Base building is actually one of the cooler things about Earth 2160. While most RTS games allow the players to construct buildings almost anywhere, in this game all the buildings, from the main base to barracks to power stations to vehicle construction, have to be connected to each other, forming one huge base. Of course upgrades to structures are available and various units that you can make have upgrades as well. Each side has different ways to construct their base. The ED side spreads their base out from the center. The LC side, however, constructs their buildings on top of each other like a skyscraper.

Another unique feature is the use of mercenary units in the game. While some RTS titles have "hero" units, Earth 2160 offers up slightly less reputable versions of that particular feature. In skirmish mode, they will pop up on your HUD and offer their services...for a price of course. If you can afford them they will have extra abilities of their own along with being able to do things like improve your other units, increase resource production and more.