Poll

Is Star Wars: Empire at War Multiplayer?

Yes

Star Wars: Empire at War is multiplayer online for up to 8, but it has no split screen.

  • PC 

Star Wars: Empire at War multiplayer at a glance

How you play

Players2 to 8 online

Can you play Star Wars: Empire at War split screen or online?

Star Wars: Empire at War has no split screen or local co-op on PC: each player needs their own device, and up to 8 can play together online. Everyone needs their own copy.

CrossplayNot needed

Does Star Wars: Empire at War have crossplay?

It's only on PC, so everyone plays there.

What it costs

Copies neededYes, one copy each

Before you start

MicNo

Do you need a mic?

You can play without voice chat.

Age rating12+

What age is Star Wars: Empire at War for?

PEGI 12 · ESRB T

What is Star Wars: Empire at War like?

You command the Rebellion, the Empire or the Zann Consortium in real-time Star Wars battles in space and on the ground. In conquest mode you move fleets between planets on a galactic map.

Most online games are skirmishes. On a land map everyone starts with a base, and in space each player has a station that can be upgraded while building a fleet around it. Multiplayer Galactic Conquest only works for exactly two players. The Forces of Corruption expansion in the pack adds three-faction battles and mirror matches where both sides use the same faction. Since a 2017 patch, multiplayer runs through Steam after GameSpy shut down, and the Workshop has mods with more units and maps.

  • Star Wars: Empire at War screenshot 1
  • Star Wars: Empire at War screenshot 2
  • Star Wars: Empire at War screenshot 3
  • Star Wars: Empire at War screenshot 4

Will your group like Star Wars: Empire at War?

Yes

Groups of Star Wars fans who want classic real-time strategy with separate space and ground battles.

No

Groups of three or more who want to play the full Galactic Conquest together, since online it's limited to two.

What games are like Star Wars: Empire at War?

If your group likes Star Wars: Empire at War, the closest are StarCraft II, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Total War: Rome II. Like Star Wars: Empire at War, all three put teams against each other.

Info checked on October 13, 2026.