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- Best overall: Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC
- Best budget: Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC
- Best premium: Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC
- Best for Roman city building: Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5
- Choose Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana for city building, Roman-era empire management and a measured strategy pace.
- Choose Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for real-time battles, 10 civilizations and faster competitive matches.
- Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition includes the base game and a Year 1 Pass.
- Check the platform and edition before choosing: PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are separate products.
- Both games suit strategy fans, but their core loops are distinct: build an empire or lead an army.
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana and Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition are strategy games with different priorities: Anno 117 centers on building Roman provinces, while Age of Empires IV centers on real-time military campaigns. For Black Friday 2026, the right pick depends on whether you want careful economic planning or fast battles.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this platform-by-platform guide. Here's the bottom line: choose Anno 117 for city-building depth and Age of Empires IV for a direct RTS challenge. The products below cover standard and Gold editions, plus PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S options.
How We Picked
- Compared the main gameplay loop: city building and resource planning versus real-time army control.
- Checked edition contents, including the Anno 117 Gold Edition Year 1 Pass.
- Separated platform listings so readers can match a game to PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S.
- Prioritized clear fit for different players, from solo empire builders to multiplayer RTS fans.
- Used product features and owner-feedback themes rather than detailed claims.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Provinces or civilizations | Edition content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC | PC city building | PC | 2 provinces | Standard |
| Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC | PC players seeking the pass | PC | 3 DLC additions | Year 1 Pass |
| Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 city building | PlayStation 5 | 2 provinces | Standard |
| Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 players seeking the pass | PlayStation 5 | 3 DLC additions | Year 1 Pass |
| Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox city building | Xbox Series X|S | 2 provinces | Standard |
| Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC | PC real-time strategy | PC | 10 civilizations | Anniversary Edition |
| Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S | Xbox real-time strategy | Xbox Series X|S | 10 civilizations | Anniversary Edition |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC is the best Anno 117 pick for PC players who want the core city-building experience. The game features 2 provinces to develop, including Latium and Albion.
Best for: PC players who want Roman-era city building
- Platform
- PC
- Provinces
- 2
- Edition
- Standard
- Focused access to Anno 117's core game
- Two distinct provinces support varied city plans
- Strong fit for solo economic strategy
- Does not include the Gold Edition Year 1 Pass
Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC is worth buying for players who want the base city-building game without bundled pass content. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PC's 2 provinces give empire builders separate settings to shape and manage.
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#2
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC is the best PC choice for players who want the base game and added Year 1 Pass content. The package includes 3 planned DLC additions through that pass.
Best for: PC players who want the game and Year 1 Pass
- Platform
- PC
- Pass content
- Year 1 Pass
- DLC additions
- 3
- Combines the base game and Year 1 Pass
- A straightforward one-purchase option for PC
- Built for players planning a longer Anno campaign
- Extra pass content is unnecessary 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?
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PC is worth considering for players who want its base game and Year 1 Pass together. The pass includes 3 DLC additions, giving long-term players more content to follow.
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#3
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 players who want Roman city building from the sofa. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5's 2 provinces offer different settings for settlement and empire planning.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players who prefer relaxed strategy
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Provinces
- 2
- Edition
- Standard
- Console version of Anno 117's city-building loop
- Two provinces offer distinct development choices
- Good match for unhurried solo play
- The Standard Edition excludes the Year 1 Pass
Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for console players drawn to city planning and resource management. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for PlayStation 5's 2 provinces provide different environments for building a Roman empire.
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#4
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PlayStation 5
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PlayStation 5 is the best PlayStation 5 option for players seeking the base game with pass content. The Year 1 Pass brings 3 DLC additions into the package.
Best for: PlayStation 5 players seeking the bundled pass
- Platform
- PlayStation 5
- Pass content
- Year 1 Pass
- DLC additions
- 3
- Base game and Year 1 Pass in one edition
- Adds a clear content path for returning players
- Keeps the city-building focus intact
- Pass content adds little value for players who only want the core game
Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PlayStation 5 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition for PlayStation 5 is worth buying for players who want both the base game and its Year 1 Pass. The pass includes 3 DLC additions for players who plan to keep building.
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#5
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 pick for players who want a console-first city builder. The game gives players 2 provinces to develop across its Roman setting.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want city building
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Provinces
- 2
- Edition
- Standard
- Brings Anno's settlement management to Xbox
- Two provinces support different strategic approaches
- Strong fit for patient, solo-focused play
- Does not bundle Year 1 Pass content
Is the Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S is worth buying for Xbox players who prefer building and managing cities over direct combat. The Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition for Xbox Series X|S's 2 provinces give each campaign distinct development choices.
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#6 · Top pick
Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC
The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC is the best pick for PC players who want classic real-time strategy battles. The Anniversary Edition includes 10 civilizations for varied approaches to building and fighting.
Best for: PC players who want real-time strategy
- Platform
- PC
- Civilizations
- 10
- Historical ages
- 4
- Ten civilizations support different tactical styles
- Four historical ages shape match progression
- A direct fit for campaign and RTS fans
- Army control and combat take priority over city simulation
Is the Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC is worth buying for players who want real-time battles and distinct civilization strategies. The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC's 10 civilizations and 4 historical ages give matches a clear range of tactical choices.
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#7
Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S
The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S is the best console pick for players who want historical RTS battles. The game features 10 civilizations, each with its own strategic identity.
Best for: Xbox Series X|S players who want console RTS
- Platform
- Xbox Series X|S
- Civilizations
- 10
- Historical ages
- 4
- Brings Age of Empires IV to Xbox consoles
- Ten civilizations offer varied play styles
- Four ages create a clear match progression
- Players seeking relaxed city building should choose Anno 117
Is the Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S is worth buying for console players who want direct strategy battles. The Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for Xbox Series X|S's 10 civilizations deliver different approaches to combat, expansion and match planning.
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Which is better, Anno 117 or Age of Empires IV?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana is better for city building, while Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is better for real-time combat and army control. Both are strategy games, but they ask for different kinds of focus.
Anno 117 puts resource chains, settlements and province development at the center. Its 2 provinces, Latium and Albion, give players distinct settings for shaping a Roman empire. The pace rewards planning and attention to the needs of a growing population.
Age of Empires IV moves faster. Players build a base, gather resources and lead armies through 4 historical ages. Its 10 civilizations bring different strategic identities to the battlefield. Choose Anno 117 for a deeper city-management rhythm; choose Age of Empires IV for campaign missions and competitive RTS action.
Is Anno 117 worth choosing over Age of Empires IV?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana is the stronger choice for players who want to design cities and balance economic systems, while Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition suits players who want tactical battles.
The core Anno loop is about connecting production, housing and growth. That makes the game a natural fit for builders who enjoy seeing a settlement develop through careful choices. Its Roman setting adds a distinct historical flavor without replacing the city-planning focus.
Age of Empires IV turns attention toward army composition, map control and combat timing. Its 10 civilizations and 4 ages offer more direct tactical variety. Pick Anno 117 for a longer, quieter building session; pick Age of Empires IV for matches where each decision can quickly change the battlefield.
Which Anno 117 edition should you buy?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition suits players who want the base game, while Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition adds the Year 1 Pass with 3 DLC additions.
Standard is the clean choice for anyone focused on the main campaign and the two provinces. It also keeps the decision simple when you are not looking for extra content. Check the platform line carefully: PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S editions are separate listings.
Gold makes more sense for dedicated Anno fans who want the included pass as part of their purchase. The pass points toward additional content beyond the base experience. Compare the listed contents and platform before checkout, especially if your library or console account is tied to a particular storefront.
Is Age of Empires IV good on PC and Xbox?
Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a strong PC pick for traditional RTS controls and an Xbox Series X|S pick for players who want strategy on console.
The PC version is a natural fit for players who prefer mouse-and-keyboard army management. Its 10 civilizations and 4 historical ages anchor a game built around expansion, technology and combat. Campaign play and multiplayer both suit players who enjoy learning matchups and refining tactics.
The Xbox Series X|S version brings the same broad strategic identity to the console audience. It suits players who want battles from the couch and prefer playing on an Xbox system. Review platform compatibility and edition details before buying, and choose the version that matches the device where you plan to play.
What should you look for in a Black Friday 2026 strategy game?
For Black Friday 2026, match the game edition to your platform and play style before weighing any listing: Anno 117 favors city building, while Age of Empires IV favors real-time combat.
Start with the exact product name. Anno 117 Standard and Gold are different packages, and a PC listing is not the same product as a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S listing. Gold includes the Year 1 Pass, so confirm that extra content fits your plans.
Next, decide how you want to spend a session. Anno 117 rewards patient planning across 2 provinces. Age of Empires IV offers tactical decisions across 4 ages and 10 civilizations. Check storefront, platform and included content in the listing so your chosen version fits your setup.
Buying Guide
Choose the gameplay loop first
Pick Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana for settlements, production chains and Roman province management. Pick Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for army control, technology and real-time combat. The gameplay difference matters more than the shared strategy label.
Match the platform to your setup
Check whether the listing is for PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S before buying. Each platform version is a separate product. Confirm the platform shown in the product title and store details.
Choose Standard or Gold
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Standard Edition includes the base-game choice. Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition adds the Year 1 Pass and 3 DLC additions. Select Gold when the bundled content is part of your plan.
Think about solo and multiplayer preferences
Anno 117 is an appealing fit for solo city-building sessions and incremental empire growth. Age of Empires IV suits campaign players and people seeking competitive RTS matches. Pick the structure you return to most.
Verify the product listing
Before checkout, recheck the complete product name, platform, edition and included content. Store listings can separate versions by system or package. A clear match avoids choosing the wrong game edition for your device.
FAQ
Anno 117 vs Age of Empires IV Black Friday 2026: which game is better?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana is better for players who enjoy city building and economic planning. Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is better for real-time combat, army management and civilization-based strategy. Choose based on the gameplay loop you want.
Is Anno 117: Pax Romana a city-building game?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana is a city-building and empire-management strategy game. Players develop Roman provinces, manage resources and expand settlements. Its 2 provinces, Latium and Albion, give players distinct settings for planning their cities and communities.
What is included in Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition?
Ubisoft Anno 117: Pax Romana Gold Edition includes the base game and the Year 1 Pass. The pass includes 3 DLC additions. Check the exact listing and platform before buying to confirm which Gold Edition version matches your setup.
How many civilizations are in Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition?
Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition features 10 civilizations, with distinct identities and strategic approaches. The game also progresses through 4 historical ages. Those choices support different plans for expansion, technology and combat.
Should I buy Age of Empires IV on PC or Xbox Series X|S?
Buy Microsoft Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition for PC if you prefer playing on a computer and favor mouse-and-keyboard controls. Choose the Xbox Series X|S edition if you want to play on that console. Confirm the platform in the listing before checkout.