Paradox Interactive has officially announced Europa Universalis V, the next installment in their legendary grand strategy series. The announcement, made at Opening Night Live, reveals that the game will be a complete reimagining of the franchise, embracing the “pop” simulator mechanics found in other Paradox titles.
Europa Universalis V will feature the earliest starting date in the franchise’s history. It will begin with the world of 1337, when the French and English were about to start the Hundred Years’ War, when the Yuan dynasty thrived in China, and the Black Death had yet to happen. This will propel you to guide a nation through 500 years of history.
Get BWT in your inbox!
Get BWT in your inbox!
What to expect from Europa Universalis V?
Developed by Paradox Tinto, Europa Universalis V moves away from the series’ board game roots to offer a deeper, more realistic historical experience. The new game focuses on a highly detailed simulation of the late medieval world, a time of transition from knights and castles to explorers and the Renaissance.
Key Grand Strategy Game Features
In addition to the bulleted list of features that the developers shared, the game will also feature historical situations to immerse you in real-world events, multiple religions and government types, greater importance of characters and dynastic relationships, and dramatic world-changing events.
- New “pop” based system: A region’s population is reflected by pop units, varying in culture, religion, and social position. A prosperous society will see the population grow, while plague and war can prove costly to the core of your game.
- Biggest Paradox Map Ever: This map uses a more accurate projection of the globe and small province units. This means greater fidelity to the historical world represented by the game and more variety in the strategies available to the player.
- Deeper Economic System: This new and deeper system includes multiple goods and resources in each province. Resources can be fed into a production system, creating key goods for your society or trade in regional and global markets.
- Expanded Research Game: Unlock new technologies and ideas across diplomatic, administrative and military realms. Progress along each research branch will allow new weapons, new industries, and new ways to organize your realm.
- Detailed Government System: Give tasks to your cabinet advisors to ease your rule, adopt new laws and national characteristics, and keep the factions of your nation in line by doling out privileges to various Estates.
- New Military System: This new system draws soldiers from your population. Raise the levies and watch commerce grind to a halt, or hire mercenaries to fill your ranks. Slowly develop a professional standing army and organize your battlefield posture as you fight for territory and glory.
Watch the Trailer
Special Editions From Paradox Interactive
Alongside the standard edition, a Premium Edition will be available. This version includes two upcoming chronicle packs, one upcoming immersion pack, and an instant cosmetic reward.
- Standard Version of the game will retail for $59.99 USD.
- The Premium Edition, including two upcoming chronicle packs and one upcoming immersion pack, as well as an instant cosmetic reward, is available for $84.99 USD.
Players who pre-order the game (either edition) will receive an MP3 collection of the additional soundtrack for Europa Universalis IV, featuring songs composed for nearly every expansion and immersion pack from that game’s lifespan.
