Ubisoft’s Anno 117: Pax Romana Deep Dive Reveals Campaign Choices and Year 1 DLC Plans

Ubisoft has finally lifted the curtain on Anno 117: Pax Romana, and fans of the series are already buzzing after the new gameplay deep dive revealed the first substantial look at its campaign and Year 1 content roadmap. The upcoming entry, scheduled to release on November 13, 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, is set during the height of the Roman Empire and offers a unique twist on the city-building legacy of Anno.

In Pax Romana, players assume the role of either Marcus or Marcia, two Roman governors sent to manage a Celtic province on the fringes of the empire.

From the outset, the campaign revolves around a fascinating moral and cultural struggle – should you impose strict Roman order, or find a balance between Roman civilization and Celtic tradition? Ubisoft confirmed that each playable character will feature unique storylines and subtle differences in gameplay, altering how the region evolves politically, economically, and culturally. This dual-protagonist design brings role-playing depth to a series usually defined by pure strategy and trade management.

The newly revealed Year 1 Content Pass promises to keep players engaged well after launch, offering three distinct expansions. The first DLC, Provinces of Ash, introduces the volcanic island of Latium, a new landscape rich in opportunities but overshadowed by the threat of an active volcano – a literal and symbolic reminder of the empire’s instability. Next comes The Hippodrome, which adds the grandeur of Roman spectacle with arenas for chariot races and festivals that boost morale and commerce alike. Finally, Dawn of the Delta expands the empire’s reach into Egypt, unveiling riverine provinces, exotic trade goods, and an entirely new culture to interact with.

Ubisoft hasn’t clarified the release pace of these DLCs, though given their year-long span, they’re expected to arrive quarterly. The developer also hinted that the campaign’s events will dynamically evolve, potentially tying future expansions into the narrative fabric of the base game. This suggests a richer continuity than previous Anno entries, bridging historical storytelling with complex player-driven choices.

Meanwhile, in related company news, Ubisoft recently saw changes in leadership after its Assassin’s Creed franchise lead departed amid restructuring involving the newly formed Vantage Studios, a collaboration with Tencent. Some fans have already noted stylistic parallels between Anno 117 and Assassin’s Creed Origins – a blend of history, politics, and culture wrapped in stunning visual detail. Whether that resemblance is coincidence or creative influence, it’s clear that Anno 117: Pax Romana is shaping up to be one of Ubisoft’s most ambitious historical projects to date.