Paradox is reviving a grand strategy heavyweight with Europa Universalis 5. Here’s everything you need to know about its release.
Europa Universalis V marks the long-awaited return of Paradox Interactive’s legendary strategy franchise. The latest entry introduces a completely redesigned population system, eliminates the old mana mechanic, and promises a deeper historical experience. We’ve summarized all key details about the release date, gameplay mechanics, editions, and system requirements for you.
When Will Europa Universalis V Be Released?
Europa Universalis V launches on November 4, 2025, exclusively for PC via Steam. Other platforms such as PlayStation or Xbox are not planned, nor are Linux or macOS versions. According to the developers, a release on the Xbox Game Pass is also not currently in the cards.
Which Editions Will Be Available?
Two editions will be available at launch:
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition costs €60 / $60 / £50 and includes the full base game with all new core mechanics, including the revamped diplomacy, military, and economy systems. It’s ideal for players who want to focus on the main game.
Premium Edition
The Premium Edition is priced at €85 / $85 / £75 and includes the base game plus three DLC packs, a cosmetic pack featuring eight sacred sites, and the Europa Universalis IV soundtrack. The included expansions will be released throughout 2026:
- Fate of the Phoenix (Q2 2026): Focuses on the Byzantine Empire and its struggle against the Ottomans.
- Across the Pillars (Q3 2026): Adds new content for Castile and Morocco on the Iberian Peninsula.
- The Auld Alliance (Q4 2026): Features historical scenarios centered on France and Scotland.
Is the Premium Edition Worth It?
The Premium Edition is geared toward fans who want the complete experience, including all planned expansions. The higher price is worth it if you already know you’ll be investing plenty of time in Europa Universalis V.
The three announced DLCs don’t just add new content but also introduce historical scenarios with extra depth. However, if you only want to try the base game or aren’t sure how much time you’ll spend on it, the Standard Edition is the better choice.
How Does Europa Universalis V Play?
At the core of Europa Universalis V lies the new population system. Each population unit has its own needs, makes independent decisions, and is shaped by cultural and religious influences. This complex simulation is visible directly on the world map and replaces many of the abstract systems from earlier games.
The game completely does away with the mana system from its predecessor. Instead, it introduces so-called situations — dynamic challenges based on real historical events or structural crises. These are designed to make gameplay more realistic and varied.
The diplomacy and economy systems have also been overhauled. Players can guide their nations through clever alliances, trade agreements, or declarations of war. According to the developers, the AI now reacts much more intelligently to player actions and decisions, adding more depth to the gameplay.
The campaign begins in 1337 — the start of the Hundred Years’ War — and spans 500 years up to 1837. Over time, nations evolve, cultures shift, and political upheavals reshape the world. Historical accuracy is a top priority, though the game also leaves room for alternate outcomes.
What Are the System Requirements for Europa Universalis V?
The game targets PC players with mid- to high-end hardware. Here are the official specs:
Minimum requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB)
- Shader Model: 6.0
Recommended requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-14700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (8 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12 GB)
- Shader Model: 6.0
macOS, Linux, and SteamOS are not supported. There’s also no official support for controllers or touchscreen input. Paradox plans to focus entirely on Windows PCs to ensure the game’s complex controls and deep simulation run optimally.
