This Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Build | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Great Britain | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | France | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Prussia | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Russia | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Ottoman Empire | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Great Britain (A-Tier)
Great Britain is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Line Infantry. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
France (A-Tier)
France is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Grenadiers. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Prussia (A-Tier)
Prussia is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Dragoons. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Russia (A-Tier)
Russia is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Foot Artillery. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Ottoman Empire (A-Tier)
Ottoman Empire is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: First Rate ships of the line. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line Infantry | Holding the centre of any line and trading volleys | Musket armed troops who win by massed volley and discipline rather than melee, and they form the core of every army in the game. |
| Grenadiers | Assaulting buildings and finishing a shaken enemy line | Heavier infantry who throw grenades and hold melee far better than standard line troops. |
| Dragoons | Hunting artillery and chasing routed units | Cavalry who can dismount to fight with carbines, which makes them flexible flankers rather than pure shock troops. |
| Foot Artillery | Softening a static enemy line and siege work | 12 pounders, howitzers and mortars that break formations before contact and demolish fort walls in sieges. |
| First Rate ships of the line | Fleet battles and blockades where firepower beats manoeuvre | The heaviest warships in the game with over 100 guns, capable of breaking any smaller ship in a broadside exchange. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Line Infantry: Musket armed troops who win by massed volley and discipline rather than melee, and they form the core of every army in the game. British line infantry are among the best all round shooters while Russian line infantry shoot poorly and charge hard.
Grenadiers: Heavier infantry who throw grenades and hold melee far better than standard line troops. They are the unit you commit when a firefight has already been won and the enemy line needs breaking.
Dragoons: Cavalry who can dismount to fight with carbines, which makes them flexible flankers rather than pure shock troops. They punish exposed artillery and unformed infantry but lose to a formed square.
Foot Artillery: 12 pounders, howitzers and mortars that break formations before contact and demolish fort walls in sieges. They need infantry screening because they are defenceless once cavalry reaches them.
First Rate ships of the line: The heaviest warships in the game with over 100 guns, capable of breaking any smaller ship in a broadside exchange. Their turn rate is poor, so they need a screen of frigates to avoid being raked from behind.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition centers on Three land theatres plus trade theatres and Line infantry volley combat. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- Great Britain with Line Infantry is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Real time naval battles builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Prussia remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- France is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Dragoons offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Ottoman Empire builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Build | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Great Britain | Line Infantry | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | France | Grenadiers | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Prussia | Dragoons | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Russia | Foot Artillery | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Ottoman Empire | First Rate ships of the line | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
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 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
- Total War: EMPIRE Definitive Edition Classes & Characters
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