General Is it better to have a small, rich empire or a massive, poor one?

[quietoffensive]

I was checking one campaign save yesterday night and just laughing at my own mistake. Expanded everywhere early in the game. I grabbed like six territories thinking I was smart. Next thing, my economy collapsed completely. A small empire with strong resources feels safer sometimes. Massive land without a proper economy just creates problems everywhere. What do you think?

 

[blitzmaster_84]

I’ve actually fallen into this same trap before. You see empty land and your brain just says “expand now, then think later.” But strategy games punish that kind of greed quickly. From my experience, a small but efficient empire is usually stronger early on. Once your economy is stable, production is consistent, and your borders are secure, expansion becomes easier to sustain.