Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition bundles the 2009 gunpowder era Total War with every expansion, including the Warpath Campaign and the Elite Units packs. The Grand Campaign runs from 1700 to 1799 across three land theatres and four trade theatres, with eleven playable factions from Great Britain to the Maratha Confederacy. It was the first Total War where you command naval battles yourself instead of watching an auto resolve.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Britain | A | Balanced | Line Infantry | Yes |
| France | A | Balanced | Grenadiers | Yes |
| Prussia | A | Balanced | Dragoons | Yes |
| Russia | A | Balanced | Foot Artillery | Yes |
| Ottoman Empire | A | Balanced | First Rate ships of the line | Yes |
New player? Start with France. See our beginner's guide for why.
Great Britain
Great Britain is a strong option in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Line Infantry |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Three land theatres plus trade theatres |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Line Infantry
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europe to learn Great Britain-specific mechanics
- Focus on Three land theatres plus trade theatres. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Line Infantry as your first major upgrade
- See our full Great Britain build guide for the optimal gear progression
France
France is a strong option in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Grenadiers |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Line infantry volley combat |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Grenadiers
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europe to learn France-specific mechanics
- Focus on Line infantry volley combat. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Grenadiers as your first major upgrade
- See our full France build guide for the optimal gear progression
Prussia
Prussia is a strong option in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Dragoons |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Real time naval battles |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Dragoons
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europe to learn Prussia-specific mechanics
- Focus on Real time naval battles. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Dragoons as your first major upgrade
- See our full Prussia build guide for the optimal gear progression
Russia
Russia is a strong option in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Foot Artillery |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Research through gentlemen and schools |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Foot Artillery
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europe to learn Russia-specific mechanics
- Focus on Research through gentlemen and schools. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Foot Artillery as your first major upgrade
- See our full Russia build guide for the optimal gear progression
Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire is a strong option in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | First Rate ships of the line |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Government types and revolution |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with First Rate ships of the line
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Europe to learn Ottoman Empire-specific mechanics
- Focus on Government types and revolution. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize First Rate ships of the line as your first major upgrade
- See our full Ottoman Empire build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
France 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
Great Britain is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Line Infantry for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Ottoman Empire 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
Russia shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Guides
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Overview
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Best Builds
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Tier List
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Walkthrough
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Beginner's Guide
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Tips & Tricks
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Weapons Guide
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Combat Guide
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Boss Guide
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Maps & Locations
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Crafting Guide
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