Warfare Guide
Master the art of war in Europa Universalis V - from army composition to siege tactics
Army Composition
A balanced army is crucial for success. The ideal composition depends on your military technology and available resources.
Infantry
Front Line
Absorbs damage and holds the line. Always have more infantry than cavalry.
Ideal: 60-70%
Cavalry
Flanking
High damage dealers that attack from flanks. Limited by combat width.
Ideal: 20-30%
Artillery
Back Line
Deals damage from behind. Essential for sieges. Expensive but powerful.
Ideal: 10-20%
💡 Beginner Tip
Start with a simple ratio: for every 10 regiments, use 6 infantry, 2 cavalry, and 2 artillery. Adjust based on your nation's military traditions.
Combat Mechanics
⚔️ Battle Phases
📊 Key Modifiers
🛡️ Levies vs. Standing Armies
Levies (The Old Way)
Raised directly from your population (Nobles/Peasants). They are cheap but hurt your economy because your workers are fighting.
- Available immediately
- Low quality usually
- Must be disbanded to recover economy
Standing Armies (The New Way)
Permanent professional soldiers. Expensive to maintain but drill constantly and don't reduce economic output.
- High quality & discipline
- Always ready
- Costs 💰💰💰
Historical Progression
You start mostly relying on Levies. As you modernize and centralize, you will shift towards Professional Standing Armies.
📦 Logistics & Supply Lines
Armies don't just eat "attrition" anymore—they eat Food.
Supply Limit is Real
If a province can't support your 40k stack, they will starve. Split your armies!
Looting Matters
Armies can loot food from enemy provinces. This devastates the province but keeps your army alive.
Supply Trains
You may need to attach baggage trains to armies operating deep in enemy territory.
Siege Warfare
Sieges are how you capture enemy provinces. Artillery significantly speeds up sieges.
Siege Requirements
- • Minimum 1,000 troops per fort level
- • Artillery adds +1 to siege rolls per cannon
- • General with siege pips speeds progress
- • Blockading coastal forts helps
Siege Tips
- • Don't assault unless desperate (high casualties)
- • Bring enough artillery (1 per fort level minimum)
- • Watch for relief armies
- • Attrition kills - don't over-stack
Naval Combat
🚢 Heavy Ships
Main combat ships. Expensive but powerful in battle.
⛵ Light Ships
Protect trade and hunt pirates. Essential for economy.
🚚 Transports
Move armies across water. No combat ability.
💡 Naval Strategy
Focus on light ships for trade protection early game. Build heavy ships only when you need naval dominance or to protect important sea zones.
War Strategy Tips
Pick Your Battles
Only fight when you have terrain advantage or numerical superiority.
Stackwipe Prevention
Keep armies close enough to reinforce. A stackwipe loses all troops.
War Goals First
Capture war goal provinces early for ticking warscore.
Manpower Management
Don't fight to the last man. Retreat and rebuild when needed.
Mercenaries
Use mercenaries to preserve manpower in tough wars.
Peace Timing
Peace out when you have what you want. Don't overextend.
📖 Related Guides
Warfare Discussion
Share your military strategies