Empire: Total War cover
FranchiseTotal WarSeriesTotal War

Empire: Total War

Critic score6 critics
First release
Mar 03, 2009
Genres
Tactical, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Real Time Strategy (RTS) · 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate), Fantasy, Historical

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.

Also known as Total War: EMPIRE - Definitive Edition, Empire.exe

Attributes

No Attributes added.

Details

Storyline, release dates, time to beat, age ratings, modes, links, keywords

Release dates
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mar 03, 2009
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mar 04, 2009
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Mar 05, 2009
All 8 release dates
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Dec 25, 2009
Mac
Jun 10, 2014
Linux
Dec 08, 2014
Android
Nov 21, 2024
iOS
Nov 21, 2024
Game modes
Co-operative, Multiplayer, Single player
Perspective
Bird view / Isometric
Keywords
assassin, world domination, construction, turn-based, 18th century
… All 43, horse, religion, war, diplomacy, steam, micromanagement, achievements, time limit, artificial intelligence, steam trading cards, sailing, steam achievements, rivaling factions, world map, bink video, human, polygonal 3d, upgradeable weapons, native american, original soundtrack release, retail games with steam activation, morale, resistance, sabotage, melee, grapple, cover system, destructible environment, commerce, british accent, high definition graphics, american revolution, colony, naval warfare, supply and demand, siege warfare, macromanagement, missing features

At a Glance

Critic Score
90

Overview

Steam review summary

Steam users rate this Very Positive, 21,443 reviews in all languages, recorded 26 October 2026

Valve's summary of Steam user reviews. Valve counts only reviews from purchases on Steam, not key activations, and leaves out review periods it has marked as off-topic. It isn't part of the CritScore score.

Review summary: SteamSteam data provided via the Steam Web API (opens in a new tab)Not affiliated with Valve →

Multiplayer

  • Online multiplayerSteam · 26 Oct
  • Online co-opSteam · 26 Oct
  • LAN co-opSteam · 26 Oct
  • LAN PvPSteam · 26 Oct

Feature data: SteamSteam data provided via the Steam Web API (opens in a new tab)Not affiliated with Valve →

About storefront and compatibility information

Compatibility, feature and availability information shown on this page is recorded from the storefronts and services named against each fact, on the dates shown. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks of Valve Corporation; Steam data is provided via the Steam Web API. Other product and service names are trademarks of their respective owners. CritScore is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or certified by Valve Corporation or any other storefront or platform holder, and does not itself test or certify any game.