Every country has good points and bad points. Each one can make for a good game. But if you are new to EU5, it is smart to pick ones that help you learn the easy way. The countries here give that kind of start. They are not the simplest, but they have special helps that teach you the main parts of the game.

Here are the best starting countries in EU5 for people just starting out.

Portugal

Portugal is not the strongest on the Iberian Peninsula. But it has few enemies on land. This is true if you stay friends with Castile. That is easy because of some events at the start.

Portugal is set to explore new lands and make colonies everywhere. This brings in lots of money from trade. You can also help Castile fight in the Reconquista. Then take some land in North Africa for yourself. Just keep your army and ships away from Lisbon in 1358. Believe me on that.

If you want something like this but with more fighting, try Castile.

Great for: Exploration, Trade

Ashikaga Shogunate

The Ashikaga Shogunate is a good place to begin. It is calm and has money. You can build up your land, make more goods, grow trade paths, and settle Hokkaido up north. There is little danger from outside. Yuan China looks big and scary on the map. But do not fear. Rebellions will break it apart soon.

Your own troubles will come too. The Shogunate will split during the Sengoku Jidai time. This lets you learn about wars, talks with others, and special game situations. It is a fine spot to learn many ideas from a good starting point. The leaders might confuse you sometimes.

Great for: Production, Diplomacy

Hanseatic League

EU5 lets you play something special. It is a group that acts like a country but is not one. The Hanseatic League is merchants working together. In the game, it builds things like Kontors in other lands. But it holds no land of its own. You can have helpers called vassals.

This makes a different game where you focus on talks and trade. You skip many normal country jobs. So it is perfect to learn all about trading in detail.

For something close, but where you might take over a country later, play a small group inside the Ashikaga Shogunate.

Great for: Trade, Diplomacy

England

England is not yet ruling the seas. That comes much later. At the start, it is not the top sea power or settler. Its home is not safe from attacks. It holds much land in France, so it is not just an island.

You jump into the big 100 Years’ War right away. You must guard land on the continent and fight for France’s crown. Or give it up and stay on the island. But even there, Scots up north want revenge. If you want hard fights early that teach you war fast, pick England.

After those first problems, few countries have as many choices as England.

Great for: Warfare, Exploration, Diplomacy, Production

Holland

You start as a small county in the Holy Roman Empire. There are hundreds like it. Neighbors want to eat you up. Your people almost starve each winter. A leader change crisis might hit soon.

Holland starts rough. But if you do well, it can become a top maker of goods and trader. Just stay smart and skip bad money tricks like tulips.

Holland teaches well about growing your money side and trade power. Maybe later you grab the spice trade.

Great for: Trade, Production, Diplomacy