Exciting News: Anno 117: Pax Romana Launches This November
The highly anticipated new installment in the renowned Anno series, Anno 117: Pax Romana, is set to release on November 13, 2025. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, this game promises to immerse players in the grandeur of ancient Rome like never before.
Explore Rome and Shape an Empire
In Anno 117: Pax Romana, players step into the shoes of a Roman governor during a pivotal period in history. The game combines city-building, strategic expansion, and political diplomacy, offering a rich gameplay experience. Your responsibilities include fostering economic prosperity, expanding your territories through military conquest, leading rebellions, and uniting diverse peoples under a common banner. The game’s dynamic world reacts to your decisions, making every playthrough unique.
First Impressions and Gameplay Innovations
Our early hands-on experience with Anno 117: Pax Romana in May revealed a game that is both familiar and innovative. We noted that much of what made Anno 1800 so compelling has been thoughtfully integrated into this new entry. Additionally, the game introduces building-specific bonuses and a dedicated research tree, allowing players to optimize their economy and military strategies effectively. These features add depth and replayability, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.
Setting and Player Choices
The game is set in 117 AD, a period of relative peace following major conquests, and takes place in uncharted territories of the Roman Empire, specifically in the provinces of Latium and Albion. Players have the freedom to decide how to govern and expand their empire, shaping its future through their strategic choices. Whether you focus on diplomacy, warfare, or economic development, your decisions will determine the fate of your empire.
Insights from the Developers
We had the privilege of interviewing Manuel Reinher, the creative director, and Haye Anderson, the brand director. They shared insights into why this game is particularly relevant today and how it stands out within the series. Reinher explained that the game aims to tell the untold story of Roman provincial governance during a time of peace—over 200 years after a series of conquests. The Roman Empire, spanning three continents and representing nearly 20% of the world’s population, managed to stabilize and govern this vast territory, and now players can explore how this was achieved.
The Modern Relevance of Ancient Rome
According to Reinher, “We want to tell the untold story of how it was to govern Roman provinces. During that era, there was over 200 years of peace and it was the time after a big conquest. And we are talking about an empire of people from three continents that accounted for almost 20% of the world’s population. So, the story we are trying to tell is how did the Romans manage to stabilize this?”
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Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. Follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
