Empire: Total War cover art

Empire: Total War

by The Creative Assembly · published by Sega

Released March 3, 2009 on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Empire: Total War Trailer thumbnail

About Empire: Total War

Empire: Total War introduces a host of revolutionary new features, including true 3D naval combat. For the first time in the Total War series, you will be able to intuitively command single ships or vast fleets upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board, taking control of your men as they fight hand-to-hand on the decks of these wooden behemoths. In addition, Empire: Total War will see further enhancements to the Total War series’ signature 3D battles and turn-based campaign map. Real-time battles will pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map for many, the heart of Total War introduces a variety of new and upgraded elements, including new systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents; a refined and streamlined UI; improved Advisors; and a vastly extended scope, taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and, for the first time, the untapped potential of the United States of America.

Release dates by platform

PCNAMarch 3, 2009 · Out now
PCEUMarch 4, 2009 · Out now
PCAUMarch 5, 2009 · Out now
PCJPDecember 25, 2009 · Out now
MacJune 10, 2014 · Out now
LinuxDecember 8, 2014 · Out now
iOSNovember 21, 2024 · Out now
AndroidNovember 21, 2024 · Out now

Reviews & players

Critic score906 reviews
Steam reviewsVery Positive91% of 38K positive
Player score78162 ratings on IGDB

PC system requirements

Official specs from Steam

Full specs

Minimum

Supported OSWindows® XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista™
Processor2.4 GHz Intel® Pentium® or greater or AMD® Athlon® equivalent CPU
Memory1 GB RAM (XP,) 2 GB RAM (Vista™)
Graphics100% DirectX 9.0c compatible hardware accelerated video card with shader version 2.0 support, 256 MB video memory
DisplayMinimum screen resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels
Hard Drive15 GB free hard disk space formatted as NTFS

Empire: Total War FAQ

When did Empire: Total War come out?

Empire: Total War was released on March 3, 2009 for PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Is Empire: Total War on PlayStation 5?

No. Empire: Total War has not been announced for PlayStation 5. It is available on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Is Empire: Total War on Xbox Series X|S?

No. Empire: Total War has not been announced for Xbox Series X|S. It is available on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Is Empire: Total War on Nintendo Switch 2?

No. Empire: Total War has not been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. It is available on PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Who is making Empire: Total War?

Empire: Total War is developed by The Creative Assembly and published by Sega and Feral Interactive.

Is Empire: Total War multiplayer?

Yes. Empire: Total War supports single player, multiplayer, and co-operative.

How much does Empire: Total War cost?

Empire: Total War costs $4.99 on Steam (75% off, normally $19.99). Prices checked October 9, 2026.

Is Empire: Total War good?

Steam players rate it "Very Positive" — 91% of 38,222 reviews are positive. Critics average 90/100.

What are the minimum PC requirements for Empire: Total War?

The minimum GPU is 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible hardware accelerated video card with shader version 2.0 support, 256 MB video memory. See the full minimum and recommended specs on our Empire: Total War system requirements page.

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