Europa Universalis V
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EU5 WIKI

Beginner's Guide

Your complete guide to starting Europa Universalis V - from first launch to first victory

🚀 Quick Start Checklist

Complete the in-game tutorial (30-60 minutes)
Choose a beginner-friendly nation (see recommendations below)
Set game speed to 2 or 3 (not 5)
Pause frequently to read tooltips
Don't worry about losing your first few campaigns
Focus on one mechanic at a time

🏰 Recommended Starter Nations

Castile

Easy

Iberia

Strong starting position, clear expansion paths, access to colonization. Perfect for learning basics.

Unite Iberia first
Colonize the Americas
Ally France or England

Ottoman Empire

Easy

Anatolia

Powerful military, weak neighbors, excellent for learning warfare mechanics.

Conquer Balkans early
Control trade in Constantinople
Build a strong navy

France

Medium

Western Europe

Rich nation with strong military traditions. Good for learning diplomacy.

Finish the Hundred Years' War
Manage coalitions carefully
Expand into Italy

Portugal

Easy

Iberia

Safe position, focus on colonization and trade. Low military pressure.

Ally Castile/Spain
Focus on exploration
Build trade empire in Africa/Asia

📚 Essential Mechanics to Learn First

1

Stability & Legitimacy

Keep stability above 0 and legitimacy high. Low values cause rebellions and reduce your power.

2

Manpower & Army Maintenance

Don't let manpower hit zero. Lower army maintenance during peace to save money.

3

Aggressive Expansion (AE)

Taking too much land too fast creates coalitions. Expand slowly and strategically.

4

Trade & Economy

Collect trade in your home node. Merchants steer trade toward your collection point.

⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes

Expanding too fast:Watch your Aggressive Expansion (AE). Keep it under 50 with major powers.
Ignoring alliances:Always have 2-3 strong allies. They deter attacks and help in wars.
Going bankrupt:Keep army maintenance low during peace. Don't build more than you can afford.
Fighting multiple wars:Finish one war before starting another. Overextension kills campaigns.

📖 Continue Learning

⚔️ Warfare Guide

Army composition, battles, sieges

🤝 Diplomacy Guide

Alliances, vassals, coalitions

💰 Trade Guide

Merchants, trade nodes, income

Questions & Tips

Share your beginner tips or ask questions