Last night I started playing Europa Universalis 4. It is a grand strategy game whereby to assume the role as the supreme leader of a fledgeling European nation during the 15th century, and it is up to you to lead the nation into the future. Whether that future hold conquest or riches or the Holy Roman Empire, it is totally up to you.
Now this game is complex. As in REALLY complex. As in incredibly overwhelmingly complex. The level of detail you can get in, and the different elements you need to look after is just absolutely insane. As an example, there are 36 different unique map overlays to just look at information about the game! And that is just one element.
It got me thinking, have I ever played a more complex game? I honestly can’t think of a game with this level of complex in game mechanics.
So what is the most complex game you’ve ever played? And note, this is not difficulty, but actually game mechanics and details that data and stats that the game gives you that adds that additional level. Do you like games that is that complex, or do you stick to more straight forward games?
My advice with EU4, play with the larger nations, France, England, Ottomans or Castile. Each time you play, you will learn something new and get better. The bigger nations allow for more mistakes before the completely crumble. Once you get the hang of it, play on Ironman (if you not already) and look at the achievements you can get for a nation. Some of them are really fun, and help a lot in directing what you want to do with your nation.
But back to the topic, I agree, I think EU4 is the most complex game I have ever played.
Yeah at the moment I just don’t quite know how and where to begin with. How much diplomacy should I push, should I focus on getting more taxes and more trade, better military or what.
At the moment I’m playing on Normal, just until I get some sense of what to do in the game. But I’ll definitely check out the achievements! Thanks for the advice.
Diplomacy is super important. Having a big nation as your ally will generally mean most nations will avoid getting into a fight with you. Just keep track of how many nations you have connections with, there is a limit. Which direction you want to go into, depends on the nation and the ideas you choose. The bigger nations you can pretty much do what ever you want to focus on, but choosing for example Portugal, pretty much means colonisation. Or Naples , trade.
When going to war, when you finally win, be carefully about claiming to much land. You take years to make the land your own, and while it isn’t those states are prone to up-risings. The more land you control that are not cores causes over-extension, which makes pretty much everything in the game harder. Its not like CIV where you can take as much as you want if you have the power. Also alliances mean something, its unlikely someone who you have a military alliance with will break it, with out you seeing it coming.
Hmm, I gave Crusader Kings 2 a try once but wasn’t really in the most awake mode for the 45mins of tutorial I had waded through. One day I will learn how to play.
Most complex game I’ve played is ArmA, so many controls and things to take note. especially when you are a squad commander.
Then IL-Sturmovik is also complex when played in full realism. lots of engine management and aileron setting etc.