills in Latium to Albion’s misty frontier, Anno 117 is visually stunning. Ubisoft’s attention to detail in Roman architecture, trade routes, and natural landscapes creates an immersive world that feels alive and authentic.
⭐ Deep and Rewarding Gameplay
The classic Anno formula — production chains, population tiers, and resource balancing — remains addictively satisfying. Province-specific mechanics, like cultural integration in Albion, add strategic depth without alienating newcomers.
⭐ Innovative New Systems
The Discovery Tree (research) and Patron Gods (religion) systems bring new layers of customization and progression. Meanwhile, the freedom to place buildings at 45° angles allows for natural, beautiful cities beyond the classic grid layout.
Common Criticisms and Considerations
⚠️ Console Interface Limitations
While well-designed, the radial menu controls on consoles can feel less efficient for late-game micro-management compared to mouse-and-keyboard precision.
⚠️ Shallow Cultural Choices
Some players feel that Albion’s Romanization vs. Celtic path choice affects production more than story outcomes — a missed opportunity for deeper narrative impact.
⚠️ Familiar Core Formula
If you’ve played several Anno titles, you’ll find refinement rather than reinvention here. It’s evolutionary, not revolutionary — though still incredibly polished.
Edition Comparison: Standard vs. Gold
When purchasing Anno 117: Pax Romana, you can choose between two editions:
Standard Edition
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Base Game
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(Pre-order bonuses like the Builder Pack may no longer be available post-launch.)
Gold Edition
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Base Game
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Year 1 Pass featuring:
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Prophecies of Ash DLC (volcanic expansion)
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The Hippodrome DLC (adds chariot racing)
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Dawn of the Delta DLC (Egyptian expansion)
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Exclusive Cosmetic Packs
💡 Verdict:
If you plan to invest serious time in Anno 117, the Gold Edition offers excellent long-term value. Casual players may prefer starting with the Standard Edition before diving into expansions.
Key Gameplay Features That Define Anno 117
1. Dual-Province Management
Manage both Latium (the Roman heartland) and Albion (Celtic frontier) simultaneously. Each province brings unique resources, climates, and cultures — and neither can thrive without interprovincial trade.
2. Strategic Depth Through Choice
Every decision shapes your empire’s future:
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Cultural Integration: Romanize Albion or preserve its Celtic roots — both unlock distinct production paths.
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Religious Patronage: Worship gods like Ceres, Mars, or Minerva to unlock empire-wide bonuses.
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Diplomacy: Build alliances or rivalries with governors, Celtic chiefs, and Emperor Calidus himself.
3. Refined City-Building Mechanics
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Diagonal Construction: Build naturally along rivers or terrain for a more organic aesthetic.
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Area Effects: Strategic placement matters — buildings now grant buffs or debuffs based on adjacency.
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Progressive Complexity: The game introduces new systems gradually, making it approachable yet deep.
Who Is Anno 117 For?
Buy It If...
✅ You love deep, methodical city-builders
✅ You enjoy ancient historical settings
✅ You prefer games that reward planning and patience
✅ You want hundreds of hours of replayable content
Consider Waiting If...
❌ You prefer fast-paced action or combat-heavy gameplay
❌ You found previous Anno titles too slow or complex
❌ You have limited time and prefer short, contained experiences
The Final Verdict: Building Your Roman Legacy
Anno 117: Pax Romana is Ubisoft’s most refined city-builder yet — a masterclass in pacing, visual design, and empire management.
While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it perfects it, delivering an experience that’s both historically immersive and strategically rich. Watching your settlement evolve from a humble frontier outpost into a bustling Roman metropolis remains endlessly satisfying.
For strategy enthusiasts, this is a must-buy. For newcomers, it’s the perfect on-ramp to the Anno universe.
The eagles have flown, the legions await your command — and your empire is ready to rise.
The only question that remains is: What kind of governor will you become?
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