Difference between Empire and Ultimate bundle?

[Nightsbane]

I can't tell what's cosmetic useless fluff ♥♥♥♥ and what's actual dlcs that effect gameplay . Too much clutter to look at !

[Datguy47]

the good stuff is labeled expansion or immersion pack (mini expansion) so you want the empire bundle

[Nightsbane]

Originally posted by Datguy47:

the good stuff is labeled expansion or immersion pack (mini expansion) so you want the empire bundle

Ah does the empire bundle have all the expansions and how often does this game go on sale ? I might have to wait till Winter

[tonypa]

Originally posted by Nightsbane:

Originally posted by Datguy47:

the good stuff is labeled expansion or immersion pack (mini expansion) so you want the empire bundle

Ah does the empire bundle have all the expansions and how often does this game go on sale ? I might have to wait till Winter

No bundle has ALL the expansions. Latest DLCs are not included as those do not get discount until next DLC is released. If you must have all, you need to buy Domination and King of Kings separately. Empire bundle contains most of the important expansions, which have some larger gameplay impact on the game. Ultimate bundle also includes cosmetics like music, unit models and portraits.

However, If you really want to try out everything, you should try subscription first. Subscription gives you ALL the DLCs for fairly low monthly fee, and if you do not like full game, you can cancel the susbsription and just play the base game or pick some specific DLC. Some of the DLC content is just for single country or specific region so you may not even notice anything new if you normally play on the other side of the world.

The game is on sale often, 50% off every few month.

[ckraucun]

Originally posted by tonypa:

Ultimate bundle also includes cosmetics like music, unit models and portraits.

These are labeled "Content Pack" are are probably the cosmetic fluff you're referring to.

Have you played the vanilla game? This game is very hard to learn, so you definitely don't want to drop $100-$200 if you don't end up liking it. I agree with the subscription recommendation, then drop back to vanilla and decide what content is worth paying to own.

The good news is the bundles give you a rebate for items you already own, so there's no harm in buying the cheaper bundles, then the larger bundles. I only purchased the "Starter Pack" for Art of War / Rights of Man / Common Sense, and am considering adding more expansions now.