Petroglyph shipped Empire at War on 16 February 2006 and the Forces of Corruption expansion the following October, and the Gold Pack on Steam bundles both. You run a galactic map of planets, income and fleets, then drop into real time battles in space and on the ground across more than 80 locations. Two decades later Steam sits at 97 percent positive over roughly 26,600 reviews, and the mod scene is most of the reason.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galactic Empire | A | Balanced | Imperial Star Destroyer | Yes |
| Rebel Alliance | A | Balanced | Mon Calamari Cruiser | Yes |
| Zann Consortium | A | Balanced | AT-AT | Yes |
| Pirates | A | Balanced | Tartan Patrol Cruiser | Yes |
| Hutts | A | Balanced | Broadside Cruiser | Yes |
New player? Start with Rebel Alliance. See our beginner's guide for why.
Galactic Empire
Galactic Empire is a strong option in STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Imperial Star Destroyer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Galactic map into tactical battles |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Imperial Star Destroyer
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kuat to learn Galactic Empire-specific mechanics
- Focus on Galactic map into tactical battles. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Imperial Star Destroyer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Galactic Empire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rebel Alliance
Rebel Alliance is a strong option in STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Mon Calamari Cruiser |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Capital ship hardpoints |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Mon Calamari Cruiser
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kuat to learn Rebel Alliance-specific mechanics
- Focus on Capital ship hardpoints. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Mon Calamari Cruiser as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rebel Alliance build guide for the optimal gear progression
Zann Consortium
Zann Consortium is a strong option in STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | AT-AT |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Land battle reinforcement points |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with AT-AT
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kuat to learn Zann Consortium-specific mechanics
- Focus on Land battle reinforcement points. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize AT-AT as your first major upgrade
- See our full Zann Consortium build guide for the optimal gear progression
Pirates
Pirates is a strong option in STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Tartan Patrol Cruiser |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Zann Consortium corruption |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Tartan Patrol Cruiser
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kuat to learn Pirates-specific mechanics
- Focus on Zann Consortium corruption. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Tartan Patrol Cruiser as your first major upgrade
- See our full Pirates build guide for the optimal gear progression
Hutts
Hutts is a strong option in STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Broadside Cruiser |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Planet specific bonuses |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Broadside Cruiser
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Kuat to learn Hutts-specific mechanics
- Focus on Planet specific bonuses. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Broadside Cruiser as your first major upgrade
- See our full Hutts build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Rebel Alliance is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Galactic Empire is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Imperial Star Destroyer for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Hutts offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Pirates shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Guides
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Overview
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Best Builds
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Tier List
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Walkthrough
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Beginner's Guide
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Tips & Tricks
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Weapons Guide
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Combat Guide
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Boss Guide
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Maps & Locations
- STAR WARS Empire at War - Gold Pack Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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