Choosing the right nation in Europa Universalis 5 can completely change how your campaign feels. Some countries give you a safe, steady start where you can learn the basics without pressure.
Others throw you into wars, politics, or fast expansion from day one. Since EU5 adds new mechanics like Control, Antagonism, and deeper estate management, your starting nation matters more than ever.
This guide will walk you through the best nations to pick, depending on how you want to play — whether you’re new, returning, or someone who wants a tough challenge.
Best Nations To Pick in Europa Universalis 5?
1. England — Best for Learning War, Navy & Long-Term Growth
You begin with the Hundred Years’ War, so you quickly learn the mechanics of battles, sieges, and alliances. Once you defeat the French, you have the luxury of an island to build your empire.
- Solid early game navy to obtain sea dominance
- Safe home base away from the Continent
- You can colonize
- Trade provides good income through the channel
Use your navy to isolate enemies, and to bolster your island economically. Focus on extending England’s territory first through colonization or by waging selective warfare.
2. Castile — Best Nation for Beginners & Colonizers
Guided missions, and a safe location in Iberia that provides an easy start. Your location and missions provide easy game access and colonization.
- Missions clearly outline objectives
- Major easy alliances
- Ability to form unified Spain
- Fast exploration access to New World
It’s an easy path to forming a global empire once you get the Iberian Wedding for free union with Aragon and the batter.
3. France — Best for Players Who Want a Powerful All-Rounder
France starts the game with a rich economy, lots of population, and good farmland. That allows for the creation of a large land empire and diversifying into trade and colonization.
- One of the strongest early economies.
- High manpower and farmland.
- In addition to warring with other countries, you can trade, develop, and colonize.
- Vassals are strong and can be integrated into your country.
For a quick victory in the game, clear out your internal politics, integrate your vassals, and win important early wars. The country has the potential to become a giant in Europe.
4. Hungary — Best for Players Who Like Diplomacy + Strategy
With Hungary, you are smack in the middle of Central Europe and can become one of the major powers. With a strong population, good farmlands and valuable mines, Hungary becomes one of the most balanced countries with several potential paths.
- Good economy from gold and silver
- Large population for early armies
- Many diplomatic routes
- Can expand into the Balkans, HRE, or Poland
In the game, timing is key. Hungary is a game to be played with strategic timing. The game allows for building a strong country defensively and then waging war when the enemies are weak.
5. Portugal — Best for Trade and Economic Learning
If you want to focus on trade and wealth-building without too much warfare, then Portugal is your best option for a relaxed campaign.
- You have a safe position with Castile as your natural ally.
- You can easily develop your coasts.
- You have a clear route for exploration and colonization.
- You can experience low military pressure for the early game.
Strengthen your ports, get rid of your unnecessary forts and then look towards the Atlantic and Africa. You’ll learn to play a tall game with Portugal and develop a lot of wealth.
6. Venice — Best for Players Who Love Trade & Naval Strategy
You start with a lot of wealth but with a small country. That’s okay, as you control a lot of important trade nodes and have a powerful navy from the get-go. This is a great option for players who prefer economic strategies to brute-force conquest.
- You get a good navy early on, and with it, you can expand.
- You get strong trade early on too, and you have a unique merchant gameplay with a government focused on trade.
- Once your economy is stable, you can expand into Italy or the Balkans to keep growing.
Protect your trade routes, build your navy, and slowly expand into Italy or the Balkans once you stabilize your economy.
Choosing the right nation in Europa Universalis 5 sets the tone for your entire campaign. Each country offers a unique experience, whether you prefer peaceful growth, naval dominance, aggressive conquest, or trade and exploration.
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