Pax Romana Gets First Gameplay Showcase

Nearly a year after the game’s announcement, Ubisoft Mainz has released the first gameplay showcase for Anno 117: Pax Romana. The video is accompanied by a narrating voice that describes the player’s journey throughout the upcoming real-time strategy/city-building game:

Latium is where your journey begins, young governor. First, lay down roads to keep your people connected. Organic layouts add charm, while efficient grids boost productivity. Start with dirt roads. They may be humble, but they’re the first step on the path to greatness.

Resources are your lifeblood. Wood from the untouched forests will be essential, but manage your lumber camps wisely to maintain a sustainable supply. And remember, efficient logistics are key.
Warehouses will keep goods flowing and production smooth.

Your residents need more than just work. They need homes. Build neighborhoods that suit your city’s vision. Markets drive income and population growth, while taverns keep spirits high.
And mind the fire hazards, especially the bakeries. Fires are practically a Roman tradition.
Just be mindful of your city’s layout.

Residents will love lavender’s sweet scent, but they won’t be so fond of the pig farm’s stench. Balance charm and profit wisely. An Anno 117: Pax Romana governor must also live among the people. Establish your own villa as a sign of stability and leadership. Meet your people’s needs
and they’ll advance, unlocking new industries and opportunities.

A resilient economy is vital. Stockpile resources and prepare for challenges, as not every island will yield the goods you desire. Trade is key to securing essential items, but keep an eye on rival governors. Not all share your vision of cooperation. Diplomacy may seem wise, but some rivals favor force. Protect your trade routes with armed escorts and fortified ports. And beware of pirates. A well-defended harbor keeps your goods safe from thieving hands.

As your city in Anno 117: Pax Romana prospers, your people’s desires grow. Fine goods, entertainment, and culture become their demands. Libraries and grammaticus schools pave the way for technological advancements. Public service buildings like bathhouses boost health, while theaters keep happiness high. Grand monuments, like the Colosseum, bring prestige and secure the emperor’s favor. Never underestimate the power of reputation. After all, it’s the key to lasting legacy.

Faith unites your people and strengthens your leadership. Each island may dedicate itself
to a single deity, but shrines for other gods are welcome. Believing in Neptune grants faster ships
and bountiful sea production, while believing in Mars empowers your soldiers and bolsters your army’s morale. Choose your patron god wisely, as faith will shape your province’s destiny.

Expand through diplomacy or force. The choice is yours. Trade and alliances can build
a sprawling network, but conquest secures your rule. Aqueducts fuel growth while fortresses guard your borders. Prepare your military to defend your ambitions. Whether close combat or long-range firepower, your strategy will determine your legacy.

Your rule may extend to lands beyond the empire, like Albion, where Celts resist Roman influence. It’s a wild place. Will you protect Celtic traditions or remain loyal to Roman ambition? Your choices will determine your fate: a prosperous metropolis, or a city in bankruptcy?

It’s been six years since the previous franchise installment, Anno 1800. This time, players are going to the earliest historical setting of any Anno game thus far, dating back to the Pax Romana, a time when peace reigned and the economy thrived in the Roman Empire. The developers have claimed that the new game will retain the series’ trademark complexity while making things easier for newcomers.

Anno 117: Pax Romana will debut later this year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.