On August 20, Anno 117 will receive Patch 2.0, featuring Photo Mode, notes, and challenges, as well as The Hippodrome DLC. The biggest surprise: bread prices will increase by 50%, and fires will become more intense. The full list of changes will be released on August 18.
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Ubisoft has revealed details of Anno 117 Update 2.0: Photo Mode, Notes, and Timed Challenges
Exactly two weeks from now, on August 20, Patch 2.0 will arrive in Anno 117: Pax Romana. It brings the long-awaited Photo Mode, a notes system with timers, and limited-time events in Ubisoft Connect. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: the developers have decided to seriously overhaul the economy and balance, and players can expect several unexpected surprises. The Hippodrome DLC will be released on the same day—and that’s no coincidence.
In short, the update will affect all platforms: PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation 5. The full list of changes is promised to be released on August 18th, so you’ll have a couple of days to study and prepare. But we already know some things—and they’ll make you rethink your usual strategies.
What’s new in Patch 2.0: Photo Mode, Notes, and the Prestige System
Let’s start with the obvious. Photo Mode is more than just a set of filters, but a fully-fledged studio: free camera, time of day adjustments, depth of field, focal length, and even tilt-shift. The developers call this the first version, meaning the tool will be expanded with new features in the future. Conveniently, notes can now be posted directly on buildings and ships, and timers with notifications will help you not miss important events.
Now, about the system of honored guests and heroic specialists. Prestige is no longer a consumable resource; it functions as a threshold. Each level of Monumental Magnificence grants a +2% chance to invite a unique specialist who will only exist in your current save. The Amphitheater has also received an upgrade: nine bonus levels, island-wide effects, and automatic event replays. Very convenient for those who don’t like micromanagement.
Timed challenges in Ubisoft Connect will appear cyclically, so even if you miss one, it will return. Rewards include experience and Fame, plus Twitch Drops have been moved to a separate “Hall of Fame” section.
What to prepare for before August 20th: Bread, Fires, and New Challenges
And now for something that will truly change the gameplay. First, bread consumption will increase by 50%. This is no joke: your bakeries and farms will stop working unless you rebuild your supply chains. The good news is that each unit of bread will now feed three villagers instead of two, so a general shortage won’t occur if you act quickly.
Secondly, fires and epidemics will become much more aggressive – they will affect more buildings and spread faster, especially in densely populated areas. So, make sure you have enough hospitals and fire stations in advance, otherwise your city could be reduced to ashes in a matter of minutes.
By the way, the developers have added new types of quests for citizens – they are repeatable and provide useful bonuses. And you can now see field workers on farms and plantations – a small detail, but it brings the world to life and creates the feeling that your city truly has a life of its own.
Full patch notes – August 18th
If you’re interested in all the technical details, check out the official blog on August 18th – the full list of changes will be posted there. Based on what we already know, we can expect not only balance changes but also a ton of quality-of-life improvements that will make the game more enjoyable. For example, interface bugs will be fixed and performance on consoles will be optimized.
In the meantime, review your production chains, strengthen your infrastructure, and mentally prepare yourself for Anno 117 to become significantly more challenging, but also more interesting, on August 20th. And don’t forget about The Hippodrome—it’s rumored to add new crowd control mechanics.
