Europa Universalis V
Strategy
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.

Developers: Paradox Tinto
Publishers: Paradox Interactive
Release Date: Nov 4, 2025
Price (USD): $59.99
Current Players: 17k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(83%)
complex simulation
engaging gameplay
automation features
strong foundation
complexity and depth
blended mechanics
UI and accessibility
performance issues
balancing problems
overwhelming mechanics
buggy experience
The general sentiment reflects a experience with the game. Players recognize the complexity and depth that Europa Universalis V offers, drawn from various successful elements of previous Paradox titles. However, there are significant performance and balancing issues that affect the playability and enjoyment. While the foundation is considered solid with immense potential for the future, the game's current state is seen as requiring substantial polish and content to reach its potential. For players new to grand strategy games, this complexity might be daunting, whereas veterans will find the game to be a promising but imperfect blend of familiar mechanics.

Positive Points

  • The game offers a highly complex and detailed simulation, intertwining aspects from previous Paradox titles such as the character system from Crusader Kings, economy mechanics from Victoria, and the strategy elements from Europa Universalis.
  • The depth of gameplay, particularly in economic and population management, is praised as being very engaging and a significant improvement over previous EU entries.
  • Automation features allow new players to ease into the game by handling certain complex mechanics, enabling them to focus on learning and enjoying the game at their own pace.
  • The game has a strong foundation and immense potential for future improvements through patches and DLCs, promising a rich and long-lasting gameplay experience.
  • Negative Points

  • The game is currently plagued with numerous bugs and performance issues, with frequent crashes and lag, particularly during late-game scenarios.
  • Balancing issues are prevalent, especially concerning the AI's ability to manage complex systems effectively, and the economic and military systems which require refinement.
  • Many players feel overwhelmed by the complexity and sheer number of mechanics, finding the game difficult to learn without external resources like guides and walkthroughs.
  • Key systems such as exploration and marriage require better automation and polish to enhance usability and enjoyment.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game blends mechanics from several Paradox titles, which some players appreciate for the depth it adds, while others feel it leads to a convoluted experience.
  • The UI and accessibility have been criticized for being cumbersome and non-intuitive, yet some players find it manageable with time and experience.
  • While the game's historical accuracy provides an immersive experience, the lack of direction and flavor for many nations results in a bland mid to late-game experience for some players.
  • Common Themes

  • Players frequently mention the game's complexity and the steep learning curve, often referring to the need for automation to manage gameplay effectively.
  • The game is recognized for its ambitious attempt to merge various successful elements from previous Paradox games into a singular expansive experience.
  • There is a strong consensus that while the game has great potential, it currently feels like a work in progress, with players expecting significant improvements through future updates and DLCs.
  • Updated 12/6/2025, 12:01:35 AM UTC