It’s safe to start some conquests into eastern Africa, western Asia, and northeast Europe. The only country the Ottomans should be concerned about are the Austrians. You can easily slap weaker countries around as the mighty Ottoman Empire. Not pictured: Colonial dominance Ottomans It’s also not difficult to own the biggest share of important trade goods like Cloth or Iron in England alone. England can steamroll Ireland and Scotland with ease, while creating numerous blockades with their armada. Either you can sit in safety on your own little island, or expand into France due to your cores on the mainland. EnglandĮngland can be treated as a passive or aggressive country in Europa Universalis IV. You can easily play EU4 on the safe side an opt for a pure colony campaign in Castile, avoiding conflict with most countries.
Their army is vast, basically owns the Sevilla trade node, and are on friendly terms with most nations.Ĭastile ranks well in both safety and a low difficulty, as a lot of typical obstacles – like the Holy Roman Empire, numerous neighboring nations, and income via production or trade – aren’t an issue for them.
The nation is close enough to the main part of western Europe outside of Iberia, can colonize almost as efficiently as Portugal, and can form Spain easily with the Iberian Wedding event. CastileĬastile is a strong Great Powers nation in EU4 that positions itself for expansion wherever desired. French Ideas also provide a safe balance of Military, Diplomatic Relations, and maintenance of native or rebel uprisings. Use your allies to your advantage by having them do the heavy lifting, all while maintaining your own personal Manpower so other nations won’t jump you when you’re most vulnerable. Due to France’s imposing presence and proximity to other Great Powers, it’s easy to establish Royal Marriages and Alliances.Ĭonquest is easy for France when set up properly and targeting the right provinces for the impending blob. France’s army supply limit is one of the largest in 1444, and they advance quickly with their technological advancements and strong trade power in Bordeaux. The only trick is maintaining Liberty Desire at a low level, so your colonies don’t wage war for independence.įrance is in the middle of a lot of potentially hostile nations, but don’t let that scare you off. As the westernmost nation, chances are you’ll be first to set foot in the Carribean, North and South America. Playing as Portugal also sets players up for easy colonization if they want to go that route. The handful of provinces allow for a sizable army, and a hefty navy compared to most countries. Portugal has reasonable trade power in Sevilla, which means a steady stream of income. At the end of the day, only Castile and Morocco can create a claim for Portuguese provinces as a Casus Belli. Portugal is automatically allied with England, and Portugal is on friendly terms with Castile and Aragon, offering strong allies for potential African conquests. Located in western side of Iberia, you’re flanked by either Castile or the Atlantic Ocean.
Portugal is by far the safest country to start as in Europa Universalis IV.