Anno 117 Pyramids Trailer Reveals Monument Restoration in Egypt

Revealed during IGN Fall Fan Fest, the latest Anno 117: Pax Romana trailer showcases the restoration of Egypt’s ancient pyramids, a major construction project arriving with the Dawn of the Delta expansion on November 5.

Released on October 12, the Pyramids trailer takes players into Aegyptus, a new province inspired by Roman-era Egypt, where the Emperor tasks governors with restoring the ancient monuments as a demonstration of Rome’s power.

Rather than constructing entirely new pyramids, players will work to restore existing structures through a substantial building project requiring resources and labour.

The trailer identifies mud bricks, granite, limestone and marble as essential construction materials, with the latter transported from across the seas. Completing the project culminates in placing a golden pyramidion at the summit, bringing happiness and prestige to the province.

The exact numerical bonuses have not been disclosed, nor has Ubisoft clarified whether the restoration benefits every settlement equally.

This approach builds on the monument construction systems already established in Anno 117. GLN previously covered the five-stage Hippodrome construction project, which also requires considerable resources before unlocking its full benefits.

However, the pyramids introduce a different challenge. Their restoration takes place within an entirely new province, where managing the Nile-inspired river system will influence how players develop settlements and transport materials.

Ubisoft provided additional details in its Aegyptus development blog, published on October 15, revealing three distinct types of buildable terrain.

Farmland provides fertile ground for crops and is the only area where harbours can be constructed. Floodplains offer valuable resources and increased agricultural productivity, but are regularly affected by seasonal flooding. Meanwhile, the Arid Zone provides space for residential districts, public buildings and industry, although irrigation is needed before crops can grow there.

The river also introduces a new logistical consideration. Unlike Latium and Albion, where settlements occupy islands surrounded by the sea, Aegyptus features a connected landscape divided by waterways.

Ships must travel along the river to move goods between settlements, but the current affects their speed. Heavy Roman vessels are slower on these waterways, making new Egyptian ship types potentially important for maintaining efficient trade routes.

I think this is what makes Dawn of the Delta more interesting than another monument expansion. Restoring the pyramids is the headline attraction, but balancing fertile land, seasonal flooding and river transport could fundamentally change how players organise their production chains.

There is also some welcome flexibility for existing players. Aegyptus can be selected as the starting province for a new game, while established campaigns can access the region once Dawn of the Delta is enabled.

Ubisoft has confirmed that the expansion is included in the Year 1 Pass, which also contains Prophecies of Ash and The Hippodrome. Players who already own the pass will receive Dawn of the Delta when it becomes available.

The new trailer has generated enthusiasm among Anno players, particularly those familiar with classic Egyptian city-builders such as Pharaoh. Community discussions have also raised questions about the pyramids’ exact bonuses, the number of restoration projects available and whether the new province supports land-based caravan trading.

Those details remain unconfirmed.

Ubisoft plans to reveal more about Aegyptus on October 22, including population tiers, production chains, Romanisation and the flooding and irrigation systems. A further development blog covering the pyramids is expected towards the end of October, ahead of the expansion’s release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.