Welcome to our ultimate Europa Universalis IV Walkthrough, your one-stop guide to mastering Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy masterpiece! Whether you’re a novice conqueror or a seasoned emperor, this guide is designed to help you expand your horizons and refine your game tactics. Dive into insightful strategies with our comprehensive sections: Starting Your Empire, where we set the foundation for your global domination; Key Nations and Their Strategies, offering tailored plans for the game’s most powerful countries; Managing Resources and Trade to ensure your wealth and influence grows; Diplomacy and Alliances, helping you navigate intricate international relations; and Strategies for Warfare, equipping you with the tactics needed for successful military campaigns. Get ready to transform your gameplay and lead your empire to unprecedented glory. Let’s conquer the world together!

Starting Your Empire#

So, you’ve fired up Europa Universalis IV and are staring at the giant world map with countless countries to choose from. Feeling overwhelmed? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to kick off your empire like a pro.

1. Choosing Your Nation#

Before jumping into the game, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want to dominate Europe with a major power like France, or do you feel adventurous and want to lead a smaller nation like Wallachia or Ryukyu? Each choice brings its own challenges and opportunities.

• Big Nations: Great for beginners. Examples: Castile, France, Ottoman Empire.
• Medium Powers: More challenge, but manageable. Examples: Poland, Brandenburg, Sweden.
• Small Fry: For the bold players. Examples: Albania, Navarre, Most Indian or African minors.

2. Understanding Your Environment#

Check out the world around you. Who are your neighbors? Friends, foes, or potential allies? Knowing the lay of the land can save you a lot of troubles early on.

• Alliances: Build some ASAP. Nobody likes a solo player, especially at the start.
• Rivals: Pick rivals that make sense. Your choices here affect your diplomatic options and potential conflicts.

3. Building a Strong Economy#

A solid economy is the backbone of any growing empire. You can’t wage war or expand your borders without the ducats (currency in EU4). Take these steps to make sure you’re financially sound:

• Improve Production: Invest in buildings that boost your production like Workshops and Temples.
• Trade: Control trade nodes and establish trade routes. Prioritize areas where you can get the most bang for your buck.
• Taxation: Raise taxes where you can, but don’t overdo it. High taxes can lead to unrest.

4. Military Matters#

The saying “speak softly and carry a big stick” very much applies here. You need a capable military to defend your lands and press your claims.

• Army Composition: Balance infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Early on, you’ll rely more on infantry.
• Naval Power: Don’t neglect your navy, especially if you’re near any large bodies of water.
• Technology: Keep up with military tech. Falling behind can make you an easy target.

5. Managing Your Provinces#

Your provinces are your lifeblood. Keep them happy and productive.

• Development: Spend monarch points (ADM, DIP, MIL) to develop your provinces. This increases your income and manpower.
• Autonomy: Lower autonomy gradually to increase your control and revenue, but be careful not to spark rebellions.
• Culture and Religion: Convert provinces to your culture and religion for a more stable realm.

6. Exploring and Expanding#

Time to grow! But expansion needs to be smart and sustainable.

• Claims and Cores: Fabricate claims on your neighbors’ lands to give you a casus belli (reason for war). Always core new territories to integrate them into your nation.
• Colonies: If you’re playing as a colonial power, start establishing colonies in the New World, Africa, or Asia to boost your resources and influence.
• Balancing Aggression: Expand too fast, and coalitions of other nations might form against you. Go slow and steady to keep them at bay.

7. Strategies for Success#

• Plan Ahead: Always have short-term and long-term goals. Know what you want to achieve, whether it’s forming a specific empire or dominating trade in a region.
• Adaptability: Be ready to change your plans. If a large alliance breaks down or a golden opportunity arises, seize it!
• Learn From Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable. Learn from them, and don’t be afraid to start a new game with fresh strategies.

By keeping these steps in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building a mighty empire in Europa Universalis IV. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy shaping history your way. Happy conquering!

Key Nations and Their Strategies#

Europa Universalis IV (EU4) is all about guiding your nation through the twists and turns of history. Some countries are just better suited for certain kinds of glory. Here are some key nations to play and how to make the most of them.

France: The Powerhouse#

France starts out strong and only gets stronger. If you want a dominant military force and heaps of land, this is your go-to nation. Here’s your play:

• Unite France: Early on, focus on unifying all the French land. Take back territories from England and any rebellious French minors.
• Control Europe: Once you consolidate, start looking at your neighbors like Burgundy, the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) states, and Spain. Expand cautiously to avoid coalitions.
• Strong Economy: Build infrastructure and trade. France’s advantageous position means you can dominate European trade routes.
• Exploration: Don’t forget the New World! Send explorers and colonize early to cash in on overseas riches.

Ottomans: The Invincibles#

Ottomans are perfect if you want to conquer everything. They have incredible military bonuses and a central position to expand in multiple directions.

• Expand Early: Take over Byzantium and push into the Balkans and the Middle East. Your army is superior, so use it.
• Control Trade Nodes: Key nodes like Constantinople and Alexandria should be your focus for empire-wide wealth.
• Religious Flexibility: Use the Dhimmi and Janissary systems to manage a multi-religious empire effectively.
• Westernize: Keep an eye on Western Europe to avoid falling behind in technology.

England: Master of the Seas#

England is all about naval power and colonization. If you dream of ruling the waves and building a global empire, this is it.

• Secure the Isles: Unite the British Isles quickly. That means dealing with Scotland and any remaining Irish nations.
• Naval Dominance: Invest heavily in your navy early. Control the seas around England to protect from invasions.
• Colonization: Focus on the Americas and later, Asia. Colonies will fuel your empire’s growth.
• Trade Dominance: Use your navy to control important trade routes and nodes.

Ming: The Eastern Giant#

Ming is for players wanting to manage a huge, rich empire from the start. It involves more internal management than conquests initially.

• Stability First: Keep the Mandate of Heaven high. Stability is key to preventing disastrous internal revolts.
• Build Infrastructure: Develop your provinces and focus on technological advancements. You start ahead and should stay there.
• Trade Supremacy: Use the strategic position to dominate Asian trade routes. Control key nodes like Beijing and Canton.
• Military Prowess: While not initially expansionist, be ready to fend off others like the Manchu or Europeans.

Castile: The Rising Empire#

Castile (potentially forming Spain) is ideal for balancing between European dominance and overseas colonization.

• Reconquista: Finish the Reconquista by taking Granada to have a consolidated Iberian base.
• Colonization: Start colonizing early. Aim for the Caribbean and South America.
• Personal Unions: Focus on strong dynastic ties, particularly with Portugal, Aragon, and Naples. Personal unions can give you vast tracts of land.
• Naval Strength: Build a strong navy to protect your growing empire and trade routes.

Conclusion#

Choosing the right nation can make or break your EU4 experience. Each of these key nations comes with its unique strengths and initial strategies but adapting to the ever-changing world isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Pick your favorite, dive in, and rewrite history!

Managing Resources and Trade#

If you’re diving into Europa Universalis IV, managing your empire’s resources and trade is crucial to building a world-conquering power. This part of the game might seem complex at first, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to help you dominate the global economy.

Keeping an Eye on Your Treasury#

Your treasury is the heart of your empire’s finances. Here’s what you need to know:

• Income Sources: You earn money from taxes, production, trade, and gold mines. Each province contributes to your treasury. Make sure you’re developing them wisely.
• Expenses: Your money can quickly disappear on maintenance costs for your army, navy, and buildings. Watch your expenses so you don’t end up in the red.

To boost your income:

• Raise Taxes: Upgrading government buildings or boosting stability can bring in more money.
• Invest in Production: Building workshops and manufactories increase production and can give a massive boost to your finances.
• Work the Trade Network: More on this below!

Emphasis on Trade#

Trade can be your biggest income source, but it’s a bit tricky to master. Here’s the gist of how it works:

1. Trade Nodes: The world is divided into trade nodes. These nodes collect and move trade value across the globe. Knowing how they work is key.
2. Merchants: You can send merchants to collect or steer trade. Place them strategically to optimize your income. Collect in your home node and steer from nodes that feed into it.
3. Trade Power: This is how you dominate the nodes. Increase trade power by building marketplaces and controlling provinces in key nodes.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your rivals. If they’re raking in the trade cash from nodes you’re interested in, consider using privateers to disrupt their income and boost yours.

Managing Monarch Points#

Monarch points are essential resources that you use to manage your empire. They are split into three types: Administrative (ADMIN), Diplomatic (DIPLO), and Military (MIL). Here’s how each one affects your game:

• Administrative: Used for building improvements, increasing stability, reducing inflation, and coring provinces.
• Diplomatic: Spent on technology development, negotiating treaties, and maintaining diplomats.
• Military: Required for military technology, training generals, and recruiting regiments.

Use advisors to boost your monarch points’ generation. Hiring the right advisor can make a huge difference!

Balancing Manpower#

Manpower is the resource representing how many men your nation can enlist into the army. Here’s how to keep it in check:

• Replenishing Manpower: Natural monthly growth and buildings like barracks can help. But avoid over-exhausting by fighting too many wars at once.
• Saving Manpower: Use mercenaries when your manpower is low. They cost more, but they won’t drain your manpower.

Managing Inflation#

High inflation can really hurt your economy by increasing costs across the board. Keep it under control by:

• Reducing Inflation: Spend specific amounts of Administrative points to reduce inflation. Watch for events that might help too.
• Inflation Events: Gold mines and loans can spike inflation. Monitor these and mitigate their impact early.

Conclusion#

Keeping your resources and trade in check is essential for a thriving empire in Europa Universalis IV. Balance your income and expenses, strategically place your merchants, manage your monarch points, maintain your manpower, and keep inflation in control. With these strategies, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of the global economy.

Now, go forth and build an economic powerhouse!

Diplomacy and Alliances#

When you’re playing Europa Universalis IV, mastering diplomacy can be all the difference between your budding empire and a region-sized train wreck. Diplomacy isn’t just sending gifts and signing treaties; it’s your main tool for managing relations, gaining powerful allies, and preventing wars you can’t win. Here’s a rundown to keep you in the game.

Building Relationships#

First things first, get to know the Diplomacy Interface. You can access it by selecting a country and clicking on the diplomacy button. Here you’ll find a ton of information, from royal marriages to forming alliances.

If you want another country to like you, improving relations is essential. There are several ways to do this:

• Send Gifts: Drop some cash their way to get a quick boost in relations.
• Improve Relations: Assign your diplomats to schmooze another nation. This takes time, but it’s worth it for long-term friendships.
• Offer Military Access: Letting armies march through your lands can earn you brownie points.

Remember, improving relationships isn’t instant. It takes patience, so plan ahead.

Forging Alliances#

Alliances are your lifeline in Europa Universalis IV. A strong ally can provide troops, cash, and moral support. However, not all alliances are good.

When looking for allies, consider:

• Proximity: Neighboring countries are usually better allies due to faster troop movement.
• Strength: Bigger armies mean more muscle. Check their military might in the ledger.
• Shared Enemies: The enemy of your enemy is your friend. Common foes ensure your interests align.

Once you decide, use the “Offer Alliance” action. If they accept, you’re obligated to help them in wars – and vice versa. Be picky; frequent calls to arms can drain your resources.

Handling Wars with Allies#

Wars are inevitable, and when they happen, alliances play a crucial role. Here are some tips:

• Call to Arms: If you’re attacked, call in your allies immediately. Strong backup can turn the tide.
• Strategic Planning: Coordinate your attacks. Sending troops together with your allies can prevent unnecessary losses.
• Peace Deals: Allies complicate peace treaties. If they contributed to the war, they’ll want something in return. Try to balance rewards fairly to keep the alliance intact post-war.

Diplomacy Actions#

Different nations have different diplomatic options. Here’s a quick list:

• Royal Marriage: Strengthen ties with dynastic unions. Great for alliances and can lead to personal unions if you’re lucky.
• Guarantee Independence: Declare you’ll protect a smaller nation. It earns goodwill and can deter rivals.
• Trade Embargos: Hurt rival economies directly by stopping trade. Be careful; this can worsen relations quickly and might mean war.
• Coalitions: Form a coalition against a common enemy. Coalitions discourage aggressive countries from expanding too much.

Managing Reputation#

Your diplomatic reputation affects everything. High reputation makes alliances easier and lessens the cost of diplomatic actions. Here’s how to manage it:

• Prestige: Keep your prestige high for better relations. Winning wars and events boost it.
• Aggressive Expansion: Conquering provinces increases aggressive expansion, souring relations. Balance your ambitions.
• Political Stability: Internal conflicts or a low legitimacy ruler can harm your diplomatic endeavors. Keep your realm stable.

Conclusion#

Diplomacy and alliances in Europa Universalis IV aren’t just about making friends; they’re essential for survival and expansion. Use your diplomats wisely, choose your allies carefully, and always keep an eye on your reputation. Master these strategies, and you’ll navigate the treacherous waters of early modern Europe like a pro.

Strategies for Warfare#

Conquering the world in Europa Universalis IV isn’t just about having the biggest army. It’s about strategy, maneuvering, and timing. Let’s make sure you crush your enemies and see more of your colors on the map.

1. Preparation is Key#

Before you declare war, ensure your nation is ready:

• Economy: War is expensive. Make sure your economy can handle the increased maintenance costs.
• Alliances: Secure strong alliances. They can provide vital backup.
• Manpower: Have a reserve of manpower. Prolonged wars can drain your resources, so it’s essential you have reinforcements.
• Military Upgrades: Upgrade your technology. Troops with better tech have a significant advantage.

2. Pick Your Battles Wisely#

When going to war, focus on these points:

• Casus Belli: Always have a legitimate reason for war. This reduces the penalties you’ll face.
• Enemy Strength: Check the strength and alliances of your enemy. Don’t fight wars on multiple fronts.
• Timing: Attack when your enemy is weak, perhaps after they’ve just finished another war or have internal strife.

3. Effective Use of Terrain#

Terrain plays a massive role in battles:

• Mountains: Harder to attack, great for defense.
• Forests and Marshes: Slow down enemy units, giving you a tactical edge.
• Rivers: Crossing them reduces your attack efficiency. Avoid if possible.

4. Sieging Like a Pro#

Sieging forts can be slow but crucial:

• Blockades: Use your navy to blockade coastal forts to speed up sieges.
• Siege Units: Invest in artillery – they make sieging much faster.
• Supply Lines: Keep your armies supplied. Starvation and attrition can ruin sieges.

5. Divide and Conquer#

Split your forces smartly:

• Main Army: Use it to engage the enemy’s primary forces.
• Smaller Units: Use these to capture unguarded territories and distract.
• Reserves: Always keep back some reserve troops. They can turn the tide in a pinch.

6. Monitor War Exhaustion#

War exhaustion can cripple your nation:

• Manage W.E.: Keep an eye on it and use points to reduce it when necessary.
• Peace Deals: If things go south, don’t hesitate to sue for peace. You can always fight another day.

7. Smart Peace Negotiations#

Know when and how to end a war:

• War Score: Build up a high war score before negotiating. It gives you better terms.
• Prioritize: Focus on gaining strategic territories.
• Repair Relations: Post-war, improve relations with other nations to avoid coalitions against you.

8. Learning from Mistakes#

Even the best laid plans can go awry:

• Analyze: After a war, look back at what went wrong. Adapt your strategies.
• Innovate: Always look for new tactics and ways to outmaneuver your foes.