Empire Earth II vs Empire Earth III
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Empire Earth II is a comprehensive real-time strategy game that spans the entire breadth of human history, from prehistoric tribes to futuristic sci-fi eras. Players take command of various nations across 15 distinct epochs, engaging in large-scale warfare, resource management, and diplomatic maneuvering. Developed by Mad Doc Software and published by Vivendi Universal, the game offers diverse single-player campaigns, cooperative modes, and robust multiplayer options. With complex mechanics like the war planner and a crown system for bonuses, it delivers a deeply tactical historical simulation.
Empire Earth III is a real-time strategy video game developed by Mad Doc Software and published by Sierra Entertainment. Released on November 6, 2007, the game is the final installment in the Empire Earth series and spans world history across five distinct epochs. Players can choose from three unique factions—Western, Middle Eastern, and Far Eastern—each featuring specialized buildings, units, and technologies. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, challenging users to conquer rivals and expand their dominance across the globe.
- Massive span of historical epochs to play through
- Deep tactical options with the war planner system
- Engaging single-player campaigns for major nations
- Robust multiplayer and co-operative support
- Features three distinct playable factions with unique units and technologies
- Spans five historical epochs of human civilization
- Includes both single-player and multiplayer gameplay modes
- Offers a global conquest campaign structure on a world map
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to the series
- Pathfinding AI can occasionally struggle in tight formations
- Graphics show their age compared to modern RTS titles
- Received generally unfavorable reviews from critics upon release
- Contains fewer epochs than previous titles in the franchise
- Simplifies some mechanics compared to earlier entries in the series
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Empire Earth II
View all →
Expand your historical empire across time from Ancient Rome to 24th Century Mars.

Lead new civilizations through history in this strategic expansion pack.
Alternatives to Empire Earth III
View all →
Lead civilizations through 15 epochs of human history in this epic real-time strategy game.

Expand your historical empire across time from Ancient Rome to 24th Century Mars.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEmpire Earth II offers deeper, broader content and stronger multiplayer/co‑op at a low price, while Empire Earth III is a cheaper but critically panned, simpler sequel with fewer epochs.
Key differences
- •Epoch count: 15 in II vs 5 in III, giving far more historical variety.
- •Multiplayer modes: II includes co‑op; III offers only single‑player and multiplayer.
- •Critical reception: II scored 75/100, III scored 40/100, indicating higher overall quality for II.
- •Faction variety: III has three distinct factions with unique tech; II uses generic nations across epochs.
- •Price: Both are one‑time purchases, but II’s MSRP is $9.99 (no price listed for III).
Gameplay & fun factor
II provides 15 epochs, war planner, diplomatic options; III simplifies mechanics and has fewer epochs.
Platform availability
Both are listed without platform specifics; no difference can be determined.
Price & value
II has a known MSRP of $9.99; III's price not specified, making II the clearer value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
II supports co‑op in addition to multiplayer; III lacks co‑op.
Content & replayability
II's 15 epochs, multiple campaigns, and crown system give more replay value than III's 5 epochs.
Difficulty & accessibility
III simplifies mechanics and has fewer epochs, likely easier for newcomers than II's steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
II's graphics are noted as aged; III’s graphics not described, so relative advantage leans to newer III.
Choose Empire Earth II if…
History buffs or RTS veterans wanting depth, many epochs, and co‑op play.
Choose Empire Earth III if…
Players seeking a simpler, shorter RTS experience with distinct faction identities.
Common questions
Which game offers more historical content?
Empire Earth II spans 15 epochs, while Empire Earth III covers only 5.
Is co‑op multiplayer available?
Yes, only in Empire Earth II; Empire Earth III does not include co‑op.
How do the critical scores compare?
Empire Earth II received 75/100; Empire Earth III received 40/100.


