GrogHeads Forum

I am starting a single player campaign from 1444.  I have played about twenty hours of EUIII and have experience with Hearts of Iron 2 and Crusader Kings 2, so, I am familiar with Paradox games.  However, before those few hours with EUIII, I have never been able to get into the series.  It's gameplay has eluded me.

Now, with the help of the EUIV Wiki and time spent with EUIII, I believe I have a basic grasp on what to do.  I played Bohemia.  I liked that I was landlocked as naval operations are not my strong suit.  But part of the fun of this game is exploring.  So, I thought I would try a country with a possibility of joining the exploration of new lands.  The problem with Sweden is, I start with a union with Denmark and I am not sure how that effects me.  And my choice of Muscovy is based solely on a Vanderbilt University textbook I picked up from the library for fifty cents called, 'The Formation of Muscovy, 13?? to 16??'.

So, I ask you, my fine friends, what country should I play?  Other suggestions are welcome, but, I ask that you at least give me a reason why or why not on the choices above.

I always play China.  But of course you prefer a western power with the latest tech based on your post.

France. You start at war with England (The 100 years war), but can win it without even trying. From their you are in a solid position to either go off exploring the new world, or paint Europe a nice shade of blue. Another good choice is Spain or Portugal if you want to focus more on the colonial game with a little less European politics (not that you can't do that as well).

My game as Spain always goes down the drain for some reason. :(

Portugal too i say..... if you're not yet confident in naval operations then I'd say England was out

I bought Europa Universalis IV for 50% off when I didn't think it would get any cheaper any time soon and still haven't played it. But in all the other EUs I usually played as England due to the relative safety afforded by the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. Dunno if that would be my choice in EU4 though.

I started off as Denmark in my first game of EU4. 

It has the possibility of exploration and already starts with Norway and Sweden in a Union.  A lot of people also recommend Portugal as a good starter due to it's ease of colonial expansion.  You have to tread lightly in Europe for awhile due to your small stature, however.

I would say England is a good start but you have some troubles at the start - France will come for your continental holdings and there is some civil unrest you may also have to deal with around the same time.  I wouldn't recommend starting as England until you're more familiar with the game.

While EU3 was an interesting game for short spans, I found myself playing EU4 for much longer gaming stretches.  I think they did a wonderful job changing many little things both obvious and under the hood.  As with any Paradox game, I'm sure the tweaks are ongoing. 

I've been trying to get into a new CK2 campaign after getting the Sons of Abraham expansion, but EU4 has been calling me back.  I was hoping to wait awhile but I may have to skip CK2 for a bit and play EU4 instead.  I'm beginning to believe that I enjoy EU4's gameplay as much or more than CK2.

EU is of course more rewarding if you like leading a nation.
CK can be a bit confusing since it is about managing interrelationships of people within nations and not just simply nations. I feel in CK,  I just end up going with the flow. In EU, I plot my course more easily.

Quote from: jomni on February 28, 2014, 05:01:37 AM
EU is of course more rewarding if you like leading a nation.
CK can be a bit confusing since it is about managing interrelationships of people within nations and not just simply nations. I feel in CK,  I just end up going with the flow. In EU, I plot my course more easily.

I think it's because I still find myself sitting and waiting for stuff to happen, and opportunities, with CK2.  Even with owning all the extra DLC content for it.  Of course, it's spent thinking about what I plan to do next but still seems to be some downtime.  Part of this is likely due to only starting out as a Count or little Duke so it takes time to get big (which means more options).

For some reason, EU4 seems to move faster in this regard despite not having all the character related events popping up.  I can't quite describe the how or why of it, just that it seemed to flow more evenly as far as doing stuff. 

As for EU4.. are there currently any glaring problems with the new DLC?

Portugal or Castille until you get the hang of how things work. Both are good at exploration early on.

Jump into it as England. Your only real threat is the Scots.
This game is not all that difficult. Play the tutorials first and you should be fine.

'Phro depending on how your play through goes will influence my purchase decision...no pressure though! :)

Big Portugal fan.  Not as strong as France or Castille, so not a cakewalk, but great basis for building a trade empire with ahead-of-the-curve access to the New World.  And interesting diplomatic triangulation between England, France, Spain, and North African muslim nations. 

I really appreciate all the input guys.  Haven't had much time to think about it today at work, but it looks like Castile, Portugal or possibly England are now in the lead.  I'll let you all know what I come up with :)

Quote from: bboyer66 on February 28, 2014, 08:44:55 AM
Jump into it as England. Your only real threat is the Scots.
This game is not all that difficult. Play the tutorials first and you should be fine.

It really depends on when you start. I start at the war of Cambria in 1508. Just don't like the tail end of the Middle Ages and want to start off just entering the gunpowder age.

Anyway, I play England. The reason is you are naturally a naval power (and really, there is nothing that makes naval stuff real complex... Just remember to assign small fleets of light ships to protect maritime trade routes) so it's hard for any of the Continental nations like France to get at you. In the meantime, you're surrounded by meat to eat up. Ireland and Scotland. Both are weaker than you so eventually, you will take them by force or annexation via vassalization.

You can form the United Kingdom and you also have great exploration and colonization access.
So if you want to explore and need a navy to do it (especially if you plan to colonize), why not pick the strongest natural naval power that doesn't border any stronger nation and gets economical bonuses!

Quick question for all you EUIV players.  My game is running slowly and I was wondering what Video options I can turn off to speed up performance without messing up my experience?  I turned off Trees and Shadows, anything else?

Quote from: MetalDog on March 02, 2014, 10:26:07 AM
Quick question for all you EUIV players.  My game is running slowly and I was wondering what Video options I can turn off to speed up performance without messing up my experience?  I turned off Trees and Shadows, anything else?

Probably not a video graphics issue...I would guess its a processor thing? Only reason I say that is it's not a graphics intensive game but I uses a crap load or RAM and processor because of all the decision making it processes for each nation. How does your RAM and processor stack up against the recommended specs?

Quote from: MetalDog on March 02, 2014, 10:26:07 AM
Quick question for all you EUIV players.  My game is running slowly and I was wondering what Video options I can turn off to speed up performance without messing up my experience?  I turned off Trees and Shadows, anything else?

Is it 'hitching' regularly?  Big stutters?  Is that what you're talking about?

Because if you're playing Ironman mode, it constantly saves to the Steam Cloud.  Which moves as fast as a Steaming Turd when it comes to up/download speeds.  So the game will briefly freeze while waiting on your tiny save file to upload.

I see a lot of people thinking their game is lagging due to performance issues when it's actually Steam's cloud service being sluggish and Paradox requiring constant cloud-only saves in Ironman mode to make sure people aren't cheating to make the achievements (which can probably still be done some way  ::) ).

@mikeck: 3GHz Pentium 4 with 2 Gig RAM

@Nefaro:  I am not playing Ironman.

There is no stuttering, just sluggish.  I've played plenty of Paradox games with the pausible real time and when put at top speed, several days pass each second or two.  I have it set to the fastest time and I am getting about one day per second and that was after I turned off all Video options except for Rivers, Borders and Unit Movement.

Quote from: MetalDog on March 02, 2014, 05:03:36 PM
@mikeck: 3GHz Pentium 4 with 2 Gig RAM

:o


Seriously?!

That thing is a dinosaur these days.  I'm surprised it's not a slide show when a lot of activity is going on.  I recall building a Pentium4 2.4Ghz machine back in... 2001!  And the 3Ghz version came out about a year later.

:o

I'm taking donations for a new rig.  How much can I put you in for? ;)

I've got a joystick, a cooling pump, and a bunch of RAM you can have.

You are too kind, SDR.  When can I expect them?  :)

I've got some chewed gum and a banana peel.

That aught to hold together what SDR sends me.  Might even make it work :)

The actual banana may cost you extra.

Quote from: MetalDog on March 02, 2014, 05:50:47 PM
I'm taking donations for a new rig.  How much can I put you in for? ;)

Two-Fitty.

You desperately need one.

I may be able to scare up a hamster on a wheel and one dead possum with a double-tap to the face.bv :D

All donations welcome.  Except, maybe, the dead opossum.  I don't do road kill.

  That's your problem then....processor and RAM. It's not a graphics issue

Bro, I have my 'old' PC here which has a Core Duo 2.4, with a decent amount of RAM and a 'reasonable' NVidia card. If its any good for you, then you can have it for free, if you can collect..............

Quote from: bob48 on March 03, 2014, 06:03:11 PM
Bro, I have my 'old' PC here which has a Core Duo 2.4, with a decent amount of RAM and a 'reasonable' NVidia card. If its any good for you, then you can have it for free, if you can collect..............

What a good friend you are, bob.  Meet me in the middle somewhere? ;)

Bawb used the word 'bro.' That's like me saying 'cheerio.' And all that!

bob - he's street

its how he rolls, he gets home and says 'yo bitch'

and she smacks him with a pan

Quote from: MetalDog on March 03, 2014, 06:37:22 PM

Quote from: bob48 on March 03, 2014, 06:03:11 PM
Bro, I have my 'old' PC here which has a Core Duo 2.4, with a decent amount of RAM and a 'reasonable' NVidia card. If its any good for you, then you can have it for free, if you can collect..............

What a good friend you are, bob.  Meet me in the middle somewhere? ;)

That be Bermuda.

^I'm just rehearsing a few scenario's in my mind........

I'm just popping over to Bermuda, dear, to give this PC to MD. Won't be any longer than I can help. Cheery-bye!

Quote from: bob48 on March 04, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
^I'm just rehearsing a few scenario's in my mind........

I'm just popping over to Bermuda, dear, to give this PC to MD. Won't be any longer than I can help. Cheery-bye!

She'd probably go along with it if you would take her with you. Sort of like a second honeymoon?  ;)

Quote from: Greybriar on March 04, 2014, 05:25:25 PM

Quote from: bob48 on March 04, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
^I'm just rehearsing a few scenario's in my mind........

I'm just popping over to Bermuda, dear, to give this PC to MD. Won't be any longer than I can help. Cheery-bye!

She'd probably go along with it if you would take her with you. Sort of like a second honeymoon?  ;)

That kinda defeats the purpose of getting blitzed and ogling bikini clad wimmins on a tropical beach, doesn't it?

Quote from: Nefaro on March 04, 2014, 08:12:04 PM

Quote from: Greybriar on March 04, 2014, 05:25:25 PM

Quote from: bob48 on March 04, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
^I'm just rehearsing a few scenario's in my mind........

I'm just popping over to Bermuda, dear, to give this PC to MD. Won't be any longer than I can help. Cheery-bye!

She'd probably go along with it if you would take her with you. Sort of like a second honeymoon?  ;)

That kinda defeats the purpose of getting blitzed and ogling bikini clad wimmins on a tropical beach, doesn't it?

That's why there are so many bachelors.  ;D

Quote from: Greybriar on March 04, 2014, 05:25:25 PM

Quote from: bob48 on March 04, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
^I'm just rehearsing a few scenario's in my mind........

I'm just popping over to Bermuda, dear, to give this PC to MD. Won't be any longer than I can help. Cheery-bye!

She'd probably go along with it if you would take her with you. Sort of like a second honeymoon?  ;)

Damn! There had to be a catch. And its our 39th wedding anniversary this month.

Alright.  So it is 1475 in Castille.  I am three years into a regency I didn't want.  The last king ruled for sixty four years.  His heir died ten or fifteen years before he did.  Then, a month before the old king kicks the bucket, a new heir appears.  Average stats, 3 Admin, 3 Diplo, 4 Warfare.  But now I have to wait a full eighteen years for him to come into play.  And there are disadvantages to having a regency diplomatically.  I don't know what they are, but, the pop up said there would be consequences.

I still haven't unified Spain.  Grenada is mine, but Navarra still exists.  Aragon has been quiet since France's war for Burgundy back in the 1460's.  Aragon's army and navy were destroyed completely.  I wanted to steamroll them then, but I don't want to be a truce breaker.  Portugal has been busy with Morocco and taken two counties from them as well as doing some exploring and colonizing.

Speaking of overseas empires, I engaged an explorer who sailed down the west coast of Africa as far as he dared.  He discovered several uninhabited territories as well as a kingdom of natives known as Mali.  The fleet was rushed back to Castille to pick up troops and a conquistador.  Military access was asked and granted by Mali and I commenced exploring.  Just as the expedition circled back to the coast, two colonists became available. 

I immediately dispatched one of the colonists to found a city on the west African coast.  At first, the colony grew slowly.  Many were the times that the natives of the place rose up to attack my troops, but the soldiers were up to the task every time.  Word spread of a new life and new opportunities and soon the colony was filling rapidly.  In fact, just this year enough settlers had arrived to build a town.  From here, I will be able to send out more expeditions, colonists, and soldiers to expand my empire.

Quote from: MetalDog on March 10, 2014, 11:21:14 PM
Alright.  So it is 1475 in Castille.  I am three years into a regency I didn't want.  The last king ruled for sixty four years.  His heir died ten or fifteen years before he did.  Then, a month before the old king kicks the bucket, a new heir appears.  Average stats, 3 Admin, 3 Diplo, 4 Warfare.  But now I have to wait a full eighteen years for him to come into play.  And there are disadvantages to having a regency diplomatically.  I don't know what they are, but, the pop up said there would be consequences.

The only consequence I know of, or pay attention to, is that you can't declare war during a regency.

That's good to know.  I will quit trying to start one with Navarra then.

Quote from: MetalDog on March 11, 2014, 06:02:46 AM
That's good to know.  I will quit trying to start one with Navarra then.

youre enjoying it then?

Quote from: MetalDog on March 11, 2014, 06:02:46 AM
That's good to know.  I will quit trying to start one with Navarra then.

You could just try and vassalize them then diplo annex them.

Quote from: undercovergeek on March 11, 2014, 05:51:06 PM

Quote from: MetalDog on March 11, 2014, 06:02:46 AM
That's good to know.  I will quit trying to start one with Navarra then.

youre enjoying it then?

Yes, I am.  Much more than I ever enjoyed III.  Much easier to get the hang of it.

Quote from: Kushan on March 11, 2014, 06:08:15 PM

Quote from: MetalDog on March 11, 2014, 06:02:46 AM
That's good to know.  I will quit trying to start one with Navarra then.

You could just try and vassalize them then diplo annex them.

You'll have to speak English in order for me to give you a proper answer ;)

^So this new EUIV is newb friendly? So tempting.

I posted my little synopsis of Castile with the express intent of grabbing your attention ;) 

In answer to your question, yes, it is newb friendly.  As with any game, there is a learning curve.  And every time I play, I am learning more.  But it is not near as impenetrable as EUIII appeared to me.

Gah I don't know what to do now. I must go to Steam and stare at the EUIV product page.

All I have is the base game.  No DLC or new content. 

Hmm...the 'Extreme Edition' is 5.00 more than the base game...44.99. Kinda pricey even with all the DLC in there. Did you get it on sale?

Edit: can I play as the Papal States?

Quote from: Gusington on March 11, 2014, 07:31:09 PM
Hmm...the 'Extreme Edition' is 5.00 more than the base game...44.99. Kinda pricey even with all the DLC in there. Did you get it on sale?

Edit: can I play as the Papal States?

Play some Rome II.. you know EU IV will be 10 bucks again soon..

Actually right now I am not playing anything...when I start again it will be Shogun 2. But I do agree that 44.99 is high and I should wait for a sale, and if I do that I can grab all the DLC. But I am counting on 'Phro here telling it like it is that even a knave like me can actually get into the game and play it without smashing my head into the monitor in frustration, as has happened with Victoria 2 and EUI.

I got it on sale at Amazon a couple of weeks ago.  Three days later, tgb started a thread where they were giving keys away for FREE!

In any event, I would wait for the sale unless you just have forty bucks sitting around doing nothing.  In which case, I would be glad to give you my address and the proper spelling of my name for the check you write me for all your, 'sitting around doing nothing,' cash.

Seriously, though.  It's not very difficult to get in to.  Yes, there is a lot going on initially.  And yes, there are times of intense activity (try playing without pausing, that'll give you a different perspective), but, it IS pausible.  You can issue orders when paused.  There are many filters regarding what messages you receive.  There are on screen reminders of things that you can take advantage of.  And even the trade system becomes more clear the longer you play.  It's been a lot of fun knocking around so far and the game is only thirty years in.  Still have three hundred forty odd to go :)

I always find that pics help to clarify things.  So here are a few to help you in your decision.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00001_zpscca4324c.jpg&hash=bd3c2b0928eca84681ebbc78b81d987f7e5c0ff5) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00001_zpscca4324c.jpg.html)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00002_zps63ed525a.jpg&hash=70a06f5187f99b01e42d81409a33dac784d286c1) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00002_zps63ed525a.jpg.html)


My little corner of the world.

In the Paradox games I've played I've felt as if all I was doing was watching the game play itself and reading the resulting messages...is that the case here? Is there more a feeling of 'doing?'

Quote from: Gusington on March 11, 2014, 07:38:52 PM
Actually right now I am not playing anything...when I start again it will be Shogun 2. But I do agree that 44.99 is high and I should wait for a sale, and if I do that I can grab all the DLC. But I am counting on 'Phro here telling it like it is that even a knave like me can actually get into the game and play it without smashing my head into the monitor in frustration, as has happened with Victoria 2 and EUI.

It's still not a cakewalk, but the basics of EU4 do seem a bit easier to get into than EU3.  I'm not sure if there are just more & more informative tooltips and UI labels or what. 

Don't get me wrong, you'll still have some learnin' to do.  Notably so with trade nodes and some of the diplo tricks, but that's how it goes in these Pdox games.  I think EU4 is much more fun than all other Pdox games.. maybe even CK2, although the latter is probably more of an RPG game than strategy.

These are my advisors.  Their skill level is added to the Monarch Points I already produce according to my King's statistics (Administrative, Diplomatic, and Warfare).  Any effects on my nation, good or bad, are here as well.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00003_zps58d94355.jpg&hash=caac42049f64cf3ad227e81be72bd140bc6bc056) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00003_zps58d94355.jpg.html)

The Diplomacy screen.  Gives me reams of information on my own countrys relations and my relations with the rest of the world.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00014_zps758a1317.jpg&hash=11e983cd99678f6d3fc0a0df098d33460cb5b8d7) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00014_zps758a1317.jpg.html)

This where they tell me how my money is made and where it goes when I spend it.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00004_zps150e9eb2.jpg&hash=52723826461d8f17a638362fdd9efc1bb02fc6f3) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00004_zps150e9eb2.jpg.html)

This is the Technology screen.  It tells me what I am researching now and the effects of what I am researching as well as what effects already happened as a result of previous research.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00007_zps6f8d0fee.jpg&hash=71020621aaa08e66723d25b4f688346a7edf44c4) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00007_zps6f8d0fee.jpg.html)

Quote from: Gusington on March 11, 2014, 09:15:21 PM
In the Paradox games I've played I've felt as if all I was doing was watching the game play itself and reading the resulting messages...is that the case here? Is there more a feeling of 'doing?'

Yes, I certainly think so.

Many of the older ones was just watching & waiting for long stretches of time.  You'll still be waiting for stuff here, but it didn't seem to be near as long as others.  That is probably because I was always digging through the plethora of game info, when I wasn't in a conflict, and laying out a nefarious plan to expand my empire at my neighbors' expense.  Or tending to exploration, colonies, trade node domination, etc, etc.  There is often opportunity or tweaking to be done.


As usual, you came along looking to buy EU4 right after some sales had ended.   I believe it had been about 30 to 50% off in the past couple weeks, for the base game.   :P

Missions and Decisions adds some spice and some control of how your nation is shaped.  Easily (and sometimes, not so easily) attainable Missions give you immediate benefits.  Decisions are more lasting in duration.
'

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00005_zpsf17c0733.jpg&hash=a1d682a3fb842507cd9b12fc1d915903d8419622) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00005_zpsf17c0733.jpg.html)

And this is your Military screen.  Gives detailed info on troops, morale, etc.  You can also find any Generals, Admirals, Explorers, or Conquistadaors you are employing.  My Explorer is a pretty weak specimen.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00010_zpsc32afed9.jpg&hash=102d5c88a2da14846febe54320f6dbc36278455b) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00010_zpsc32afed9.jpg.html)

These are the two screens available for your city screens.  There is a wealth of information on each.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00012_zpsa4080cf7.jpg&hash=0102933a01cb2de1cc6e05877aa682c6b3b2d334) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00012_zpsa4080cf7.jpg.html)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2014-03-11_00013_zps2d0149a4.jpg&hash=9792ce106062babaddd74c03989bfd75acf7accb) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2014-03-11_00013_zps2d0149a4.jpg.html)

And I'm pretty sure you can play The Papal States.  I know they are a country in the game.  I'll have to try it out next time I load up.

Well it looks like the dog ain't playing warlock anytime soon.

Soon as Warlock 2 comes out.  It's kind of like I am required.  Isn't it?

Yes.