Players often hit +100 favor with the Emperor and still stay stuck at “Favorite” instead of being promoted to Consul.
It feels like something is broken because the game shows maximum reputation, yet the Consul title never appears. The real issue is that Consul isn’t a rank you unlock by hitting a number — it’s a single, exclusive appointment the Emperor gives only when the political state of the empire allows it.
If another governor is already Consul, or if the Emperor doesn’t see you as the strongest or most reliable governor at that moment, you simply won’t get it, no matter how high your favor climbs.
This guide clears up that confusion by giving a straight answer up front, breaking down exactly how Consul works in Anno 117, why players get stuck at Favorite, how the Consul appointment system actually functions behind the scenes, and what steps reliably improve your chances.
It also includes quick-use tips and a Consul vs Pro-Consul comparison so players can immediately understand the two different power paths in Anno 117: Pax Romana.
Short answer
There’s only one Consul in the entire empire, period.
So even if you hit +100 favor, you won’t get the title unless the Consul seat is actually empty and the Emperor decides you are the governor he trusts the most at that moment.
High favor just puts you in the running — it doesn’t auto-promote you. If another governor is already Consul, or the Emperor thinks they’re stronger or more valuable than you, you’ll stay stuck at “Favorite” until that changes.
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What “Consul” Means
Think of the Consul in Anno 117 as the Emperor’s single top-tier governor — the one person he trusts above everyone else. It’s not a level you grind to; it’s an exclusive imperial appointment.
When you’re Consul, you get real gameplay perks: imperial military support, priority in diplomacy, and a noticeable boost in prestige and political weight across the provinces. And here’s the important part: the Emperor only keeps one Consul at a time, so the role is always unique and competitive.
There’s also the Pro-Consul, which is basically the “I didn’t ask for permission” version of the title. Instead of earning it through Emperor favor, you usually get Pro-Consul by rebelling, winning battles, and taking power by force.
It’s the alternative path for players who don’t want to play nice with imperial politics.
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Mechanics That Determine Appointment
Vacancy rule:
There is only one Consul slot in Anno 117, so the Emperor cannot appoint anyone new unless that position is open. If an AI governor is already serving as Consul, the appointment is blocked regardless of how much favor or reputation you have. Until that governor loses the title or the seat becomes free, your status stays at “Favorite.”
Qualification rule:
Reaching high favor or even +100 reputation does not automatically grant the Consul title. It simply means you qualify to be considered. High favor places you in the pool of eligible governors, but the game still requires an actual opening and a comparison across all candidates.
Selection rule:
When a vacancy exists, the Emperor evaluates every qualified governor. He favors the one who appears most beneficial to the empire: consistently loyal, militarily reliable, economically stable, and stronger overall than competing governors. The governor who stands out most becomes the next Consul.
Alternative path:
If the loyal route is not working or not preferred, the game offers another option. A governor can challenge imperial authority directly, win through force, and rise as Pro-Consul, a title gained by taking control rather than relying on imperial favor.
Step-by-Step Checklist to Obtain Consul
Maintain maximum favor:
Keep the Emperor fully on your side. Complete every imperial mission, meet his demands, and avoid choices that chip away at reputation. High favor is what gets you into the running for the Consul appointment, so staying at the top of the Emperor’s approval list is essential.
Confirm current Consul status:
Before wondering why you’re stuck at “Favorite,” check if another governor is already the Consul. If an AI holds the title, the Emperor simply cannot appoint you — the role is exclusive. Until that seat opens, your favor level doesn’t matter.
Create a vacancy (if needed):
If the Consul seat is occupied, you have two options: wait for the current Consul’s term to end, or actively weaken them. Reducing their reputation, undermining their economy, or pushing them into military losses can cause the Emperor to remove them, opening the door for your appointment.
Outperform rivals:
Once there’s a chance for the Emperor to choose, make sure you look like the strongest candidate. A stable province, a solid economy, and a reliable military presence all make you appear more valuable than competing governors. The Emperor tends to appoint the governor who looks most dependable and powerful.
Remain compliant at the moment of vacancy:
When the Consul seat becomes open, avoid anything that could lower your favor — refusing demands, aggressive diplomacy, or unnecessary conflict. Staying perfectly loyal during this window increases the chances that the Emperor selects you as the next Consul.
Quick Tips
Prioritize Emperor missions:
If you want the Consul title, the fastest way to stay at the top of the Emperor’s approval list is by completing his quests immediately. Mission success keeps your favor high and signals that you’re the most reliable governor in the empire.
Avoid conflict with the Emperor:
While chasing Consul, don’t pick fights with imperial forces or ignore imperial demands. Anything that causes a major reputation hit pushes you out of the Consul appointment pool and keeps you stuck at “Favorite.”
Undermine the current Consul quietly:
If another governor refuses to lose the title, you don’t need an all-out war. Hitting their economy, cutting trade, or forcing them into controlled military losses weakens their reputation without dragging the Emperor into a direct confrontation with you.
Leverage diplomacy and trade:
Use alliances, trade routes, and tribute to make yourself look indispensable. The Emperor is more likely to appoint a Consul who contributes to imperial stability and helps strengthen the empire’s overall power.
Consider the Pro-Consul route carefully:
If you’re thinking about overthrowing the Emperor instead, remember that gaining Pro-Consul requires open rebellion and heavy military investment. It’s a valid path, but it comes with much higher risk than staying loyal for the Consul appointment.
Comparison: Consul vs Pro-Consul
| Feature / Path | Consul (Imperial Appointment) | Pro-Consul (Rebellion / Overthrow) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical acquisition method | Appointed by Emperor when seat vacant and candidate favored | Acquired after rebelling and defeating the Emperor’s forces |
| Number of holders at once | Exactly one (exclusive) | Typically one (result of overthrow) |
| Relationship with Emperor | Loyal; high favor and trust | Hostile; power obtained by force |
| Main benefits | Imperial support, diplomatic priority, prestige bonuses | Direct control, removal of Emperor influence, military/political control |
| Risk level | Low to moderate (depends on maintaining favor) | High (open war, heavy resource cost) |
| Best suited for players who… | Prefer political/diplomatic play and stability | Prefer aggressive takeover and direct rule |
FAQ
Q: Does +100 favor automatically grant Consul?
No. Hitting +100 favor only means the Emperor is fully satisfied with you, but it does not trigger an automatic promotion. You still need the Consul seat to be vacant, and the Emperor must decide that you are the strongest and most trustworthy governor when he reviews all candidates. If another governor already holds the title or scores higher in overall political strength, loyalty, or military value, you will stay at “Favorite” despite perfect reputation.
Q: Can multiple governors be Consul simultaneously?
No. The Consul title is strictly exclusive. The Emperor only ever maintains one Consul at a time, and that single appointment represents his top advisor and highest-ranked governor. This exclusivity is what creates competition and why players often feel blocked even with max favor — the system simply doesn’t support more than one Consul, whether AI or player.
Q: How can the Emperor be forced to change Consul?
There are two reliable ways to open up the Consul seat:
- Wait for natural turnover — sometimes the Emperor will remove the current Consul when their performance drops or when a new appointment cycle happens.
- Reduce the incumbent’s standing — weakening the current Consul’s economy, disrupting their stability, or pushing them into losing battles lowers their prestige. When their reputation falls far enough, the Emperor may strip the title, creating a vacancy.
Direct removal only happens when the sitting Consul looks like a liability, so causing controlled losses or undermining their influence is often more effective than outright war.