Empire: Total War

On the campaign map the player manages an empire's economy, diplomacy, and technological research across multiple turns, expanding territory through colonization and alliances.

When armies clash, the game switches to real-time battles where the player positions line infantry, cavalry, and artillery, or commands warships in naval engagements using period-accurate sailing and broadside tactics.

The combination of long-term empire management with directly controlled large-scale battles, including naval combat, is the series' defining structure.

• Turn-Based Campaign Map Players manage territory, economy, and diplomacy across a world map.
• Real-Time Battles Armies are commanded directly in large-scale tactical combat.
• Naval Warfare Ships can be maneuvered and fought using sail-era tactics.
• Technology Research A research tree unlocks new units, buildings, and abilities over time.