10 Pro Tips for Europa Universalis IV You Should Know

by Fernando Diaz / Game Guides, General Guides / 17 Mar 2022

Europa Universalis IV is a complex grand strategy game that offers a vast array of options and opportunities for players to explore. If you’re just starting out, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin and how to make the most of your gameplay experience. Here are ten advanced tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of Europa Universalis IV:

Make the most of your monarch’s skills and abilities

One of the most important aspects of Europa Universalis IV is your nation’s monarch, who serves as the leader of your country and determines many of its attributes and abilities. When you start a new game, you will have the opportunity to select a monarch for your nation, and it’s important to choose one with skills and abilities that align with your long-term goals.

For example, if you want to focus on military conquest, you might want to choose a monarch with high military skill. On the other hand, if you want to focus on economic development, you might want to choose a monarch with high administrative skill. You should also consider the monarch’s age, as younger monarchs will have more time to improve their skills and abilities over the course of the game.

Once you have chosen your monarch, it’s important to make the most of their skills and abilities. You can do this by assigning them to appropriate tasks and making sure they are focused on the areas that will most benefit your nation. For example, if you have a monarch with high military skill, you might want to assign them to lead your armies in battle or to serve as the overall commander of your military.

Focus on your economy

A strong economy is the foundation of any successful nation in EU4. Make sure to focus on developing your economy by building up your trade network, increasing your production efficiency, and investing in infrastructure. This will allow you to generate more income and resources, which you can then use to fund military expansion and other endeavors.

Prioritize your research

Research is an important aspect of Europa Universalis IV, as it allows you to unlock new technologies and abilities that can give you a significant advantage over your opponents. Make sure to prioritize your research efforts and focus on areas that will give you the most benefits. This could include military technologies, economic improvements, or diplomatic abilities.

Utilize the monarch power system to boost your nation’s capabilities

Each game of Europa Universalis IV starts with a certain amount of monarch power, which is used to boost various aspects of your country. It’s important to use your monarch power wisely, as it can quickly run out and take a long time to replenish. Consider using it to boost your army, improve relations with other nations, or to complete important research projects.

Use the Convert Religion decision wisely

One of the key mechanics in EU4 is the ability to convert the religion of your nation. This can be a powerful tool for improving relations with other countries and gaining advantages in wars and negotiations. However, converting your religion can also have significant downsides, including negative relations with your own citizens and the risk of rebellion. To maximize the benefits of converting your religion, it’s important to carefully consider the potential consequences before making the decision. Some things to consider include:

The current state of your relations with other countries

If you have good relations with countries that follow the religion you are considering converting to, converting may be a good way to improve those relations further. On the other hand, if you have poor relations with countries that follow the religion you are considering converting to, converting may not be worth the risk.

The stability of your country

If your country is already unstable, converting your religion may be a risky move that could lead to further instability and even rebellion.

The long-term benefits of converting

It’s important to consider the long-term benefits of converting your religion. Will converting give you access to new allies or trade partners? Will it help you win wars or improve your negotiating position in peace talks? These are all important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to convert your religion.

Build up your army & Make the most of your military

A strong military is crucial for defending your nation and achieving your goals in Europa Universalis IV. Here are a few advanced tips for building and maintaining a powerful military:

Choose the right military traditions

Military traditions are a key factor in the strength and effectiveness of your military, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your nation. For example, if you’re a small nation with limited resources, you might want to focus on traditions that increase your military efficiency and morale.

Use your military wisely

It’s important to use your military wisely, as it can be a costly resource to maintain. Make sure you have a clear plan in place before you go to war, and try to avoid getting involved in conflicts that are not strategically important to your nation.

Build a diverse military

A diverse military that includes a mix of different types of troops (such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery) is generally more effective than one that is heavily reliant on a single type of unit. Make sure to invest in a variety of units to maximize your military’s effectiveness.

Make use of naval superiority

In EU4, naval superiority can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Make sure to invest in a strong navy, and use it to blockade enemy ports, transport troops, and protect your own trade routes.

Cultivate good relations with other nations

Diplomacy is an important aspect of Europa Universalis IV, and having good relations with other nations can greatly benefit your country. Make sure to use your diplomatic abilities to form alliances, negotiate trade agreements, and seek out other ways to cooperate with other nations. This can help you avoid conflicts and pave the way for future success.

Master the art of diplomacy

Diplomacy is an essential part of EUIV, and it can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals in the game. Here are a few advanced tips for mastering diplomacy:

Use your diplomats wisely

Diplomats are valuable resources that can be used to negotiate alliances, trade deals, and other agreements with other nations. Make sure you use them wisely, as they can be a key factor in your success or failure.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Before you enter into negotiations, make sure you have a clear understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine what you can offer in a negotiation and what you can reasonably expect to receive in return.

Use threats and incentives

Diplomacy is all about give and take, and sometimes you may need to use threats or incentives to get what you want. For example, you might threaten to declare war on a rival if they don’t agree to a trade deal, or offer a generous gift to a potential ally to win their support.

Keep an eye on the balance of power

The balance of power in Europa Universalis IV is constantly shifting, and it’s important to stay aware of how the various nations compare in terms of military strength and economic power. This will help you make informed decisions about who to ally with and who to avoid.

Make use of vassals

Vassals are smaller nations that are aligned with your own. They can be a useful resource for expanding your territory and increasing your power. Use your vassals to help defend your borders and to provide additional troops for your wars. Just be careful not to overburden them, as they can become disgruntled and rebellious if mistreated.

Focus on the long-term

Europa Universalis IV is a game that rewards long-term planning, so it’s important to focus on the bigger picture rather than trying to solve every problem as it arises. When making decisions, consider how they will impact your nation in the long run. For example, rather than immediately focusing on boosting your military, consider investing in infrastructure and technology first to improve the overall productivity of your nation. This will not only make your nation more powerful in the long run, but it will also make it more resilient to external threats.

Congratulations on finishing our Europa Universalis IV beginner’s guide! We hope that you now have a better understanding of the game and are ready to dive in and start building your own empire. Remember to take your time and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. And don’t forget to have fun! With its deep gameplay and endless possibilities, EUIV is a game that can provide hours of entertainment and challenge. We wish you the best of luck as you embark on your journey to conquer the world!

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
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