Europa Universalis Games Ranked (Including EU5): The Definitive List

Are you there, strategy fans? If you’ve ever spent hours trying to take over the world in Europa Universalis, you know how addictive these games can be. But let’s be honest, some titles were amazing, and others… not so much.

This This grand strategy ranking breaks it all down. breaks it all down. Maybe you love EU4, maybe you started with the old-school classics, or maybe you just want to know what EU5 is all about. Here’s just a clear ranking of every game in the series.

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
Europa Universalis V	2025-11-04	Simulator & Real Time Strategy (RTS)	Paradox Tinto
Europa Universalis IV	2013-08-13	Simulator & Real Time Strategy (RTS)	Paradox Development Studio
Europa Universalis Rome Gold	2008-11-19	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Simulator	Paradox Development Studio
Europa Universalis III Complete	2007-01-23	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Strategy	Paradox Development Studio

Europa Universalis V

Release date:	2025-11-04
Genre:	Simulator & Real Time Strategy (RTS)
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

It’s a huge game where you pick a country and try to rule the world. It dropped in late 2025 and lets you mess with history. You can fight wars, make deals, trade, and spread your religion.

Image credit: Paradox Tinto

What’s awesome? You’ve got total freedom. The game’s packed with smart systems and feels super rewarding when your plans work out. Especially in Ironman mode, where every decision counts and there’s no turning back!

The downside? It’s seriously complicated. If you’re new, expect to feel lost for a while – the UX can be overwhelming at first, but it rewards persistence.

You may like it because
it’s perfect if you love deep, complex games you get to rewrite history your way it mixes politics, war, and economics in a cool way the game is super detailed and full of smart strategy you’ll learn a lot about real history while having fun

Europa Universalis V

Release date:	2013-08-13
Genre:	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Simulator & Strategy
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

It’s a deep game from 2013 where you run a country and try to dominate the world, while making big moves across centuries.

Image credit: Paradox Development Studio

This part is quicker to learn and more straightforward than the latest one. It’s got simpler mechanics like monarch points. It’s great if you’re getting into series. But it lacks the realism and population-driven depth.

You may like it because
it’s packed with cool historical events and twists it gives you total control over a country for centuries it supports Steam Workshop, so you can easily install mods and customize your experience it’s got a huge community and tons of guides it’s easier to learn than the newer version

Europa Universalis IV

Release date:	2007-01-23
Genre:	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Strategy
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

This game, released in 2007, was a big leap for strategy fans. You can run any country from 1453 to 1820, and it introduced cool features like dynamic national ideas and flexible government types.

Image credit: Paradox Development Studio

In short, EU III is simpler and faster than latest parts. It’s great for old-school fans or those who want less complexity. But if you want rich detail and modern strategy depth, the newer games are where it’s at.

You may like it because
it’s great for players who like classic strategy vibes you get a solid mix of war, diplomacy, and trade it’s fast-paced and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many mechanics it’s simpler and easier to get into than the newer games it runs well on older computers and doesn’t need fancy hardware

Europa Universalis III

Release date:	2001-10-12
Genre:	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Strategy
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

This game came out in 2001 and was the first grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. It lets you run a country from the year 1419 all the way to 1820. You deal with wars, religion, colonization, and diplomacy while trying to shape history your way.

Europa Universalis 2 | Image credit: Paradox Development Studio

It’s clearly much simpler and faster compared to newer games. Sure, it doesn’t have deep mechanics, fancy features, or high realism, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth playing.

You may like it because
you can run a country for over 400 years and see how far you get it keeps things simple while still letting you shape history it has a nostalgic charm that older gamers appreciate it’s perfect if you want a chill, old-school strategy experience it laid the foundation for all the epic stuff that came later in the series

Europa Universalis

Release date:	2000-10-20
Genre:	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Strategy
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

It came out in 2000 and can be described as super basic. However, it was a game-changer. You pick a country and try to rule from 1492 to 1792 using war, diplomacy, and colonization.

Europa Universalis | Image credit: Paradox Development Studio

Then, it gave players full control over a nation, and that was huge back then. But, we can say it’s like the skeleton of what the series would become. If you’re into old-school strategy, it’s still worth checking out.

You may like it because
you enjoy sandbox-style grand strategy you crave a challenge that tests your tactical thinking you appreciate games that reward careful diplomacy, trade, and military planning you like games with high replay value you enjoy slow-paced, thoughtful gameplay

Europa Universalis: Rome

Release date:	2008-11-19
Genre:	Real Time Strategy (RTS) & Simulator
Developer:	Paradox Development Studio

This strategy game is set during the Roman Republic era, released in 2008, also by Paradox Interactive. It spans from 280 BC to 27 BC.

Image credit: Paradox Development Studio

If we compare it to later titles, Rome introduced character-driven mechanics similar to Crusader Kings, adding depth to internal politics. It feels more experimental and less refined.

You may like it because
you enjoy ancient history and Roman politics you like character-driven strategy games you like games that mix roleplay with empire-building you want to lead Carthage, Egypt, or Rome to dominance you’re curious how Paradox evolved its design philosophy

Europa Universalis: Rome

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict? Every Europa Universalis game has its own flavour. Still, it’s clear this series played a major role in defining grand strategy as we know it.

If you’re new, start simple. If you’re a veteran, dive deep, especially into expansions with high DLC value! Remember, no matter which title you will pick, you’re signing up for late nights, big decisions, and much of map-staring.

Strategy fans – I need to tell you something – this is your playground! Enjoy!