Make sure the maps are correct. Remove the (#). This should be at least the starting zones for Empire. I can do it on 32 gb ram and maybe a few more zones, but then I have to start commenting them out and adding more maps for the zones after.
I hope it works. Let me know how it goes. It's been a week so maybe you've already solved it. Basically include everything except the Zit, Wild Isles section below. It should work. Then, when you get to the Archipelago (next set of maps) You'll have to add that in or enter it into the console. I think your problem is that last section, the sanatorium maps/zones.
Send your maps.cfg if it doesn't work.
Here are the Empire start, not exactly sure what it does, but I always have it in the maps.cfg file.
#map = /Maps/Inst_Liga1End/MapResource.xdb
#map = /Maps/Inst_Liga3End/MapResource.xdb
#map = /Maps/Inst_LeagueStart/MapResource.xdb
#map = /Maps/Inst_EmpireStart/MapResource.xdb
Nezebgrad,Igsh Military District, Dead Sea (need these maps for sure)
#map = /Maps/Hadagan/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan/Zones/ZoneHadagan1/ZoneHadagan1.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan/Zones/ZoneEmpire2/ZoneEmpire2.(ZoneResource).xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan/Zones/ZoneEmpire3/ZoneEmpire3.(ZoneResource).xdb
Zit, Wild Isles, Ruined Highway, Dream Factory ( I think these are the next zones for Empire)
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_AE1/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_AE1/Zones/ArchipelagoEmpire1/ArchipelagoEmpire1.(ZoneResource).xdb
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_AE2/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_AE2/Zones/ArchipelagoEmpire2/ArchipelagoEmpire2.(ZoneResource).xdb
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_AE3/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_AE3/Zones/ArchipelagoEmpire3/ArchipelagoEmpire3.(ZoneResource).xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_AE3/Zones/AE4.(ZoneResource).xdb
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_AE3/movie_MapResource.xdb
Under Nezebgrad/ sewer area?? not exactly sure ( I think you need this, underground area in Nezebgrad)
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_Underground/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_Underground/Zones/ZoneHadagan1_underground.xdb
Not quite sure some mini instance (not sure about this one)
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_E3_Miniinst/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_E3_Miniinst/Zones/ZoneEmpire3/ZoneEmpire3.(ZoneResource).xdb
Igsh Military District/ Cloud 9 Health Resort (I think you need this, but don't remember)
#map = /Maps/Hadagan_Sanatorium/MapResource.xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_Sanatorium/Zones/Hadagan_Sanatorium/Hadagan_Sanatorium.(ZoneResource).xdb
#zone = /Maps/Hadagan_Sanatorium/Zones/Hadagan_Sanatorium/Hadagan_Sanatorium_inst.(ZoneResource).xdb
