Anno 117: Pax Romana – Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Ancient Rome

Revealed during Ubisoft Forward, Anno 117: Pax Romana, is the 8th entry in the Anno series and the successor of the award-winning Anno 1800. Anno 117: Pax Romana is developed by Ubisoft Mainz, and will immerse players in the Pax Romana period, an era of relative peace in the Roman Empire. It promises a captivating blend of city-building mechanics as well as 4x and RTS features to deliver a unique builder experience. The game is set to release in 2025.

Fans have been asking for Anno to visit the Roman Empire for over 10 years, so we caught up with Creative Director Manuel Reinher to find out more about this long-awaited project, and why the team decided the time was right to visit the year 117.

Why is now the perfect time for Anno to visit the Roman Empire?

Manuel Reinher: After exploring the future (2205) and the near past (1800) it is now the perfect time to travel together to antiquity. An Anno inspired by the Roman Empire is a great contrast to everything we have ever done, and delivers a strong fantasy that our community has requested for more than a decade. We can’t wait to explore this exciting era together with our fans and all strategy players!

What makes the Roman Empire a fan favorite setting?

Manuel Reinher: Rome is a perfect match for Anno. It’s a fascinating era for strategy and builder games alike. It is one of the most iconic Empires of all times and it has a huge impact on our daily lives. It’s an era full of architectural wonders, politics, trade, art and conflict – these themes still ring true today.

With our unique feature mix of city building, deep economical simulation and 4x elements like diplomacy and military, we can deliver Rome like no other game before. This, together with the scale and beauty, will make Anno 117: Pax Romana a premier builder game that will be loved by fans!

How are you bringing the Roman Empire to life?

Manuel Reinher: We will bring the Roman Empire to life in unseen scale and detail: zoom in and discover a group of kids chasing dogs in the streets or admire your creation and watch thousands cheering at spectacular games in your massive colosseum. Start with a small outpost on an empty strip of land and transform it into a network of bustling cities spanning over two contrasting provinces.

Why did you choose the year 117?

Manuel Reinher: The year 117 is a perfect inspiration for us. It’s the time of the Pax Romana, after years of conquest the empire found its way to peace. It’s peak Rome, the people from 3 continents lived together, resources and ideas traveled via land and sea. And although there have been conflicts, this time period was relatively stable – life in the provinces was flourishing and peaceful, just like in an Anno game.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the sum of the year in each Anno title adds up to 9
(i.e.  1+1+7 = 9  /  1+8+0+0= 9)?

What will set Anno 117 : Pax Romana apart from previous games in the franchise?

Manuel Reinher: As for now, we will only reveal that we want to bring more choices to Anno. For the first time, you will be able to choose your starting province. But stay tuned, we will reveal more features and mechanics over the upcoming months!

What part of the Roman Empire do you start in, and what made you choose these regions?

Manuel Reinher: In Anno 117: Pax Romana you will be able to either start in the traditional Roman Latium, close to the hungry heart of the Empire, or the mysterious Celtic Albion, where no civilized Roman wants to be.

With Latium, we want to deliver the Roman fantasy that most of us have when we think about a game set in this era: it’s warm, sunny, and welcoming. Think lavender fields, beautiful coastlines and terracotta tiles bathed in sunlight!

Albion, however, is an alien, wet place at the Roman border. It’s a striking contrast and an opportunity for the players to explore and experience our take on the Roman Empire, a cultural melting pot full of challenges and opportunities for them.

Are there any clues in the Governors Wanted trailer that connect to the game?

Manuel Reinher: We wanted to make a reveal trailer that feels true to the game and brand. It should feel like Anno. We incorporated a lot of references to the game: from your role as a governor to the two starting provinces. The provinces will have a similar look and feel in the game as seen in the trailer. But we also drew smaller connections to the game, from the sound of the ship bell to some of the animals or symbols that you will find in the Anno 117: Pax Romana reveal trailer.

Anno 11: Pax Romana arrives for Xbox Series X|S in 2025.