Summary
InEuropa Universalis 4, the entire world is at the player’s fingertips. Hundreds of playable nations are ready to be led to greatness. Whether starting as a country on the brink of collapse or an already powerful empire, fans certainly don’t lack options when it comes to starting a new game ofEuropa Universalis4.
Some countries, however, offer such a wealth of possibilities they can’t help but be intriguing. All of these nations come withtheir own set of challenges, to be sure. Ultimately, it’s the player’s skills that will decide whether or not these nations flourish, or crash and burn.
Updated on June 17, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:With Paradox Interactive gracing Europa Universalis 4 fans with four free DLCs with their base game (Rights of Man, Art of War, Digital Extreme Upgrade, Common Sense), players who want to get into the grand strategy title can finally have a more comprehensive experience that may actually make their sessions more enjoyable. However, fans who want to spice things up in their Europa Universalis 4 gameplay may want to consider choosing starter nations that offer quite a lot of variety with their gameplay options. These include nations that specialize in hyper-expansionist strategies, a look into what’s happening in Africa even before the Age of Discovery, and a country whose only blocker into becoming a superpower is managing revolts.
16Bengal
A View Of What Happens In The Region For Future Games
On top ofBengalproviding quite an entertaining challenge in a player’sEuropa Universalis 4playthrough, the nation can become a “mirror” for players to use to check what happens to the Indian region in-depth as a reference for future playthroughs. Bengal having access to its own trade node on top of having some rich provinces puts it into a place of potential expansion. This is courtesy of a risky opening that reconquers Orissa and Garjat, makes an alliance with Delhi and Malwa, and opens doors to aggressively expand to the east and north - all at the cost of some Aggression Expansion in other nations.
With the Mandate of Heaven DLC, Bengal has the opportunity to become a Ming tributary, further giving it room to expand eastward without much hindrance from Indian rivals. Should gamers play their cards right, Bengal at the arrival of the Renaissance will be rich enough to stave off its tech penalties while at the same time giving it room to form Hindustan. By then, Bengal/Hindustan should be capable enough of quelling threats in the form of Bahmanis and Vijayanagar, giving them the opening to unify all of India into a world power.
15Ethiopia
A Rising Power When Played Correctly
Players ofEuropa Universalis 4who want a worthwhile challenge for their playthroughs can begin asEthiopia, which despite its size boasts an Empire-tier government and quite a lot of vassals in its surrounding regions. Should Ethiopia focus on being a Sunni nation, nearby Muslim nations can become easy allies. However, some prefer a Coptic Ethiopia to take advantage of various boosts that can propel the nation to becoming a rival worthy of Ottoman attention. Making allies out of the rivals of popular expansionists (e.g., England, France, Portugal, Spain) can help Ethiopia thrive in its upcoming journey to the west.
When played properly, EthiopiainEuropa Universalis 4gameplaycan potentially dominate not just Africa but even the entirety of the Middle East. Before uniting Africa, Ethiopia should consider allying with the Ottomans first before taking over the Mamluks to the north and then Oman and Yemen to the east. Down to the south, Ethiopia should consider taking over everything until they see the Cape of Good Hope while the nation wipes out Funj in the west.
14Timurids
Manage Revolts To Become A Major World Power
Technically a remnant of Timur,Timuridsbegin the game at a rather challenging position with the number of revolts that can happen at once. Not to mention, despite various vassals available at the start of aEuropa Universalis 4playthrough, the death of Shah Rukh will further increase their desire to be independent. Thankfully, Timurids does have a lot of angles to solve this internal issue: use the Lenient Taxation Iqta modifier with the Strong Duchies Nobility estate privilege, declare wars until each vassal is annexed one at a time, focusing on Administrative Points to have vassals do the brunt of fighting while also coring relevant provinces, and even letting vassals go - only to conquer them as soon as players form Mughals.
Should Timurids manage to become Mughals by taking some of Jaunpur and Delhi lands, the nation has the potential to transform into a global power. Staying in wars will force vassals to have little reason to rebel, with Ottomans being an ideal ally as they can easily jump to becoming an immediate asset when dealing with the early-game annoyance of Mamluks.
13Muscovy
Hyper-Expansionist With A Bit Of A Challenge Streak
Initially a vassal state to the Golden Horde,Muscovyhas taken advantage of its early strength to become one of the most stable among the surviving states after the Great Horde’s collapse. However, Muscovy’s potential for hyper-expansion in itsEuropa Universalis 4gameplaydoes come at the cost of a weaker early-game presence - particularly lagging behind in tech compared to neighbors across all directions. Thankfully, the presence of a number of Orthodox vassals provides Muscovy with a much-needed combat ability boost to start expanding in any direction they choose.
Should Muscovy start the game prioritizing Religious Ideas, this process should make it much easier to either convert or become tolerant towards Sunni lands in the south. Given geographical reach, only the Novgorod trade route can become a worthwhile early-game investment. The ideal strategy here is to target Novgorod and the Steppe Hordes in the early game to start the formation of Russia, which by then should give players enough firepower to defend against Poland and Denmark. The potential challenge in Muscovy encountering various enemies early on can make this nation more of a third or fourth-playthrough material.
12The Papal State
Watch Everyone Else Try To Get In Their Good Graces
This is no ordinary nation inEU 4. As the Pope, players step into the shoes of the leader of the Catholic world. As such, The Papal State wields incredible power and influence. Although not the largest country at the beginning of the game, the Papacy is poised to expand dramatically across the Italian peninsula.
Catholic rulers (the devout ones anyway) will attempt to stay in the player’s good graces, lest they arouse the anger of the Pope. This country represents one of the most unique playthroughs in the game, one that fans shouldn’t ignore on their next outing.
11Austria
Simulate The History Of German Politics
In Paradox games, playing as the Holy Roman Empire is an experience that every fan should try at least once. RegardingEU 4, navigating the fractious states of the Empire mayseem daunting, especially for beginners; however, for those willing to dabble in German politics, starting asAustriais a solid choice.
In real life, the Habsburg monarchy, represented by Austria, came to dominate the Holy Roman Empire to the point where the title essentially became hereditary. In the game, Austria isn’t quite there yet but occupies a strong position where dominating Imperial politics is well within reach. Can you recreate the stunning successes of this dynasty?
10Poland
Explore Different Areas Of Expansion
Polandis a great nation to play due to the country’s many potential avenues of expansion. Poland starts the game in disarray (and without a king). However, once a leader is crowned, the real work can begin. With Lithuania as an option for a personal union, Poland can start focusing on corralling its troublesome vassals.
Once internal stability is achieved, there are several choices when it comes to external expansion. Players can lock horns with the Golden Horde or the ailing Teutonic Order. If players are feeling particularly strong (or brave) they can even consider chipping away at the intimidating nations of Hungary and the Holy Roman Empire. Restoring the glory of this proud kingdom is quite fun.
9England
Enjoy The English Channel With The Safety Of Isolation
The game’s setting represents an interesting time for the English crown. Multiple problems are festering within this powerful nation. Internal stability is teetering, continued war with France is likely, and further expansion into Ireland is stalled. Nevertheless, despite these problems, the sky’s the limit forEnglandif they manage to put their affairs in order.
With the safety afforded by the English Channel, England has time to tend to its internal safety without having to worry too much about foreign invasions. Once England’s domestic troubles have been sorted one way or another, players can begin the unification of the British Isles. Then, why not reignite the conflict with France to regain England’s former continental possessions? Finally, to top it all off, there are always potential colonial acquisitions in the New World and beyond to consider.
8Trebizond
Revitalize The Byzantine Empire
At the game’s start in 1444, the once-powerful Byzantine Empire is but a shadow of its former self. The disastrous effects of the Fourth Crusade have left Byzantium splintered. One nation with a legitimateclaim to the throne of CaesarisTrebizond, a small kingdom in Anatolia.
When looking for an interesting challenge, players may want to consider revitalizing the Byzantine Empire as Trebizond. It won’t be easy, though. Halting the inexorable Ottoman advance is a challenging endeavor considering Trebizond’s military weakness and geographical isolation. However, if the player somehow manages to achieve the seemingly impossible, why stop there? The potential glory of a reformed Roman Empire awaits…
7Castile
Form The Kingdom Of Spain With A Starting Powerhouse
Castileis certainly one of the most important European countries at the 1444 start. They find themselves on the brink of completing the “Reconquista” of the Iberian peninsula, along with plenty of additional avenues for expansion. It’s also not a bad country toplay as a beginner.
Once the Moors have been displaced, Castile can set its sights on forming the Kingdom of Spain. The other major nation on the peninsula, Aragon, can be reunited with Castile through a personal union. After that, the sky’s the limit. Players can then set their sights on exploring/colonizing the Americas or pursuing more continental ambitions in Portugal, Italy, and beyond.
