The Black Death is one of the deadliest disasters you’ll face in Europa Universalis 5. Hitting within the first decade of your campaign, this pandemic can wipe out populations, collapse economies, and spark riots across your empire. Surviving it isn’t about luck — it’s about smart preparation, careful management, and patience.
Here’s how you can survive the Black Death in Europa Universalis 5 and come out stronger once it’s over.
When does Black Death happen in Europa Universalis 5?
The years 1347 to 1351 mark the outbreak of the plague, ranging from Europe to North Africa and the Middle East, and eventually to other areas of the globe. The plague will last about four to five years as and within this period, every country will be affected.
During this period, the population will sharply decline. This will trigger a cascade of events wherein production will slow, the income from taxes will drop, and there will be a deficit in manpower.
Loss of control and loss of prosperity will increase the odds of rioting and rebellion. Even powerful empires, like France and the Ottomans, will be crippled for years.
Outbreaks are unavoidable, but if you prepare beforehand, the impact will be lessened.
The plague primarily travels through trade routes and the movement of armies. Merchants and soldiers transfer the contagion of the plague from one city and province to another.
How To Prepare for the Black Death in EU5?
1. Build infrastructure early
Prior to the arrival of the plague, make the necessary arrangements for the construction of roads, markets, and hospitals. Such arrangements promote control, aid in the production of food, and strengthen resistance to diseases at the onset of the calamity.
2. Stockpile food and wealth
Rebellions and unrest are the by products of food scarcity. This is why it is vital to build food reserves and stash cash in the treasury before a disastrous event. This allows you to assist starving provinces and rehabilitate more swiftly afterward.
3. Increase disease resistance
Implement the use of Cabinet or policy actions to improve a region’s disease resilience. Prioritize the capital and high-value provinces; a decline of either will set back your efforts for decades.
How to Survive the Black Death in Europa Universalis 5?
Survival during the Black Death is hinged on managing the spread of the disease and protecting your core territories.
1. Avoid wars completely.
Armies on the move will spread the plague at an unprecedented rate, so wars must be postponed until the outbreak dissipates. If you must, you might use small, stationary forces to defend in less populated regions.
2. Focus on core provinces.
It is of utmost importance to protect the principal economic hubs and the densely populated areas. Do not overstretch your defenses, for it is better to lose a secondary province than to risk a collapse of the capital.
3. Monitor unrest.
Keep an eye on population satisfaction. Low food supply and lost income can lead to riots or separatist movements. Use stability-boosting actions or privileges to calm things down.
How to Recover After the Black Death in Europa Universalis 5?
The Black Death is over, and now it’s time for your country to recover.
1. Rebuild population and economy.
To start, focus on the farms, markets, and housing in the rural provinces. These rural provinces grow and restore the harvested workforce. With stabilized food production, the rural population will automatically grow.
2. Avoid big wars early.
Regaining manpower will take time and your military will need to be small and passive until your economy and population are in better shape. Engaging in large-scale conflicts too early will also drain your economy and resources.
3. Take advantage of the recovery phase.
After recovery, you will experience an increase in population due to vacant territory and migration, which will bolster your empire. If your adversaries are still recovering, it is the optimal moment for strategic expansion.
4. Long-Term Effects of the Black Death
The positive side is that after the initial outbreak, each province will gradually build resistance to the disease. After reaching disease resistance, future plagues will do no damage to that province.
Over the long term, empires that successfully manage the disaster usually outperform their rivals. You can’t treat it like a war, but with patience, careful planning, and resilience, your nation will outlast the plague and emerge as one of the great powers.
Editors Recommendations:
- Europa Universalis V: Release Date, Price, Platforms, and Gameplay Details
- Europa Universalis 5: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- How to Enable Console Commands in Europa Universalis 5
