The year is 1337, and the map stretches from the icy north to the rich coasts of India — a living, breathing world filled with opportunity and danger. In Europa Universalis 5, the challenge isn’t just expanding your empire — it’s surviving your first few decades.
Choosing your starting nation can make or break your first playthrough. Some are forgiving, stable, and rich in opportunity — others will crush you before you unpause. This guide breaks down the top 5 beginner nations that offer balanced, strategic, and educational starts for new players entering Paradox’s most ambitious grand strategy yet.
π° What Makes a Great Starter Nation in EU5?
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π‘️ Safe Geography – Borders that protect you from early aggression
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π° Stable Economy – Early income that allows recovery from mistakes
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π― Clear Goals – Missions that guide you naturally through mechanics
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⚖️ Balanced Growth – Opportunities to test trade, war, and diplomacy
π Top 5 Beginner Nations in Europa Universalis 5
| Nation | Playstyle | Beginner Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Colonization & Trade | Safe location, strong early economy, friendly Castile alliance |
| Castile | Balanced (Diplomacy & Conquest) | Reconquista teaches war & religion systems; easy transition to colonial empire |
| England | Warfare & Naval Power | Scripted Hundred Years’ War; strong navy; secure island position |
| Ottomans | Rapid Conquest | Overpowered start, great military, forgiving expansion events |
| Ashikaga Shogunate | Internal Development | Peaceful start, rich lands, easy economy learning, internal politics later |
π΅πΉ 1. Portugal – The Peaceful Pioneer
Why Play Portugal: Perfect for learning trade and exploration in safety. Castile acts as a natural buffer, and your naval bonuses make early colonization smooth.
Tips for Beginners:
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Focus on building trade fleets and exploration ships early.
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Support Castile’s Reconquista, then expand into North Africa.
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Pro Tip: Delete extra forts to save gold — reinvest in your fleet and economy.
πͺπΈ 2. Castile – The Balanced Conqueror
Why Play Castile: Offers a great mix of diplomacy, warfare, and colonization. You’ll learn almost every core EU5 system here.
Tips for Beginners:
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Complete the Reconquista to unlock early missions and bonuses.
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Ally Portugal early and maintain positive Papal relations.
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Pro Tip: Use your religion to unify Iberia and dominate trade.
π΄ 3. England – The Strategic Schemer
Why Play England: A great pick for players who like military challenges with long-term payoffs. The Hundred Years’ War will test your adaptability.
Tips for Beginners:
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Decide early: defend France or retreat to England.
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Build a powerful navy — it’s your greatest defense.
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Pro Tip: Focus on colonization and naval dominance after stabilizing.
π 4. Ottoman Empire – The Rapid Expander
Why Play Ottomans: The strongest military start in EU5. Great for beginners who want immediate action and forgiving early wars.
Tips for Beginners:
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Focus on consolidating Anatolia before expanding west.
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Use events like “Rise of the Turks” to absorb vassals easily.
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Pro Tip: Move your capital to Constantinople for stronger trade and defense.
πΆ 5. Ashikaga Shogunate – The Peaceful Developer
Why Play Japan: A serene start where you can experiment with economy and population mechanics before the chaos of the Sengoku Jidai.
Tips for Beginners:
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Focus on internal growth and trade.
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Build infrastructure and keep vassals loyal early on.
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Pro Tip: Use peace time to master EU5’s new population simulation systems.
⚠️ Nations to Avoid as a Beginner
These countries are fun but punishing for first-timers:
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Byzantium: Crushed early by the Ottomans.
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Small HRE States: Complex diplomacy and weak military.
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Tiny Tribes/Isolated Minors: Too little room or economy to survive.
❓ FAQ: Europa Universalis 5 Beginner Nation Questions
Q: What is the easiest nation for total beginners in EU5?
A: Portugal is widely agreed upon by both players and streamers as the best starting nation for new players — safe, simple, and rewarding.
Q: Which beginner nation has the most forgiving wars?
A: Castile and Ottomans both provide structured conflicts that teach war mechanics without overwhelming new players.
Q: What’s the best nation for trade beginners?
A: Portugal again leads the list — its trade bonuses and early access to exploration make it perfect for commerce-focused gameplay.
Q: Can I play a small nation as a beginner?
A: It’s possible, but not ideal. Smaller nations in the HRE or the Balkans require advanced understanding of diplomacy and survival tactics.
Q: What nation helps learn population and economy systems?
A: The Ashikaga Shogunate offers a safe way to experiment with EU5’s new POP and internal politics systems.
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