
Empire: Total War
Empire: Total War introduces a host of revolutionary new features, including true 3D naval combat. For the first time in the Total War series, you will be able to intuitively command single ships or vast fleets upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board, taking control of your men as they fight hand-to-hand on the decks of these wooden behemoths. In addition, Empire: Total War will see further enhancements to the Total War series’ signature 3D battles and turn-based campaign map. Real-time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map for many, the heart of Total War introduces a variety of new and upgraded elements, including new systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents; a refined and streamlined UI; improved Advisors; and a vastly extended scope, taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and, for the first time, the untapped potential of the United States of America.
What it feels like
The game emphasizes glorious victory and the conquest of globe, celebrating imperial expansion.
What it's about
Set in the colonial era with real historical periods, locations (India, Europe, America), and warfare technology. Armed forces, naval operations, and warfare across multiple continents are the central focus. The expansion into India and the Americas reflects colonial conquest and imperial ambition.
How it plays
Real-time tactical battles with resource management and unit control are the core of Empire: Total War's moment-to-moment gameplay. Turn-based campaign map with diplomacy, espionage, trade, and multi-continental empire-building is the game's strategic spine. The campaign map explicitly delivers explore, expand, exploit, exterminate across India, Europe, and the Americas.
How it's structured
A bounded, authored historical campaign arc from the colonial era to modern conquest is the primary mode. Campaign map and tactical battles transition without loading, creating a continuous world experience. Solo campaign is the primary experience, though multiplayer modes exist.
Kindred games
Shares Real-Time Strategy, Historical, Grand Strategy, 4X.
Both lean into Real-Time Strategy, Historical, Campaign, Grand Strategy.
Shares Grand Strategy, Real-Time Strategy, Historical, 4X.
Both lean into Grand Strategy, Real-Time Strategy, Campaign, Historical.
Shares Real-Time Strategy, Grand Strategy, Historical, Military & War.
Both lean into Real-Time Strategy, Grand Strategy, Historical, Campaign.
See all games like Empire: Total War →
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Real-Time Strategy, Military & War, Historical, Grid Tactics Combat. 87% positive across 4,452 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Real-Time Strategy, Military & War, Historical, Vehicular Control.
A lesser-known kindred — Real-Time Strategy, Military & War, Historical, Competitive PvP. 96% positive across 4,427 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Real-Time Strategy, Military & War, Historical, Campaign.
A lesser-known kindred — Real-Time Strategy, Grand Strategy, Military & War, Competitive PvP. 87% positive across 4,314 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Real-Time Strategy, Military & War, Grand Strategy, Competitive PvP.





