Europa Universalis V is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the sequel to the 2013 game Europa Universalis IV.
It was announced on 8 May 2025 and released on 4 November 2025. It received generally favorable reviews from critics.
Gameplay Europa Universalis V is a grand strategy game that allows players to take control of a country and guide it through the period from 1 April 1337 to 1 January 1837. Unlike in previous entries in the series, most parts of the gameplay can be automated at the player's discretion, allowing the player to focus on specific mechanics such as trade or military while giving control over the others to the game's AI.
Europa Universalis V places a stronger emphasis on population simulation and internal state management than its predecessors, with the introduction of a detailed population system intended to model social classes, migration, and economic productivity over time.
Development Europa Universalis V was developed by Paradox Tinto. During its development, which began in 2020, it was known as "Project Caesar". Starting in early 2024, Paradox Tinto began releasing forum posts known as "Tinto Talks", which showcased several aspects of the game. These included mechanics centered around the economy management, its map, its depiction of the Holy Roman Empire, and diplomacy features. Later, on 10 January 2025, Paradox began releasing posts under the name "Tinto Flavour", which focused on specific countries in the game. The game was officially announced on 8 May 2025.
Downloadable content Paradox Tinto has announced the first downloadable content packs that will be released in 2026.
Name Accompanying patch Type Release date DescriptionFate of the Phoenix1.2 "Echinades"Immersion Pack6 May 2026Relive or revive the fading glories of the Eastern Roman Empire in Fate of the Phoenix, an Immersion Pack for Europa Universalis V.Across the Pillars1.4 "Rio Salado"Chronicle PackQ3 2026TBDThe Auld Alliance1.5 "Fealty"Chronicle PackQ1 2027TBD
Reception
Europa Universalis V received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. OpenCritic determined that 100% of critics recommended the game.
IGN praised its unprecedented depth of simulation and its detailed population and terrain systems, but noted balance and tuning issues at launch. Rock Paper Shotgun also praised its depth, but said that its "overwhelming" complexity makes it less accessible than other Paradox titles.
Awards Year Award Category Result 2026 The Steam Awards 2025 Most Innovative Gameplay 29th Annual D.I.C.E. AwardsStrategy/Simulation Game of the Year
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