Star Wars: Empire at War Gets a Surprise Boost—18 Years Later!

Star Wars: Empire at War Gets a Surprise Boost—18 Years Later!

Star Wars: Empire at War just turned back the clock in the best way possible. After 18 years, Petroglyph Studios has rolled out a new update that gives this classic RTS game a serious performance boost. Whether you’re a veteran commander or just looking to relive some epic battles in a galaxy far, far away, this update has something for you. So, what’s new, and why is a game that’s almost 19 years old still drawing attention? Let’s dive into the details.

The Game That Refuses to Fade Away

Star Wars: Empire at War is one of those rare games that never seems to lose its charm. Released in 2006, this real-time strategy (RTS) title lets players command massive space fleets, ground troops, and even heroes like Darth Vader or Han Solo. Despite its age, it continues to attract a dedicated fanbase. Petroglyph Studios, the original developers, seem to have noticed this enduring popularity—because they’re still supporting the game with annual updates.

What’s in the Latest Update?

This year’s patch, which just dropped, focuses on optimization and a few key bug fixes, making Empire at War run smoother than ever. Here’s a quick rundown of the main changes:

  • Performance Boost: Petroglyph claims that players can expect up to a 50% increase in frame rates on larger maps, specifically those available through the Forces of Corruption DLC. If you’ve been struggling with performance hiccups during those massive battles, this is a game-changer.
  • Multiplayer Fixes: One pesky bug that previously prevented players from being prompted for a password when joining a password-protected game in the online lobby has been squashed. Now, your private matches can remain, well, private.
  • Gameplay Stability: The update also fixes an issue where the game would freeze if players retreated from a ground battle after Chewbacca hijacked a vehicle. No more getting stuck in the middle of an epic struggle because Chewie did what Chewie does best!
  • Improved Balance: While specifics weren’t provided, the update includes adjustments to gameplay balance, ensuring that your skirmishes and conquests remain fair and fun.

Why Is This Update a Big Deal?

You might be wondering, “Why all the fuss over an update to an 18-year-old game?” Well, it’s pretty rare for a game of this age to receive active support from its developers. Petroglyph’s commitment to keeping Empire at War fresh and playable is a testament to the enduring love fans have for this title. And let’s not forget—finding a classic RTS game that’s still getting optimization updates is like discovering an uncharted planet in the Star Wars universe. It’s a pleasant surprise.

How Popular Is Empire at War Today?

Despite its age, Star Wars: Empire at War still maintains a solid player base. Yesterday alone, the game saw 1,772 concurrent players on Steam, and during peak weekend hours, it often surpasses 2,000 simultaneous players. That’s not too shabby for a game that’s been around since the pre-smartphone era! This level of activity showcases how beloved the game remains, especially among Star Wars fans craving strategic battles and galactic domination.

Where Can You Get Star Wars: Empire at War?

If you’re feeling the itch to jump back into the galaxy and start commanding your forces, you’re in luck. The game is currently sold as Star Wars: Empire at War – Gold Pack, which includes the base game and the Forces of Corruption expansion. You can grab this bundle on Steam or GOG.com for around $20.

For the collectors out there, Star Wars: Empire at War is also available in physical form. If you prefer to have a tangible piece of the galaxy on your shelf, you can find the physical version on Amazon here. It’s a great way to own a little piece of Star Wars history while still diving into the updated gameplay.

Final Thoughts: A Welcome Update for a Timeless Classic

Petroglyph’s dedication to keeping Star Wars: Empire at War alive is a rare and wonderful thing in today’s gaming landscape. In a time when many older games are left behind without updates or support, it’s refreshing to see a studio continuing to care for its classic titles. With smoother gameplay, enhanced performance, and bug fixes, the latest update ensures that both new and old players can enjoy this classic RTS in its best form.

So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to dive back into one of the best Star Wars strategy games ever made, this update might be just the nudge you need. And if you’re new to the game, well, there’s no time like the present to experience what makes Star Wars: Empire at War such a timeless gem.

May your battles be epic, your frame rates high, and may the Force be with you—always!


That’s the latest on Star Wars: Empire at War. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about this classic, the new update is sure to make your galactic conquests even more enjoyable. Happy commanding!

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