Ubisoft Mainz has officially unveiled “Prophecies of Ash,” the first major gameplay expansion for Anno 117: Pax Romana, during a massive community celebration known as Anno Day. The announcement, delivered via a nine-hour livestream on April 9, 2026, introduces players to the largest landmass ever featured in the history of the Anno series, signaling a significant increase in scale and complexity for the Roman-era city-builder.
The upcoming DLC, scheduled for release on April 23, aims to challenge the strategic capabilities of players who have already established their footing as Roman governors. By introducing volatile environmental mechanics and new economic resources, Ubisoft is expanding the “Year 1” roadmap for a title that has already grow the fastest-selling entry in the long-running franchise since its launch on November 13, 2025.
For those who missed the livestream, the reveal included a deep dive into the new province of Cinis, featuring a gameplay segment led by Creative Director Manuel Reinher. The expansion focuses on the intersection of imperial growth and natural disaster, forcing players to adapt their urban planning to survive the whims of a looming volcano.
Exploring Cinis: The Largest Island in Anno History
The centerpiece of the Prophecies of Ash expansion is the island of Cinis. According to Ubisoft, Cinis is the largest island ever designed for the Anno series, providing an unprecedented amount of space for territorial expansion and architectural development.
But, this vast territory comes with a high environmental cost. The island is dominated by a massive volcano that introduces a multi-stage gameplay loop based on geothermal activity. Players must navigate three distinct phases: the eruption, the volcanic winter, and the bloom phase. These mechanics will likely require players to rethink their resource management and building placement to mitigate the risks of volcanic activity while capitalizing on the subsequent bloom.
Beyond the environmental hazards, the DLC introduces several new gameplay elements to deepen the simulation:
- New Resource: Obsidian has been added to the game’s economy, providing a new material for players to harvest and trade.
- New NPC: A trader named Ceacilia will enter the game, offering new opportunities for commerce and diplomacy.
- Divine Influence: The expansion introduces a new deity for players to worship, adding a spiritual layer to the governance of the province.
Anno Day: Celebrating 28 Years of City Building
The announcement of Prophecies of Ash was the climax of “Anno Day,” a celebratory event commemorating the franchise’s legacy. The livestream paid homage to the series’ origins, referencing Anno 1602, which first asked players “What would you build?” nearly three decades ago. The event featured developer Q&As and collaborations with content creators broadcasting directly from the Ubisoft Mainz studio.
In addition to the software update, Ubisoft announced a physical collectible for audiophiles. In collaboration with Laced Records, an “Anno Vinyl” is now available for purchase, featuring a curated selection of 35 tracks from the Anno 117: Pax Romana soundtrack.
Community Incentives and Referrals
To coincide with the Anno Day festivities, Ubisoft has launched a friend referral program. From April 9 to May 12, players who refer friends to play Anno 117: Pax Romana can earn Fame Points, providing an incentive for the community to grow as the game approaches its first major expansion.
Context: The Evolution of Anno 117: Pax Romana
To understand the impact of the Prophecies of Ash DLC, We see helpful to look at the foundation of the base game. Anno 117: Pax Romana represents the earliest historical setting in the franchise, transporting players to the height of the Roman Empire. Developed by Ubisoft Mainz, the game allows players to act as a Roman governor, choosing between the Roman Empire in Latium or the Celtic kingdom in Albion.
The title was designed with a modular approach to accessibility, allowing new players to focus on individual provinces and story-driven content while permitting veterans to manage complex multi-land trade networks. Key innovations introduced at launch included an attribute system, building proximity effects, and optional population needs, all aimed at preserving the series’ signature complexity while lowering the barrier to entry.
Since its release on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, the game has been praised for its visual presentation and core city-building loops, though some critics pointed to the story as a weaker element. The introduction of Prophecies of Ash suggests that Ubisoft is leaning heavily into the “gameplay-first” feedback, focusing on environmental challenges and scale to preserve the player base engaged.
Key Takeaways for Governors
- Release Date: Prophecies of Ash launches on April 23, 2026.
- Core Feature: The island of Cinis, the largest in the series, featuring a dynamic volcano system (Eruption, Volcanic Winter, Bloom).
- New Assets: Obsidian resource, trader Ceacilia, and a new deity to worship.
- Limited Event: Friend referral program active from April 9 to May 12 for Fame Points.
- Merchandise: 35-track soundtrack vinyl available via Laced Records.
The next major milestone for the community is the official launch of the Prophecies of Ash DLC on April 23. Governors should prepare their trade routes and resource stockpiles for the challenges of the volcanic winter.
Do you think the introduction of environmental disasters like volcanic winters will add a welcome layer of challenge to the Pax Romana setting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.