Dynasty Warriors is one of the most popular and iconic hacks and slash Japanese action game series.
The game was developed by Koei and Omega Force, and the fan response has been crazy over the years.
Aside from the main series of Dynasty Warriors, in 2004, we saw an expansion line followed by the previous expansion that was called Xtreme Legends.
This new expansion was known as Empires that would combine the action elements with strategic elements, making it one of the most successful expansion packs.
So let’s talk about the DW: Empires games ranked from worst to best.
5. Dynasty Warriors 4: Empires
| Developer | Omega Force |
| Release Date | August 31, 2004 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2 |
DW 4 was the first Dynasty Warriors game with the Empire’s expansion pack.
With the game that everyone loved at the time and adding a little bit of strategic magic to it, DW 4: Empire came into being.
In DW4: Empire, you get a different legion of heroes, however, the mission is the same, destroy your enemies and take control of everything.
The map of DW 4 contains 24 regions and it is definitely loved by a lot of people to this date. But as they say, nothing is perfect.
In DW 4E, you get to see some graphical glitches that are harmful to people with epilepsy.
On the other hand, the gameplay isn’t perfect as it is sort of a guilty pleasure thing for most people.
But overall, you get to experience the funk while keeping true to your adventures.
DW 4E isn’t the best Dynasty Warriors Empire game but for people who follow the game religiously, it’ll still be a fun one.
4. Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires
| Developer | Omega Force |
| Release Date | May 28, 2009 |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3 |
The original DW6 launched a year before the Empire version but it wasn’t as hyped up.
With the strategic elements added, it definitely helped in spicing up the game. You have to take the role of an officer or ruler with the ultimate goal of taking control.
Moreover, DW 6E also introduced custom characters that changed the whole game. Even besides the Empire mode, there are a lot of other modes where you can have fun.
Moving on to the cons, the game still has camera and graphics problems but it won’t ruin the gameplay experience.
Despite all the problems it comes with, there’s still a special place for DW 6E in our hearts.
3. Dynasty Warriors 5: Empires
| Developer | Omega Force |
| Release Date | March 23, 2006 |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 |
For PS2 and Xbox 360, this game was definitely a life-changer.
Aside from the strategy thing added into the core of this game, there isn’t much changed from the original Dynasty Warriors 5.
The gameplay is just as mediocre but still fun to play somehow but the strategy element definitely puts a lot of spice into this game.
All in all, DW 5E has very repetitive gameplay with not-so-smart AI that might bore you real quick.
On the flip side, strategy crafting will definitely give you a harder time once you actually play the game.
2. Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires
| Developer | Omega Force |
| Release Date | March 10, 2011 |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
One of the most favorite and beloved DW Empire games, this is a pretty strategic game compared to its predecessors.
For people who are bored of regular Dynasty Warriors gameplay, this title is definitely the most recommended due to the amount of thinking that’s involved to make progress in DW7E.
In other words, if you’re looking for a hack-and-slash combined with a decent pinch of strategic thinking, then DW7E is for you.
1. Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires
| Developer | Omega Force, Koei Tecmo |
| Release Date | November 20, 2014 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows |
This Dynasty Warriors game changed the whole game.
Going solo is what really makes sense in DW8E and it’s pretty darn fun.
A lot of diplomacy and violence is involved and even though the can is not as superior as 7E when it comes to cutscenes or cinematic vibes, you’re getting killer graphics with a very unique storyline.
It is also known as the most complete and satisfying Dynasty Warriors Empire game of all time due to the attention to detail and small tweaks.
Conclusion
Even though each Dynasty Warriors Empire game is iconic, if you’re wondering which one is the best, it’s either 7E or 8E.
7E has unique cutscenes and cinematic vibes that make the game very realistic.
On the other hand 8E has a fully satisfying experience, making it the best DW Empire game of all time.