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Nova Roma Marches Toward Early Access in January 2026
City-building fans can soon forge a new empire as Hooded Horse and Lion Shield have announced that Nova Roma, their upcoming Roman-themed city-building simulation, will enter Early Access on January 22, 2026, on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Developed by the team behind Kingdoms & Castles, Nova Roma blends traditional city management with mythological influence, dynamic weather systems, and high-stakes survival challenges. The goal is simple: restore the glory of Rome by building a thriving civilisation amid the collapse of the old empire.
Building a New Rome Amid Chaos
In Nova Roma, players lead a band of displaced Roman citizens seeking refuge from the empire’s decline. From a small encampment, they must expand into a grand city capable of surviving floods, wars, and divine temper tantrums.
Water plays a central role in this new simulation. Players can redirect rivers and construct aqueducts, but broken infrastructure may trigger catastrophic flooding, forcing careful planning and strategic foresight.
Meanwhile, the Greco-Roman gods demand constant attention. Players can choose which deities to worship, completing quests to earn divine favour and unlock new technologies. But devotion comes at a price. Neglect or jealousy from rival gods may result in punishments that devastate the city, from droughts to floods.
Threats From Within and Beyond
Peace in Nova Roma is always fleeting. Beyond the city walls, barbarians and remnants of the old Roman legions lurk, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Players must recruit and train armies to defend their new capital from these threats, balancing expansion and security to ensure survival.
Lion Shield promises that each playthrough will offer a unique balance of city-building, diplomacy, and disaster management, a blend that evokes the charm of Kingdoms & Castles while introducing new layers of depth.
A Global Empire
Nova Roma will be fully localised in more than 15 languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Korean, reflecting the game’s ambitions to reach city-building fans worldwide.
With divine wrath, dynamic flooding systems, and an empire waiting to be reborn, Nova Roma adds to the list of intriguing strategy titles when it launches in Early Access on January 22, 2026.
