Ubisoft is giving players a chance to rule the Roman Empire for free this weekend, as Anno 117: Pax Romanaopens its gates across PC and consoles for a limited-time trial.
Fans of city-building and historical strategy games have a new reason to clear their schedules. Ubisoft has announced a free weekend for Anno 117: Pax Romana, allowing players to experience the full game at no cost for a limited time.
The free-to-play event runs from February 26 through March 2, giving newcomers and longtime fans alike the opportunity to explore the latest entry in the long-running Anno franchise. The promotion is available on Ubisoft Connect, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, making it accessible across all major platforms.
A Deep Roman City-Builder Free for a Limited Time
Set during the height of the Roman Empire, Anno 117: Pax Romana places players in the role of a newly appointed governor tasked with building and managing a thriving province. From laying out roads and housing to managing trade routes, production chains, and citizen needs, the game emphasizes careful planning and long-term economic strategy.
Unlike traditional war-focused strategy titles, Anno 117 leans heavily into governance, culture, and infrastructure. Players must balance expansion with stability, make political decisions that affect public order, and choose how closely to follow Roman traditions — or adapt them to local cultures in distant provinces.
The free weekend grants access to the complete base game, allowing players to experience its systems without restrictions. Progress made during the trial carries over if the game is purchased afterward, making it an ideal time to test whether the game is a good long-term fit.
Ubisoft Sweetens the Deal With Twitch Drops
To coincide with the free weekend, Ubisoft is also running a Twitch Drops campaign, offering exclusive cosmetic rewards for players who watch participating Anno 117: Pax Romana livestreams. By linking Ubisoft and Twitch accounts and tuning in for a set amount of time, viewers can unlock in-game emblems and decorative items.
This cross-promotion not only rewards engagement but also gives potential players a chance to see real gameplay before diving in themselves — a useful bonus for a genre known for its complexity.
What Makes Anno 117: Pax Romana Stand Out
As the newest chapter in the Anno series, Anno 117: Pax Romana builds on the franchise’s trademark depth while introducing a fresh historical setting. Key features include:
- Large-scale Roman city construction
- Complex trade and supply chain management
- Cultural and religious decision-making
- Expansive provinces inspired by real regions of the Roman world
- High-detail visuals and architectural design
The game has been praised for its attention to historical atmosphere and its methodical, rewarding gameplay loop — qualities that make it especially appealing to fans of simulation and grand-strategy titles.
A Perfect Entry Point for New Players
For players who have never tried an Anno game before, this free weekend provides a low-risk entry point into the series. With no upfront cost and full access to the core experience, Anno 117: Pax Romana’s trial period is designed to showcase the depth and scope that have defined the franchise for years.
Whether you’re a veteran city-builder looking for a new challenge or a newcomer curious about Roman-era strategy games, Ubisoft’s free weekend offers a rare chance to build an empire — and decide whether it’s worth ruling for the long term.
