Europa Universalis IV

EU4

Released

Release Date: August 13, 2013

The fourth installment in a highly popular strategic game franchise - Europa Universalis. The title was developed by Paradox Development Studio. In accordance with the tradition of the series, Europa Universalis IV lets you command and develop a chosen nation over the course of several centuries. This time the historical framework spans from 11 November 1444 to 2 January 1821.

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Plot
Gameplay
Game modes
Technology

Over the last decade Europa Universalis series earned a faithful group of enthusiasts, as well as a place among the most important games in the computer strategy genre. Paradox Interactive Studio, the game’s developer team, made us wait long – more than six years, to be specific – for the fourth installment of the series (the third one was published in early 2007), trying to make it strike a chord with fans.

Plot

Following the pattern set by the previous installments of the series, Europa Universalis IV for PC lets the player take on the role of an eminence grise who controls the development of a given country over centuries. This time, you can choose from over 250 nationalities from all over the world. Depending on the scenario, the game period can span over nearly 400 years (in the main campaign).

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Gameplay

The task is quite complex, as player has to take care of a whole spectrum of issues related to governing – starting with political system, through foreign policy, trade, economy and social structure, scientific research, military development and operations, world exploration, and colonization of new territories.

With Europa Universalis IV the developers decided to enrich the well-known mechanics with new elements. One of the most significant innovations is a system called Monarch Power, which makes the personality of a ruler affect his ability to take specific actions (for example, the monarch of a warlike disposition will develop military technologies more quickly). Considerable changes were also made in the field of diplomacy and trade.

The game developers took care of a solid historical foundations. In EU IV there are 4,000 names of authentic state leaders and a whole cast of other characters known from history books. Some attention was paid to signifying major historical events, which often have impact on the game.

Game modes

The game offers several game modes for both single-player and multiplayer play via the Internet. Up to 32 people can participate in a single multiplayer game – either in cooperation or competitive modes.

Technology

Europa Universalis IV is based on a dependable, although continuously upgraded Clausewitz Engine 2.5, which had previously been used in Games Victoria II and Crusader Kings II, among other titles. A lot of effort has been put into improving the visual binding of the game, as compared with the previous installment of the series. A 3D map of the in-game world was created, which stays true to the historical borders of provinces, actual land relief, and dynamically changing seasons.

Game Series

8GAMES

Europa Universalis Game Series

The highly acclaimed series of historical strategies, which Paradox Development Studio is responsible for creating and developing. The brand is one of the most important in the publishing offer of Paradox Interactive.

Europa Universalis Game Series

Features

Guide

Last update: September 12, 2013

Europa Universalis IV Game Guide

This guide for Europa Universalis IV will get the payers acquainted with the sophisticated aspects of gameplay and help them take advantage of all the options optimally, to enable them develop their empire as dynamically as possible.

Europa Universalis IV Game Guide

News

Players Appreciate Latest Expansion to EU4. Winds of Change Meets Expectations

Europa Universalis 4 received a new expansion. If Winds of Change is the game's last expansion, it will apparently be a worthy farewell to the title from Paradox Interactive.

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Jacob Blazewicz

May 10, 2024

Players Appreciate Latest Expansion to EU4. Winds of Change Meets Expectations

Subscription Prices for Hearts of Iron IV and Europa Universalis 4 Raised by Paradox

Subscription prices for Paradox's two popular strategies, Hearts of Iron 4 and Europa Universalis 4, will soon increase. The monthly subscription will be about 60% more expensive.

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Zuzanna Domeradzka

January 12, 2024

Subscription Prices for Hearts of Iron IV and Europa Universalis 4 Raised by Paradox

EU4 Got an Expansion Focused on Middle East; DLC Gets Good Ratings

The King of Kings expansion came to Europa Universalis 4, revamping and introducing a lot of new content dedicated to historical powers from the Middle East. The expansion was to the liking of most players.

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November 7, 2023

EU4 Got an Expansion Focused on Middle East; DLC Gets Good Ratings

Bestselling EU4 Brings Sweeping Changes to Middle East

Paradox has announced that a massive update is headed to the acclaimed strategy game Europa Universalis IV. It will focus primarily on the territories of ancient Persia.

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September 14, 2023

Bestselling EU4 Brings Sweeping Changes to Middle East

Paradox Bets on 'Infinite' Games; Company Canceled Nearly Half of Projects Since 2013

Paradox Interactive's announced return to its roots is taking a bloody toll. Since 2013, almost half of the games have not gone out of development. The company prefers to focus on its „infinite” brands.

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Jacob Blazewicz

June 16, 2023

Paradox Bets on 'Infinite' Games; Company Canceled Nearly Half of Projects Since 2013

Domination DLC for EU4 Now Available; Overhauls Popular Factions

Europa Universalis 4 received new DLC, titled Domination, and a huge free update - Ottomans. Paradox has made a ton of changes to the game.

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Hubert Sledziewski

April 18, 2023

Domination DLC for EU4 Now Available; Overhauls Popular Factions

Only One Paradox Game Resists Player Loss

Paradox Development has a habit of releasing lots of DLCs for its games. Perhaps the developers are considering the popularity of their titles, which drops hard after release.

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April 11, 2023

Only One Paradox Game Resists Player Loss

Major DLC Domination for EU4 With Release Date and Price

The recently announced Domination DLC foro Paradox Interactive's acclaimed strategy game Europa Universalis 4 has received a release date. We also learned its price.

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March 28, 2023

Major DLC Domination for EU4 With Release Date and Price

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Opinions

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Colossal DLC for EU4 Will Refresh Several Popular Nations

At a recent Paradox Interactive showcase, a huge expansion for Europa Universalis 4 was announced. With it, the most popular nations in the game will be updated, and this is expected to mean a lot of new content and better immersion.

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Krzysiek Kalwasinski

March 7, 2023

Colossal DLC for EU4 Will Refresh Several Popular Nations

System Requirements

System Requirements for Europa Universalis IV Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i3-2105 3.1 GHz / AMD FX-4300 3.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 460 / Radeon HD 5850 or better, 6 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommanded System Requirements:
Intel Core i3-3240 3.4 GHz / AMD FX-8120 3.1 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 560 Ti or better, 6 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Expansions

List of Game Expansions for Video Game:

Europa Universalis IV: Winds of Change

Expansion

May 8, 2024

Strategy

The sixteenth expansion for the grand strategy game from 2013. Europa Universalis IV: Winds of Change introduces imnportant changes to three parts of the world - Europe, Central Asia and the Americas. There are new mechanics, units, events and theme content.

Europa Universalis IV: Winds of Change

Europa Universalis IV: King of Kings

Expansion

November 6, 2023

Strategy

An expansion to Europa Universalis IV, a 2013 historical strategy game. King of Kings introduces new events, reforms and units, mostly focusing on Persia, Byzantine Empire and the Mamluk Sultanate.

Europa Universalis IV: King of Kings

Europa Universalis IV: Domination

Expansion

April 18, 2023

Strategy

An expansion to the historical strategy game Europa Universalis IV. Domination focuses on the game's most powerful nations, such as the Ottoman Empire, China and Great Britain, introducing new events, quests, reforms and units.

Europa Universalis IV: Domination

Europa Universalis IV: Lions of the North

Expansion

September 13, 2022

Strategy

The sixteenth large DLC for Europa Universalis IV, developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto. The expansion focuses on the Baltic Sea countries - it introduces three new mission trees and additional state reform options.

Europa Universalis IV: Lions of the North

Europa Universalis IV: Origins

Expansion

November 11, 2021

Strategy

Origins is an expansion pack for Europa Universalis IV. It is the Immersion Pack, concentrating on expanding the game for the countries of Africa. The project introduces a lot of new missions for nations from this continent, as well as enriches the gameplay with new elements related to Judaism.

Europa Universalis IV: Origins

Europa Universalis IV: Leviathan

Expansion

April 27, 2021

Strategy

The fourteenth add-on to the strategy game Europa Universalis IV, which introduces changes to the diplomacy system and focuses on capital development. The expansion was developed by Paradox Development.

Europa Universalis IV: Leviathan

Europa Universalis IV: Emperor

Expansion

June 9, 2020

Strategy

Emperor is the 13th major add-on to Europa Universalis 4. As with previous expansions, Paradox Development Studio is also responsible for this title. DLC focuses on developing mechanics related to religion.

Europa Universalis IV: Emperor

Europa Universalis IV: Golden Century

Expansion

December 11, 2018

Strategy

Golden Century is the next expansion to the Europa Universalis IV strategy game. The production focuses on the development of mechanics connected to overseas colonies, and elements relating to activities on the seas and oceans. The possibility of leading a pirate nation has also been added.

Europa Universalis IV: Golden Century

Europa Universalis IV: Dharma

Expansion

September 6, 2018

Strategy

Dharma is a DLC to Europa Universalis IV, a popular real-time strategy game. The game focuses on the Indian subcontinent. Among other things, the DLC adds new missions for the most important countries of the region, introduces unique social classes (castes), and enhances the economic system in the game.

Europa Universalis IV: Dharma

Europa Universalis IV: Rule Britannia

Expansion

March 20, 2018

Strategy

Rule Britannia is an expansion to the PC Windows strategy game called Europa Universalis IV. This add-on is the so-called immersion pack that focuses on developing one of the nations - in this case, Great Britain. The expansion introduces new decisions and naval doctrines. The religion list now includes Church of England. Moreover, during the game, the players get to participate in the initial stages of the industrial revolution.

Europa Universalis IV: Rule Britannia

Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization

Expansion

November 16, 2017

Strategy

Another one of the numerous expansions to the popular turn-based strategy game Europa Universalis IV developed by Paradox Development Studio. Cradle of Civilization focuses on expanding features related to the Middle East and Muslim empires. It introduces many new solutions like new types of governments, the possibility to create Muslim schools that enable the player to increase their diplomatic power and the possibility to create trading policies by asg missions to the merchants – the missions aren’t necessarily focused on earning money. The list of key novelties is supplemented by: greater influence over the army (for example, it is possible to create military discipline) and the option to abuse specific provinces (easy money is balanced by slower development in long term). All of it is based on the same technology as the one used in the base game and it doesn’t introduce any novelties to graphics or sounds of the game.

Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization

Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome

Expansion

June 14, 2017

Strategy

One of the many DLC packs for the fourth installment in the history-based strategy games series from Paradox Interactive, Europa Universalis. The expansion entitled Third Rome is the first of the so-called Immersion Packs, which focus on expanding specific options in individual regions of the world. In this case we are dealing with Russia, the eponymous Third Rome, a spiritual successor to Byzantine Empire. Along with the add-on, Russian rulers gain a whole range of new management options, including the annexation of entire states or turning highly developed provinces into metropolises. Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome also presents a struggle of the head of the nation with the Orthodox Church. Depending on which saint you chose to revere on icons, you get a specific bonus. Another area that received innovations is the military, featuring brand new, unique units, such as the Moscow Riflemen.

Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome

Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven

Expansion

April 6, 2017

Strategy

One among many DLCs for 2013 Europa Universalis IV by Paradox Interactive. Mandate of Heaven is focused on East Asia, especially on the Chinese Ming dynasty, Japan, and Manchurian tribes. Playing these factions, we can count on significantly more interesting experiences that are rich in detail, options, and unique events that are absent in the core game. The expansion introduces 50-year periods of prosperity and top power that can be achieved by meeting specific requirements. Depending on the chosen faction, we have unique, faction-specific options. The add-on also introduces an enhanced diplomacy interface as well as a myriad of new historical events and choices that influence the course of the game.

Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven

Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man

Expansion

October 11, 2016

Strategy

An add-on for Europa Universalis IV, created by Paradox Interactive studio. The expansion requires the base game to be installed. The core of the gameplay hasn't changed, but a lot of new features, tweaks and new functions have been included. Novelties include Great Power mechanics – a special functionality, that gives access to new influence mechanics once you choose one of the great nations. Great Powers can threaten the weaker nations, or offer lucrative proposals, which can influence their internal politics. Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man also includes a larger set of traits for individual leaders, awarding certain bonuses for countries they rule. State management has been expanded with new orders, while characteristics of some commanders can now influence their performance on the field of battle. Lastly, Coptic Christianity and fetishism have received new objectives.

Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man

Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum

Expansion

April 5, 2016

Strategy

Another major DLC for Europa Universalis IV, which is still being ed by Paradox Interactive despite the fact that it has been three years since the vanilla game’s release. Just like the title suggests, Mare Nostrum (Our Sea, as the Romans used to call the Mediterranean Sea) is focused primarily on developing and enhancing sea trade and naval battles. The biggest novelty is the introduction of sailors who influence our fleets’ strength and are necessary to build and repair our ships. Moreover, the expansion adds a completely new system that makes directing our fleets easier while they perform various tasks and patrol duties. Now, we can also hire mercenaries, the so-called condottieri, who take part in foreign wars, and found trade leagues that give us unique military and economic bonuses. The novelties list also features spy networks, corruption mechanics, new African nations (including the ones involved in piracy), and geographical and cultural map corrections.

Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum

Europa Universalis IV: The Cossacks

Expansion

December 1, 2015

Strategy

The seventh large expansion to Europa Universalis IV, a strategy game released in 2013 by the Paradox studio. As the title suggests, one of the expansion's main novelties is the presence of a new ethnic group – the Cossacks, who played an important role in the base game as well as in the history of several Eastern European nations. Overall, Europa Universalis IV: The Cossacks introduces a much greater range of changes, including modifications to the game mechanics that influence almost every faction. At the forefront are the province mechanics, offering the option to transfer control over provinces to our subordinates, bringing both many benefits and many problems – if they gain too much power, it can result in an attempt to dethrone the player. In addition, the developers introduced some changes to espionage (ability to study the technology of more advanced countries) and diplomacy, e.g. it is now possible to show our attitude towards neighbors or to conduct our activities in the colonies while taking the native people into .

Europa Universalis IV: The Cossacks

Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense

Expansion

June 9, 2015

Strategy

The sixth major DLC for the 2013’s Europa Universalis IV, a part of the grand strategy game series developed since 2001 by Paradox Interactive. The biggest novelty of Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense is the new province development system that limits provinces’ expansion based on their size and the so-called development level. By spending the monarch points, we can also expand individual buildings, making them more effective, and increase the income from our provinces. The expansion also introduces a new parliament system and previously unavailable religions (Buddhism, Protestantism) as well as increases the importance of national religions, allowing them to “modify” their doctrine to favor monarchy. Moreover, nations were enriched with a number of new mechanics that emphasize their characteristic traits.

Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense

Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado

Expansion

February 26, 2015

Strategy

Another DLC for the fourth installment of the popular Europa Universalis grand strategy game series. As the title suggests, the expansion takes us to the age of discoveries, although it presents the events of the period from a quite different perspective. This is because the gameplay is focused on the Central and Southern America of the turn of the 15th and 16th century, when a bloody struggle between the Spanish colonizers and local Aztec tribes took place; Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado lets us side with either. As the Spanish, we try to become as rich as possible by conquering the Aztec “golden cities” and other uncharted corners of the new world. Playing as Aztects, we have to ensure our lands’ security and do whatever we can to make the Europeans go home empty-handed. The Nation Designer tool, which provides us with previously unavailable customization options, is an integral part of the expansion.

Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado

Europa Universalis IV: Art of War

Expansion

October 30, 2014

Strategy

The fourth expansion pack for the 2013’s Europa Universalis IV, which is a part of the popular grand strategy game series by Paradox. Art of War is focused on the events of the Thirty Years' War, in which, apart from the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Habsburg dynasty, almost all European countries of the period were involved. The primary novelty of the add-on is the story campaign set in the aforementioned historical period. For its purposes, the combat system, for both land and naval battles, was enhanced. The expansion also improves military recruitment as well as diplomacy by introducing new options of concluding trade agreements and the possibility to declare war because of a vassal. We can also create satellite states and transform them into bastions that protect our country from the enemies. The integral part of the add-on is a large update that introduces a number of changes in the vanilla game’s mechanics.

Europa Universalis IV: Art of War

Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica

Expansion

July 16, 2014

Strategy

An expansion for the 2013’s grand strategy game, Europa Universalis IV. The developers introduced a number of additional tools that allow the players to manage their nation and influence its further development and fate. One of the most noteworthy elements is the possibility of increasing influence in the Merchant Republic by establishing trading posts and using the factions’ internal conflicts in the course of the new election events. The expansion also offers a new government system, republican dictatorship, and a new faction system that allows us to gain valuable bonuses. Moreover, the novelties include the ability to heirs in elective monarchies and the new option of spending points on istrative, diplomatic, and military affairs. The add-on comes with a set of previously unavailable historical events that make for the action’s background.

Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica

Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations

Expansion

May 30, 2014

Strategy

The second official DLC for the fourth installment of the popular grand strategy game series by Paradox Interactive. As the title suggests, the expansion is focused on the economic aspects of the gameplay, which manifests through the significantly expanded trading system, among other things. The players have several new economy mechanics at their disposal. Thanks to them, we can use negotiations and diplomacy to cause conflicts in trade relations; it is also possible to hire pirates to sabotage foreign nations’ trade and loot their ships. Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations also introduces the possibility of strengthening our trade by setting a trading capital in one of our ports, as well as the ability to establish a trading company that deals with long-distance trade.

Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations

Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise

Expansion

January 14, 2014

Strategy

The first major DLC for Europa Universalis IV for {PLAT}, the game that came out in mid-2013. The expansion entitled Conquest of Paradise is focused on the conquest of the so-called New World, and in the game we mostly explore both Americas, although we might as well lead their native inhabitants. Leading one of European nations, we can establish diplomatic relations with new tribes and initiate mutually beneficial trade, but a forcible conquest and establishing new overseas colonies is just as good a solution. Leading one of the native peoples of either America, our task will be to try to defend our territory from the newcomers from across the ocean. We can also assume control of a colony that struggles to become independent. The add-on also offers new federation mechanics, unique technologies and buildings for each of over 20 tribes, and a large set of new story events.

Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise

Add-Ons and DLCs

List of Game Add-Ons and DLCs for Video Game:

DLC Fredman's Epistles June 21, 2016
DLC The Cossacks Content Pack December 1, 2015
DLC Common Sense Content Pack June 9, 2015
DLC Women in History March 8, 2015
DLC El Dorado Content Pack February 26, 2015
DLC Evangelical Union Unit Pack October 30, 2014
DLC Catholic League Unit Pack October 30, 2014
DLC Res Publica July 15, 2014
DLC Trade Nations Unit Pack May 29, 2014
DLC Muslim Ships Unit Pack May 29, 2014
DLC National Monuments II September 24, 2013
DLC American Dream September 24, 2013

Ratings

Game Ratings for Europa Universalis IV Video Game.

87%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (88,920)

STEAM

Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Depth and Complexity: The game offers a rich and intricate strategy experience that appeals to fans of historical simulations. Players appreciate the depth of mechanics and the variety of nations and scenarios available.
Replayability: s highlight the game's high replay value, with countless hours of gameplay possible due to the different countries to play and the various strategies to employ.
Educational Value: Many players mention that the game teaches them about history and geography, enhancing their knowledge while playing.
Addictiveness: The game is described as highly addictive, with players spending thousands of hours immersed in gameplay.
Mod : There is a strong community that creates mods, which can enhance or change the gameplay experience significantly.

The main cons of the game

Steep Learning Curve: New players often find the game difficult to learn, with many mechanics being complex and not well-explained in the tutorial.
DLC Dependency: A significant number of s express frustration with the game's reliance on DLCs, stating that many core features are locked behind paywalls, making it difficult to fully enjoy the game without purchasing all expansions.
AI and Balancing Issues: Some reviews mention that the AI can be unbalanced or cheat, leading to frustrating experiences in gameplay, particularly regarding battles and diplomacy.
Technical Issues: Several s report crashes and performance issues, especially on Mac systems, which detracts from their overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s

Improved AI: Many players desire a more competent and less biased AI that can provide a more challenging and engaging experience.
Better Interface: s call for a more modern and intuitive UI, as the current interface can be clunky and cumbersome, particularly for new players.
Enhanced Tutorials: There is a consensus that the game needs a more comprehensive tutorial and guidance system to help new players understand its mechanics and systems better.
More National Focus Trees: Some players express a desire for additional national focus trees that could provide more unique gameplay experiences for various nations, enhancing the historical aspect of the game.

Summary

Overall, while Europa Universalis IV is praised for its depth, replayability, and educational value, it faces criticism for its steep learning curve, reliance on DLCs, and technical issues, which can hinder the experience for both new and veteran players.

Summary generated on: February 3, 2025

8.5

S Score

Average score from votes.

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