How to Play Europa Universalis IV

[@danielwallace1759]

Nice video but you should have touched on aggressive expansion and how to manage it as it's a thing new players struggle with.

[@CallMeEzekiel]

I did briefly cover it at the end of the Diplomacy section, though I never mentioned Aggressive Expansion itself. While the danger and what to do about it did come up, I definitely could have given more detail.

[@danielwallace1759]

@@CallMeEzekiel Yeah, a lot of players will just say "AE is just a number" which it is, if you know how to manage it well, which comes down to using your diplomats, choosing your targets based on religion and culture and stacking modifiers. Florry did a good tutorial on it but it isn't the best for noobs. Also props for covering DLC.

[@ShahjahanMasood]

@@danielwallace1759 its best to have them learn the hard way. That way they will think twice about ae Yeah I know this reply is 7 months late I wanted to reply dangit

[@quanghuyvo6112]

@@ShahjahanMasood here you go

[@luizfeitosa8848]

God why have i decided to play this game... As a rts and total war veteran, im completely lost

[@ryanglitcherrrr]

Man is playing on speed 5 religiously 😬

[@trueblueclue]

3:07 you missed an opportunity to add "The Comet" in there. Btw what do you think about the subscription plan paradox rolled out recently?

[@trueblueclue]

@@DavidDayMusic it let's you unlock every DLCfor 5 bucks a month. You could say it's a good way to pickout what DLC you want and try it before you buy it. When you load the game for the first time you'll see the sub offer.

[@aspielm759]

wait, why are Galleys only good at sea?

[@alexschmidt443]

Hearts of iron 4: ''I am a complicated game!'' Europe Universales 4: Hold my absolutely *everything*

[@thehamster0520]

I get the joke but tbh HOI is WAAAY more complicated than EU

[@alexschmidt443]

@@thehamster0520 Bro you nuts? You played either of them? HoI4 is just War and shit, all straight forward after 1 week.

[@hecticscone]

HoI4: yeah im pretty complicated CK2: OH YOU THINK _YOU'RE_ COMPLICATED HUH?? EU4: *walks in* ...gentlemen HoI4 and CK2: *silence*

[@wade227]

not really

[@youtubeadministration8037]

@George xeno Chine? More like Mein Kugel

[@Unregistered.Hypercam.2.]

me : oh boy i cant wait to play this game my crack addicted friend who has 400000 hours on recommended me to play! *ill just search a quick tutorial on youtube* 20 minutes wtf

[@klake5375]

Eh just play the game and you'll learn eventually

[@klake5375]

or you could play with your friend and he can teach you that also works well

[@reymichaelsungazornosa4040]

hahaha that friend of yours cured his addiction on crack because of eu4, WHICH IS MORE ADDICTIVE!!!

[@emanu1674]

You didn't see the 20 parts 40 minutes tutorials yet

[@MechWarrior894]

I've watched hours of HoI4 gameplay to learn it

[@HypercopeEmia]

make economy -> make troops -> counquer -> make bigger economy...

[@tedbed1389]

(Much more efective:) Take debt > make troops > conquer yourself an economy. Squeezing in good technology management is a bonus.

[@subira8518]

"This is because game covers 400 years of history" * laughs in Crusader Kings *

[@TheAmubis]

At least I managed to preserve Karling dynasty. Eventhough it costs a good chunk of my soul.

[@wrjtung3456]

Ck games contain 700 years

[@chickendumpster4345]

Makes zero fucking sense. You have to be a computing, stats, political, and historical fuckin genius to even begin to play this game. “How many random ass symbols and endless numbers and buttons can we splash over a map of Europe”

[@NoName-st2jl]

Wow thanks for the compliment.

[@jinojikitomo5065]

I feel the same but its worth learning it i think

[@redvodka1933]

Reminds me of the Meme of the dude staring at a map and it says "Paradox fans be like 'wow what great gameplay'"

[@royblakebrandacc]

You know how it's easy to find tutorials, walkthroughs, etc on games but it's hard to find the right personality presenting? You, sir, are the right personality! Dude your editing style is epic and your humour is 10/10! Your vids have some similarities to The Spiffing Brits vids. If you're still trying to find a niche for your next videos I suggest checking out some of his vids if you haven't. Anyway, I loved this one man. Do something like this about Civ 6 next please!

[@JohnSmith-tz7iy]

2 minutes in I'm already zoning out. I really want to like this game but it's so hard to get into

[@johnmiller6976]

Neat looking game but so many things to do. Bit overwhelming innit

[@11anonymous6]

The world map was the biggest selling point for me. I still haven’t played a full game yet - purchased the core game in 2018 😭

[@ROCV1]

I have 300 hrs on hoi4 and I bought this thinking I would breeze through it yet here I am

[@unicodeq]

yeah i gave up like 6 times this shit is way too confusing

[@redvodka1933]

Same except with CK2 Why do Paradox gotta be like this lmao

[@raffitorres1714]

I’ve got a ton of hours on ck2 and ck3 and thought I’d be able to pick this game up pretty easy. God was I wrong.

[@goldenwarh]

i press play and be like “mtherfker i didn’t buy this to learn advance math”, too many thing on one screen, and they are constantly changing

[@leehaiko3999]

People keep saying vic2 is hard, but just looking at this makes think EU4 is much harder.

[@ishaansharma4325]

Why can't I just copy paste the manual into my brain. I just wanted to make a german and indian colonial empires. 😭

[@gmgunnhildr2711]

You have to do a lot more to play eu4, but an intricate understanding of the market system in Victoria 2 is still way more complicated imo

[@jtgd]

It’s pretty detailed, so you gotta learn how to do certain things she what they do

[@eksadiss]

2:06 "Merchants best use is to collect from trade nodes that your main trade city isn't in" Everywhere else I've looked It's the opposite advice because of the penalty you get from trade power doing this? Instead everyone else says to just collect from your own, and use other merchants go up stream and steer trade to you. Is this not right?

[@Levanderus]

You are right. I have no idea where Ezekiel found this information, but it is just straight up the worst way to deal with trade.

[@Zebachi]

It depends on how much you've consolidated control both in your home node and in various other trade nodes. There are situations (especially in the early/mid game) where you can make significantly more trade income from having your merchants collect rather than transfer. After consolidating control over a path of trade nodes it will become more efficient to have those merchants transfer instead of collect.

[@tsarevich1561]

Yeah, sometimes it is better to collect in other nodes you have lots of power in since you automatically collect in your home node anyways. Plus, sometimes when transferring trade all the way to your home node you may lose some of that wealth to other nodes (key examples being West Africa and the Caribbean, especially if you don't control all the trade there). It isn't always ideal, but it shouldn't automatically be ruled out.

[@Levanderus]

I have... quite a few gripes with this guide. I'm not trying to be insulting or mean but... 2:06 Your way of handling trade is probably the worst possible way to go. Not only do you get massive penalties to trade power when collecting trade outside of your home node, you also lose any bonus power from trade steering in your home node. General rule of thumb is to just transfer power from as many nodes as possible into your home node, unless you have very little trade power there, in which case you should send a merchant in your home node to collect so you can get at least a little more power in it. 9:26 "Build as much cavalry as you can so long as it doesn't go over your limit". What limit do you mean here? I would guess you mean cavalry support limit, but a new player might mean you are saying build up to force limit with cavalry, which is really bad. It's accepted that 2-4 cav is more than enough, unless you have modifiers like Poland or the hordes. I feel like the whole segment does more damage than good for new players. Also mentioning the changes in pip values throughout the game would be good (Shock is better early game, fire is better late game, cav has a lot of shock, cannons get a lot of fire etc.) 10:06 is slightly wrong. Light ships are best for exploring, as they're faster and cheaper than heavies. Galleys are better at fighting in INLAND seas, a small correction but an important one to new players. 12:34 You should mention that you don't need to turn territories into states to reduce overextension. Also, the "Create client state" button is only available AFTER TECH 24! You should maybe recommend just releasing vassals before jumping to midgame features? I'm glad that you've taken your time to make informative videos on EUIV but these mistakes, especially in your segment about trade, can make new players confused and just turn them off the game when even the guides on it don't know what they're on about.

[@meneither3834]

I still think this is the best overall guide on YT despite those issues (he also did not touch on moral&discipline.)

[@geekypleer1202]

I just started playing games in this genre, and the numerous mechanics really attracted me at first, but I must say, it's been really daunting trying to play because of how complicated it is. I haven't gotten very far before quitting and starting a new game just because I can't get how to play. I haven't enjoyed it very much so far but I really want to.

[@cronchcrunch]

I was in the exact same position as you, until I tried Crusader Kings 3. It's simpler and the tutorial is actually really good. They've also improved the UI so damn much. I didn't realise how much harder the crappy UI of the other games made it until I tried Crusader Kings 3. Once you've learnt to play CK3 it will be easier to get into the other Paradox titles like EU4, CK2 and HOI4.

[@geekypleer1202]

@@cronchcrunch after watching a hell of a lot of youtube tutorials I finally figured it out and this is mostly what I play now. I'm trying to learn Victoria 2, but that's a whole different beast.

[@rezandrarizkyirianto-1933]

@John Wick Stellaris is the easiest paradox game. Especially if you played 4X games in the past like Civilization

[@Bluesonofman]

(Uses console commands and moves byzanum to America.)

[@matthewhannigan1916]

you think that Castile is the only danger to Portugal? Well, maybe when playing portugal against ai but... Burgundy starts with a high chance for the opportunity to claim the Portugese throne. They get a De Avis consort and Portugal will come out of a regency soon after the game starts. This means burgundy can ally Castile if they are allied to portugal, call them into a no cb war against some berber nation, promising them land, claiming the portugese throne and having an easy war to yoink all of Portugal within a few years of game start

[@Drewman56]

Damn this explained alot for EU4. Especially since I still only have 11 hours in.........

[@diavolo7470]

I feel like listening to a math while listening to this

[@Random-World-Eater]

0/10, no meme about kebab.

[@wade227]

i bought the game when it was 70% percent off so i started playing it alot and this video actually helped.

[@talymr3687]

Is it worth buying it by the way or should i get HOI4?

[@edwinsmith2045]

Eu4 is better and covers more history hoi4 is fun but takes alot more time in my opinion to learn

[@HateVG]

Free on Epic Games now B)

[@pcgaming7680]

eu4 is free on epic games

[@_delastern3163]

HOI4 is a really good game without DLCs if you can download mods. If you don't, though... I wouldn't recommend it without DLCs

[@pcgaming7680]

@@_delastern3163 it sucks without dlcs

[@jorgecummins6212]

13:13 I almost died laughing

[@Era_Of_Awakening]

I opened the Game, I kept staring then I quit and I'm here. this video is not useful to me it's advanced level of mine xD

[@alspinh]

make a custom country with an op leader and maybe try some mods or cheats for your first campain. I did that and it realy helped to get playing and having fun. If you do not understand a system or run into a wall, ignore or cheat your way out. Soner or later you will hopefully have fun and start to understand some systems and can play a more normal game. This game is super complex but its not about getting everything right or even halfe of it. The journey of commanding a nation to succes is what should be fun dont get booged down on details XD

[@bobmalone3726]

Literally thought “I hope he makes an EU 4 guide soon” about 8 hours ago.

[@ryanglitcherrrr]

Pro Tip- put this video on 0.75 playback speed. thank me later

[@Rachjumper]

As Someone who has the True Heir of timur and The KHAAAAN achievements idk why i still watch this

[@cseledesviktor5547]

It literally took 40 minutes to watch this 20 min video. Daaamn 🤯

[@Icantthinkofaname267]

Only?

[@stratant.8722]

I am new to EU4 but for me it's much more easier than hoi 4.

[@cody1o3]

It's how to play EU4, sparknotes edition. Then again not gonna have a in depth guide on eu4 with it being under 20 min lol

[@neonmoose315]

In what other game… Civ 1-6.

[@mavmav0YT]

Ehm what? After having played a few rounds of Civ 5, this seems quite daunting. I guess I'm going to have to spend a few hours just trying things out.

[@ChemySh]

welcome to Paradox games

[@Muhammed552]

13:10 bois u need to reach level 23 in diplomatic to create a client state

[@albertpacella1846]

So, get all the dlc up to golden century, but if you are short on cash, get art of war and common sense. If you have the extra cash, get Cossacks, Mandate of Heaven, and rights of man. Does that sound right?

[@dastoopid2871]

thanks for wasting more than 140 hours of my life 10/10

[@johnhilbert3072]

I have absolutely none of the dlc

[@mythical2551]

Thanks for making these videos, really helped me with Vic2 and helped me learn this game. Could you do one on HOI4? I really want to like the game, but I'm constantly losing battles and other things when I'm not sure why. I'm assuming I'm doing something wrong with my division templates, but I don't know where to start with designing them or any basic ones to use.

[@CallMeEzekiel]

I'm not going to do Hearts of Iron IV for a while. I want my videos to be long-lasting. Hoi4 is still in a position where new DLC/Expansions can radically change it and invalidate large sections of video. Once the game is more developed, I'll look into making a how to play for it.

[@djhousecamera2489]

Can you make your colony a part of your country? Like how france technically thought of algeria as a part of france proper?

[@tsarevich1561]

Places outside of the Americas aren't technically considered colonies and thus don't form colonial nations. However, unless you have less than 5 provinces in a given colonial region, colonial nations will automatically form. I think the only way to stop this would be to move your capital to the new world - that way, colonial nations wouldn't form, but you still own your lands in Europe. If a colonial nation has already formed, I don't think there is anything you can do outside of releasing the colony, declaring war, coring less than 5 provinces, then moving capital to the new world.

[@Blaz-l9k]

I have a question for you. New player and have basic EU4 with no patches. Began with Castille and allied immediatelly with Portugal and Navarra. Then Aragorn declared war, Portugal and Navarra betrayed me and even brettany and france joined war. Did I do something wrong or forget something that this happened? Thanks

[@CallMeEzekiel]

There are a lot of reasons why that could have happened. The most likely being that your allies didn't like you and weren't willing to defend someone who they didn't like. You can easily remedy this by sending diplomats to improve relations with them. By the way, if you were fighting a lot of wars before that point, it's possible that you built up a lot of aggressive expansion. Aggressive expansion will anger your neighbors (even if they're your allies) and cause coalitions to form against you. I hope this helps!

[@redvorno]

If only someone had thought us of a comet-sense!

[@jabloko992]

One very important thing about EU4: Despite how complicated it is, *YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE GAME AND HAVE FUN!* You don't even need to know *most* things to begin, just the basics. In your first game, pick a beginner-friendly nation like Portugal, Castille or Ottomans. If you have DLCs you could also start with Vijayanagar since diplo is easier, aggressive expansion is less of an issue and it's kinda a free-for-all there in India. Russia/Muskovy is another good choice, a little bit harder, but still manageable. For your very first game I do not recommend: -Anyone in the British isles: as England you need to deal with the 100 years war and the war of the roses at the same time, as everyone else, you have to deal with England. -France: Although they are one of the strongest nations in the game, they are also very prone to triggering huge coalitions. Expanding as France is a bit like walking on eggshells. Also any of the French minors and Burgundy because then you have to deal with France 'the final boss of EU4' -Anyone in the Holy Roman Empire (stay the hell away from that mess) -Ming (they are too easy) or anyone who's anywhere near them (killing Ming can be hard if you don't know what you're doing) -Hordes (they are very unusual and demand well-managed, constant warfare)

[@jackt4595]

Hey good video,but i have a doubt what is best date for beginers

[@CallMeEzekiel]

You should always play EU4 using the 1444 start date. All of the later ones are broken. I hope this helps!

[@alexis_aka_alexandra]

Ok, this is a good video

[@celsladroma8048]

why i buy it and don't know what going on.. hahah thanks for help 🤣

[@ColonelCrisp]

On Humble Bundle you can get EU4 and a ton of DLC much, much cheaper. I got EU4 and most of the DLC for $17.

[@jackt4595]

hello,i notice Ezekiel didnt went to dept into army composition,so here is why i suggest,in early game you should go for 4-9 of cavalry and about 9-15 infantry and as the game progresses into late game you should make the same amount of cannons as infantry,that means the number of cannons should equal the number of infantry, you should not put cavalry in your army in late game but if are poland or a nation with cavalry bonuses then it will be good if they stick around in late game.Hope this helps a little :)

[@Nazsgull_]

Those amounts of units... per region or in total?

[@jackt4595]

@@Nazsgull_ thats my amount per army

[@bertvsrob]

ill never start this game

[@Syndixal]

I thought the same about ck2 now it’s my favourite game

[@TibleTube]

Hi nice video, is there a way to play non european countries and not having the technology malus? I wanna play small nations and be able to compete with european nations. I don't really care if it doesn't make historical sence

[@CallMeEzekiel]

It is possible to spawn some institutions outside of Europe. You can learn about it here: eu4.paradoxwikis.com/Institutions I hope this helps!

[@albertpacella1846]

I’m going on with no dlc. I heard the base game is in better shape than it was, I don’t know how true it is, so wish me luck

[@meneither3834]

There were many bad recommendation in there and some crucial elements are missing (on trade and army quality essentially) BUT it's still the best EU4 guide in term of quantity/quality on KZbin.

[@tehcude9155]

AWESOME VIDEO! At least now I dont act like an AI in EU4...

[@firebladex8586]

You can't mention Eastern Europe without an adidas laden slavic squat meme

[@jordank6961]

i dont think u are saying ducats right XD it's driving me nuts I think it's du-cats great vid

[@tsarevich1561]

This is still the best guide I've ever found to date. Very well done!

[@Schmorgus]

_"How to play EU4"_ You don't. You play Crusader Kings 2. Soon, you play Crusader Kings 3.

[@cedricl.marquard6273]

Imagine somone who's never played EU4 going for MEIOU and Taxes....

[@cgneuro]

Purely awesome video. I learned a bunch! Thank you!

[@minimanzero2262]

so i know how to play but not how to play *well*

[@snaiper195]

I know 4 eu4 players all are cract

[@mar4779]

I love your channel, keep doing these videos.

[@P99s-s]

I know you can’t always update these videos but anyone watching this nowadays should know that the estate system got a rework (as well as mercenaries but they still work the same at their core)

[@mysticdueler8979]

You should update the video for the 1.29 update (and eventually the big 1.30 update)

[@hishamx9180]

Perfect guide but what best country to play in Africa and middle east

[@Zebachi]

Depends on what you want to do.

[@jabloko992]

2:06 WHOA WHOA WHOA that's WRONG. There are many instances when, for some bizarre reason, an upstream node that you think you're getting trade from is being steered the wrong way and assigning a merchant there to ensure the money flows the correct way is their number 1 purpose. Depending on the circumstances, they will mostly end up making you far more money this way. For example, you're Ottomans. You click on the Crimean node and it says 'we transfer x.yz ducats to Kiev'. THAT'S what merchants are for, so instead you will be transferring that money to Constantinople with the 'transfer trade' button.

[@hardhoagie3809]

lmao that last china killed me

[@pedrobarbosaduarte3704]

Loans aren't that bad, neither is bankruptcy

[@SporeMurph]

Memetastic!

[@bugman75]

Yeah, I’m fine with HOI4.

[@kartarsingh9338]

yo update this pls

[@runningtorpedo559]

heres a updated verison kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYS2gHpunJyDfMk

[@Jablingus]

@@runningtorpedo559 i hate you

[@davidecentomo6429]

I have a problem, I can never earn much, I end up not being able to earn enough to get advisors and then when the colonies arrive and I expand my army I don't even have enough money per month to maintain everything

[@willferg7347]

Loan cycling, not building buildings on anything that gives you less than 0.2 ducats, manufactures, full staying, reducing autonomy, devving. If you’re not making money it does depend who and where you’re playing though. Happy to help with more questions?

[@keepitsteel1993]

I just want to watch a tutorial wtf is this lol

[@liamlight3797]

Yesss, really needed this video, sure I'll love it

[@AlainHesp]

Thanks a lot for work ! Bbut i can't activate the youtube automatic translation. Can you resolve this problem in your youtube's channel parameters ?

[@CallMeEzekiel]

The problem should now be solved. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Let me know if there are any other issues.

[@AlainHesp]

@@CallMeEzekiel Thanks ! I hope you a lot of subscribers for paradox and other strategy games tutorials :-)

[@IamINERT]

Question? Can I play as any country i want? Lets say Jamaica.

[@CallMeEzekiel]

At the start of the game you can play as any nation on earth that existed in the year 1444. Unfortunately, Jamaica did not exist then. However, over the course of the game new nations can be formed. If you're playing as a colonial power and colonize Jamaica, you can release it as an independent country. Alternatively, you can use the nation designer that comes with the El Dorado DLC to make Jamaica yourself. You can read about the Nation Designer here: eu4.paradoxwikis.com/Nation_designer I hope this helps!

[@johntuite8718]

So glad these are here.

[@insertname3293]

Video started and I already shat myself from that menu

[@headcrabn5347]

Can you link me to the coring/overextention meme vid?

[@CallMeEzekiel]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mV66gGppec1qqLs

[@headcrabn5347]

thanks nerd.

[@Makem12]

I still hate mana points

[@splitsee2526]

Ok so I got the game and... I have no idea whats going on. I think I got scammed... And we had our money wasted... Well atleast later on in my life I will be able to play this but I am struggling to do anything.

[@fro123play3]

ahhh i fond the outro music kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpSTm2ahgpunf9U

[@stormyprawn]

I wish it wasn't so damn expensive to buy all the dlc so I can actually play XD

[@rellshisui811]

Just crack the game

[@cedid-iosman2925]

europa universalis 4 harder than hearts of iron 4 i think

[@gabrielnguyen5580]

Doesn't Higher Influence give better bonuses from the estates

[@jabloko992]

I would not recommend Korea because you either have to deal with Ming or be their bitch for the whole game. Not exactly hard, in fact I managed a game where I instantly denied tribute to Ming and held them off with the single mountain fort, played tall, conquered Japan. Can be done, but not exactly beginner friendly.

[@zentralratderfliesentischb660]

He forgot one thing NEVER COLONIZE AFRIKA Its one hell of uprisings like shit. Usually 20 to 30k with a 2-Star General every 2 or 3 years And dont overtax the colonies. I played my first game as UK,Colonized US,South america and Afrika (BIG ASS mistake the last one),and fucked France and Burgund.I hope I helped. UK as 1st Nation was a good Idea

[@battleexpert9030]

Who said I was playing in Europe

[@friedrickhugo7562]

Dharma, cratle if civ and others are usefull

[@lastfirst5863]

Everyone dumps on Espionage ideas, I actually like them. I know they aren't as useful as the majority of ideas out there, but I like using it for flavor. It's also useful when you want to do a more diplomatic run. Every break a country without declaring war once? Offer Condotteiri to any nation that goes to war with them where both sides are mostly even. If they pay you that's great (condotteiri+lootspam=many ducats), if they don't who cares, we just want the nation they're fighting to have a bad time. As their war exhaustion increases, you can support their rebels and it'll actually do something since their unrest is higher than average, and that's where 25% support rebels actually becomes useful. I do this because I like to play tall. I don't like taking massive swaths of land, and releasing nations is boring. I'd rather see them go through the civil war.

[@Salihli4545]

Where is the Süleyman

[@lot8113]

How did your pronounce Bourgeoisie again?

[@albertpacella1846]

7:05, was that really necessary

[@unicodeq]

100 Sensitive for this game I think

[@musikan1218]

Hey. Good video but the inserted clips are very distracting.

[@midievalcat7770]

I think I’ll just stay in HOI4

[@duatia5315]

I feel like in the trade segment you said trade too much.

[@asoru5573]

6:39 As a muslim i agree this is Infidel religion LOL

[@ElzariusUnity]

BUILD CAVALRY!?!?! WTF