Fans of management and strategy will be able to get a clear idea of Ubisoft’s latest ambitious project without pulling out their bank card. The publisher announces free temporary access to Anno 117 Pax Romana, its historic city-builder released last November.
From February 26 at 5 p.m. until March 2, PS5, Xbox Series and PC players will be able to experience the game in its entirety. A trial period that comes at the right time for those who were still hesitant to invest in this episode centered on ancient Rome.
A free game window with full access to content
Ubisoft does not offer a simple limited demo. The free weekend gives access to all the features of Anno 117 Pax Romana. Players will be able to develop their provinces, manage trade flows, optimize resource production and develop their city as in the paid version. The full experience is accessible for the duration of the event.
The kick-off will be given on February 26 at 5 p.m. French time. The period will end on March 2 at 1 p.m. on PS5 and PC. Xbox Series users will benefit from an additional delay, until 6 p.m. This extended duration offers several days to explore the deep mechanics of the title and test different strategic approaches.
Anno 117 Pax Romana, a key episode for the franchise
Released on November 13, 2025, Anno 117 Pax Romana constitutes the eighth main installment of the Anno series. The license, recognized for its complex economic systems and careful management of production chains, this time transports players to the heart of the Roman Empire. The challenge lies in the balance between urban growth, political stability and territorial expansion. We must anticipate the needs of citizens, maintain prosperity and avoid crises.
On Metacritic, the game has a metascore of 84. Critics praised the richness of its content and the depth of its systems. On the players’ side, the reception remains mostly favorable, despite some remarks concerning technical details or a certain lack of finish at launch.
Preloading and simplified access depending on the platform
To make participation easier, Ubisoft is allowing the game to be pre-downloaded on PS5 and PC before the start of the free weekend. This option is not offered on Xbox Series, where you will have to wait for the official opening to start the installation. The objective is clear: to allow players to immediately benefit from the trial period without wasting time downloading at launch.
A strategic context for Ubisoft
This free weekend comes as Ubisoft is going through a period of transition marked by internal restructuring and announcements around its major licenses. Offering free access to a recent title helps strengthen its visibility and expand its player base. Especially since the publisher has already planned a structured post-launch follow-up as part of Year 1 of Anno 117 Pax Romana.
Updates and additional content are expected in the coming months, with the aim of refining the experience and enriching existing mechanics. For fans of city-builders or curious people wishing to discover the Anno series, this free window constitutes a concrete opportunity to evaluate the game in depth before a possible purchase.