Europa Universalis 4 - Castile - Tutorial for Beginners! #1 - Diplomacy and Politics!

An introductory tutorial for complete beginners!
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New to the channel? I do Let's Play videos -- these are like walkthrough guides of gameplay with continuous English commentary trying to explain my decisions and what strategy I use. If you're looking for hacks or cheats, you're in the wrong place!

[@CarlosGomez-jl3jd]

"For example we can't let Navarra to exist as an independent nation because it's color is too similar to ours." You get it.

[@daddyleon]

To play this game properly, have the mindset: "I don't care about the colour of your skin, I care about the screen colour you have on my political map." Btw, can't you change the colours? On a 2D-map you only need 4 colours (4 colour theorem), so that would seem like a really nice feature.

[@zufex2029]

@@daddyleon but many countries would have same color and color of each country would change with changes in geography.

[@daddyleon]

@@zufex2029 Yeah...that was kinda dumb of me, sorry. I guess I was too used to the much more static map of these days. Thanks!

[@thorandlundeve]

what do you think politics is all about?

[@daddyleon]

@@thorandlundeve Yea, sometimes it can be as easy as the colour of your sk---map legend.

[@JavlinVII]

Why do I feel like most real wars start because one country wants a bigger name on the map?

[@mister.punknow6639]

You've just understood the most complex concept in the field of military politics :D

[@mr.jamerton3686]

The Art of War:TL:DR Edition

[@BG-zs4ic]

man that was just like a philosofal shit right there

[@intuit13]

hope that was sarcasm, bruno

[@BG-zs4ic]

Dragaan No shit sherlock xD

[@Virtrial]

"Bigger Names, obviously one of the most important decisions you can make in this game" That is the most truthful statement I have ever heard about EUIV.

[@Likearealboss]

thats where i closed the video and startet the game. Because at this point i knew everything i need to know.

[@mahmoudarab8516]

Bigger the name bigger your empire logic ;)

[@martinaustin6230]

I have 600 hours in this game. Have completed a world conquest as cottomans, Mare Nostrum as Byzantium and African Power achievement, rereconqista, and united the HRE by 1620 all in ironman. And it all started with this tutorial video series. Thank you Quill.

[@balijaa]

Same just with hoi4 Now trying to get into eu4 and vic2

[@martinaustin6230]

@@balijaa If you are using this tutorial for EU4. Keep in mind a lot has changed this game mechanics in the last 5 years. Especially if you have DLCs (don't buy them yet, learn the game first). One big thing is institutions replacing technology groups. Every 100 years or so there will be a new institution, the longer the institution doesn't reach your lands and you don't embrace it, the more expensive technology becomes. There are certain requirements and rules as to how certain institutions spawn and spread. But if If you are playing in Europe though, you can mostly ignore that part as Europe gets most institutions pretty easily. Just make sure you embrace it when you get the popup that you can. Also Castille starts in a civil war, so you have rebels you have to deal with. But overall it's a good nation to play as still, or Portugal and just be Castilles friend the whole time. Estates are also new, and they changed changed again more recently. You can mostly ignore them until you learn the other more basic aspects of the game. Colonization is also different (not sure if it's a free change or a change in DLC Conquest of Paradise). But instead of manually exploring, your explorer and Conquistador will automatically explor with one of the missions/naval options available to them. Vicky 2 on the otherhand. Little has changed in the last 7 years or so with development.

[@SuchDoge4242]

You convinced me to fully watch this by this comment. I have 100s of hours in CK3 Hoi4 and imperator rome, but this game for some reason confuses the hell out of me.

[@MrRedzwild]

So many EUIV "tutorials" are twice this length and deliver a fraction of the information as they resort back to, "it's just a really complicated game guys you'll just have to play it." Very easy to follow. Good sense of humor (had me laugh out loud a couple times) and really great starting information on how to think like an empire considering it's prospects for expansion.

[@davevd9944]

Many people just muble or mess around and talk 2 min about something you can say in 10 seconds.

[@mertarican5456]

exactly

[@GameyRaccoon]

@Skyler Gluck subjective. I personally like Quill

[@gabtheriault122]

Thanks

[@kalibos]

Great video. The game is so complex that it can easily turn off newcomers like myself, but after this I am frothing at the mouth to give it a try. What a beautifully comprehensive game.

[@Brendanasdfdsf]

exactly, well put my friend :)

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Last Earthbender I love studying political geography: How countries (states, etc.) got their shapes based on historical events - that is, it is where geography and history overlap :-) !

[@QuantumLeclerc]

Subbed for the rant about aesthetical rivals

[@witchfynder_finder]

I am so starved to EU4 content that I'm gonna watch this, even though I probably know at least most of what's gonna be said. At best, I still learn something new. At worst, it's still more EU4 to watch.

[@joshrichardson8216]

same

[@mdtexeira]

+Witchfynder_Finder I am not alone...watching just because I like the sound of Quill's voice over the sight of EU4's map

[@ElijahEystberg]

+Witchfynder_Finder try FlorryWorry on Twitch. He plays a lot of Eu4 and its fun to watch

[@privatepugs903]

Have you watched the solar gamer over 100 episode on his Morocco

[@lostinnepal7897]

Can someone plz help me? I'm playing as Portugal, was allies with Spain, my King died without heir, I'm now a vassal of Spain. They have 15 military technology and I only have 13. Tried twice to recover independency and I lost the war. I think the only way I could do it is by declaring war on them when they are already at war, but I need to have at least 50 liberty desire. Where do I see mine liberty dedire and how do I increase it?????????

[@d-rockanomaly9243]

Teaching is definitely a skill that some people don't have, but you definitely have it. This was super thorough yet concise. Very good job.

[@Theslyfoxfan12345]

Damn dude, this is super in depth. I wish I had this when I first started!

[@lostinnepal7897]

Can you plz help me? I'm playing as Portugal, was allies with Spain, my King died without heir, I'm now a vassal of Spain. They have 15 military technology and I only have 13. Tried twice to recover independency and I lost the war. I think the only way I could do it is by declaring war on them when they are already at war, but I need to have at least 50 liberty desire. Where do I see mine liberty dedire and how do I increase it?????????

[@DrunkLurker]

Mainly by becoming stronger compared to your sovereign.

[@lostinnepal7897]

DrunkLurker That comment was long ago, I've learned a lot from there xD

[@lostinnepal7897]

DrunkLurker But thanks anyways xD

[@DrunkLurker]

Well oopsie. XD I didn't look at the date.

[@MrOmerde12]

thanks quill. it would help more people into these games

[@user-kr3fw3tm7w]

I wish he would do more of this

[@luizarthurbrito]

I love that this game is like three years old, but a new tutorial still makes sense for noobs, since the game has changed so much through the years

[@WolfgangBrozart]

This is the only true complete beginner tutorial I could find so thanks for that.

[@ngaymoivlogs2970]

Like ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🛎🤝

[@VonBlade]

Oh boy after the Humble thing is this video about to explode. (probably largely with my views)

[@ulfricstormcloak7142]

I came for this lol (haven't bought yet)

[@buddhaslams]

YUP exactly why I'm looking at all the tutorials

[@VonBlade]

@@buddhaslams Anyone here to see if it's "their thing", watch this video only, and if you think it might be your thing, grab the whole pack. I love Civ but hated Crusader Kings 2 so wasn't enthralled by EU4, but have put 20+ hours into this in the first two days. They're going to have to start feeding me with a tube so I can play more. It's hopelessly addicting, if political intrigue and map painting is remotely your bag.

[@goodwh]

Exactly. Watched a bit here and read up on it and got the deal. It’s an awesome deal. I love Humble bundles.

[@JealotGaming]

@@VonBlade "but hated Crusader Kings 2" How so? I played Civ a lot and CK2 gave me everything I liked from it and more.

[@babaspector]

Stopped to look at the comments after you said "lets go to war to have a bigger name on the map". Was top kek. Also, great video.

[@thetempest9330]

Nobody else knows how to make tutorials like you do. This my the third tutorial I've watched for EU4 and it's byfar the most helpful. I find it especially clever in all of your tutorials that you don't start off by explaining the entire GUI and all of the different menus, you just hop right into the game and get to those element when they become important. It makes it so much less overwhelming. Keep up the great work man!

[@robotusch]

Thanks Quill, I picked up EU4 at a Steam Sale, but sadly never really got into it.

[@deanholland5442]

It's hard to learn but really fun

[@ertuzun21]

exactly me :D

[@mencot89]

me too!! I backed off cause I dont think I'll spent so much time understanding the game but Im still interested so I checked out this video

[@winstonvontoast6163]

Just bought EU4 on the spring sale, but I was completely lost. Their tutorial is pretty useless and shite to be honest.

[@teamtoonity7554]

ToastChickens How is it useless? It shows everything.

[@shinkicker404]

+Quill18 You should add expansions in later videos to cover what they add, after you cover the core game stuff. Like perhaps just a separate video for each one, taken from early or mid game. Then if you felt like it you could update with any new expansions.

[@Virgilitron]

That's a very good idea.

[@beany0077]

I just got this game and this series is a lifesaver, thank you very much! Everything's explained very clearly and you speak fluently, much appreciated!

[@DJSbros]

I thought i was a clever lad, then i got this game...Humbling.

[@factandsuspicionpodcast2727]

Your videos are hands down the best tutorials I've seen for EU4. They have been invaluable as I try to wrap my head around this incredibly complex game. Thank you!

[@albertgao7256]

Since the you-decide-the-goal perspective of EU4, it is very very hard to understand how to play the game, this is why this tutorial is such a great intro! We don't need sort of UI-intro since it is not that hard, we don't need sort of system-intro, not that hard either. What we need is just to know how people make their decisions, and why it is fun. And why this video is the best? Since it is detailed and not that fast, many good series out there are too fast, a newbie just can't follow their mind. And the length is good, half of hour is a golden spot. The 2 hours video out there just like a pain... And War for bigger names! I love the idea! xD !!!

[@kyher]

Yes! Thank you so so much Quill. I've played 60 hours of this game (I know this isn't exactly aimed at me, in that case) but I've been wanting an up to date tutorial series for a while. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@Tosnoob]

Little correction, the heir of Aragon, called "Joan", is indeed a guy. It's the Spanish version of "John".

[@DejvZejn]

+Ninaran little correction: it's the Catalan version of John, not the Spanish; the Spanish would be Juan as opposed to Joan :p

[@Tosnoob]

Very well, I am sorry that I got those mixed up.

[@DejvZejn]

+Ninaran no need to :)

[@lostinnepal7897]

Can someone plz help me? I'm playing as Portugal, was allies with Spain, my King died without heir, I'm now a vassal of Spain. They have 15 military technology and I only have 13. Tried twice to recover independency and I lost the war. I think the only way I could do it is by declaring war on them when they are already at war, but I need to have at least 50 liberty desire. Where do I see mine liberty dedire and how do I increase it?????????

[@Tosnoob]

Your Liberty Desire is where your Legitimacy used to be. You increase it by getting stronger and asking nations to support your independance. Just go through Castiles rivals, they'll gladly help you.

[@kremdaboi3449]

“They already lost the game because they have stupid looking rivals”

[@tdubs4522]

Quill I doubt you read your comments but I just feel the need to tell you that you are awesome. Without a doubt my favorite KZbinr. Just picked up EU4 in the summer sale because I've watched a bunch of your lets plays since the beginning. Then i stumble across this tutorial video for the game. This is exactly what i needed to jump into the action. Thanks again, your loyal subscriber.

[@jorgemartinfontanini6915]

Of all the tutorials I've watched of this game, this one is definitely the best. Kudos to the creator!

[@Draconaes]

Really well done tutorial. I've got over 1000 hours in the game and consider myself pretty proficient, and this was still a joy to watch. I'll definitely be recommending your tutorial series here for anyone trying to get into the game.

[@Zerpderp0]

18:24 "We have the same dynasty... shouldn't we be friends" Nope, just look at the Great War.

[@xGhost4000x]

19 minutes in and I ask myself, why am I even watching this? I already know how to play EU4 yet for some reason I'm sitting hear listening to Quill explain the game.

[@evolvedape2161]

CALM_DOWN lol same

[@sleepylonewolf4910]

I was looking for a video tutorial to transition from Crusader Kings II to Europa Universalis IV and I can tell you that this is GREAT. Thank you Quill.

[@talonsaurn5764]

Really Appreciate this, EU4 just looks so complex when i browse videos of it, have always enjoyed grand strategy games but being out of practice it was intimidating to start up, having this tutorial series will give me confidence

[@CommissarMitch]

Thank you so much for this Quill

[@yenlabuda9289]

back in 2016 I watched these tutorials and they helped me greatly. Thanks to you, I play EU4 ever since. THANK YOU!

[@orangetayo]

Thank you! Just bought the game on steam sale, no expansions, and I'm playing alongside your tutorial. Interesting to see the randomized elements from game to game. At some point we'll begin to diverge as Aragon is very friendly to me in my game, but this tutorial series is really making this game accessible to me. I had a difficult time trying Crusader Kings 2, in fact I gave up on it. I'm hoping this one is bit more my speed.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Thanks for making this tutorial series, man. I just bought EUIV and every single DLC available. I'm ready to dive in!

[@LoriH2O]

I'm glad to see this. Arumba's tutorial series on Crusader Kings helped convince me to get into the game.

[@jadonschroer8143]

Thank you so much for doing this! I bought the game awhile back and have had no idea how to play! I need this! Thanks and I will be watching all of your videos from now on! :)

[@tom2678]

You may have saved this game for me, thank you. Total beginner to the entire series and I love your videos so far.

[@orelanic4178]

Love to see an updated version of this tutorial with the new DLC

[@HelixGameEngine]

It is a great series of tutorials for a beginner, very easy to follow and understand. The author did a great job.

[@joepurmort16]

i come back to this video and just fall in love with the nostalgia.

[@MrKoekoeksklok]

It's really nice to see you do this. I would never have gotten into this game if it wasn't for your Timurid game with aKiss4Luck, and now I have gotten over 3000 hours of enjoyment out of it. Here's hoping this series will bring that to many more new players.

[@aguyuno]

Excellent video. Informative, easy to understand, and not presented with any sense of impatience or whatever. Thank you!!

[@bobbyjoe1111]

Great tutorial, very well explained and good flow!

[@shimky301]

Exceptional quality to this tutorial, quill18. Kudos!

[@Joshua-yf5mh]

Thank you for the natural way you bring up and explain mechanics. I have been wanting to play this game for awhile but have always been overwhealmed by the complexing each time i tried. Needless to say this game is alot more complex than Total War games or Civ 5 & 6.

[@BrianEverything]

I got this game for a dollar from humble bundle and I was so confused when I firsted opened it but you are explaining so good! Thanks for this amazing tutorial!

[@cm4589]

I really admire you for making this tutorial video. I remember an older tutorial video you made that helped me when I was starting off. Just wanted to say that these do help and are worthwile and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@albertdybro9354]

this is now the third tutorial for complete beginners series i have watched thx bro

[@thetrashman5381]

People who have played Vicky2 and think they will know what EU4 is like (like me): Before Playing: This will be easy, all Paradox games are the same! Starts Up Game: *MOTHER OF GOD*

[@Tucker454]

i've played stellaris and i thought that was enough to understand eu4

[@spencersss1251]

Yeah. I played crusader kings 2 and then went into eu4 and was in for a suprise . There’s a lot more micro managing and ideas and such. In ck2 I just really need to focus on my character,traits, and kingdom. I have vassals to take care of smaller things . And more story of individuals makes it easier

[@PravusGaming]

Definitely great to see a new tutorial series, but wouldn't it have been better to wait until Mare Nostrum comes out?

[@Heranara]

+Pravus Gaming he turned all dlc. we don't really know how much will be free and what will be part of the dlc.

[@LibertyMonk]

there's always another expansion to wait for.

[@Pangora2]

+Pravus Gaming This is playing without mods, so besides a few map changes in other parts of Europe, we might be fine. THOUGH, you are right in a way, because now that I'm typign this I remember a straight is going in to get to Africa from Iberia. That'll likely change things up huge. Maybe by the time it becomes relevant in game he'll just mention it in the tutorial video?

[@AnEzYes]

+Pravus Gaming i see what your getting at but i think he wants to do this for people who are brand new and aren't super into the game and have all the expansions i think thats what he is aiming for, just a guess

[@AnEzYes]

oops i meant don't have the expansions

[@jackdutton3534]

I've got over a 1000 hours playing this but just going to watch anyway because I'm pretty sure theres stuff i can still learn and I haven't seen a Quill18 vid in ages. Hi quill!

[@Mordihamagniv]

great tutorial even 7 years later

[@Dextergec413]

Man, I just picked up this last week and feel like I'm going to have to watch this entire series!

[@alainlegros6344]

The only good EU4 tutorial available. And it's REALLY good. Thank you!

[@Gnaaks]

One of the BEST Tutorials! Thumbs up and thank you for doing such a great job!

[@bodnotbod]

Glad to see this series. I have occasionally tried to get into EU4 and have watched other tutorials. But I don't seem to get the necessary pleasure from finding my way in the game that drives me on to persevere.

[@Zadkiel343]

What a fantastic idea for a series. I'm a strategy fan and I own EU4 after picking it up in a steam sale (yes, that old story) but I never got around to playing it, partly because it intimidated me. I'll be watching this with extreme intereest.

[@Cideous]

very basic stuff so I don't think I'll watch it myself. Never the less big thanks Quill for doing this. This game is awesome and more ppl need to play it. It's so funny listening to you go from one thing to the next just barely managing to hold back the 15 tangents you opened up. It's so hard to explain one thing in this game without touching on a bunch of other stuff at the same time.

[@jamiedavies3810]

Really liked the way you explained everything, I actually understand what the heck it is I'm supposed to do! Liked and subbed!

[@rtbrtb805]

This tutorial series brought me to your Channel and teaches me this great game. Thanks a lot!

[@altostratus9342]

What a great tutorial (new subscriber now)!! I picked up EU4 (lured by the Britannia DLC) and went through the in game tutorials but, still really didn't have much of an idea on how to get started. This has been a huge help figuring out how to get started and what things to think about; its great to see and hear the thought processes in action. Clear and concise. On to your next tutorial in the series now :) Cheers!

[@Facarwi]

I just started getting into EU4, one of the biggest hurtles I find is its sandbox style. Being so new I find I struggle to understand the opportunities or hints the game gives me. It can feel like sometimes I am waiting for the game to give me a clue on what to do next. I think a fantastic edition to this beginners guide is doing a full Lets play with all DLC, not explaining every little detail, but the goal would be giving newbies idea's and showing off what is possible. I would love a proper playthrough of Castile or something beginner friendly but play no holds barred and show us what a experienced player can achieve. Edit: How rude I totally just asked you to make a video without even mentioning how fantastic the series is, the only reason I ask for more content is because of the insane quality you produce. Thank you Quill!

[@LousyGamer]

I am just starting to play this game and this is amazing information. Nicely presented and easy to understand. Thanks a lot for taking time to get this video out. I was frustrated with the game tutorial not offering information in such a depth. This is handy now.

[@ArthurSeeClarke]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial series. I just started playing this game, and boy is there a heap of trash tutorial videos on KZbin for it.

[@spatrk6634]

easiest way to learn by trial and error. sure tutorial videos are good as well to get a grasp of something. but nothing beats just playing the game and failing until you learn.

[@sartr593]

@@spatrk6634 I strongly disagree (at least with this game). With this game I started to understand how things work only after watching Quill18's tutorial, although I tried several times. I was not a newcomer to Paradox games, since I played Europa Universalis: Rome, CK II, Stellaris, HoI 4 and EU 3 (I played those games without any tutorials). But EU4 has too much depth and mechanics. Even now after hundreds of hours played I still keep learning something new.

[@spatrk6634]

@@sartr593 i strongly disagree with that.

[@lizvillegas6603]

Wow thank you so much for this. I've had the game for a little while now but have been a bit intimidated by it. You've made it much clearer and more fun!

[@empyrealcultist1992]

The banter is ace, aesthetic rivals and bigger names for the win!

[@harjutapa]

This was an excellent tutorial LP. I'd love to see an updated one with the most common/recommended DLCs for those of us who don't "collect them all" and still have questions/things to learn.

[@Ranulf13]

I know the game well but i enjoy you taking about this Stuff and you do a really great Job explaining!

[@MicGeah]

One of the best tutorials on youtube. Thank you Quill. I finally fell in love with this game. :)

[@Molibar]

Just finished the last episode of this series. Great work, now it feels like I know.. ..well, nothing still, but I'm in a better place to learn more. Thanks a plenty, and I hope you've managed to capitalise on this content somehow, but I don't think I've seen any ads. Keep up the good work!

[@BritishGandalf]

I just downloaded the demo for EU IV and played the tutorial. Have to say your vid is way more comprehensive and understandable, thanks!

[@TheAnthraxBiology]

I've played 300 hours and I'm watching this because when I started playing, there weren't any tutorials for updated versions so I had to figure it out. I feel like I missed some essentials like combat so I'm hoping to learn from this!

[@Nattybumco]

thank you for not doing the same thing as everyone else: "this is what this menu does, this is what this one does....." and completely overloading people with a lack of information. Amazing tutorial

[@Class5Shtstorm]

From Windsor ON, enjoying this series Quill!

[@blueiceani6833]

very easy to watch tutorial. i feel like some other tutorials out there are almost like a chore to watch

[@leoric18ify]

Great video! I started playing yesterday and I am lost.... this helps! Thanks!

[@TrueHistoryAustralia]

Thankyou mate! Very well explained. Loving this game so far.

[@Teddiepeoful]

I used to play EU4 a lot, but kind of lost interest for a few months... but now I've wanted to get back into it and this is perfect for me to learn all the things I missed in Cossacks and Common Sense!

[@Mirsad703]

This is really in depth, and you explained it perfectly. You are great. I know this is old but still, you rock dude. subbed

[@plizzo]

Was browsing the Steam store today and found this on sale. I'm a big fan of RTS games and this video sold me. Aaaaand that's a sub :)

[@miyamotomusashi7612]

Thank you so much! Europa Universalis IV is the first game to ever give me a complete sensory overload.

[@CheyTacHD]

literally only just found out about Europa so this guide made me feel comfortable enough to dive in and buy it so thanks :)

[@MekaGhost]

I'm glad I found this channel again you are legend.

[@ll-tr7hh]

you are amazing.. without this i'd never had been able to play.

[@nikolatesla7007]

This is the video that I have been looking for. Thanks man! You helped me a lot👊👊

[@thetatn1113]

These tutorials are so good. I learned how to play hoi3, eu4, ck2.

[@seby826]

i used to play Ck2 and i just got into europa, i glad i found your videos since i was completely lost at first

[@drspartia54]

Such a good and helpful tutorial!

[@TimTimSalabim]

Just getting into this game and this video is helping a lot. Thanks!

[@kingofspades110]

Thank you so much for making this guide!

[@TheRequiem90]

great video, just what I needed. Ty for your efforts man, I subscribed.

[@BrendanBeckett]

I've never needed a tutorial video to complete a game tutorial... until now.

[@Esty6]

This was long overdue Quill. Every time someone asked me if there was a good tutorial for EU4 in youtube I had to tell them "well, you can watch some of Quill's EU4 series, they're not technically tutorials but he explains his actions well"... now I'll have an official tutorial series to refer to.

[@alinisar87]

Absolutely superb tutorial by quill18. However, i made the mistake of watching the tutorial first before even playing a minute of the game, got overwhelmed and most of the info flew over my head. So imo the best way to utilize these awesome tutorials is to play the game first for a few hours, then come back and learn from these gems.

[@robsmith8506]

Thanks for this .. had game for ages but never really played as felt overwhelmed

[@martinaustin6230]

To those new players watching this. This tutorial is very good and is still relevant as the mechanics haven't changed much. DLCs does make the gameplay a bit different, especially for colonies and new actions for rulers and diplomacy. However he does eventually talk about tech groups (western, eastern, Muslim, etc) and how certain ones can lead to tech being more expensive to upgrade. This is not the case anymore, institutions are a new mechanic that increase tech cost if you haven't embraced yet (you should watch a separate video on that or read the wiki.) So keep that in mind. Also castile now starts in a civil war (it can be overcome quickly though, and if you ally Portugal and maybe someone else you'll be safe from Aragon and France, especially if you are on very easy difficulty) so it may not be as good of a starter nation. If you decide to play Portugal your diplomacy would be ending your alliance with England (unless you want to fight France), ally castile and help him in his wars. A strong castile->Spain will your protection from France, France will eventually want to expand down their if they are strong enough. Your expansion should be Africa including North Africa, and maybe Indonesia. Your colonies should be Mexico, Caribbean and South America regions. Your alliances will be castile, and anyone else that isn't too weak and isn't rivaled by castile (Austria would be a great one maybe Poland if they have a union over Lithuania (often referred to as the PLC) and if Moscovy->Russia hasn't eaten them or the ottomans. England could be an ok ally later on if castile doesn't hate him, but he's a bad initial ally because France and England always fight in the first few years of the game and 90% time France wins anyways retaking the English land in France. Also this tutorial does make it seem like you have to play each single day on the slowest speed. That is not the case. You can easily play 4 or 5 speed pausing every several months if you aren't at war, and for wars I still often do 4 speed although you should do lower speeds if you are new. A tip for DLCs, non are really mandatory unless you play outside of Europe (not including North Africa, Asia Minor, or western Russia regions). However the first 3 you should buy are art of war, rights of man, and common sense. This adds the most amount of content and makes playing outside of Europe much easier. The best thing is to wait for sales, those 3 DLCs are older and go on sale for 50% off or more multiple times a year

[@JasonWeakley]

Thanks for putting this together, I just bought the game after watching you do some play throughs, but OMG there is SO MUCH to learn about this game... and like MATH! I would also like an absolute idiots guide to this game, but am really enjoying this -- I wouldn't be offended if you added some more videos to this, or even a new beginners tutorial with another civ.

[@jorgeguberte]

This game is much more daunting to get into than HOI4 or Stellaris. I can play those 2 games comfortably but EU4 is a beast of its own, and I've been saying for a long time that I want to get into it and then not doing it. Now I'm getting into it and these videos are the best I found. Thank you!