Back in 2006, Star Wars: Empire at War took real-time strategy (RTS) gaming to a galaxy far, far away. Released on February 16, 2006, and developed by Petroglyph Games, this was the Star Wars strategy game that many had been waiting for. It wasn’t just about leading a few troops on the ground or controlling a handful of ships in space. Empire at War put players in charge of the entire Galactic Civil War, letting them command fleets, deploy ground forces, and engage in both space and planetary battles.
Unlike many Star Wars games of the time that focused on first-person combat (Battlefront) or RPG storytelling (Knights of the Old Republic), this one went all-in on strategy. It gave players the power to wage war on a galactic scale, choosing to play as either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire.
But what really set Empire at War apart was its Galactic Conquest mode, an open-ended strategy experience that let players determine the fate of the galaxy through military dominance, economic control, and tactical brilliance.
And here’s the thing—it still holds up almost two decades later. With an active modding scene, a devoted player base, and no real Star Wars RTS successor in sight, Empire at War remains one of the best strategy games ever made.
So, what made it so great? And why is it still relevant today? Let’s take a deep dive.
What Made Empire at War Stand Out?
1. Galactic Conquest Mode – The Ultimate Star Wars Sandbox
At the heart of Empire at War is Galactic Conquest mode, a large-scale turn-based strategy layer combined with real-time battles. Players could:
- Choose between Rebels or the Empire (each with unique playstyles).
- Manage planetary economies, build fleets, and develop military infrastructure.
- Conquer and defend over 40 planets, including Coruscant, Tatooine, Endor, and Hoth.
- Use famous Star Wars heroes and villains, such as Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo.
Unlike many RTS games that force players into linear missions, Empire at War gave total freedom—allowing players to shape their own version of the Galactic Civil War.
Want to invade Coruscant as the Rebels? Go for it.
Want to crush the Rebellion by blockading every planet with Star Destroyers? No problem.
This mode turned Empire at War into the closest thing to a Star Wars grand strategy game, blending elements of Total War with classic RTS mechanics.
2. Space Battles That Felt Like Star Wars
Space combat in Empire at War was a game-changer.
Most RTS games of the time (Command & Conquer, Age of Empires) relied on basic unit-building mechanics. But in Empire at War, space battles felt like they were pulled straight from the movies.
What made space battles so good?
- Massive Fleet Battles – Command Star Destroyers, X-Wings, Mon Calamari Cruisers, TIE Fighters, and more in large-scale combat.
- Subsystem Targeting – Players could disable enemy ship engines, shields, or weapons, creating real tactical depth.
- No Space Base-Building – Reinforcements arrived via hyperspace jumps, removing the need for slow construction phases.
It wasn’t just about numbers—it was about tactics, positioning, and using the right ships at the right time. A well-placed fleet of Y-Wings and B-Wings could disable a Super Star Destroyer, making even the biggest ships vulnerable.
3. Ground Combat – Clunky, But Still Fun
If there was one area Empire at War received some criticism, it was ground battles.
While they weren’t bad, they weren’t as polished as space battles. Players could:
- Deploy AT-ATs, Rebel Troopers, TIE Maulers, and more.
- Call in airstrikes and orbital bombardments to wipe out enemy strongholds.
- Use hero units like Obi-Wan Kenobi or Boba Fett to shift the tide of battle.
The main issue? Ground combat was a bit slower and more basic compared to the fast-paced space battles. But despite its flaws, it still played an important role in planetary invasions and defense.
4. Forces of Corruption Expansion – A Criminal Underdog Rises
Released later in 2006, the expansion Forces of Corruption introduced:
- A third faction – the Zann Consortium, a criminal syndicate operating in the shadows.
- A new corruption system, allowing players to bribe, sabotage, and steal technology.
- Powerful new underworld units, including Mandalorian Mercenaries and massive pirate fleets.
This expansion changed the game by adding non-traditional warfare mechanics—where the Consortium didn’t need military strength to win. Instead, it could disrupt the war from behind the scenes, making for a unique playstyle.
Why Empire at War is Still Popular Today
1. The Modding Community Keeps It Alive
Over the years, Empire at War has benefited from a thriving modding scene, with projects that have:
- Expanded the timeline to include the Clone Wars and Sequel Trilogy.
- Rebalanced factions, improved AI, and upgraded graphics.
- Added entirely new factions, units, and planets.
Some of the best mods include:
- Thrawn’s Revenge – A massive overhaul set after Return of the Jedi, featuring the New Republic and Imperial Remnant.
- Republic at War – A full Clone Wars conversion, replacing Rebels/Empire with the Galactic Republic and Separatists.
- Empire at War Remake – A graphical and gameplay enhancement, bringing modern visuals and new mechanics to the game.
2. Steam and GOG Have Kept It Accessible
The Gold Pack (which includes the base game + Forces of Corruption) is available on:
- Steam – Includes modern multiplayer support thanks to updates.
- GOG – DRM-free version for classic offline play.
This re-release has allowed Empire at War to thrive, even in a gaming world dominated by newer titles.
3. No Real Star Wars RTS Successor Exists
Despite all the Star Wars games released since 2006, none have truly replaced Empire at War.
Games like Battlefront II and Jedi: Fallen Order focus on action, but Star Wars strategy games remain rare. Until a true successor emerges, Empire at War is still the best way to experience large-scale Star Wars warfare.
Conclusion: A Timeless RTS That Deserves a Sequel
Nearly two decades after its release, Star Wars: Empire at War remains one of the best Star Wars games ever made. Its mix of grand strategy, space battles, and planetary warfare makes it a unique gem in the Star Wars gaming universe.
Even today, it continues to thrive thanks to mods, re-releases, and an active community. If you’ve never played it, there’s no better time to dive in. And if you already own it, maybe it’s time to revisit the galaxy and conquer the Empire (or crush the Rebels) one more time.
For collectors and classic PC gamers, check out this Original Star Wars: Empire at War PC CD-ROM—a rare find for those who love physical Star Wars history.
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