Anno 117: Pax Romana will be free to play for a limited time
Polygon
by Austin ManchesterFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ubisoft’s *Anno 117: Pax Romana* will be available for free this weekend, offering players a chance to experience one of last year’s top strategy games without cost. The game, set during the Pax Romana era of Ancient Rome, allows players to take on the role of a Roman governor and build thriving cities while managing their economy, culture, and deities. Known for its relaxing yet challenging gameplay, *Anno 117* has received high praise, with an average score of 83 on OpenCritic. However, it faced criticism for its use of generative AI artwork.
During the free-to-play period from February 26 to March 2, players can explore two distinct regions: Latium, a hub of Roman civilization, and Albion, home to Celtic lands. The game’s design emphasizes strategic city-building without overwhelming menus, making it accessible yet engaging for fans of the genre. Players will also have the opportunity to earn special Twitch drops by linking their Ubisoft and Twitch accounts—rewards include the Callinectes Logo and Venusian Shell Logo—available until March 12.
This limited-time offer is part of a broader marketing push for *Anno 117*, which includes upcoming DLC through its Year 1 pass. The first expansion pack is expected in April 2026, introducing new islands, deities, and military units. For gamers interested in historical strategy games, this free weekend provides an ideal opportunity to dive into the game’s rich world and experience its acclaimed gameplay before the paid version becomes available.
The move by Ubisoft highlights the growing trend of offering free weekends for AAA titles as a way to attract new players and generate buzz around upcoming content. By making *Anno 117* free-to-play, the developer aims to capitalize on the game’s critical acclaim and position it
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/24/2026