If you’re new to the Empire at War modding scene (or just don’t want to dive into something super complex right away), these mods are perfect. They keep the fun, cinematic feel of the game while adding more variety, better visuals, and fresh eras of Star Wars to explore.
1. Republic at War
A full Clone Wars conversion that feels like vanilla EaW with new factions and units. Same mechanics you already know, just with Jedi, Clones, and Droids instead of Rebels and Imperials. Super easy to jump into.
2. z3r0x Mod / Absolute Corruption
Think of this as a “vanilla plus” mod. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it just adds a ton of new units, heroes, and features. Perfect if you just want more without learning a bunch of new systems.
3. Empire at War Remake
One of the prettiest mods out there. Massive visual upgrade with cinematic space battles, bigger maps, and incredible effects. The gameplay stays close to vanilla, so you don’t need to relearn the game—just sit back and enjoy the fireworks.
4. Thrawn’s Revenge (Imperial Civil War)
Set after Return of the Jedi, this mod throws you into the Imperial Civil War. Tons of factions, big fleets, and iconic legends like Thrawn and Palpatine reborn. It’s a bit deeper than vanilla but still very approachable if you take it slow.
5. Fall of the Republic
Made by the same team as Thrawn’s Revenge, but set during the Clone Wars. Play as the Republic or the Separatists in massive galactic conflicts. A little more complex than Republic at War, but super polished.
6. Awakening of the Rebellion
This one is a fan favorite. It expands the original Galactic Civil War era with more factions, heroes, and story-driven campaigns. It adds some depth, but the storytelling makes it easier to get into than you’d expect.
7. Rise of the Mandalorians
Want to play as the Mandos? This mod adds them as a full faction, complete with custom units and ships. It’s not as huge as Thrawn’s Revenge or AotR, but it’s unique, fun, and easy to pick up.
8. Absolute Enhancement / Absolute Chaos
A content buffet: new ships, Dark Troopers, supercapitals, and planet bonuses. It doesn’t change how the game plays—it just gives you more toys to mess around with. Great for casual roleplay campaigns.
9. Secrets of a Fallen Empire
This one brings back the original Rebel and Empire story campaigns but inside FoC’s Galactic Conquest menu. Basically, it’s nostalgia mode with some nice upgrades.
10. Ultimate Galactic Conquest (UGC) / GC Map Packs
If you love the Galactic Conquest mode but want a bigger playground, this one’s for you. Adds tons of planets, new maps, and expanded strategy without changing core gameplay.