Master Every Nation in Europa Universalis 5
Welcome to eu5.guide — your ultimate strategy resource for every nation in Europa Universalis 5. From beginner tutorials to advanced conquest strategies, we've got you covered.
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Hungary Guide — Bastion of Christendom
Master cavalry warfare and defend Christian Europe. Learn Hungary's unique +25% cavalry combat ability, the Congress of Visegrád diplomacy, Poland personal union strategy, and systematic Balkan expansion to become the shield against Ottoman expansion.
Why Use eu5.guide?
Your trusted strategy resource built by players, for players
Tested Strategies
Every guide is from actual gameplay, not theory. We play through each nation and test every strategy we recommend.
Version-Specific
All guides written for EU5 v1.0.7 and updated with each major patch. Always current, always accurate.
Quick Reference
Designed for second-monitor use during campaigns. Find what you need fast with scannable sections and checklists.
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No paywalls, no account required, no ads. Just comprehensive EU5 strategy guides for the community.
Featured Country Guides
Explore comprehensive strategy guides for the most popular and powerful nations
How EU5 Works: Core Systems Explained
EU5 introduces revolutionary new mechanics that fundamentally change how you play. Understanding these systems is the key to success.
Crown Power
Your crown power percentage directly multiplies your trade income. At 25% crown power, you only receive 25% of trade value. Increase it through king as general (+25%), family on fleet (+25%), and high legitimacy (+10%).
Control System
Control determines what percentage of a province's output you actually receive. At 20% control, you get only 20% of tax, manpower, and resources. Increase control through roads (proximity cost -20%), high stability, and buildings.
Markets & Trade
EU5's market system is completely different from EU4. Markets have demand tabs showing shortages that guide your RGO construction. Trade routes fulfill population needs (increasing satisfaction and control). Always build lumber mills first—lumber makes other buildings cheaper.
Parliament System
Changing laws directly costs 72-100 stability. Changing laws through Parliament costs only 50% support points. Debates pass if support exceeds 50%—exact percentage doesn't matter. Always use Parliament for law changes.
These systems work together—high crown power multiplies trade income, high control maximizes province output, markets guide economic development, and Parliament enables efficient governance.
Learn the Complete BasicsNew to EU5?
Start your journey with our beginner-friendly guides and master the fundamentals
Top Beginner Mistakes
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Getting Started
Game setup, UI navigation, and your first moves
Economy & Trade
Master ducats, marketplaces, and trade routes
Government & Estates
Stability, parliament, and estate management
Military Fundamentals
Levies, armies, combat, and fort sieging
Diplomacy & Expansion
Alliances, wars, and coalition management
Population & Culture
Promotion, conversion, and assimilation
What Makes a Good Starting Nation?
Choosing your first nation can feel overwhelming. Here's what to look for and which nations we recommend.
Best for Beginners
Castile
Portugal
Once You're Comfortable
France
Teaches military dominance and continental warfare
England
Naval strategy and cross-channel empire building
Ottoman Empire
Multi-front expansion and slave raiding economy
Nations to Avoid as Your First Playthrough
While every nation is playable, some are significantly harder for beginners. Avoid starting with: HRE minors (complex diplomacy), New World natives (waiting game until colonizers arrive), Central African nations (limited expansion options), Japanese daimyos (civil war mechanics), and small island nations (naval dependency). Start with a strong, forgiving nation that lets you learn the fundamentals.
Ready for Advanced Strategies?
Take your gameplay to the next level with min-maxing techniques, multiplayer meta strategies, and conquest optimization guides
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ready to forge your empire? Choose where to buy:
Green Man Gaming typically offers discounts and regional pricing, while Steam is the official Paradox platform with all Steam features. Both provide the same full game experience.