Top 10 Empires in Video Games

An intergalactic empire that break the will of the population they are conquering by imprisoning them in a simulation made up of their own worst fears. They have quickly taken over the bizarre version of Earth in which Saints Row takes place through their technological superiority and the apparent use of superpowers. Led by the formidable warlord Zinyak, they are an advanced race totally driven by galactic conquest, or galactic genocide if Zinyak gets bored.

At the height of their influence they held enormous areas of both the Southern and Western continents. Even before harnessing the Esper’s magical power they were an advanced military state that were intent on expanding their borders through a harsh and unforgiving dictatorship. The Magitek Knights, of which Kefka is the first, are their most fearsome weapon: a group of magically enhanced humans who are only opposed by the Returners. Unintentionally, the enhancements eventually make Kefka one of the most powerful beings on the planet, to which he ends up betraying Emperor Gestahl, and kills the rest of the empire along with most of the planet.

Unlike many other empires on this list the Orlais are still the most powerful state in their game universe. Famed for their high culture and extravagant lifestyles, they have little time for anything else other than gaining prestige among other nobles and relentlessly expanding their borders throughout Thedas. This constant growth doesn’t exactly make them popular with other nations around the world but their highly trained chevalier knights will comfortably deal with any resistance.

Real time strategy games provide the perfect platform to showcase an empire. When that empirehas George Takei providing the voice for it’s emperor, it’s going to be one worth taking note of. Inthis alternate reality of WWII the Soviet Union have gone back in time and killed Albert Einstein that led to this new empire being established in Japan. This new power believes that world domination is their divine destiny and with Sulu in charge, it’s hard to deny them that. All Hail Emperor Sulu!

From the point of view of the race that you control, the Kushan, this empire rules using tyranny to further their agenda and maintain power. Thousands of years prior to the events of the game they were victorious in a galactic civil war and sent the surviving Kushan into exile on the barren planet of Kharak, and in the events of the game they decimated Kharak, after they had achieved FTL travel. Led by a mad emperor who has killed all of his heirs for fear of being supplanted, they have held sway over the large majority of the galaxy for thousands of years despite being riddled with corruption.

Drawing many similarities to the Roman Empire through it’s strictly regimented army and the way it assimilates other nations, it sometimes allows their previous ruler to remain in some sort of power. In their intimidating black armour they march upon the lands they wish to take inregular aggressive campaigns with little consideration for the ruin they bring upon the countries they invade. Led by the brutal but intelligent Emhyr var Emreis they have continued their expansion throughout the Witcher series.

Even though the Kilrathi may resemble cats, they definitely will not sit in your lap expecting you to stroke them. In fact if you meet them in close combat they will likely toss you around like a ball of wool. Despite centuries of in fighting they were eventually united and easily conquered numerous worlds due to their physical and technological advantages. Their defenses are only proven to not be im(purr)vious when humans from the Terran Confederation stand up to them.

At it’s height the empire stretched across the whole of Tamriel. The 21st ruler of the empire, Uriel Septim, plays a major role throughout the Elder Scrolls series. Initially, the empire was expanded through military conquest but since then many centuries have gone by with a reasonable level of peace and prosperity. Eventually rivaled by the Aldmeri Dominion, they had already managed to establish themselves in the history of the Elder Scrolls universe.

Although the Protoss had reached the height of their power long before the events of the Starcraft games, they still had plenty of influence over hundreds of planets in the galaxy. They consider themselves the firstborn race of the universe and do not necessarily take over planets on a whim, as they often intentionally do not interfere with lesser races – with notable acceptions being those controlled by the Terran Dominion or the Zerg Swarm. They are an ancient race that has been educated by god-like beings, their domination is only upset by the arrival of the Zerg infestation.

Before our top pick takes over the world, let’s take a look at some honourable mentions.

Amarr Empire
“EvE Online” (2003)

Scarlet Moon Empire
“Suikoden” (1995)

The Combine
“Half Life Series” (1998 - 2007)

Valmese Empire
“Fire Emblem: Awakening” (2012)

Prothean Empire
“Mass Effect Trilogy” (2007-12)

Formed from a number of different alien races they are the main antagonist to one of the most iconic gaming heroes of all time, the Master Chief. Elites, Grunts, Jackals and Brutes are all classic enemies themselves, forming the military arm of a power that controlled much of the Milky Way Galaxy. Although the Prophets have ultimately led the whole empire on a pseudo-religious path of self-destruction, the technological feats they have achieved – through the exploitation of Forerunner artifacts – make them a monumental power in the Halo universe.

Do you agree with our list? Which video game empire do you revere or fear? With so many games spanning huge areas we are bound to have missed one or two. For more all-powerful top 10s be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.