Nova Roma Cover Art

Nova Roma

Roman City-Builder / Management Sim

starstarstarstarstar_half(15 Ratings)

$29.99

Nova Roma is a high-fidelity, agent-based Roman city-builder from the creators of Kingdoms and Castles. Set in a world where players lead survivors to establish a 'New Rome' on untamed shores, the game emphasizes complex hydraulic physics, polytheistic religious management, and logistical density. Unlike traditional city-builders that use abstract zoning, Nova Roma simulates the individual routines, pathfinding, and resource consumption of every citizen. Success depends on mastering the flow of water via gravity-fed aqueducts, appeasing the capricious Roman pantheon through temples and festivals, and managing intricate supply chains where every resource must be physically transported by workers or ox-carts.

Nova Roma

Nova Roma Thumbnail
starstarstarstarstar_half(15 Ratings)$29.99Roman City-Builder / Management Sim

Nova Roma is a high-fidelity, agent-based Roman city-builder from the creators of Kingdoms and Castles. Set in a world where players lead survivors to establish a 'New Rome' on untamed shores, the game emphasizes complex hydraulic physics, polytheistic religious management, and logistical density. Unlike traditional city-builders that use abstract zoning, Nova Roma simulates the individual routines, pathfinding, and resource consumption of every citizen. Success depends on mastering the flow of water via gravity-fed aqueducts, appeasing the capricious Roman pantheon through temples and festivals, and managing intricate supply chains where every resource must be physically transported by workers or ox-carts.

business Dev: Lion Shieldprint Pub: Hooded Horseevent Rel: update Upd:
🖥️

Build a PC for Nova Roma

Get expert PC build recommendations at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions — with exact CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.

✅ Free expert recommendations 📊 3 build tiers 💻 Laptop alternatives included

Themes

AntiquityUrban ResilienceEngineeringMythology
list_alt

Nova Roma Key Specifications

Key Specifications for Nova Roma
Specification Detail
Developer Lion Shield
Publisher Hooded Horse
Release Type Early Access
Steam Rating 97% Very Positive
Modes Story Campaign, Sandbox, Creative

info_outline Note: Nova Roma is heavily CPU-bound due to individual citizen pathfinding. Performance impacts occur as the population scales regardless of GPU power[cite: 534, 1821].

laptop_windows Laptop Performance Note: Ensure 'High Performance' power profiles are active to prevent CPU throttling during peak pathfinding calculations in high-population cities[cite: 535, 1831].

info_outline GPU TGP: Low impact; 60W+ is sufficient for the stylized visuals[cite: 1827].

info_outline Cooling Thermals: High CPU usage requires effective thermal management to avoid stuttering[cite: 535, 937].

info_outline CPU Power Limits: Standard PL1/PL2 limits on mid-range laptops may struggle past 5,000 citizens[cite: 937].

info_outline MUX Switch Optimus: Not critical given the CPU-bound nature of the simulation[cite: 1821, 1831].

build Optimization Note: DLSS and FSR are supported to maintain framerates in Fidelity Mode[cite: 946]. Citizen Simulation Distance and Citizen LODs have the highest impact on CPU and FPS respectively[cite: 938, 940].

computer

Nova Roma System Requirements

1080p

tune Minimum – Low-Medium, 30 FPS

memory
CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K | AMD Ryzen 3 2200G (Sufficient for early game; will struggle as population nears 10,000[cite: 1825, 1830].)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i5-10300H (Mobile quad-core is the baseline for smooth early-game play[cite: 1823].)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 (2GB) | Radeon R9 285 (Handles the game's stylized 'Play-Doh' aesthetic at 1080p[cite: 1827].)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650 Mobile (Standard entry-level mobile GPU for consistent visuals[cite: 1826].)
storage
RAM: 4 GB (Minimum required to load standard map sizes[cite: 1826].)
save_alt
Storage: 2 GB (Basic installation[cite: 1829].)

tune Recommended – High, 60 FPS

memory
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (Necessary to maintain stable simulation speeds in large cities[cite: 1825, 1826].)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H (High clock speeds assist in pathfinding calculations[cite: 1831].)
developer_board
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 (8GB) | Radeon RX 7600 (Enables High Shadow quality and Ultra Textures[cite: 1827, 1828].)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Mobile (Ensures fluidity in Performance Mode[cite: 1827].)
storage
RAM: 8 GB (Standard for managing large-scale agent data[cite: 1826].)
save_alt
Storage: 2 GB SSD (Recommended for fast loading[cite: 1829].)

⚡ Instant Cloud Option

Hardware Below These Requirements?

Play Nova Roma on Boosteroid Cloud Gaming in 1080p or 4K 60FPS on any PC, Mac, or phone with zero hardware upgrades.

Play on Cloud →
laptop_mac

Nova Roma Laptop Recommendations

☁️
Cloud Stream
Play on Boosteroid Cloud

cloud 1080p / 4K 60FPS

flash_on Zero Install / Storage

devices Any Laptop or Phone

Instant Access

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 with RTX 2050 and Intel i5 more_vert

memory Intel Core i5-11400H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 55W

storage 8GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $749

Details close

Model: ASUS TUF Gaming F15 with RTX 2050 and Intel i5

memory CPU: Intel Core i5-11400H (Score: 499)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (Score: 5130) @ 55W TGP

storage RAM: 8GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i7-12700H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W

storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $1349

Details close

Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-13900H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

US $999

Details close

Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060) more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-14900HX

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W

storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

US $1749

Details close

Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz

save Storage: 2000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i9-12900H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $1397

Details close

Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i5-12450H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $645

Details close

Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen more_vert

memory Intel Core i5-12500H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $710

Details close

Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen

memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 512GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W

storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $799

Details close

Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP

storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W

storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

US $1299

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 more_vert

memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS

developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W

storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

US $1489

Details close

Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9

memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)

developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP

storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz

save Storage: 1000GB NVMe

desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)

Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low-Medium, 30 FPS).

  • Core Requirements

  • desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) / macOS

    Required for modern thread scheduling and memory management[cite: 1820, 1824].

  • memoryDirectX: Version 11 (Minimum) / Version 12 (Recommended)

    DirectX 12 is recommended for improved CPU multi-threading performance[cite: 1828].

  • save_altStorage Note: 2 GB available space

    The game footprint is small, but fast storage assists in quick save/load cycles[cite: 1829].

settings_applications Optimization Notes:

Upscaling: DLSS and FSR are supported to maintain framerates in Fidelity Mode[cite: 946].

Key Settings: Citizen Simulation Distance and Citizen LODs have the highest impact on CPU and FPS respectively[cite: 938, 940].

map

Nova Roma: Map Size and Regions

Maps range from small to large, including archipelago layouts that test maritime logistics and bridge engineering[cite: 824].

extension

Nova Roma: Post-Launch Content / DLC

The 2026-2027 roadmap includes political intrigue systems, chariot racing, and a fully functional Senate voting mechanic[cite: 1158].

star

Nova Roma Skills & Upgrades Overview

Progression is managed through the Senate and Technology trees, requiring 'Favor' from the gods to unlock advanced crops, industrial buildings, and housing tiers[cite: 986, 987].

collections

Nova Roma: Game Editions

Early Access Standard Edition is currently available with a 20% launch discount until April 9, 2026[cite: 829, 882].

sync_alt

Nova Roma: Cross-Platform / Crossplay

The game is single-player but supports cross-platform cloud saves via Steam, Epic, and the Microsoft Store[cite: 734, 1820].

whatshot

Nova Roma: Top 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)

  1. 1. Pilum (Infantry). 2. Gladius (Militia). 3. Ballista (Guard Towers). 4. Spatha (Cavalry). 5. Onager (Heavy Siege Defense)[cite: 1148, 1149].
category

Nova Roma Specific Game Elements

security

Nova Roma Weapons

  • security
    Guard Towers (Static Defense)

    Fires arrows at invaders; damage is boosted by the proximity of a Temple to Mars[cite: 1097, 1149].

  • security
    Iron Armaments (Equipment)

    Required to recruit professional Infantry and Cavalry units[cite: 1091].

directions_car

Nova Roma Vehicles

  • directions_car
    Transport Cart (Logistics)

    Dedicated hauler used to move heavy materials like stone and iron more efficiently than foot labor[cite: 1119, 1132].

pets

Nova Roma Animals / Creatures

  • pets
    Oxen (Bovine)

    Role: Powering transport carts for heavy material logistics[cite: 1132].

person

Nova Roma Characters

  • person
    Patricians - Elite (Citizen Class)

    Demanding class requiring baths and fine wine; provides high tax revenue[cite: 1145, 1146].

  • person
    Plebeians - Workforce (Citizen Class)

    The foundational labor force (80% of population) requiring food variety and basic housing[cite: 1143, 1144].

Top 3 Characters:

person
The

Governor (Player). 2. The Advisor (Tutorial/UI). 3. The Plebeian (General Laborer)[cite: 1178, 1199].

flag

Nova Roma Missions / Objectives

  • flag
    Build the Colosseum (Endgame Wonder)

    Objective: Reach 10,000 citizens and research Imperial Games to construct the monument[cite: 784, 1153].

Top 3 Missions/Objectives:

flag
Build

the Colosseum. 2. Survive 200 Years. 3. Achieve 100% Divine Favor[cite: 1016, 1150].

group

Nova Roma Companions / Summons

  • group
    Transporters (Human)

    Ability: Physically moving resources through the city's logistics web[cite: 531, 1084].

collections_bookmark

Nova Roma Collectibles

  • collections_bookmark
    Marble

    Location/Use: Quarries / Import Docks

Top 3 Collectibles:

collections_bookmark
Divine

Favor (Resource). 2. Denarii (Currency). 3. Papyrus (Research Material)[cite: 784, 1210].

shield

Nova Roma Armor

  • shield
    Infantry Gear

    Focus/Stats: High health and defense for professional Roman soldiers[cite: 1148].

checkroom

Nova Roma Clothing / Appearance

  • checkroom
    Tunic

    Details: Color varies based on citizen role and social class.

more_horiz

Nova Roma Other Features & Info

  • label
    Multiplayer Modes

    Single-player focus; 'Creative Mode' acts as a sandbox for unlimited building and testing[cite: 1184, 1185].

  • label
    User Interface

    Features diegetic overlays for Happiness, Health, and Building Integrity, along with detailed Resource and Jobs tabs for macro-management[cite: 1188, 1190].

  • label
    Sound and Music

    Atmospheric score that changes based on city prosperity and seasonal transitions[cite: 1211].

  • label
    Graphics and Visuals

    A colorful, 'Play-Doh' inspired art style that emphasizes clarity and individual citizen movement[cite: 536, 1163].

  • label
    Accessibility Features

    Includes optimization toggles for simulation distance and LODs to accommodate varying hardware capabilities[cite: 938, 1831].

  • label
    Story and Setting

    Players lead a group of survivors from a decaying Rome to distant, untamed shores to build a 'New Rome' that reflects the virtues of the old empire without its corruption[cite: 1178, 1815].

  • label
    Top 3 Mounts/Companions
    1. 1. Ox-Carts (Logistics). 2. Transport Ships (Trade). 3. Cavalry Horses (Military)[cite: 1131, 1132].
help_outline

Nova Roma Frequently Asked Questions

  • help_outline Why are my citizens starving even though the granaries are full?
    Nova Roma simulates physical paths. Transporters may be stuck in a loop or the walk distance to the market is too long[cite: 532, 1085].
  • help_outline How do I prevent city-wide plagues?
    Place 'dirty' industry like tanneries and clay pits downstream from your primary water intake[cite: 807, 1843].
  • help_outline What is the most efficient housing layout?
    A 6x6 residential block with a central Market and Fountain maximizes coverage and land value[cite: 546, 804].
  • help_outline How do I gain Divine Favor?
    Complete 'Divine Tasks' assigned by the gods or host Festivals in Large Temples[cite: 980, 986].
  • help_outline Does gravity affect water flow?
    Yes, aqueducts require a consistent downward slope to function; the game includes an elevation overlay for planning[cite: 850, 1835].