How often do you think about the Roman Empire? A recent TikTok trend suggesting that men think about the Roman Empire surprisingly often was probably not on anyone’s Bingo card, but people passionate about empire-building games certainly understand the appeal!
There is just something about building up one’s own empire, managing resources and conquering new territories – in short, building a civilization from the ground up – that many can’t get enough of.
These games cater to a wide range of playstyles, from casual gamers looking for a relaxed experience to hardcore strategists who thrive on intricate gameplay with fierce competition.
Here’s a guide to some of the best multiplayer empire-building games, ranked from beginner-friendly to expert-level complexity.
1. Civilization IV
For newcomers to empire-building games, Civilization IV is a fantastic starting point. This classic title combines turn-based strategy with accessible gameplay mechanics, making it a perennial favorite among fans of the genre.
Players begin by founding a civilization and guiding it through the ages, researching technologies, building cities, and interacting with rival nations.
Why It Stands Out:
- Ease of play: Intuitive mechanics and an easy-to-understand interface make it perfect for beginners.
- Play again and again: With multiple civilizations to choose from and various ways to win – cultural, military, or scientific – every game feels fresh.
- Community mods: Fans have created countless mods, for hours of additional content.
The multiplayer mode offers a more engaging experience, letting players compete or cooperate in shaping the fate of their empires.
2. Stellaris
The first thing that comes to mind when someone says “empire” might be a historical image. But how about taking things a little further; let’s say, beyond Earth? If you’ve ever dreamed of building an intergalactic empire, Stellaris is your ticket to the stars. Developed by Paradox Interactive, this sci-fi grand strategy game is set centuries in the future, offering a great blend of empire management and real-time strategy.
Players explore the vastness of space, colonize planets, engage in diplomacy, and fend off alien threats. Multiplayer adds an extra layer of excitement, as friends can ally or betray each other in the pursuit of intergalactic domination.
Why It Stands Out:
- Expansive universe: Procedurally generated galaxies ensure no two games are alike. Yes, this actually works here – you can shake away those post-No Man’s Sky nightmares!
- Customizable empires: Players can design their own species and civilizations, tailoring the gameplay to their preferences.
- Endgame challenges: Galactic crises keep even the most experienced players on their toes.
While Stellaris has a learning curve, it’s not all that difficult to get the hang of. It rewards persistence with an immersive, strategic experience that will keep you exploring the stars for hours on end.
3. Forge of Empires
As a browser-based game, Forge of Empires is one of the most accessible entries on this list. Players build cities and guide their empires through different historical eras, from the Stone Age to the Modern Era.
The game’s asynchronous multiplayer mode – meaning that players do not have to be playing at the same time – allows players to compete at their own pace. And let’s be honest, not all of us have hours every day to devote to gaming, so this is perfect for those of us with busy schedules.
The social aspect is a major draw, with guilds and alliances offering opportunities for collaboration and competition.
Why It Stands Out:
- Casual gameplay: Perfect for players who want to progress without dedicating long play sessions.
- Community engagement: Guilds and alliances help create a sense of camaraderie that’s second to none!
- Cross-platform play: Playable on both browsers and mobile devices for maximum convenience.
Forge of Empires provides a fun, casual empire-building experience with plenty of multiplayer interaction. What’s there not to love?
4. Europa Universalis IV
When it comes to depth and historical detail, Europa Universalis IV is in a league of its own. Set between 1444 and 1821, this grand strategy game allows players to control a nation and guide it through centuries of trade, warfare, diplomacy, and colonization.
The multiplayer mode is a highlight, enabling players to test their strategic mettle against friends in a historical sandbox. Whether you’re managing alliances or orchestrating wars, every decision carries weight in your quest to create an empire – and, if you’re up for it, to conquer the entire world!
Why It Stands Out:
- Historical accuracy: Real-world events and historical figures add a layer of authenticity.
- Complex strategy: From managing trade routes to navigating political intrigue, the gameplay is richly detailed.
- Multiplayer diplomacy: Forge alliances or engage in backstabbing – the choice is yours but remember that what goes around might just come around to stab you right back!
If you enjoy meticulously planning your strategies over hours-long campaigns, then Europa Universalis IV unparalleled depth of gameplay is just the thing for you!
5. Anno 1800
For fans of city-building with a historical twist, Anno 1800 delivers a captivating mix of industrialization and empire expansion. Set during the 19th century (as the name probably gives away!), the game tasks players with building sprawling cities, managing trade routes, and navigating the challenges of the Industrial Revolution.
Multiplayer mode allows for competitive or cooperative play, letting players either build together or race to dominate the economy.
Why It Stands Out:
- Stunning visuals: The detailed cityscapes and lush environments make it a joy to play.
- Economic depth: Players must balance resource production, trade, and diplomacy.
- Scalable difficulty: Adjusting the complexity of AI opponents ensures accessibility for newcomers and challenges for veterans.
Anno 1800 strikes a balance between aesthetics and strategy, making it a great choice for players seeking a visually rich empire-building experience.
6. Age of Empires
A legendary name in the strategy genre, Age of Empires hardly needs any introduction. It combines real-time strategy with empire-building elements. Players gather resources, build armies, and lead their civilizations to victory in fast-paced matches.
The multiplayer community is vibrant, with competitive matches offering endless replay options. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or battling it out in ranked games, Age of Empires is perfect for anybody looking for action-packed gameplay.
Why It Stands Out:
- Iconic gameplay: The perfect blend of resource management and combat.
- Expansive content: Numerous expansions and remastered editions keep the experience fresh.
- Active scene: A thriving competitive community for those seeking a challenge.
Age of Empires is a fantastic choice for experienced players who love the adrenaline rush of real-time strategy paired with empire-building mechanics.
7. Total War Series
For hardcore strategists, the Total War series offers the ultimate empire-building experience. Combining turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles, these games allow players to control vast armies and manage complex empires.
The multiplayer component adds another layer of depth, with players able to fight each other in epic battles or compete in grand campaigns. It may not be the easiest series to get into as a total beginner, but tenacity will be rewarded with an experience you’ll never forget.
Why It Stands Out:
- Dynamic battles: Real-time combat on a massive scale that will never bore!
- Historical and fictional settings: From Shogun 2 to Warhammer, there’s a Total War title for every taste.
- Advanced strategy: Detailed management of economy, diplomacy, and military operations.
The Total War series demands strategic thinking and patience, rewarding players with some of the most satisfying victories in gaming.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned strategist, there’s a multiplayer empire-building game for you. From the approachable charm of Civilization IV to the intricate depth of the Total War series, these games offer something for everyone. So, choose your game, rally your friends (or will they turn out to be foes?), and start building your empire today!