EU5 Best Starting Nations | Europa Universalis 5

Original Guide by GamerBlurb.com | Published on 11/05/2025 at 1:50 AM CST

Europa Universalis V

Picking the right country can make or break your first campaign. Some nations give a forgiving start, while others throw you straight into chaos. Here’s a breakdown of the best starting nations in EU5 for learning, expanding, and surviving early on.

Best Nations to Start With in EU5

The strongest starting nations in Europa Universalis 5 balance safety, money, and opportunity. A few even teach you advanced systems like trade, estates, and colonization without overwhelming you.

Castile

Castile gives a balanced start with solid armies, good events, and strong religion bonuses. You can practice both diplomacy and conquest here. Support Portugal, finish the Reconquista, and look south to test your army against North Africa. Later, Castile can become a colonial empire once you discover new trade routes. It’s perfect for learning step-by-step empire growth.

Portugal

Portugal sits in a cozy corner of Iberia with Castile as its friendly neighbor. Its early events and safe coastline let you learn diplomacy and exploration at your own pace. Build your ports, send ships west, and grow rich from early trade routes. Keep relations with Castile strong to avoid early wars and focus on the ocean instead of the battlefield.

Denmark

Denmark teaches players how to manage subjects and trade at the same time. You begin with control over Norway and Sweden through unions, giving you a taste of diplomacy before war. The Baltic Sea is full of trade opportunities, and if you play carefully, you can turn Denmark into a naval power that dominates northern Europe.

Ashikaga Shogunate

The Shogunate is calm at first, but it teaches the full game loop as it splinters later. You start strong with rich land, high literacy, and a stable core. Once the Sengoku conflicts hit, you’ll get a taste of internal wars and alliances between Japanese clans. It’s great for understanding stability, control, and development all in one campaign.

England

England sure loves warfare. You’ll start in the Hundred Years’ War and have to decide between keeping French land or retreating home. Once you stabilize the Isles, focus on navy strength and early colonization. England’s mix of defense, diplomacy, and trade gives a lot of replay value for any skill level.

How to Pick the Right Starting Nation

Each nation in EU5 has a different playstyle. Pick based on what you want to learn first.

For safety and trade practice, choose Portugal
For military and diplomacy balance, try Castile or England
For unique mechanics and subject control, use Denmark
For population growth and internal politics, play Ashikaga

Once you understand estates, control, and trade, you can move to tougher nations like France, Ottomans, or Ming.

Final Blurb

Europa Universalis 5 rewards smart openings. Picking one of these nations gives you room to experiment without constant danger. Start simple, expand slowly, and use every mechanic the game offers. Once you master these first picks, the entire world map opens up for your next run.

FAQ

How many starting nations are in EU5?

Every historical country in 1337 is playable, with over a hundred options worldwide.

What is the easiest country for beginners?

Portugal is the most relaxed start, with safe borders and rich exploration paths.

Which nation is best for early wars?

England and Castile both offer strong armies and scripted early wars that teach core combat systems.

Can smaller nations succeed early?

Yes, but it’s harder. Countries like Holland or the Italian minors can succeed with strong trade play and careful diplomacy.

Is the Hanseatic League worth trying?

Yes, but it’s very advanced. It focuses on pure trade and diplomacy without normal land ownership, best saved for later runs.