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

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.
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.
- 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
- 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 new RTS players
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty levels
- 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
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEmpire Earth offers a richer, longer‑term experience with 15 epochs and strong mod support, while Empire Earth III is a cheaper, simpler RTS with fewer epochs and poorer reviews.
Key differences
- •Epoch count: 15 in Empire Earth vs. 5 in Empire Earth III.
- •Faction variety: Empire Earth has generic units across epochs; Empire Earth III offers three distinct, faction‑specific armies.
- •Critical reception: Empire Earth scores 80/100, Empire Earth III scores 40/100.
- •Modding tools: Empire Earth includes a map editor and mod tools; none are mentioned for Empire Earth III.
- •Multiplayer capacity: Empire Earth supports up to 8 players; Empire Earth III’s multiplayer player limit is not specified.
Gameplay & fun factor
Empire Earth’s 15 epochs and deep tech trees provide more strategic variety than the 5‑epoch, simplified design of Empire Earth III.
Platform availability
Both are PC titles released by Sierra; no platform differences are specified.
Price & value
Both are one‑time purchases, but Empire Earth delivers far more content (15 epochs, mod tools) for the same price tier.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Empire Earth supports up to eight players with customizable settings; Empire Earth III’s multiplayer capacity is not specified.
Content & replayability
Empire Earth’s extensive timeline, map editor, and active mod community give higher replay value than Empire Earth III’s limited epochs.
Difficulty & accessibility
Empire Earth III simplifies mechanics and has a lower learning curve, whereas Empire Earth has a steep learning curve for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Empire Earth III is newer (2007) and likely has more modern graphics than the 2001 engine of Empire Earth, which is noted as dated.
Choose Empire Earth if…
Strategy fans who want deep, long‑term play and modding, and don’t mind a learning curve.
Choose Empire Earth III if…
Players seeking a quicker, less complex RTS with newer graphics and simpler mechanics.
Common questions
Which game has better critical reception?
Empire Earth received a critic score of 80/100, while Empire Earth III scored 40/100.
How many historical periods can I play through?
Empire Earth features 15 epochs; Empire Earth III includes only 5 epochs.
Is there support for creating custom maps or mods?
Empire Earth provides a map editor and mod tools; no such support is mentioned for Empire Earth III.


