Warfare Guide
Master the art of war in Europa Universalis V - from army composition to siege tactics
Army Composition
A balanced army is crucial for success. The ideal composition depends on your military technology and available resources.
Infantry
Front Line
Absorbs damage and holds the line. Always have more infantry than cavalry.
Ideal: 60-70%
Cavalry
Flanking
High damage dealers that attack from flanks. Limited by combat width.
Ideal: 20-30%
Artillery
Back Line
Deals damage from behind. Essential for sieges. Expensive but powerful.
Ideal: 10-20%
💡 Beginner Tip
Start with a simple ratio: for every 10 regiments, use 6 infantry, 2 cavalry, and 2 artillery. Adjust based on your nation's military traditions.
Combat Mechanics
⚔️ Battle Phases
📊 Key Modifiers
Siege Warfare
Sieges are how you capture enemy provinces. Artillery significantly speeds up sieges.
Siege Requirements
- • Minimum 1,000 troops per fort level
- • Artillery adds +1 to siege rolls per cannon
- • General with siege pips speeds progress
- • Blockading coastal forts helps
Siege Tips
- • Don't assault unless desperate (high casualties)
- • Bring enough artillery (1 per fort level minimum)
- • Watch for relief armies
- • Attrition kills - don't over-stack
Naval Combat
🚢 Heavy Ships
Main combat ships. Expensive but powerful in battle.
⛵ Light Ships
Protect trade and hunt pirates. Essential for economy.
🚚 Transports
Move armies across water. No combat ability.
💡 Naval Strategy
Focus on light ships for trade protection early game. Build heavy ships only when you need naval dominance or to protect important sea zones.
War Strategy Tips
Pick Your Battles
Only fight when you have terrain advantage or numerical superiority.
Stackwipe Prevention
Keep armies close enough to reinforce. A stackwipe loses all troops.
War Goals First
Capture war goal provinces early for ticking warscore.
Manpower Management
Don't fight to the last man. Retreat and rebuild when needed.
Mercenaries
Use mercenaries to preserve manpower in tough wars.
Peace Timing
Peace out when you have what you want. Don't overextend.
📖 Related Guides
Warfare Discussion
Share your military strategies