Nova Roma

Nova Roma

Early access since Mar 2026

The glory of Rome is at your fingertips in this city-building game where you must appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to meet the needs of your citizens.

93% positive · 2,404 reviews
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Steam $29.99 Green Man Gaming Steam key $29.99
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Evaluation

Nova Roma entered Steam Early Access on March 26, 2026, developed by a three-person team at Lion Shield and published by Hooded Horse. The developer has been explicit from day one that the game is unfinished, actively soliciting player feedback to guide ongoing development. Since launch, Lion Shield has maintained a very high-frequency update cadence. The 32 posts scanned include 5 major content updates, 7 feature patches, and 8 bug fix patches — all within roughly five months of Early Access launch. Major content highlights include Update 13 on June 25, 2026, which delivered a full logistics system revamp, chariot racing at the race track, and expanded terrain editing tools. The developer is actively communicating and has more work underway. As of July 16, 2026, they confirmed that a significant aqueduct UI and water flow control rework is currently in internal testing and will move to public beta soon. A hotfix on August 12, 2026 also mentioned a "bigger update" currently in internal testing. The studio has not signaled any slowdown or conclusion of development — the pace of updates and communication has been sustained and consistent throughout Early Access.
Evidence
Developer confirms a significant aqueduct UI and water flow control overhaul is in internal testing and will be available for public beta soon
news post · Jul 16, 2026 source content planned
high
Update 13 shipped major new content: full logistics system revamp, chariot racing at the race track, and expanded terrain editing tools
news post · Jun 25, 2026 source content shipped
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Hooded Horse
Achievements
36
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

As the once-great Roman Empire falls into decadence and decay, you lead a small band of citizens in search of new lands hoping to build Nova Roma – a bastion for all that was once good in the Empire. Starting from a humble village, you must appease the gods with grand temples, sate your citizens’ many needs, and build a society that will be the envy of the world for millennia to come.

A wise city planner knows how to harness the world around them. Erect massive dams and aqueducts to control the flow of water as you reshape the land into artificial watersheds and reservoirs, paying close attention to how your actions impact soil fertility, or how a particularly rainy season might flood your city. Seek distant resource deposits and build infrastructure to transport raw materials and processed goods across massive stretches of untamed territory. Will you strike a delicate balance between the growing urban sprawl of your city and the risks of rapid expansion? Or will your hubris risk the wrath of the gods and nature itself?

Contend with a growing list of needs and desires as more people flock to your city – from pottery and wine to bread and games, it is your responsibility to keep the people happy and safe. Watch them grow into artisans, gladiators and thespians, and guide them through life as they spend their days toiling, and their nights enjoying the fruits of their labor.

As you consider matters of taxation and technological advancement, do not forget the powers that stand above you - build grand temples to the gods, avoiding their wrath and seeking their blessings to bolster your capabilities and ensure the continued prosperity of Nova Roma.

Featuring intricate water and weather simulations and the ever-present threat of divine intervention, Nova Roma explores the cultural, and social trials of the era. Take charge of your small Roman town and grow it into a bustling metropolis that will stand the test of time!

Last evaluated Aug 16, 2026
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