Starting your first campaign in Europa Universalis 5 will require you to select a Nation with hundreds of nations to choose from. It can feel overwhelming at the start, as you do not want to start in an economic disaster or complex wars. The player must make a sensible choice of a starting Nation to learn all the basics and major mechanics, including diplomatic relationships, military strategies, trade routes, and more. In this guide, we will tell you the best nations for beginners in Europa Universalis 5.
Choosing your first nation in Europa Universalis 5 lets you understand the interconnected systems of the game. Each country has a unique starting stage; some are economically stable, some have a strong military, some are enriched with minerals and food, and some are in complex conflicts right from the start. Moreover, each country has its own difficulty level, which will test both newcomers and veterans. Now, each player has a different point of view in handling the conflicts and stabilizing the nation. Here is an overview of the nations and their key advantages, which will help you make a quick decision in choosing the initial nation for your first campaign.
| Nation | Difficulty Level | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| England | Easy | Naval Power, Trade |
| Portugal | Medium | Exploration, Trade |
| Norway | Medium | Diplomacy |
If you are someone who wants to get into the complex conflicts and action, then go with the Ottoman Empire. However, we recommend learning about the basics first before going down this path.
England stands out as one of the best nations to start your first campaign in Europa Universalis 5. It offers a comprehensive gameplay experience, including managing military crises, developing naval power, and colonization. As you begin your adventure in England, you will engage with the 100 Years’ War against France. This sequence will help you learn siege warfare and combat mechanics. You can easily win the war by making strategic decisions, and your island’s position plays a critical role in it.
Another advantage of starting in England is the economy. Its economy is quite strong, and you can make a comfortable profit by tweaking the budget a bit. England has various resources on the land, including salt, wheat, iron, lumber, wool, and more. Invest in your navy to strengthen the coastal defense. It will help you against mainland Europe.
After ensuring the prevention of being invaded by Europe, you can start focusing on colonization. Stabilize the crown power and implement the power distribution to enhance the overall nation’s capabilities.
Portugal is another ideal option to start the first campaign in EU5. It excels in colonial mechanics and trade networks. With Castile and England being your allies, the immediate military threats are very low. You can easily focus on economic goals by developing coastal infrastructure and establishing trade routes. The main resources of Portugal are wool, lumber, and iron, giving you a strong foundation for industrial growth.
As you stabilize Portugal’s economic state, North Africa is the best option for colonization purposes. Take control of ports to open more trade routes to boost the economy further. Focus on evolving into a colonial powerhouse and utilize the lieutenancy system to take control of overseas territories.
Norway is another great choice for a starting nation in EU5, as it teaches advanced diplomatic systems due to its alliance with Sweden. There will be no immediate existential threats, but union mechanics teaching seniority voting and complex interstate politics. With Sweden holding a senior position, you must focus on naval development to expand across the seas and protect the trade routes.
The primary economic benefits stem from silver and wheat production, which will provide a stable foundation for development. As you continue expanding, work toward mutual protection or independence through diplomatic maneuvering. From here, focus on building crown power to gain control over scattered territories, which will allow you to improve neighboring control and tax efficiency.
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