A galaxy that was far, far away has just come a little bit closer.

Welcome one and all to the guide for the latest game from Lucasarts, Star Wars: Empire at War. Whether you're a loyal member of the Empire or a piece of Rebellion-sympathizing Wookie-loving scum, you now have the chance to rewrite a bit of Star Wars history and unite the galaxy before the phrase "I am your father" became a cliché. The lasers will be flying, the ships will be exploding, and the Force will be as strong as ever as the war rages across space.

A nicely focused real-time strategy game, Empire at War will test your patience and aggression. Do you sit back and let your scientists research that new ship, or do you press the attack? Do you sink credits into spicing up your ground defenses, or will you put all that money and effort into the Death Star? Will blowing up the planet really help you tactically regardless of how much fun the mere act is? All these questions, and any others you may have, are answered in this guide.

Good luck, commander. Live long and prosper... Er, we mean, may the Force be with you.

In this Star Wars: Empire at War guide, you'll find:

• Planets: A crash course in what planets are as far as how Star Wars: Empire at War concerns them, and what they mean to you.
• The Empire: From Stormtroopers to the Death Star, this section will give you the skinny on the dark side.
• The Rebel Alliance: Han Solo and Chewbacca are hanging out here, and information on Rebel units and buildings can be found here as well.
• Tactical Battles: So just how is combat conducted? Take a look here for all the info.
• Galactic Conquest: The fate of the galaxy is not determined by a single battle. Come here for tactics and strategy on uniting the galaxy, as well as a few notes on Campaign Mode.

Hint: Empire Pointers

For the Empire do all the missions they ask because the stuff you get will help. If you wait a while you will recieve credits and Imperial Star Destroyers (started at tech level 4 for the Star Destroyers).

Soon planets will start revolting slowly to your side so build a Space Station and Barracks at the same time if you can't keep ships at the planet or get them there because if a single enemy ship that would trigger combat enters the system it will cancel the Space Station, but you will still have the barracks which should be done quickly.

Afterwards keep upgrading the Space Station and build a light factory and build 2 Storm Troopers for every AT-ST or TIE Mauler, but make sure to build the Storm Troopers first.

Hint: Money Money Everywhere So Why Not Pay Off Your Debts Solo?

Conquer or capture all the planets except the mission planet. Then fortify the planets around your mission planet. Once this is done set the game to fast forward and let the game run. Check on it every so often to make sure you have not been attacked. After a while check your cash flow. If you like it resume normal play and beat the scenario. If not, just wait and let your money build.

Hint: This Planet's Not Big Enough For The Two Of Us

For the Rebellion, find a planet with no ground structures using the map filters and make a fleet using only 3PO and Artoo. Once they land, they capture the planet instantly. If there is a fleet in space, you cannot build space structures, but it does not affect planetary occupation.

Hint

On the Galactic Map, start with building your space force. If the enemy attacks, they will be your first line of defense. When you're satisfied with you fleet, obviously you should move on with the garrisons.

The Barracks are the first building you should make. Forget Mining Facilities; that only wastes time right now. After the Barracks are done, build a few squads of Infantry Platoons/Stormtroopers and the guys with Rocket Launchers. Build Light and Heavy factories and make a lot of machines: they aren't as easy to kill and usually aren't affected much by weather conditions.

For your humongous cherry on top, you want to build a giant army of SPMA's and T-24's. These guys are almost indestructable when they are behind the rest of your troop (the cover). Plus, the T-24's run over infantry! How awesome is that?

I send in my whole army to one place. I think you REALLY should send out one or two of your fastest guys as scouts and only move out when you find something.

It's also not a good idea to rely on one planet to house your whole army unless you know that you are about to be under siege. Spread out your army to different planets. I once kept everyone on one planet until I only had that planet left. Bad idea.

Submitted by firestar95