Anno 117: Pax Romana Demo Is Live – Try It Free Today

Ubisoft has officially released a free playable demo of its upcoming city-building and strategy title Anno 117: Pax Romana, inviting players to explore life in the Roman Empire ahead of the game’s full launch later this year. The demo became available on September 2, 2025 and will remain open until September 16, 2025, giving players two weeks to experience the highly anticipated entry in the long-running Anno franchise. It’s accessible through Steam, Ubisoft Connect, and the Epic Games Store, although Ubisoft Connect is required even if you download it via Steam.

A limited but generous look at the game

The trial version of Anno 117: Pax Romana allows players to start their journey in either Latium, the heartland of the Roman Empire, or Albion, a more challenging frontier province. Both regions can be explored in sandbox mode, and players can progress through the first two tiers of population development. Players will be able to dive into the game and learn the ropes of an experience that will only be available as a whole when the game is released. However, Ubisoft offered a gameplay showcase recenlty, which is perfect for those who want to know more about the upcoming game. 

The demo has sparked lively discussions in gaming communities. On Reddit, some players noted that while the demo is listed on Steam, it still requires Ubisoft Connect, making it simpler to download directly through Ubisoft's platform. Each play session is capped at one hour, but there’s no limit to how many times you can restart during the demo period. While systems such as warfare, multiplayer, and long-term progression are not included, the demo still offers a robust taste of the game's economic management, city design, and cultural decision-making systems.

Ubisoft has shared several tips to help players make the most of their time:

• Latium is perfect for newcomers, featuring fertile lands and straightforward expansion.

• Albion offers a tougher challenge, with swampy terrain, stricter building limits, and choices that influence whether the region becomes fully Romanized or maintains Celtic traditions.

• Thoughtful city planning is key: placing buildings strategically can boost happiness and productivity while reducing risks like fire or pollution.

• Players can also experiment with different patron gods, each deity offers unique bonuses, from military efficiency under Mars to maritime improvements under Neptune.

Full launch on the horizon

Anno 117: Pax Romana is scheduled to release on November 13, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game takes the series into uncharted territory, exploring the political, cultural, and economic complexities of Ancient Rome. Players will balance empire-building with diplomacy, resource management, and cultural decisions that shape their provinces.

This demo offers a rare early look at what promises to be one of Ubisoft's most ambitious strategy titles yet. The game will offers the perfect opportunity to test your city-building skills against the challenges of Ancient Rome. As usual, remember to ckeck out our comparator to find the best discounts for Anno 117: Pax Romana if you want to get the game at the cheapest price.