Original Guide by GamerBlurb.com | Published on 11/05/2025 at 2:37 AM CST
Europa Universalis V
Managing large wars in Europa Universalis 5 can get messy fast. The automate army feature helps handle troop movement and combat goals so you can focus on strategy instead of micromanaging every regiment.
How to Automate Armies in EU5
You can set army automation in two main ways. First, open the Automation menu from the top right corner of the screen and scroll to the Military section. From there, turn on Army Construction or Replace Generals if you want the AI to handle recruitment and command.
For direct battlefield orders, select any army and click the small button next to its name to open the military objectives screen. Here, you can set automatic behaviors like siege focus, defensive holding, or exploration. The same options appear under the Military tab if you prefer to manage multiple armies at once.
What Automated Armies Actually Do
Automated armies move and act based on your chosen objective. If you set them to carpet siege, they spread out to capture multiple enemy provinces. Focus siege tells them to push hard on one main target. Defensive settings make them hold borders or respond to threats automatically.
The AI also avoids low-supply regions when possible and retreats if morale collapses. It handles regrouping between fights and will reinforce friendly battles nearby if you use the “march to sound of guns” feature.
When to Let the AI Fight for You
Army automation works best in easy or cleanup wars. When you’re clearly stronger, the AI can finish sieges while you handle diplomacy or expansion. It’s also helpful during long campaigns when your attention is needed on trade or population issues.
Avoid relying on it in tough wars or close battles. The AI can miss timing on reinforcements and doesn’t always predict terrain effects well. Manual control almost always wins when you’re fighting stronger opponents or managing multiple fronts.
Smart Tips for Automated Armies
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Always assign generals before turning automation on
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Use focus siege for smaller wars, not total invasion plans
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Turn off automation when declaring new wars to prevent odd movements
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Combine army automation with general replacement automation for efficiency
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Keep food stocks and supply depots full so AI-controlled troops don’t starve mid-campaign
Final Blurb
The automate army system in EU5 saves time and lets you handle larger wars without drowning in details. It’s great for stable empires or mop-up operations, but the smartest generals still step in when the stakes rise.
Use it for routine work, not hero moments.
FAQ
How do I automate my army in EU5
Select your army, open the military objective menu, and choose an automatic behavior like siege or defend.
Can I automate multiple armies at once
Yes. Open the Military tab and use the same automation button at the top to apply objectives across all active armies.
Does automation handle generals
If you enable Replace Generals in the Automation menu, the AI will assign new ones when needed.
Is it safe to leave automation on during wars
Only for low-risk wars. Against major powers, control your armies manually to avoid costly mistakes.
Can automated armies handle supply limits
They try to, but keep an eye on food and attrition since AI routing isn’t perfect yet.
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