Europa Universalis IV

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,250 out of 1463
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 1463
  3. Negative: 98 out of 1463

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  1. Orctownorc
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    WOW! For about ten years Paradox Development have been a small team of nice guys working hard to give us good games and mostly failing. Their games have been for the most part tedious, pretentious and ugly, with cluttered mechanisms, and hideous micromanagement. Most of the Paradox efforts suffered from terrible tutorials and ridiculous learning curved that discouraged any vaguely casualWOW! For about ten years Paradox Development have been a small team of nice guys working hard to give us good games and mostly failing. Their games have been for the most part tedious, pretentious and ugly, with cluttered mechanisms, and hideous micromanagement. Most of the Paradox efforts suffered from terrible tutorials and ridiculous learning curved that discouraged any vaguely casual gamers. But beyond inaccessibility, the games were finally not that good, because even when you figured out the mechanisms they were still too MECHANICAL: not even really worth learning in the end because they were all variations of a sausage machine. However something miraculous happened with Crusaders Kings 2, and echoes of the good things we saw in earlier games (Hearts of Iron 2) reappeared: Better looking graphics. Simpler, yet DEEPER gameplay. The machine kept churning away but Paradox learned to save us from the worst of it, and the gameplay began to blossom. Europa Universalis IV seems to demonstrate that Paradox has really turned the corner. The game is beautiful. Gameplay is fluid. The depth and complication is welcome, but it has been softened with a more thoughtful and gaming friendly structure! GREAT WORK PARADOX! Good things take time, and your grand ambitions are finally bearing fruit. I'm very excited about where this will lead with the Hearts of Iron series, because all the design wisdom that we can see in CK2 and EU4 is leading in the absolute correct direction. If you love strategy gaming please go and buy this game and support this developer! This is a FAR, FAR superior game to Civilizations 1-5 as well as anything put out by Creative Assembly. It's been a long wait but worth it. Can't wait to see what we get when the final few pieces of the game design puzzle fall into place. If they get the budget to build something with a more solid multiplayer experience we will see the PERFECT game.… Expand
  2. bitcrusher
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    Best Paradox game to date. Multiplayer hotjoin added makes it the easiest grand strategy game to play with a friend.

    Full of depth and history it will make CIV5 seem like child's play.
    With over 250 nations to play you will never be bored.
  3. BritMboh
    Oct 14, 2017
    9
    Although the difficulty curve may be very steep for those new to paradox game, EU4 is most certainly the cream of the crop of grand strategy, and you'll find it very hard to go back to games like Civilization after it, thanks to its deep gameplay and replayability. Sadly, I do have to penalize it somewhat for its DLC policy, which makes it ridiculously expensive to get properly started off with,
  4. conus21
    Aug 20, 2016
    9
    You can hardly find another cool nerdy game like EU! Building empires, crushing revolutions, vassalising smaller nations... tons of stuff! Although I admit it's a hard task for newbies to get into this game.
  5. Natorules
    Feb 26, 2018
    9
    I'm playing through this game currently with a friend and it is an absolute joy to play! Despite having massive difficulties learning other Grand Strategy Games such as HOI3, I was able to very easily learn the base mechanics of the game. However, despite easily learning the base mechanics the systems go far deeper than they appear.

    Despite my generally positive experience there are a    I'm playing through this game currently with a friend and it is an absolute joy to play! Despite having massive difficulties learning other Grand Strategy Games such as HOI3, I was able to very easily learn the base mechanics of the game. However, despite easily learning the base mechanics the systems go far deeper than they appear.

    Despite my generally positive experience there are a few issues with the game, namely Paradox's DLC policy. I currently don't own any of the DLC however, due to the high price and extensive nature of the DLC I don't plan on buying any either. As well as this a decent amount of relatively basic content (e.g. manual improvement of provinces) is locked behind this incredulous pay wall.

    Even though this DLC policy is ridiculous I personally believe you don't need the DLC to have an extremely enjoyable time while playing the game. (Especially for a history geek like myself!) I do personally believe that this game is best suited to play with friends and if possible would recommend that you buy this game in tandem with a friend!    … Expand
  6. Sam0202
    Apr 10, 2017
    9
    With almost 1000 hours put in this game and the flexibility it allows you to play in one of the most interesting times in history. However, it does have quite a steep learning curve, which can put off the new player for a grand strategy game. It has a lot of number crunching, which personally I'm not a fan of but it doesn't stop me from having fun and dominating as a one nation minor. ItWith almost 1000 hours put in this game and the flexibility it allows you to play in one of the most interesting times in history. However, it does have quite a steep learning curve, which can put off the new player for a grand strategy game. It has a lot of number crunching, which personally I'm not a fan of but it doesn't stop me from having fun and dominating as a one nation minor. It is a game of which has a diverse play style. You can be a military world power, or king of the sea and trade, it is totally up to you, the player, to follow history or create your own. The only reason it doesn't get its perfect score is because of how overwhelming it can be, even with 1000 hours, but this can be a pro for some players. I would recommend.… Expand
  7. eva3si0n
    Oct 7, 2017
    10
    The best strategy at the moment if to reject casual Civilization. Not in one game there are no so many opportunities and game mechanics for such big historical term. The entrance threshold at the games Paradox is very high, but if you have overcome it. That you receive the sea of emotions and pleasures.
    PS. 1000 hours, a game release me.
    PSS. The price policy of Paradox is awful. Paradox    The best strategy at the moment if to reject casual Civilization. Not in one game there are no so many opportunities and game mechanics for such big historical term. The entrance threshold at the games Paradox is very high, but if you have overcome it. That you receive the sea of emotions and pleasures.
    PS. 1000 hours, a game release me.
    PSS. The price policy of Paradox is awful. Paradox you are ****    … Expand
  8. Gamer_X-Fight
    Jan 18, 2017
    10
    One of my favourite strategy. The developers made a great job. The game sends me to the deep medieval world. One week I could not move away from my computer. I think this is the best historical strategy from Paradox.
    After I start to play Europa Universalis IV I couldn't play the sid meier s civilization.
  9. SaydaNeen
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    There isn't much bad to say about this game. They keep updating it and improving the game further, thousands of different avenues and countries to play as, replay ability is very great in this game. The only downside to this game is the learning curve, expect tens of hours just learning how the game works and most of its different mechanics and possible even 75+ hours becoming efficient atThere isn't much bad to say about this game. They keep updating it and improving the game further, thousands of different avenues and countries to play as, replay ability is very great in this game. The only downside to this game is the learning curve, expect tens of hours just learning how the game works and most of its different mechanics and possible even 75+ hours becoming efficient at it. long learning curve but the result is so satisfying when you manage to form the countries of today through long wars and crucial and extensive planning, the reward and satisfaction is one of its gems.… Expand
  10. Kire_92
    Feb 24, 2018
    10
    It takes a long time until you learn to play the game efficiently. But once you do the possibilities are endless! This game offers a lot of content compare to other games and you can keep playing this for years. This game have given me more value for my money than any other game and it's definitely one of the best games I’ve ever played!
  11. YusufBey1453
    Apr 16, 2018
    9
    Choose the Ottoman Empire and capture the world.
    but remember, if you do not select that , Ottoman chooses you.
  12. gamakazil
    Apr 25, 2023
    9
    A Decade of Grand Strategy Excellence - 9/10

    As a dedicated player of Europa Universalis IV for the past 10 years, and having experienced every expansion along the way, I can confidently say that this Paradox title is a true gem in the realm of grand strategy games. With the perfect balance of depth and breadth, as well as historical accuracy and playability, EU4 offers an unparalleled    A Decade of Grand Strategy Excellence - 9/10

    As a dedicated player of Europa Universalis IV for the past 10 years, and having experienced every expansion along the way, I can confidently say that this Paradox title is a true gem in the realm of grand strategy games. With the perfect balance of depth and breadth, as well as historical accuracy and playability, EU4 offers an unparalleled experience for both history enthusiasts and strategy gamers alike.

    One of the key elements that sets EU4 apart from other grand strategy games is its focus on both micro and macro gameplay. The game allows players to dive deep into the intricacies of diplomacy, warfare, and economic management, while also offering the opportunity to guide an entire nation through centuries of historical events. This combination of detail and scope creates a captivating experience that has kept me hooked for a decade.

    The historical accuracy in EU4 is commendable, as it manages to stay true to real-world events and geopolitical situations while still providing players with the flexibility to forge their own paths. This balance ensures that the game remains engaging and exciting, offering countless possibilities for alternate historical outcomes.

    Moreover, the consistent release of expansions and updates has kept EU4 fresh and exciting over the years. The developers at Paradox have shown a commitment to improving and expanding the game, adding new mechanics, regions, and historical events that have only served to deepen the already impressive gameplay experience.

    As a passionate fan of both history and strategy gaming, I have found Europa Universalis IV to be the ideal blend of these two worlds. With its near-perfect combination of depth, breadth, historicity, and playability, EU4 truly stands out as an exceptional grand strategy game. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a rich and engaging experience that will challenge their strategic skills and satisfy their historical curiosity.    … Expand
  13. Omen50
    Oct 29, 2022
    10
    Best Paradox game to date. Multiplayer hotjoin added makes it the easiest grand strategy game to play with a friend.

    Full of depth and history it will make CIV5 seem like child's play.
    With over 250 nations to play you will never be bored.
  14. Ed_
    Sep 6, 2013
    10
    A fantastic, enjoyable game! I haven't noticed any bugs, smooth gameplay, great songs, not as complicated as some people would say. You have the opportunity to lead any country and make decisions which can be fatal or profitable for your monarchy or republic. Keep up the good work Paradox!
  15. SchnitzelPoof
    Feb 20, 2014
    8
    After sinking (way too much) time into this game, I can say that I absolutely LOVE it.
    However, be warned that this style fits a particular kind of strategy gamer, not all of them. For example, if you enjoy Total War games (which I also love), EU IV might not necessarily give you the right thrill.
    For one thing, it has a steep learning curve for newcomers (such as myself), who didn't    After sinking (way too much) time into this game, I can say that I absolutely LOVE it.
    However, be warned that this style fits a particular kind of strategy gamer, not all of them. For example, if you enjoy Total War games (which I also love), EU IV might not necessarily give you the right thrill.

    For one thing, it has a steep learning curve for newcomers (such as myself), who didn't play EU III or similar installments from Paradox, but if you have the patience to learn the details (and there are many of them), you get to play a game that covers a fascinating historic period, on an unsurpassed scale - the entire span of the globe, no less, from East to West.
    It has a deep diplomatic model, which can be very satisfying to use. Wars, in particular, are not a matter of extermination, but can rather serve as a means to weaken an enemy, gain some territory, or (my favorite) force enemies to grant independence to countries they had annexed earlier.

    On the other hand, the satisfaction EU IV provides is mostly cerebral. There is a lot of satisfaction in seeing your carefully laid plans bear fruit, but your time is spent gazing at the map which, as pretty as it may be, is still a map; and at numerous icons, texts, and information sheets. EU IV might be a very complex board game, but that's what it is, basically. In regards to audio-visual entertainment, the cover image is the most exciting part of the game, so if that's what you're after, I suggest looking elsewhere.

    Still, if you enjoy strategizing, outwitting foes, and growing a country that you picked to scary proportions, I believe you will love Europa Universalis IV almost as much as I do.    … Expand
  16. rollingC
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    Paradox at its best. Civilization V is nothing in front of Europa Universalis IV.The deepest game I've ever played. Haven't checked the multiplayer yet...100 hours and I'm still hooked up.
  17. masterjohnson1
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    Paradox Development Studio has done it again with another great grand strategy game, EU4 puts you as a country and you have to take over the world or become number one in the world you play,
    that sounds easy but it is not as easy as you my first think depending on what country you start with.
    if you enjoyed CK2 you will enjoy this
  18. K1ller
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    Excellent continuation of Europa Universalis series. I started as my hime country, Bohemia, and the level of historical details authors introduced is really excellent.
    Oh and a small notion to all of those complaining about hard to get UI. Please, go back to you consoles or tablets and leave PC games to people with brains. Thank you.
  19. caliphamid
    Sep 18, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very detailed and enjoyable gameplay, fantastic in-game dynamics, and elegant graphics absolutely prove that this game completely deserves to be called grand strategy.… Expand
  20. Cliffordian
    May 21, 2014
    9
    A great grand strategy game with great width and depth. A successful combination of war, diplomacy, economy, colonization and more. A numbers game to a large extent with great level of detail for the one interested.
  21. Invino
    Sep 18, 2013
    10
    2nd Review: Giving it a 10 (+1 over 1st score). The 1920x1200 resolution small text has been fixed now too.

    After 226 hours played, still playing got most the Ironman achievements with England. It really needs 100 hours just to get the hang of it all. Game gets more and more amazing, the complexity the random factor means never will you have the same game twice (and I started    2nd Review: Giving it a 10 (+1 over 1st score). The 1920x1200 resolution small text has been fixed now too.

    After 226 hours played, still playing got most the Ironman achievements with England. It really needs 100 hours just to get the hang of it all.

    Game gets more and more amazing, the complexity the random factor means never will you have the same game twice (and I started Ironman about 20x until I got it just right).

    Yes, one needs to speed time up when things are slow, but that's why there is a time shift. The complexity depends on starting nation. England has it easy on their little island, but try stopping Ottomans with Serbia for instance, or playing Native American tribes in Ironman.    … Expand
  22. valentino
    Aug 21, 2013
    10
    Love strategy, Gal Civ, Civ, TW, but it's the first time I've played a paradox game. It seems I really missed out on some of their earlier titles. If you like strategy, buy this game. It makes TW and Civ 5 seem like they are aimed at 6-10 year olds.
  23. Jonathan117
    Aug 31, 2013
    10
    I only need 3 words to describe this masterpiece of a game; Gigantic, Beautiful and Addictive. This is a game that may not be for the weak of heart but once you get into it; damn, it's one of the best games you've ever played! Wanna do a campaign as the Ming empire? Sure... you can do that! Wanna unify Japan? Yep, you can do that too! This is a game where you can do pretty much everything!I only need 3 words to describe this masterpiece of a game; Gigantic, Beautiful and Addictive. This is a game that may not be for the weak of heart but once you get into it; damn, it's one of the best games you've ever played! Wanna do a campaign as the Ming empire? Sure... you can do that! Wanna unify Japan? Yep, you can do that too! This is a game where you can do pretty much everything! Strongly recommended!… Expand
  24. badger2013
    Aug 13, 2013
    10
    While the final expansion to EU3, Divine Wind, was less than stellar, taken as a whole EU3 was an impressive game and trying to improve upon it would be a daunting task for anyone. With EU4, Paradox has done just that, and it's clear that they've learned from the mistakes of Divine Wind. In short: buy EU4, you won't be disappointed.
  25. Luiz_Felipe
    Aug 28, 2013
    9
    A masterpiece! One of the best strategy games I've ever played. EUIII was a very good game but full of flaws and boring mechanics. In EUIV, Paradox got a lot of that and corrected the way they should do it. It's not a perfect game, sure, but it got close. Correct the bugs, especially the achievements ones, and some minor problems, like England being too weak and France too powerfull, andA masterpiece! One of the best strategy games I've ever played. EUIII was a very good game but full of flaws and boring mechanics. In EUIV, Paradox got a lot of that and corrected the way they should do it. It's not a perfect game, sure, but it got close. Correct the bugs, especially the achievements ones, and some minor problems, like England being too weak and France too powerfull, and voilá a 10 will be deserved. Right now, I am content with the 9.… Expand
  26. Alpha_U
    Aug 24, 2013
    10
    One of the best games I played. Europa Universalis IV is meant for thousands of hour of play time and the amount of replay ability available is incredible. You could just add thousands of hours into just by the vanilla version but no it doesn't stop there.

    There is even a bigger mod community in Europa Universalis IV then the prequel (Europa Unversalis III) so be prepared to play until    One of the best games I played. Europa Universalis IV is meant for thousands of hour of play time and the amount of replay ability available is incredible. You could just add thousands of hours into just by the vanilla version but no it doesn't stop there.

    There is even a bigger mod community in Europa Universalis IV then the prequel (Europa Unversalis III) so be prepared to play until the next Europa Universalis game.

    + all the expansions they could make for Europa Universalis IV will be even a better game then now.

    I would advise you to buy it if you're into Strategy and history and *What if scenarios*    … Expand
  27. Sn0H0ar
    Aug 13, 2013
    9
    EU4 is easily the best game in the series, taking all the best advancements of its previous iterations and expansions and melding them seamlessly with new features.

    The tired (and highly flawed) trading system has been replaced with one that makes a lot more sense and keeps the game from getting out of hand (particularly during the end-game). Income has been replaced with a single,    EU4 is easily the best game in the series, taking all the best advancements of its previous iterations and expansions and melding them seamlessly with new features.

    The tired (and highly flawed) trading system has been replaced with one that makes a lot more sense and keeps the game from getting out of hand (particularly during the end-game).

    Income has been replaced with a single, monthly, number greatly increasing ease of understanding and economic planning. Some features, such as inflation have been dumbed down, which may or may not be of concern, but overall economics just feels better.

    Technology sliders and certain diplomatic/administrative actions have been replaced by a three pronged point system, which again, streamlines ease of use, but more importantly, makes actions, like (the ever-popular) large-scale revolts, construction, and war exhaustion manageable and easier to visualize as real world paradigms.

    This limited points system spills over into diplomacy, religion, and trade, with diplomats, missionaries, and merchants now a standing number non-replenishable over the months but available to send and call back from missions at will, which particularly with diplomats open more options.

    Wars are shorter and more defined, and reinforce speed has been significantly decreased, meaning standing armies are more important. Losing a battle makes your units fall back several territories and prevents the ridiculous "cat-and-mouse" chases of yesteryear.

    Overall, for those who are old hands of EU, this is a great new addition to the series, expanding on the best EU has to offer. For those who are new to series, this is the perfect entry to get your feet wet, with tool tips and explanations abound. Although complicated enough to be called a "grand strategy" game, EU4 is the perfect blend of complexity and design, but without the complication inherent in some other titles.    … Expand
  28. bwheatley
    Aug 16, 2013
    10
    "Europa Universalis IV is the game you graduate to when you’re tired of Civilization" Edge

    I completely agree with this sentiment and will echo what others said. This is a big jump up in terms of tutorials and learning. The game has yet to have any major bugs that ruin the game for me. It's been a total blast so far to play and i'd have paid $60 bucks like a typical AAA game. In my    "Europa Universalis IV is the game you graduate to when you’re tired of Civilization" Edge

    I completely agree with this sentiment and will echo what others said. This is a big jump up in terms of tutorials and learning. The game has yet to have any major bugs that ruin the game for me. It's been a total blast so far to play and i'd have paid $60 bucks like a typical AAA game.

    In my play through with england there were many times where i felt my back was up against the wall. I was bordering on bankruptcy then had to fight hordes of rebellions but i managed to make it through and rebuild. There was a war with France vs the rest of the world, me (england), Spain, Portugal, Vienna, Scotland, etc and they had about 130 ground units. They had occupied most of the typical french territory plus almost all of spain. I had to make a seperate peace and give up some of my territory in NW europe on the mainland but it stopped the horde. Fast forward 50 years later with the start of the Protestant religion and France starts pulling itself apart from religious strife. The same coalition is able to go in and dismantle France piece by piece. All that remains now is ile-de-france and the area all around it are the smaller sovereign regions.

    This game is an amazing roller coaster you have to try to believe.    … Expand
  29. Hurzdligh
    Aug 24, 2013
    10
    I don`t usually give a 10/10 for games that still have minor flaws, but after i bought this game i think I have sunk almost all my free time in it. And the time flies and you realize you need to work, to eat. And this happened for days.

    It is a splendid game, a marvel I might say, very well balanced, the difficulty scales with expansions, what can I say more than a superb strategy    I don`t usually give a 10/10 for games that still have minor flaws, but after i bought this game i think I have sunk almost all my free time in it. And the time flies and you realize you need to work, to eat. And this happened for days.

    It is a splendid game, a marvel I might say, very well balanced, the difficulty scales with expansions, what can I say more than a superb strategy game.

    And it scales in such a realistic way. For example, playing as the ottomans, I find out that after the initial blast, the powerful ottomans tend to remain behind in the 18th century and the 19th century, so even after i am one of the greatest power around the globe (land), I still consider if I should attack another nation. The coalition system and the technology points investment are so well designed that will enhance your gameplay with hard thought decisions. To invest in buildings, in technology, in expanding and so much more.

    What can I say more than a strong 10/10. One of the best, if not the best strategy game i have ever played.    … Expand
  30. mcmanusaur
    Oct 20, 2013
    8
    ---Rating---
    Design: 4 /5 (good strategy gameplay, frustrating randomness, a few design issues)
    Polish: 4 /5 (graphics are acceptable given the game's nature, some bugs are present) Value: 5 /5 (huge map with excellent replay potential and emergent storytelling aspect) ---Review--- While Europa Universalis may never be as flashy from a technical or "eye candy" perspective as some    ---Rating---
    Design: 4 /5 (good strategy gameplay, frustrating randomness, a few design issues)
    Polish: 4 /5 (graphics are acceptable given the game's nature, some bugs are present)
    Value: 5 /5 (huge map with excellent replay potential and emergent storytelling aspect)

    ---Review---
    While Europa Universalis may never be as flashy from a technical or "eye candy" perspective as some other historical strategy titles, its fourth installment provides significantly more depth and freedom than any of those competitors. This is simply a must-play for history buffs, but otherwise it's a very solid and functional (cough, TWR2) grand strategy game with an emphasis on expansion and trade. Although the interface and controls are much more accessible than in previous iterations, some of the mechanics remain quite clunky; trade is heavily abstracted and the combat system is relatively simplistic. There are even a couple instances of what might more-or-less objectively be labeled poor design decisions, including the occasional punishing random event over which the player has no control. The fact that the rest of the game is excellent unfortunately makes its few obvious flaws stand out even more, but that said if you can get past the randomness and arbitrary abstractions Europa Universalis- with all of its immense replay value- can be a very rewarding experience.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PC Game of 2013
34
#34 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. DarkStation
    Dec 12, 2013
    80
    Once players overcome the initial learning curve, Europa Universalis IV will prove a memorable strategy experience that provides as much fun stories as it does sheer tactical complexity.
    Read full review
  2. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 28, 2013
    90
    Somehow retains the series' trademark braininess and complexity while being clearer, simpler and far more fun. [Nov 2013, p.92]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 24, 2013
    100
    The ultimate strategic simulator of an early modern history state with wide options for both success and failure. Do you want to unite Britain under Scotland, thwart the Spanish Reconquista or maintain the Inca empire? Suit yourself. [Issue#234]
See all critic reviews »