0 A.D. vs Empire Earth

0 A.D. is a free, open‑source real‑time strategy game that puts you in command of an ancient civilization. Gather resources, train armies, and battle foes across historically inspired maps. The game is developed by the volunteer group Wildfire Games and runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, offering both single‑player campaigns and multiplayer skirmishes.

Empire Earth lets players guide humanity from the prehistoric age to the future, offering a massive timeline of 15 distinct epochs. Its deep tech trees and varied units let you wage wars across centuries, from stone‑age spears to laser‑armed drones. The game features both a robust single‑player campaign and extensive multiplayer modes, supporting up to eight players in massive battles that test strategic planning and resource management.

• Free and open‑source
• Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
• Deep historical detail
• Strong modding community

• Extensive timeline covering prehistoric to futuristic eras
• Deep and varied tech trees for strategic diversity
• Robust multiplayer supporting up to eight players
• Active modding community with tools provided

• Graphics are less polished than commercial RTS titles
• Steep learning curve for new players
• Multiplayer matchmaking can be limited without dedicated servers

• Steep learning curve for new RTS players
• Graphics are dated by modern standards
• AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty levels