Empire Earth vs Age of Empires 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.
Age of Empires III transports players to the Age of Discovery, letting them command European powers as they explore, settle, and battle across the New World. With detailed graphics, a deep economy system, and historically inspired campaigns, the game blends strategic depth with immersive storytelling.
- 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
- Deep economic and military systems
- Rich historical campaigns
- Strong multiplayer support
- Extensive modding tools
- Steep learning curve for new RTS players
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- AI can be inconsistent in higher difficulty levels
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- AI can be predictable in later stages
- Limited post‑launch content updates
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Empire Earth
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Lead historic civilizations to victory in timeless real‑time strategy battles.
Expand your empire with historic Roman campaigns and deep strategy
Alternatives to Age of Empires III
View all →Lead historic civilizations to victory in timeless real‑time strategy battles.
Expand your empire with historic Roman campaigns and deep strategy
Build colonies and trade across the seas in a historic RTS adventure
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEmpire Earth is the slightly higher-rated, cheaper, and more expansive default choice for covering prehistoric to futuristic eras, while Age of Empires III offers a strictly colonial-era focus with a Home City shipment system for $10 more.
Key differences
- •Timeline Scope: Age of Empires III focuses specifically on the colonial era of European empires in the New World, whereas Empire Earth spans 500,000 years across 15 epochs from prehistory to speculative futures.
- •Resource Systems: Both feature food, wood, and gold, but Age of Empires III uses coin as a resource, while Empire Earth uses stone.
- •Key Mechanics: Age of Empires III features a unique Home City system for requesting shipments, while Empire Earth features a deep tech tree and dynamic weather/day-night cycles affecting visibility and performance.
- •Pricing and Reviews: Age of Empires III costs $59.99 with a critic score of 78/100, while Empire Earth costs $49.99 with a critic score of 80/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
Empire Earth scores slightly higher with critics (80/100 vs 78/100) and offers 15 epochs ranging from historical to futuristic eras.
Platform availability
Both are paid, one-time purchase PC strategy games supporting single-player and up to eight-player multiplayer.
Price & value
Empire Earth is priced at $49.99, which is $10 cheaper than Age of Empires III's $59.99 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games support online multiplayer matches for up to eight players with customizable game settings.
Content & replayability
Empire Earth covers a massive 500,000-year timeline with 15 epochs, alongside custom map editors and mod tools for both titles.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games share the exact same con: a steep learning curve for new RTS players and newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Age of Empires III was released in 2005, whereas Empire Earth is older, releasing in 2001 with graphics dated by modern standards.
Choose Empire Earth if…
Strategy players wanting a massive 500,000-year timeline ranging from prehistory to speculative futures.
Choose Age of Empires III if…
History fans wanting deep colonial-era management with a Home City shipment mechanic.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Empire Earth is cheaper with an MSRP of $49.99, compared to Age of Empires III which costs $59.99.
How many players do they support in multiplayer?
Both games support up to eight players in online multiplayer matches with customizable game settings.
Which game covers a longer historical timeline?
Empire Earth covers 500,000 years across 15 epochs, whereas Age of Empires III focuses on the rise of European empires in the New World.