The developer Paradox Interactive has been creating large historical strategy games for 25 years, which are particularly popular on Steam. Next up is likely Europa Universalis V. Paradox Tinto, based in Barcelona, is working on it. They have now released a map of the Holy Roman Empire, and it is so detailed and fragmented that history fans are already gasping for breath.
Which game does this insane map belong to?
- Officially, nothing is known. Unofficially, everyone is aware that it is about “Europa Universalis V.” The game will likely simulate the world from 1337 to 1821, re-enacting historical events while giving players the opportunity to change history.
- Europa Universalis V has not been officially announced yet, but evidently, Paradox Tinto is working on the game under the codename “Project Cesar.”
- The predecessor, Europa Universalis IV, was released in 2013. It started in the historical year 1444, has received countless expansions, and costs 370 euros on Steam. Everything indicates that Europa Universalis V will be even more complex.
Central Europe breaks into 357 nations
This is the map: Paradox Tinto has released the map showing the region in 1337 (via forums.paradoxplaza).
The map shows the political landscape of the time, fragmented into dwarf states. With 357 playable nations, the map is even more fragmented than in part IV. The area includes present-day regions like Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and of course, Germany itself.
Right in the center and in southern Germany, additional nations have been added. Bavaria now breaks down into Upper and Lower Bavaria. The historically significant diocese of Fulda is its own region, and many other peculiarities can be recognized.
The map from 1337 reflects how fragmented the country was at that time.
In comparison to the map from EU V, you can see the current starting map of Europa Universalis IV here. You can see that Austria and Venice have gained substantially, and even France is no longer as fragmented over 100 years later.
Political situation is extremely convoluted
This is what the developers say:
How complex the situation was is explained by developer Pavia. He is Content Design Lead at Paradox Tinto:
What can I say, when the map speaks for itself … The countries of Germany are highly fragmented into various principalities, making the political situation extremely complex. The emperor in 1337 is Louis IV of Wittelsbach from Upper Bavaria … Because, yes, Bavaria is also divided. He is married to Margarete of Avesnes, daughter of Count William of Hainaut, Holland, and Zeeland, while his son Louis is Margrave of Brandenburg. However, the most powerful force of the era is the Kingdom of Bohemia, whose king John is also Duke of Luxembourg, ruling both countries in personal union while also being the overlord of the Margraviate of Moravia, which is governed by his son Charles, as well as the Silesian principalities. The third contender is likely the Duchy of Austria, ruled by Albert II of Habsburg. He also governs over some countries in the formed duchies of Swabia and Carinthia. In addition, there is a multitude of medium and smaller countries throughout the region with very different forms of government, which will likely make this HRE a very playful experience …
And can all the nations be played? Yes, theoretically. But usually, one starts in the region with Austria or Brandenburg. The nations feature elaborate mission trees in Europa Universalis IV, which favor a certain playstyle:
- As Brandenburg, you conquer the north of Germany and expand towards Poland, then become Protestant to form Prussia.
- For Austria, expansion towards Italy is intended and a union with Hungary.
- But Poland, Hungary, or Bohemia are also good starting countries – but if someone wants, they can also start with Ulm.
In the role of these great nations, one tries to first make as many small states as possible vassals diplomatically and then eventually annex them.
Essentially, Europa Universalis V will be about uniting the multitude of tiny states into a large entity.
How do players react? Most reactions are initially enthusiastic. Memes are posted, but there is also serious, informed criticism from history enthusiasts about the map.
Anyone who wants to know more about the phenomenon Europa Universalis IV and dive deeper into it, we recommend our article about Europa Universalis IV and what makes the strategy giant so unique: A gigantic strategy game for 370 € on Steam is insane: Every country plays completely differently
