Anno 117: Pax Romana Expands with ‘Prophecies of Ash’ DLC
Ubisoft has officially unveiled the first gameplay expansion for its city-building and management title, Anno 117: Pax Romana. Announced during the “Anno Day” livestream on April 9, the upcoming DLC, titled Prophecies of Ash, promises to introduce some of the most ambitious environmental mechanics and landmasses in the history of the franchise.
Release Date and Availability
The Prophecies of Ash DLC is scheduled to launch on April 23. Players can access the content through the following methods:
- Year 1 Pass: The DLC is included as part of the comprehensive Year 1 Pass.
- Ubisoft+: Subscribers to the Ubisoft+ service will have access to the expansion.
- Standalone Purchase: Available as a separate gameplay DLC.
New Gameplay Mechanics: The Volcanic Challenge
The centerpiece of Prophecies of Ash is the introduction of Cinis, described as the largest island ever seen in the Anno franchise. This massive territory offers an abundance of river slots and mines for players to exploit, but it comes with a significant environmental threat: an active volcano.
The volcano introduces dynamic gameplay phases that players must manage to survive and thrive, including:
- Eruptions: Direct volcanic events that impact the landscape.
- Volcanic Winter: A cooling phase that affects the environment.
- Bloom: A recovery or growth phase following volcanic activity.
Resources and Divine Intervention
To satisfy the demands of their population, players will harvest a new resource called Obsidian. This rare material is used to craft luxury goods, such as carved idols and board games.
Strategic growth is further enhanced by the introduction of a new deity. By building a temple for Vulcan, the god of the forge, players can gain two significant advantages: increased mine productivity and improved fire safety throughout the region.
The Anno 117 Year 1 Roadmap
Ubisoft has outlined a clear trajectory for the first year of Anno 117: Pax Romana, ensuring a steady stream of content throughout 2026:
| DLC Title | Release Window |
|---|---|
| Prophecies of Ash | April 23 |
| Hippodrome DLC | August |
| Dawn of Delta | November |
Key Takeaways for Players
- Massive Scale: Cinis is the largest island in franchise history.
- New Resource: Obsidian is required for high-end luxury goods.
- Environmental Hazards: Players must navigate volcanic eruptions and winters.
- Strategic Buffs: The Temple of Vulcan boosts mining and safety.
- Upcoming Events: Ubisoft indicated that another free weekend for the base game will be available soon.
Worth a look