Unearthing the Best Empire Earth Alternatives for RTS Enthusiasts
Empire Earth, affectionately known as EE, remains a beloved real-time strategy (RTS) classic, first gracing our screens on November 23, 2001. Developed by Stainless Steel Studios, this monumental game allows players to guide a civilization through half a million years of history, from humble beginnings to global domination. While you can still acquire the Gold Edition on GOG.com, many players seek fresh experiences or modern takes on this epic historical RTS. If you're looking for an excellent Empire Earth alternative that scratches that strategic itch, you've come to the right place.
Top Empire Earth Alternatives
Whether you're after a historical epic, a fantastical battleground, or a free open-source gem, the world of RTS games is vast and varied. Dive into these top contenders that offer similar strategic depth, historical progression, or intense real-time combat akin to Empire Earth.
0 A.D.
0 A.D. is a superb free and open-source RTS game of ancient warfare that serves as a fantastic Empire Earth alternative. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it focuses on historically-based war and economy, offering engaging multiplayer and classic RTS features.
Age of Empires
The Age of Empires series is arguably the most direct historical real-time strategy competitor to Empire Earth. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Steam, and Xbox, these games allow you to build civilizations through various ages, offering robust single-player campaigns, control over troops, and deep RTS gameplay.
Warcraft III
While not historical, Warcraft III offers a compelling RTS experience from Blizzard Entertainment that can be a great Empire Earth alternative for those who enjoy a strong narrative and unit-based combat. It's a commercial title available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, known for its intricate RTS mechanics.
OpenRA
OpenRA is a free and open-source engine that allows you to play classic Command & Conquer and Dune 2000 games, making it a fantastic Empire Earth alternative if you appreciate classic RTS mechanics. It's available on Mac, Windows, Linux, .NET Framework, and Mono, offering pure RTS gameplay.
FreeCiv
For fans of the deeper strategic progression found in Empire Earth, FreeCiv is an excellent free and open-source, turn-based strategy game inspired by Civilization II. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, BSD, and PortableApps.com, it focuses on building civilizations through history, offering a different, but equally engaging, strategic experience.
Warzone 2100
Warzone 2100 is a unique free and open-source RTS game that offers a post-apocalyptic twist. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and PortableApps.com, it focuses on restoring humanity with innovative RTS mechanics, providing a refreshing take on the genre for those seeking an Empire Earth alternative.
Widelands
Widelands is a free and open-source real-time strategy game featuring single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes. It's a great Empire Earth alternative for players who enjoy base building and resource management within a classic RTS framework, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Stronghold
The Stronghold series, particularly Stronghold Crusader, offers a unique RTS experience with a strong focus on castle building and siege warfare. It's a commercial title available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Wine, providing a medieval-themed Empire Earth alternative for those who love fortifying their positions and engaging in epic battles.
CaesarIA
CaesarIA is an open-source remake of the classic city-building RTS Caesar III. While focusing more on city management than direct warfare, its strategic depth and historical setting make it an interesting Empire Earth alternative. It's free and open-source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, Wine, and Steam.
Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology, a spin-off of the Age of Empires series, blends historical RTS gameplay with mythological elements. This commercial title, available on Windows and Steam, involves building towns, gathering resources, and creating armies, offering a fantastic fantasy-infused Empire Earth alternative with strong multiplayer features.
From ancient warfare to medieval sieges and even post-apocalyptic scenarios, the world of RTS games offers a plethora of choices for fans of Empire Earth. Each of these alternatives brings its own unique flavor to the genre, whether you prioritize historical accuracy, open-source freedom, or a fresh take on real-time strategy. Explore them and find the perfect fit to command your next civilization!