At A Glance
- The five easiest and most rewarding factions for new players.
- Key advantages and playstyle summaries for each nation.
- Pro Tips for early strategies and avoiding faction-specific mistakes.
Choosing the right starting faction in Empire: Total War Mobile can make or break your campaign. Some nations are forgiving and rich, while others are punishingly complex or surrounded by enemies. If you’re new to the game, picking the right starting nation will help you learn the systems and enjoy steady progress without being overwhelmed.
Below are the top five beginner-friendly factions, along with their unique benefits and early-game strategies.
1. Great Britain
A naval powerhouse with a secure island home and vast trade potential, Britain is ideal for players who enjoy a balance of military and economic gameplay.
Strengths: Strong navy, excellent trade routes, and access to colonies.
Weaknesses: Limited land expansion without naval invasions.
Pro Tip: Use your fleet to dominate trade nodes early. The money you earn from global trade will fund powerful armies to expand later without hurting your home economy.
Focus on upgrading ports and establishing alliances to protect your trade until you’re ready for war. Once your economy flourishes, launch invasions into weaker coastal nations.
2. Prussia
For players who prefer land combat and precision warfare, Prussia is a top pick. Its disciplined armies and efficient economy make it strong from turn one.
Strengths: Elite infantry, strong early tech tree, and central European position.
Weaknesses: Surrounded by potential enemies on all sides.
Pro Tip: Keep your army compact and defensive early. Use high-morale troops and focus on technology that improves musket fire and discipline. Strike decisively against weaker neighbours but avoid multi-front wars.
3. Russia
Russia’s massive territory gives you room to breathe. You can expand at your own pace without worrying about immediate invasion.
Strengths: Huge manpower, secure borders, and flexible expansion options.
Weaknesses: Long distances between provinces make logistics slower.
Pro Tip: Focus on developing roads and farms before armies. Once your infrastructure is strong, build elite units and push westward. Cold climate and large provinces make Russia ideal for patient strategists.
4. Ottoman Empire
The Ottomans control vital trade routes and have access to both land and naval warfare. This faction suits players who like variety in their campaigns.
Strengths: Balanced army composition and diverse expansion paths.
Weaknesses: Political instability and rebellious provinces.
Pro Tip: Secure Egypt early—it’s a rich region that stabilises your economy. Keep one fleet in the Mediterranean to defend trade routes and another near your capital to deter invaders.
5. United States (if available)
In some versions of the mobile release, the United States is playable from the start. It’s geographically isolated, making it a great “sandbox” nation to learn the ropes.
Strengths: Safe borders and strong potential for growth.
Weaknesses: Limited early trade and slower tech development.
Pro Tip: Focus on internal development and infrastructure before overseas expansion. Once your economy matures, use your navy to project power into Europe or Africa.
What These Factions Have in Common
Each of these nations shares traits that make them perfect for learning:
- Strong economies that forgive early mistakes.
- Manageable starting positions with clear expansion goals.
- Powerful early-game units and technology options.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which to pick, start with Great Britain. Its island position gives you breathing room to experiment while teaching naval and economic fundamentals.
Final Thoughts
Starting your first campaign with one of these five factions will make Empire: Total War Mobile much more enjoyable. Whether you prefer Britain’s naval dominance, Prussia’s disciplined armies, or Russia’s vast frontier, each offers a unique yet forgiving path to victory. Use the Pro Tips in this guide to play to each faction’s strengths and avoid common pitfalls—and soon, you’ll be leading a world-spanning empire of your own.