The 10th anniversary edition of the game offers players a chance to team up with the long-anticipated Emperor Henry for an extensive military campaign against foes. Players can immerse themselves in the experience of building a formidable empire, focusing on sound economic practices and powerful troop formations. Whether preferring to go solo or ally with others, players will navigate the challenges toward achieving victory. As they progress, they can establish and expand a royal family, appointing trustworthy commanders and governors to administer their territories and partake in competitive tournaments that test their strategic warfare skills.
In this medieval MMO strategy game, players will start from a modest village and grow it into a vast empire by constructing and enhancing various buildings that each play a vital role in enhancing military might and economic stability. Players can annex new territories and delve into many sites that offer unique resources vital for economic development. Smart resource management is critical, as players must also defend their provinces against enemies eager to pillage them, ensuring the safety and prosperity of their empire.
Players can forge alliances with thousands of other gamers, collaborating to achieve supremacy in the game. By pooling resources and investing in robust alliance technologies, groups can engage in all-out wars or form larger federations to strengthen their influence across the realm. The option to develop a royal family is available, allowing players to select nobles and trusted individuals to oversee their governance and military efforts. With over 100 skills to choose from for their rulers, these selections can significantly impact loyalty and support within their empires.
The game allows players to choose how they govern their empire, offering various doctrines from Barbarism to Imperialism, giving each player the opportunity to shape their unique playstyle. Commanding the population to gather essential resources and managing taxes carefully while maintaining citizen happiness is a delicate balance. Players must also prepare for intense PvP wars against real opponents, fighting for dominance, respect, and rewards in thrilling tournaments. In addition to facing other players, global PvE events present formidable challenges, with ancient enemies that require tactical acumen to defeat and claim valuable rewards.