The drums of war are beating for Europa Universalis 5! Twelve years after its predecessor cemented its legacy as a strategic powerhouse, Paradox’s highly anticipated sequel is almost here. To mark the occasion, the developers have unveiled an in-depth look at the game’s revamped military and warfare systems. Conflict has always been central to the grand strategy genre, and EU5 aims to deliver a simulation that feels vibrant and loaded with impactful decisions.
Paradox revealed at Gamescom that they’ve drawn inspiration from Imperator Rome’s battle system, particularly its handling of terrain and food supply. Warfare in Europa Universalis 5 embraces a core philosophy of choice and consequence, where the developer emphasizes that “Armies are made of people, logistics matter, and the world will fight back against your dreams of conquest,” as detailed in their recent development diary.
This section originally featured an embedded video discussing military and warfare mechanics in Europa Universalis 5.
Starting your EU5 campaign in 1337, you’ll find that most nations don’t possess professional standing armies. Instead, rulers must depend on levies drawn directly from their populace, comprising “whoever your laws and institutions can call upon.” These aren’t merely statistics; they represent actual individuals within the game world who abandon their livelihoods to fight and potentially perish for your cause. While survivors usually return to their former lives, many will inevitably be lost to the ravages of war.
The quality of your forces is also determined by the ‘pop’ (population units) you recruit. Peasants typically form the backbone of your front lines, armed with spears and scythes, whereas a noble levy will grant you access to trained, heavily armored knights. A significant detail from Paradox is that “levies will not replenish during your campaigns.” This means any losses you incur require disbanding the unit and raising an entirely new one, making every battle a truly impactful decision.
As your nation progresses through technological advancements and military reforms, you’ll eventually gain the capacity to field a standing army, composed of dedicated ‘soldier pops.’ When not engaged in warfare, the manpower these units provide can be allocated to construct vital buildings like armories and castle garrisons. This allows for continuous drilling and upgrading of your forces as technology evolves.
When deploying your army, you’ll strategically position regiments across your left flank, center, right flank, and a reserve force. Close attention must be paid to stats like regiment initiative, which dictates how quickly units engage in combat. Their placement on the battlefield also determines their clash points with the enemy. A critical misstep, such as one of your flanks collapsing, will expose your center to a devastating flanking attack, severely impacting morale.
Selecting a general, usually a court member, is paramount, as their individual stats profoundly influence their effectiveness. Administrative skill affects siege capabilities, logistical reach, and battle maneuver potential. Diplomacy boosts morale, initiative, and even food consumption. The military statistic governs troop movement, combat speed, and discipline. Replacing a commander is a lengthy affair, so making the right choice initially is crucial.
Europa Universalis 5 features distinct unit types: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and auxiliaries. Their dominance on the battlefield will evolve throughout the game’s timeline. Heavy cavalry might reign supreme in the late-medieval period, but infantry will gradually become more prominent, eventually supported by artillery and specialized shock troops. While early regiments typically comprise “around 100 men,” technological advancements allow this number to swell to as many as 3,000 soldiers per regiment.
As previously highlighted, your armies require sustenance – they cannot fight on empty stomachs. While they carry provisions, these must be replenished from friendly territories. Should supplies dwindle, your forces will suffer attrition and significant losses, potentially forcing a retreat. This emphasizes the immense value of establishing supply depots and controlling key provinces. Conversely, disrupting enemy supply lines offers a potent tactic to weaken your adversaries. Auxiliaries play a crucial support role here; for instance, ‘camp follower’ units can increase your portable food storage, enabling deeper excursions into enemy lands.
Beyond food, numerous other factors demand your attention. Terrain, natural elements, and adverse weather can pose severe challenges, leading to diminished food production or outbreaks of disease. Extreme conditions might render crucial areas, such as mountain passes, temporarily impassable. Yet, nature can also present tactical opportunities: frozen bodies of water could trap enemy fleets or allow for audacious crossings, provided your troops can traverse them before the ice thaws.
Naturally, all these preparations culminate when battle is finally joined. Depending on the era, combat often begins with artillery barrages, “making hell fall on the poor souls you’ve sent to die for your dream of grandeur.” Regiments will then engage based on their three-position formation until one side is destroyed or its morale breaks. The victorious units will then advance to engage the nearest remaining enemy regiments. Retreating forces can be replaced by reserves, but only for as long as those reserves hold out.
Finally, Paradox also detailed naval conflict, confirming it “will follow more or less the same rules as land warfare.” Your ships are crewed by ‘sailor pops,’ and dedicated buildings are required to boost both your sailor count and ship production. A robust standing fleet can secure vital food supplies throughout your empire, cripple enemy economies through city blockades, and bolster your overall military power.
Europa Universalis 5 is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, November 4, priced at $59.99 / £49.99. Prepare to lead your empire to new heights!
If you’re fascinated by the intricacies of conflict, explore other engaging war games available on PC. For those seeking less confrontational experiences, there are many excellent management games to enjoy.
Which nation will you choose to lead when Europa Universalis 5 arrives? Share your plans and join the discussion with other fans!