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. mac15
    Aug 20, 2014
    9
    There is no feeling of satisfaction such as that of winning a war or successfully creating an empire. Europa Universalis 4 beautifully delivers that satisfaction. Though the first ten or so hours of play time may be frustrating, the game mechanics flow nearly seamlessly once learned. To all those saying it is too complicated or overly complex: EU4 does not pretend to be similar to anyThere is no feeling of satisfaction such as that of winning a war or successfully creating an empire. Europa Universalis 4 beautifully delivers that satisfaction. Though the first ten or so hours of play time may be frustrating, the game mechanics flow nearly seamlessly once learned. To all those saying it is too complicated or overly complex: EU4 does not pretend to be similar to any strategy such as the Civilization Series; it tries to simulate Europe as historically accurate as possible, which, as any history buff will know, is quite complicated.… Expand
  2. Zarc
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    I made the pope Animist 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000090000000000/10
  3. losik
    Feb 13, 2016
    9
    This is everyones favorite empire building/map painting simulator. Developers still release patches & DLCs because people are still playing the game. I guess it is the theme that matters - I feel it is a struggle of different nations, not just a bunch of generic A.I. with some random country name like in Civilization.
  4. Cromwell
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    Europa Universalis IV was my first Paradox game ever. I didn't even know the studio before. I had a chance to buy it for a couple of bucks during a Steam Sales.

    Well, after playing more than 230 hours with multiple countries, all I can say is that this is probably one of the best games I have ever played. Really. First, as a person whose hobby is History and Geography, EUIV is    Europa Universalis IV was my first Paradox game ever. I didn't even know the studio before. I had a chance to buy it for a couple of bucks during a Steam Sales.

    Well, after playing more than 230 hours with multiple countries, all I can say is that this is probably one of the best games I have ever played. Really.

    First, as a person whose hobby is History and Geography, EUIV is amazing.

    Even though you are not interested in increasing your knowledge, the gameplay mechanics themselves are worth your time. They are extremely complexe. Mastering them requires at least 30 hours (which is generally, by the way, the maximum gaming time you will get for a 40-70 dollars game ;-) ) and then the game is extremely rewarding, since it requires you to think and to be clever.

    Each game you play is unique : play France twice and you will get very different opportunnities. Imagine the number of possibilities knowing that you can play EVERY country on the map (France, Japan, Hedjaz, Morroco, Incas...) from any date (day, even) from 1444 to 1821. Playing a country during the entire timeline requires aprox. 80-100 hours.

    Even better, Paradox Studios listen their fans and do all they can to enhance the game experience. Even if expansions are released, you do not need them to play and have fun (I have none of them). Especially since some of their features are available freely after release.

    This game is just brilliant. After 230 hours playing, I am far from quitting. I still want to try at least dozens of countries.
    Now I am planning to buy other Paradox games !    … Expand
  5. Paradigms
    Oct 25, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. Ever felt that Civ was a little too simple? Then welcome to Europa. It's a super complex game with a steep learning curve, but it's well worth it.

    The only downside was the ending year. It felt like there should have been more or that I should have had the option to continue. However, that's forgiveable considering the quality of the game play.
  6. ConjoCesj
    Nov 14, 2014
    10
    Playing Civ V for a while this is my second Paradox game and I gotta say I love it. It takes a few games (on easy mode) to learn all features but than you are hooked. I really like the fact that diplomacy in EU4 is much more advanced than in most strategic games. You can set your own goals and make it as challenging as you like. Thanks Paradox for this gem!

    I hope you all enjoy it!
  7. Heraldofmyself
    Nov 28, 2018
    7
    Still absolutely stoked to see which insta-power buttons the Indonesians will get in the 2019 "expansion".
  8. Zefyres
    Apr 1, 2015
    10
    Amazing strategy game with a huge amount of depth but also with a huge learning curve if you've never played any of the games in this series. This is my first EU game and for the first 50-100 hours I was minimizing every so often to check the wiki and forum explanations to figure out some of the gameplay elements. If this seems intimidating, it should be, because EU4 is just that muchAmazing strategy game with a huge amount of depth but also with a huge learning curve if you've never played any of the games in this series. This is my first EU game and for the first 50-100 hours I was minimizing every so often to check the wiki and forum explanations to figure out some of the gameplay elements. If this seems intimidating, it should be, because EU4 is just that much deeper than most strategy games.

    Technically EU4 is an RTS game but the pace you'll likely be playing it (at least in wars) is more like a turn-based game. AI is very well done and there is a good balance between historical events/progression and open-ended gameplay. I could go into much more detail but probably wouldn't say anything that hasn't been covered in other reviews.

    Much deserved 10/10 but NOT recommended for 'casual' gamers. "Civ 5 for grown ups" is an accurate characterization. In short, if you're looking for a deep strategy game that will make a 5+ hour gaming session disappear in an instant... this is it.    … Expand
  9. Martingus
    May 7, 2015
    10
    First thing... I thought i was a fan of strategy games and had a good picture of what was out there but even though I've played hoi3 for years I just tripped over this game.

    My mind is absolutely blown away by this Masterpiece of a strategy game! With basically every sphere of ruling a nation being webbed together to teach you one or two about national economics and with the    First thing... I thought i was a fan of strategy games and had a good picture of what was out there but even though I've played hoi3 for years I just tripped over this game.

    My mind is absolutely blown away by this Masterpiece of a strategy game!

    With basically every sphere of ruling a nation being webbed together to teach you one or two about national economics and with the groundbreaking feature of working diplomatics (yeah diplomatics work!) this game is unknowingly made to force you into ditching your copies of all total war games and buy this to give your brain a treat!

    Yeah I had to say all that in one sentence.

    Few games would ever deserve a 10/10. Though this game has a few flaws, the magnitude of the cons make those so inferiorly minor that i already forgot all of them.    … Expand
  10. Fibsi
    May 28, 2015
    10
    Since I have it it is my favourite strategy game on Pc. You can Play every Nation in year from 1444 to 1800. You can Play in this game all over the world, but it is very addicting.
  11. Road_Monkey
    Jul 2, 2015
    10
    Schönes Spiel. Muss auch erlich sagen, das mich das Gameplay mehr fesselt als es Civilisation tut. Negativ kann man die DLC Politik betrachten. Unmengen an Geld mit DLC's zu schäffeln ist nicht die feine Art, aber sie lohnen sich... ^^
  12. godunow
    Mar 22, 2016
    9
    Great game. I played this after Crusader Kings 2 and I must say that it offers a simple trade off: get rid of being character-centric (which made CK2 such an amazing experience) for sake of being much more accessible.

    Thats very fair trade off. You get this game and you do not need any other games for the rest of your life :)
  13. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    Europe Universalis as we knew it, but then at its best. Great complex game, remains entertaining, but gets too easy after some time if you know how to game the system.
  14. Harlot
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    Been for years with Paradox. Raked near 2000 hours in this game and the constant updates and punishingly hard achievements mixed with an awesome community keep me coming back. For fans or real complex grand strategies or those that feel the need to challenge themselves (I mean really challenge) or even for people who just love history and want to live it or flip it on its head it's a must have :).
  15. Cree26
    Aug 18, 2020
    10
    What can I say, this is my fave game of all time. If you have any interest in playing a game where you can change the outcome of history, well, this it it. I would never have thought something could ever replace the Total War series as my go to historical sim/ fantasy generator.

    Sure the learning curve is a bit steep, but nothing like EU 2 or 3. So rich and detailed, so rewarding.
  16. Voyou
    May 25, 2021
    0
    Game is text-heavy, as you would expect. Yet game doesn't offer any means to increase text size until it becomes readable. That basic failure requires so low an intelligence that you would wonder why the game maker even tried to make a strategy game. Anyway, it cannot physically be played, so the intrinsic value of the software is simply zero.
  17. marcantoineg
    May 13, 2018
    3
    3 words : Paradox dlc whoring. As usual this game is empty without the numerous tiny dlcs paradox spews over the years.
  18. Lich_Master
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    Really good game.
    -1 point for DLC milking policy, and fact that game was stripped BARE at release (+ Paradox has no quality control on their games, so DLCs were buggy as hell).
    Buy basic game, then wait for DLC sale (prices are ridiculus)
  19. mmyers94028
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    This game has kept me addicted for months. I have racked up around 200 hours of playtime so far and have not regretted a minute. This game is fairly complicated to learn, but once the basics have been mastered, it is incredible. Not only is it fun, but it often follows history so well that it is incredibly interesting as well. Definitely worth it to buy
  20. longuigon
    Feb 12, 2019
    7
    I am impressed with Paradox's work. A complex game that makes you learn something new about it every time you play it. It may take hundreds of hours of gameplay to master the harder difficulties.
  21. darkduckkk
    Nov 4, 2021
    10
    Definitely is not a game for everybody especially if you are not dedicating yourself to this game. But if you learn it once, boy what an experience is that. Every tiny country in this game is playable and this literally means that we have hundreds or even thousands of different scenario that we can play with. Almost each region has its own game mechanics and mission trees. So this enrichesDefinitely is not a game for everybody especially if you are not dedicating yourself to this game. But if you learn it once, boy what an experience is that. Every tiny country in this game is playable and this literally means that we have hundreds or even thousands of different scenario that we can play with. Almost each region has its own game mechanics and mission trees. So this enriches the game play even more. And i am writing this comment from 2021, this game is still state of the art in its kind.… Expand
  22. vvmax
    Jan 29, 2019
    7
    This game is good and has potential, but many of the features baffle my head. I love the idea of colonialism in Grand Strategy Games, but most of the games that use the mechanic add too much to the idea, making it way to confusing. Overall, EU4 is a game with great potential and a great battle system, but many mechanics make it confusing.
  23. Spartan91
    Nov 29, 2018
    5
    This game is a huge meh, and definitely the WORST paradox game I've played. Compared to HoI and Crusader Kings this is just awful. Mostly boring and trying to give the impression that there's actually a lot of options, while having very little actual substance. In the end the whole thing still feels unfinished and lazy.
    It really doesn't help that just like so many other games it still    This game is a huge meh, and definitely the WORST paradox game I've played. Compared to HoI and Crusader Kings this is just awful. Mostly boring and trying to give the impression that there's actually a lot of options, while having very little actual substance. In the end the whole thing still feels unfinished and lazy.
    It really doesn't help that just like so many other games it still basically boils down to fighting wars, therefore battles, which like so many other games just comes down to luck. Although this is especially lazy by just determining it through literal dice rolls which it shows you    … Expand
  24. RagingPoet
    Aug 6, 2018
    9
    Europa Universalis 4 is absolutely gigantic strategy game and it hits the balance between depth and accessibility just right.
  25. tima26tl
    Dec 3, 2019
    8
    Europa Universalis is one of the most re-playable games that you can find. You can play for Any country from 1440-1821 period. Compare to the previous game it became much more diverse and detailed. All big nations feel unique thanks to the tree of missions and special mechanics. For the person who wants to start to play this game for the first time it will seem too complex, and most peopleEuropa Universalis is one of the most re-playable games that you can find. You can play for Any country from 1440-1821 period. Compare to the previous game it became much more diverse and detailed. All big nations feel unique thanks to the tree of missions and special mechanics. For the person who wants to start to play this game for the first time it will seem too complex, and most people will quit after few hours. It is a common problem for almost all Paradox games. Therefore, when you get into it will become one of your favourite strategy games.

    Strategy Element- 5/5 From the first moment you get a full control of your country. You control micro and macro econ, you have control over foreign policy, control over army...

    Re-playable element-2/2 As I said you can play for any country and as soon as you finish playing for one of them you would want to start playing for the new one.

    Multiplayer-0/1 Unfortunately it is almost impossible to play multiplayer. Me and my friends tried to play together but we couldn't play even at speed 4 out 5( speed of time). Our best result was speed 3, in the end we gave up since it would take us ages to finish the party.

    DLC-0/1 generally most of DLC are good and add interesting mechanics, but the problem is that there is more then 10+ DLC for which you need to pay 50+ dollars in total.

    Music-1/1 It is OK, a beat repetitive, I liked more the one in Stellaris    … Expand
  26. Naruto78909
    Apr 2, 2018
    10
    This is the more advanced version of civ you can make your own countries once you get the el dorado dlc this and cities are the best paradox games the game traces back history to 2 ad once you get the extended timline this game can bascally played infinity and you still have stuff to do
  27. WCM320
    Feb 6, 2021
    7
    It's a fantastic game, but its also a game were your either goingt o like it or your not.
  28. DarkBee
    Apr 5, 2018
    10
    "Europe 4" - the same tool for conducting historical experiments, like its predecessor seven years ago. On our conscience is the fate of an individual state taken. We are free to control it as we please: build up the royal army and fight with its neighbors on the mainland, create a whole state of merchants and subdue trade to ourselves, find the New World and appropriate its wealth ... but"Europe 4" - the same tool for conducting historical experiments, like its predecessor seven years ago. On our conscience is the fate of an individual state taken. We are free to control it as we please: build up the royal army and fight with its neighbors on the mainland, create a whole state of merchants and subdue trade to ourselves, find the New World and appropriate its wealth ... but what's that? Game tools quite accurately simulate domestic and foreign policy. Take the indicator of stability: the higher it is, the greater the tax collected, the risk of rebellion is less - the light is brighter and it is easier to breathe. Will leave in a minus - welcome to tartarary! And there is inflation and likes to become hyperinflation, if you are lucky at gold deposits. And also - all kinds of indicators of the economy, trade, fatigue from war, contentment and discontent, military and naval traditions - and everything should be looked at, without forgetting the plan in case of force majeure. Well, the war, of course. Here, war is a special case of diplomacy, not a daily bread, like anywhere in Total War, and not a thorn in the ass like in Civilization V. War can only be useful for its initiator and for those who were ready for it and found her application. Somehow - shake out the money from old enemies to pay off their debts on credit, or force the defeated to release a few small nations who are sure to want to be friends with us. The war is not welcome here. The seizure of provinces or even complete annexation is possible only if the enemy has a small area, and you have a monstrous preponderance in the armed forces. At the same time, the aggressiveness index of the initiating power will soar to the ceiling, which will be bad for the opinion of the surrounding countries. Believe me, they will remember your aggressive appetites and will do anything to prevent new victims. Therefore, it is necessary to fight war carefully, looking at the public and spending.… Expand
  29. sodomo
    May 29, 2018
    10
    I know this not a new game but it is forme, so i like so much the game than i created my account here only to put 10 for this game and make my contribution from him.
    I was a gamer more when i was more young and i realy love this game make me fell i have 17 again and make mi fink only in this game all the day.
    So i want to say thanks a lot to make him. About the game i just want to say    I know this not a new game but it is forme, so i like so much the game than i created my account here only to put 10 for this game and make my contribution from him.
    I was a gamer more when i was more young and i realy love this game make me fell i have 17 again and make mi fink only in this game all the day.
    So i want to say thanks a lot to make him.
    About the game i just want to say is not easy game but learn him make the all the diference and is reward because is change all your oppnion about him. Have pacience padwan and you make there.    … Expand
  30. toxyk
    Jan 14, 2019
    10
    Probablemente el mejor juego de grand strategy de la historia, con todos los dlc es enfermizo. Mejora aun mas jugando online
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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

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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 »