You've built thriving Roman cities, mastered complex trade routes, and defended your province from every threat. But what if you could go further—beyond what Ubisoft Mainz shipped with Anno 117: Pax Romana?
What if you could rebalance the economy, overhaul visuals, add new buildings, or customize gameplay at a level even the developers didn’t anticipate?
Good news: Anno 117 launched with full official mod support from day one.
That alone puts it miles ahead of most modern strategy releases. Even better, the developers have confirmed a streamlined mod browser is coming post-launch, ensuring a thriving modding scene for years to come.
This guide breaks down exactly how to install mods, which tools to use, where to find high-quality mods, and how the community is already expanding what’s possible in the ancient world.
Let’s unlock the full potential of your Roman Empire.
Disclaimer: Modding Anno 117: Pax Romana is officially supported, but all mods are created by third-party authors. Install and use mods at your own risk. Always download from trusted community platforms such as mod.io or established Anno fan sites to avoid compatibility or security issues.
Quick Start: Installing Your First Anno 117 Mod
Mod installation for Anno 117 is intentionally simple and beginner-friendly.
How to Install Mods (Current Official Method)
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Download the mod (usually a
.zipfile). -
Extract it into your Anno 117 mods directory:
Documents → Anno 117 → mods -
Launch the game — the built-in mod loader automatically detects it.
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Toggle mods on/off in the dedicated Mods panel in the main menu.
This “classic” approach is temporary. Ubisoft Mainz has already confirmed that a full in-game mod browser powered by mod.io is coming in a post-launch update.
This will eventually allow:
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Browsing mods
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One-click installs
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Automatic updates
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Compatibility checks
Right inside the game.
Where to Find Anno 117 Mods (Official & Community Sources)
You currently have two reliable, safe, and developer-friendly options:
1. Official Mod.io Platform (Primary Source)
This ensures:
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Verified uploads
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No malware risk
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Automatic integration with Ubisoft’s mod loader
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Cross-platform support
Once the in-game browser arrives, mod.io becomes the central hub for the entire modding ecosystem.
2. Anno Companion (Trusted Community Hub)
A long-standing fan site in the Anno community, Anno Companion is already supporting Anno 117 with:
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Mod lists
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Compatibility notes
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Version tracking
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User reviews
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Detailed mod descriptions
It was one of the most useful third-party resources for Anno 1800 and is quickly becoming the go-to community archive for Anno 117.
Tools You Need: Creating Mods for Anno 117
If you want to go from player to modder, you’re in luck — Anno 117 launched with a surprisingly robust foundation.
1. Visual Studio Code – Anno Modding Tools Extension
This official extension provides:
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Mod templates
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Syntax highlighting
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Auto-completion for Anno scripts
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Tools for debugging
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Build helpers
It dramatically lowers the barrier for new creators.
2. RDA Unpacker (Community Standard)
The long-running RDA unpacker tool used for earlier Anno titles works with Anno 117 as well, giving creators access to:
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Configuration files
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Text assets
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Data structures
(This is widely used by modders across Anno communities.)
3. Blender Plugins for 3D Models
Community developers have begun updating Blender add-ons that enable:
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Importing game models
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Exporting new building assets
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Editing meshes
This is essential for creators who want to go beyond simple data tweaks.
Lua Scripting Support: The Real Game-Changer
One of the strongest features in Anno 117’s modding framework is official Lua scripting support.
What this means for players:
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Deeper gameplay modifications
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Condition-based mechanics
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Automation mods
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Advanced UI modifications
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Smarter AI behaviors
For the first time in the franchise’s PC history, the scripting layer allows modders to do more than tweak numbers — they can reinvent systems.
Best Early Mods (Based on Community Listings & Verified Uploads)
Here are examples of safe, currently available mod types uploaded via official channels and community hubs. These are real categories already appearing for Anno 117:
● UI Enhancements
Improved interface clarity, sharper icons, and cleaner overviews.
● Gameplay Balance Tweaks
Mods that adjust production chains, resource flows, or economic pressure.
● Camera & Control Improvements
Extended zoom ranges and refined camera angles.
● Visual Enhancement Packs
Higher-resolution textures or subtle environment improvements.
● Building & Decoration Packs
Additional decorative assets based on Roman architectural themes.
● QoL Tools
Faster construction menus, compact UI panels, or streamlined stats displays.
These categories are confirmed based on early mod.io entries and community-shared creations.
Fixing Common Mod Issues (Load Order & Conflicts)
Even with official support, conflicts can happen. Here’s how to handle them:
1. Mods not loading?
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Ensure files are placed in:
Documents → Anno 117 → mods -
Restart the game after adding or removing mods.
2. Visual glitches or missing textures?
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Remove conflicting visual packs.
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Clear game shader cache if needed.
3. Crashing after adding a new mod?
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Remove the last added mod.
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Launch again to confirm stability.
4. Multiplayer desync?
All players must use:
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The same mods
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In the same load order
Is Modding Safe for Your Game Saves?
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Visual & UI mods: Safe
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Balance or economy mods: Safe, but removing mid-playthrough may cause issues
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Lua-based overhaul mods: May require a new save if systems change
Best practice:
Back up your saves located at:
Documents → Anno 117 → saves
Anno 117 Modding Roadmap (Confirmed Developer Information)
Based on official Ubisoft Mainz communication:
Available at Launch
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Mod loader
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Lua scripting support
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External mod folder
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Official mod.io hosting
Post-Launch Confirmed Update
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Full in-game mod browser with direct mod.io integration
(Browse, download, manage mods directly from the main menu.)
Ongoing Developer Support
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Updates to modding documentation
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Expansion of scripting tools
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Continued technical support for creators
No speculation — all above points are explicitly confirmed by Ubisoft Mainz.
FAQ – Answers Based on Confirmed Information
Does Anno 117 support Steam Workshop?
No. The official platform is mod.io.
Do mods disable achievements?
Currently, no official communication suggests that mods disable achievements.
Where is the mod folder?
Documents → Anno 117 → mods
Is modding allowed in multiplayer?
Yes, but all players must use the exact same mods and load order.
Can I create brand-new buildings?
Yes, via community Blender tools combined with official scripting support.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Roman Empire
Anno 117: Pax Romana didn’t just launch as a grand strategy game — it launched as a platform.
With official mod support, scripting tools, community hubs, and curated hosting through mod.io, players now have the power to shape their own vision of the ancient world.
Whether you want:
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Smoother gameplay
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Richer visuals
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New UI tools
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Custom buildings
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Or entirely new mechanics
…the framework is already here.
Your empire is no longer limited by the boundaries of the base game.
With the right mods and tools, you can rebuild Rome in your image.
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