Anno 117 vs Age of Empires II DE Black Friday 2026: Picks

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Anno 117 vs Age of Empires II DE Black Friday shoppers are choosing between 2 different strategy-game moods: a Roman city-building sandbox and a celebrated real-time strategy classic. I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help you match each game to your platform and play style.

Anno 117: Pax Romana puts settlement planning and imperial choices front and center. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition delivers historic campaigns, civilization variety and fast battles. Here's the bottom line: choose Anno 117 for building a world; choose Age of Empires II for commanding armies. The picks below cover PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions.

How We Picked

• Compared the core strategy loop: city and economy management versus real-time combat and base building.
• Checked platform compatibility so each recommendation clearly identifies PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.
• Reviewed edition contents, including the Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition Year 1 Pass.
• Considered campaign depth, player modes and replay value based on published details, reviews and owner feedback.
• Prioritized clear use cases, so each product recommendation suits a distinct kind of strategy-game player.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	Platform	Player modes	Included content
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC	PC city building	PC	1 player	Base game
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5	PlayStation 5 city building	PlayStation 5	1 player	Base game
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S	Xbox city building	Xbox Series X|S	1 player	Base game
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC	PC players seeking the pass bundle	PC	1 player	Base game + Year 1 Pass
Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Steam)	Steam strategy players	PC (Steam)	1–8 players	Campaigns + multiplayer
Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Microsoft Store)	Microsoft Store strategy players	PC (Microsoft Store)	1–8 players	Campaigns + multiplayer
Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S	Xbox real-time strategy	Xbox Series X|S	1–8 players	Campaigns + multiplayer

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC

The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC is the best overall pick for PC players who want Roman city building, with 2 provinces to develop.

Best for: PC players who want a deep city-building strategy game.

Platform

PC

Provinces

2

Players

1

Pros

• Strong focus on city planning and resource management.
• Two distinct regions offer room for varied settlement strategies.
• Standard Edition keeps the choice simple.

Cons

• Not the pick for players who want constant competitive battles.

Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC is worth considering for strategy fans who enjoy building and managing settlements. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC's 2 provinces give players distinct environments to develop, while the standard edition focuses on the base game.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#2

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5

The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best console pick for relaxed Roman city building, with 2 provinces at its core.

Best for: PlayStation 5 players who prefer a controller-friendly strategy experience.

Platform

PlayStation 5

Provinces

2

Players

1

Pros

• Brings Anno's settlement-building approach to PlayStation 5.
• The Roman setting gives the city-building loop a distinct theme.
• Base-game edition suits players who want a straightforward purchase.

Cons

• The slower planning pace does not suit every action-focused player.

Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is a strong fit for console players who like deliberate city planning. The game centers on 2 provinces and a single-player strategy experience, making it a focused alternative to combat-first games.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#3

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S

The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best Xbox choice for building a Roman empire, featuring 2 provinces to shape.

Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want a strategic city builder.

Platform

Xbox Series X|S

Provinces

2

Players

1

Pros

• A distinct alternative to Xbox's combat-heavy strategy games.
• Settlement growth and resource choices give each session direction.
• Two provinces support contrasting approaches to development.

Cons

• Best suited to players who enjoy a measured pace.

Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is worth a look for Xbox players who want to grow settlements instead of focusing on constant combat. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S's 2 provinces provide the central structure for exploration, planning and empire management.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#4

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC

The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC is the best premium Anno pick for PC players seeking extra planned content, with a Year 1 Pass included.

Best for: PC players who want the base game and its Year 1 Pass together.

Platform

PC

Pass included

Year 1 Pass

Provinces

2

Pros

• Bundles the base game with the Year 1 Pass.
• A convenient choice for players planning to stay with the game.
• Keeps the same two-province city-building foundation.

Cons

• Extra content has less appeal for players who only want the base game.

Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC suits players who want the base game and Year 1 Pass in one package. The edition keeps the 2-province city-building campaign at its center and adds a clear reason to choose it over Standard Edition.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#5

Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Steam)

The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Steam) is the best pick for classic PC real-time strategy, with more than 200 hours of campaigns.

Best for: PC strategy fans who want historical campaigns and multiplayer.

Platform

PC (Steam)

Campaign content

More than 200 hours

Maximum players

8

Pros

• Large campaign collection gives players plenty to explore.
• Multiplayer supports competitive and cooperative sessions.
• A strong fit for players who enjoy civilization matchups.

Cons

• The real-time combat focus differs sharply from Anno's city building.

Is the Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Steam) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Steam) offers a huge strategy package, with more than 200 hours of campaigns and multiplayer matches for up to 8 players. Choose it for historical battles, civilization variety and classic PC strategy.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#6

Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Microsoft Store)

The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Microsoft Store) is the best fit for Microsoft Store PC players, with more than 200 hours of campaigns.

Best for: PC players who prefer purchasing through the Microsoft Store.

Platform

PC (Microsoft Store)

Campaign content

More than 200 hours

Maximum players

8

Pros

• Offers the same campaign-rich core game as other PC editions.
• Multiplayer gives matches a high-replay-value option.
• Suitable for players already using the Microsoft Store.

Cons

• Check storefront and account preferences before selecting a PC version.

Is the Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Microsoft Store) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC (Microsoft Store) is a worthwhile strategy pick for players who use that storefront. The game includes more than 200 hours of campaigns and multiplayer for up to 8 players, so both solo and group play have room to grow.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#7

Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S

The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best console pick for historical real-time strategy, with campaigns spanning more than 200 hours.

Best for: Xbox players who want campaigns, skirmishes and online strategy.

Platform

Xbox Series X|S

Campaign content

More than 200 hours

Maximum players

8

Pros

• Brings the classic strategy series to Xbox consoles.
• Campaign volume supports long solo sessions.
• Up to 8 players can join multiplayer matches.

Cons

• Players seeking peaceful city building should choose Anno 117 instead.

Is the Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

Yes. The Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S is a strong choice for console players who want historic campaigns and competitive matches. More than 200 hours of campaign content and multiplayer for up to 8 players provide a substantial strategy package.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

Which game is better for Black Friday 2026: Anno 117: Pax Romana or Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition?

Anno 117: Pax Romana suits city-building fans; Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition suits campaign and battle fans.

Anno 117: Pax Romana focuses on growing settlements, balancing resources and making decisions across 2 provinces. Choose it for methodical economic planning.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition focuses on gathering resources, building bases and commanding armies in campaigns and multiplayer. Choose it for real-time tactical play.

What is the main difference between Anno 117: Pax Romana and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition?

Anno 117: Pax Romana centers on Roman city-building, while Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition centers on civilizations, armies and battles.

Settlement growth and economic choices define Anno 117: Pax Romana. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition challenges players to manage resources and respond to opponents in campaigns or multiplayer. Pick the game that fits your preferred pace.

Which Anno 117: Pax Romana edition should you buy?

Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition includes the base game. The PC Gold Edition includes the base game and Year 1 Pass.

Choose Standard Edition for the core city-building experience. Choose Gold Edition if you want the pass bundled. PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S listings are separate purchases, so confirm your platform before checkout.

Is Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition good for solo and multiplayer play?

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition supports solo campaigns and multiplayer for up to 8 players.

The game includes historical campaigns with more than 200 hours of campaign content. Multiplayer adds civilization choices, build orders and competition against human opponents. Select the correct PC storefront or Xbox Series X|S edition for your platform.

Which game offers better value for strategy fans?

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition offers extensive campaigns and multiplayer. Anno 117: Pax Romana offers settlement planning across 2 provinces.

Compare the platform listing and included content for Black Friday 2026. Choose a bundle when its extras fit your plans, or a base-game edition to start with the core experience.

Buying Guide

Choose your strategy style

Pick Anno 117: Pax Romana for city-building across 2 provinces, or Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for campaigns, armies and real-time multiplayer.

Match the listing to your platform

Anno 117: Pax Romana has separate PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has PC storefront listings and an Xbox version. Confirm your platform and account.

Compare edition contents

Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition includes the base game. The PC Gold Edition adds the Year 1 Pass. Choose based on whether you want the extra content.

Check solo and multiplayer needs

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a single-player city-building game. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition supports solo campaigns and multiplayer for up to 8 players.

Review the complete listing

For Black Friday 2026, check the product name, platform, storefront and included content before buying. Choose the listing that fits your device and preferred strategy experience.

FAQ

Anno 117 vs Age of Empires II DE: which game is better for beginners?

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a better starting point for beginners who enjoy gradual city growth and clear economic goals. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the stronger introduction for players drawn to historical campaigns and real-time battles. Choose based on preferred strategy style.

Can you play Anno 117: Pax Romana on PlayStation 5?

Yes. Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is the console version for that platform. The game focuses on developing settlements across 2 provinces. Check the PlayStation listing to confirm the edition and account region before buying.

How many players can play Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition?

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition supports multiplayer matches for up to 8 players. Solo players also get a large campaign collection, with more than 200 hours of campaign content. The PC and Xbox listings are separate platform purchases.

What is included in Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition?

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC includes the base game and the Year 1 Pass. The edition is a good fit for players who want its planned extra content alongside the main city-building experience. Check the storefront listing for its exact bundle details.

Is Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition available on Xbox Series X|S?

Yes. Microsoft Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for Xbox Series X|S brings the real-time strategy game to Xbox consoles. The game includes historical campaigns and multiplayer matches for up to 8 players, making it a strong console option for strategy fans.

Which game should I buy on Black Friday 2026 for city building?

Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition is the better Black Friday 2026 pick for city building. The game focuses on settlement growth across 2 provinces, with resource management and long-term planning at its core. Choose the version made for your platform.