Community's Top Picks For Your Next Europa Universalis IV Campaign

Embarking on a new campaign in Europa Universalis IV (EU4) can be both exciting and overwhelming. With a vast array of nations to choose from, deciding where to focus your efforts can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the selection process, we've compiled a list of community-favorite nations that offer unique challenges, rewarding gameplay, and rich historical contexts. This guide will delve into why these nations are so popular among EU4 players, exploring their national ideas, geographical positions, and potential for both expansion and roleplaying.

Diverse Starting Positions and National Ideas

One of the primary reasons players gravitate towards certain nations in EU4 is the diversity of their starting positions and the unique flavor provided by their national ideas. These national ideas, which grant bonuses to various aspects of the game such as military strength, economy, and diplomacy, can significantly shape a nation's playstyle. For example, a nation with strong military ideas might be inclined towards aggressive expansion, while one with economic ideas might focus on trade and development. The geographical starting position also plays a crucial role, as it dictates the neighbors a nation will interact with, the resources available, and the strategic challenges it will face.

• France: France is a perennial favorite, and for good reason. Its central location in Europe, combined with its powerful army and rich provinces, makes it a formidable force from the outset. France's national ideas further enhance its military prowess, granting bonuses to morale, discipline, and manpower. Players who enjoy warfare and continental dominance will find France to be an excellent choice. The ability to form the Revolutionary Empire later in the game also adds an extra layer of ambition and historical flavor.
• Ottoman Empire: Stretching across the Balkans, Anatolia, and North Africa, the Ottoman Empire boasts a strategic position and a diverse range of expansion opportunities. Its national ideas focus on military strength and religious tolerance, reflecting its historical role as a powerful, multi-ethnic empire. The Ottomans' unique government type and access to Janissaries provide additional advantages in combat. Players looking for a challenging yet rewarding campaign with a focus on conquest and empire-building will find the Ottomans highly appealing.
• England/Great Britain: An island nation with a strong navy and colonial ambitions, England (later Great Britain) offers a different style of gameplay compared to continental powers. Its national ideas emphasize naval power, trade, and colonial expansion. Players who enjoy maritime warfare, economic development, and building a global empire will find England/Great Britain to be an engaging choice. Managing the complex politics of the British Isles and navigating the challenges of colonial competition add further layers of depth to the campaign.
• Castile/Spain: Castile, with its rich provinces and access to the New World, is another popular choice for players interested in colonial expansion and global trade. Its national ideas focus on exploration, colonization, and military strength. The Iberian Wedding event, which unites Castile and Aragon, provides a significant boost to its power. Players who enjoy exploration, colonization, and dominating overseas trade will find Castile/Spain to be a rewarding nation to play. The ability to form Spain and control vast colonial territories makes it a powerhouse in the late game.
• Brandenburg/Prussia: Starting as a relatively small nation within the Holy Roman Empire, Brandenburg offers a challenging yet rewarding campaign focused on military excellence and state-building. Its national ideas, which emphasize discipline, morale, and military tactics, are among the strongest in the game. Players who enjoy military campaigns and building a highly disciplined army will find Brandenburg/Prussia to be an excellent choice. The ability to form Prussia and dominate the battlefields of Europe makes it a favorite among players who appreciate a strong military focus.

Regional Powerhouses and Unique Challenges

Beyond the major European powers, EU4 offers a plethora of regional powerhouses and nations with unique challenges that appeal to players seeking a different kind of campaign. These nations often have specific historical contexts and gameplay mechanics that set them apart from the more conventional choices.

• Poland/Commonwealth: Poland, with its strong cavalry and unique elective monarchy, presents a fascinating campaign focused on maintaining internal stability and defending against external threats. Its national ideas grant bonuses to cavalry combat ability, manpower, and diplomatic relations. Players who enjoy managing internal politics and leading a powerful cavalry army will find Poland/Commonwealth to be an engaging choice. The challenges of managing the elective monarchy and dealing with powerful neighbors like the Teutonic Order and the Ottoman Empire add further depth to the campaign.
• Sweden: Sweden, with its strong infantry and ambition to dominate the Baltic Sea region, offers a campaign focused on military strength and trade. Its national ideas emphasize infantry combat ability, naval power, and trade efficiency. Players who enjoy naval warfare and building a trade empire in the Baltic Sea will find Sweden to be a rewarding nation to play. The challenges of breaking free from Denmark and establishing dominance in Scandinavia add a unique historical flavor to the campaign.
• Austria: Situated in the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria faces the unique challenge of managing the complex internal politics of the empire while also expanding its own territories. Its national ideas focus on diplomacy, imperial authority, and military strength. Players who enjoy political maneuvering and playing a diplomatic game will find Austria to be an excellent choice. The ability to become Holy Roman Emperor and influence the course of European history makes Austria a compelling nation for experienced players.
• Muscovy/Russia: Muscovy, with its ambition to unite the Russian principalities and forge a vast empire, offers a campaign focused on territorial expansion and military strength. Its national ideas emphasize manpower, military tactics, and colonization. Players who enjoy building a large empire and conquering vast territories will find Muscovy/Russia to be a rewarding nation to play. The challenges of dealing with the Golden Horde and expanding into Siberia add unique historical and strategic dimensions to the campaign.
• Timurids/Mughals: The Timurids, starting with a vast but unstable empire in Persia and Central Asia, present a challenging campaign focused on internal consolidation and conquest. Its national ideas emphasize cavalry combat ability, religious unity, and cultural integration. Players who enjoy managing a large empire and conquering diverse territories will find the Timurids/Mughals to be an engaging choice. The ability to form the Mughal Empire and unite India adds a significant objective to the campaign.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics and Roleplaying Opportunities

Beyond national ideas and geographical positions, some nations offer unique gameplay mechanics and roleplaying opportunities that further enhance their appeal. These mechanics can range from unique government types to special events and decisions that shape the nation's trajectory.

• The Papal State: Playing as the Papal State offers a unique challenge focused on diplomatic influence and religious authority. The Papal State's ability to excommunicate rulers, call crusades, and influence papal elections provides a distinct gameplay experience. Players who enjoy diplomacy and shaping the religious landscape of Europe will find the Papal State to be an engaging choice.
• Florence/Tuscany: Starting as a wealthy Italian city-state, Florence (which can form Tuscany) offers a campaign focused on economic development, diplomacy, and cultural influence. Florence's strong trade income and Renaissance flavor make it a compelling choice for players interested in building a powerful republic. The challenges of navigating Italian politics and competing with larger powers add further depth to the campaign.
• The Mamluks: The Mamluks, ruling over Egypt and the Levant, present a challenging campaign focused on defending against the Ottomans and expanding into Arabia and North Africa. The Mamluks' unique government type and strong military provide a distinct gameplay experience. Players who enjoy warfare and managing a diverse empire will find the Mamluks to be a rewarding nation to play.
• Kilwa: Located on the East African coast, Kilwa offers a unique campaign focused on trade and naval power in the Indian Ocean. Kilwa's control over key trade nodes allows for significant economic development. Players who enjoy maritime warfare and building a trade empire in the Indian Ocean will find Kilwa to be an engaging choice. The challenges of expanding along the East African coast and competing with European powers add further layers of depth to the campaign.
• Japan (Daimyos): Playing as one of the Japanese Daimyos (warlords) offers a unique and challenging experience centered around warfare and unification. Players must navigate a complex political landscape, forge alliances, and conquer their rivals to unite Japan under their rule. This campaign is characterized by intense warfare and strategic decision-making, appealing to players who enjoy a fast-paced and dynamic game.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Nation for Your Playstyle

Choosing the right nation for your next EU4 run ultimately depends on your individual playstyle and preferences. Whether you enjoy warfare, diplomacy, economic development, or colonial expansion, there is a nation out there that will provide a rewarding and engaging experience. The community favorites highlighted in this guide offer a diverse range of challenges, gameplay mechanics, and historical contexts that are sure to captivate both new and experienced EU4 players. Experiment with different nations, explore their unique strengths and weaknesses, and discover the rich tapestry of history that Europa Universalis IV has to offer. Embrace the challenge, forge your own destiny, and leave your mark on the world stage.