This is a collection of some of the best mods for Empire: Total War. They should make your game prettier, faster, and have far more content and are enough to turn an already good game great. Major Mods This yet-to-be released mod adds a China faction to the game. They start in northern India. The quality of the skins look good, but it seems that the mod is only for 1.0, so if you've patched your game, it may not work. I'm listing this as a major mod because the quality of the new units added by this mod is so high.
This adds in elite new units with high-quality skins in a format reminiscent of the official DLC. Danova's skins never cease to impress. This mod seems to add a bit in all directions: gameplay, graphics, content, etc. I haven't played it so I can't really say anything definitive. If anyone who has played it has anything to say about it, I'll add their comments.
[OBSOLETE] DarthMod Empire Commander v7.0+ Nov 8 2011 Full Version 21 comments *There is a new Version 8.0* This is the best mod for the PC game 'Empire: Total War' as reviewed by thousands of fans. Step II Place the two parts in the same folder. These are the files named: DarthMod_Empire_v8.0_Platinum.exe DarthMod_Empire_v8.0_Platinum.2. Step III Run the EXE and follow the instructions of the installer.
This mod adds quite a bit content-wise, like an improved AOR system and unique rosters for more factions such as Denmark and the Italian States. The latest in a long series of DarthMods, this iteration focuses on improving gameplay mechanics. The Commander Edition allows you to play with greatly increased unit sizes.
One of my personal favorites. This mod is the ultimate visual overhaul for Empire: Total War. It compiles many smaller visual mods, like the Battlefield Smoke and Blood Mod, as well as new uniforms and flags. It also allows all nations except Louisiana, New Spain, and the Thirteen Colonies to have new flags when they rebel. This mod seems to be focused on improving the balance and overall feel of the game without changing content too much. This mod basically makes your game run many times faster with few noticeable visual side effects. In terms of file size this is the largest mod for Empire: Total War, weighing in at a whopping 750MB.
It also doesn't play nicely with other reskin mods all the time. But there is definitely a large increase in performance when using it.
Another favorite of mine. This mod adds in many new units, including Conquistadors, Swiss Pikemen, Shotgunners, and Marines. It is also compatible with most major mods (it makes a mean combination with Regalia of Nations). This mod adds historical accuracy through new units and uniforms, as well as more factions elevated to major status.
Unit Reskins/New Unit Packs That's all for now, but I hope to update this list in the near future.