When it comes to military powers in EU4, Prussia is arguably one of the top contenders for conquest and domination.
With strong national ideas that support a formidable army and the unique Militarization mechanic, playing and expanding the iconic Prussian blue can be an immensely satisfying experience for any EU4 player.
The nation of Prussia does not exist at the 1444 start of EU4. Instead, players must choose one of several candidates to make their run at creating the powerful military juggernaut.
Forming EU4 Prussia is not an official achievement, but it is a highly sought-after feat by beginners and veterans alike to prove their Europa Universalis mastery. Using video games for inspiration can help writers unlock new ideas and stories.
Paradox Interactive games create perfect environments to learn and create alternate stories from history. With the right opening moves, players can form Prussia, dominate central Europe, and eventually form Germany if they desire.
A Brief History of Prussia
Prussia’s history is intertwined with the state of Brandenburg, which emerged in what is now northeastern Germany during the 13th century. Over the centuries, Brandenburg grew in power and territory, absorbing neighbors and forming alliances with other states.
In 1701, the HRE Elector of Brandenburg, Frederick III, declared himself King Frederick I, forming the kingdom of Prussia. Under the Hohenzollern dynasty, Prussia continued to expand and strengthen its military might.
Prussian rulers were known for their aggressive foreign policies and strategic alliances that allowed them to challenge mighty European powers like Austria and France.
Their militaristic society and strong monarchy influenced numerous cultural and political developments in Europe, leading the way for German unification in the late 19th century under Otto von Bismarck.
Europa Universalis 4 lets players decide Prussia’s fate and puts the nation’s future in their hands. Unique EU4 Prussia events and mechanics add flavor and historical context to each playthrough.
For example, the “Prussian Monarchy” government type is only available to Prussia and allows for strong centralization and easy control of the military.
Additionally, the “Ironman” achievement, which requires players to form Prussia and have a standing army of at least 100,000 troops, emphasizes the militaristic nature of the country.
EU4 players can also experience Prussia’s historical rise to power through the nation of Brandenburg, which reflects the country’s origins
Table of Contents
EU4 Prussia’s National Ideas
EU4 Prussia receives national ideas and unique mechanics to help it live up to its historical counterpart. With a heavy focus on fielding a large and unbeatable army, the Prussians can put up a formidable fight.
Prussian Ideas and Traditions
Prussian Traditions: +0.5 Yearly army tradition −10% Aggressive expansion impact
Legacy of the Teutonic Knights: −10% Stability cost, +1 Tolerance of true faith
The Soldier-King of Prussia: −1% Yearly army tradition decay
Army Professionalism: +20% Morale of armies
Noble Cadets: +10% Nobility loyalty equilibrium
The Goose Step: +20% Infantry combat ability
Regimental Cantons: +25% National manpower modifier, −10% Recruitment time
Religious Toleration: −5% Development cost +1 Tolerance of heretics
Prussian Ambition: +5% Discipline
Prussian Monarchy
Prussia also has access to three unique government reforms in EU4 depending on its type of administration: Prussian Monarchy for monarchies, Stratocratic Administration for republics, and Militaristic Divine State for theocracies.
Each of these reforms provides benefits and bonuses for players who choose to adopt them. The boons for the Prussian Monarchy reform are as follows:
−2 National unrest
−0.02 Monthly war exhaustion
−0.075 Monthly autonomy change
+10 Maximum absolutism
+3 Monarch military skill (for future monarchs)
−50% Governing capacity
+10% Nobility loyalty equilibrium
Militarization
Prussian Monarchy, Stratocratic Administration, and Militaristic Divine State also enable the unique militarization mechanic, which gives EU4 Prussia army-oriented bonuses the more militarized it becomes.
Represented by a scale of 0 to 100, there are several ways to raise and lower this level. However, at 100% militarization, Prussia gains:
+10% Discipline
+20% Manpower recovery speed
−20% Land maintenance modifier
How to Form Prussia in EU4
There are three possible routes to form Prussia in Europa Universalis 4. One is the historical route with Brandenburg. One is a semi-historical/alternate route with the Teutonic Order. And the last is for any other country of Prussian, Saxon, or Pomeranian culture, which takes Brandenburg’s role in an alternative timeline.
All three routes require Administrative Technology 10 and embracing the reformation by adopting Protestant, Reformed, Anglican, or Hussite.
However, each route requires players to own different provinces. The Teutonic Order path only requires ownership of Königsberg. Brandenburg also requires Königsberg, in addition to either Danzig or Stolp. For the minor nation route, the player must all own Königsberg, Warmia, and Danzig.
The Teutonic Order Route
Europa Universalis 4 provides the Teutonic Order with a dynamic mission tree that aligns with whichever future a player chooses for the holy order. By deciding to call an end to their crusade, the Teutons have the option of joining the Holy Roman Empire. Entry into the HRE usually comes with a cost.
Princes of the Empire hold a vote on the Teutonic Order’s petition to join. Out of three options, one being outright refusal, members of the HRE can also choose to welcome the Teutons with open arms.
Unfortunately, the HRE Princes usually choose to accept the Teutons into the Holy Roman Empire with a stipulation. Until the Teutonic Order reforms their government, they will be expelled from the HRE if they attack another member.
Joining the empire will offer some protection against the Polish, who are very interested in Teutonic lands. If the player is unable to resolve the Danzig rebellion, they will lose land in the ensuing war for independence. Poland is quick to capitalize on the disaster.
Although Brandenburg can start the game with friendly relations, players will quickly see those feelings sour. An event will propose selling part of Teuotonic land to the Brandenburgians.
Brandenburg’s missions will also give it claims on Pomerania. Once secured, their attention turns to the Teutonic Order, and relations become hostile.
The Brandenburg Route
EU4’s Brandenburg starts in one of the best positions to form Prussia, with missions that lead players toward that decision. Despite the natural progression, Brandenburg can be a tricky start for inexperienced players.
Expanding inside the Holy Roman Empire is an expensive endeavor. Networks of alliances can make a seemly easy war into a much larger conflict. Taking land inside the HRE also adds additional aggressive expansion. Taking too much land too quickly can find a player on the receiving end
The Minor Nation Route – Saxon
Any nation with Saxon as its primary culture can form the nation of Prussia in EU4. Below is a list of these nations at the 1444 start of Europa Universalis 4.
Saxony
Saxony is one of the best alternative Saxon starting nations to form Prussia in EU4. As an HRE Elector with national ideas geared toward growth and development, a player can unleash the productive powerhouse and create a powerful kingdom.
This nation also has the added bonus of a unique mission tree, which will help grow Saxon borders and take on Brandenburg. However, players will need to expand beyond Saxony’s missions to fulfill the EU4 Prussia requirements.
Thuringia
Thuringia starts Europa Universalis 4 as a vassal under Saxony. While it has an easier path to independence, the Thuringian mission tree is identical to Saxony’s. To make matters worse, Thuringia’s national ideas are a mess and don’t offer many solid bonuses.
Fortunately, Saxony is a formable nation. If players are looking for a EU4 Prussia challenge with Thuringia, annexing Saxony and reforming into them will provide more beneficial boons to expand.
Magdeburg, Anhalt, Goslar
The Saxon minor nations of Magdeburg, Anhalt, and Goslar are at a terrible disadvantage for EU4 Prussia formation. While Magdeburg holds two provinces, the other candidates only hold a single territory. To make matters worse, the trio only has the generic HRE missions tree, offering little reward for a player’s Prussian goals.
However, they do offer unique situations for a flavor-filled EU4 Prussia forming experience.
Magdeburg is the only starting EU4 Prussia candidate that begins as a theocracy. Because of this, it can adopt the Militaristic Divine State government reform for theocracies. Forming a Prussian theocracy is a rare accomplishment.
Anhalt starts as an OPM monarchy. It is in a precarious situation between two larger nations and presents a difficult EU4 Prussia attempt. However it does have the potential to reform Saxony in the right situation.
Goslar begins as a Free City in the HRE. If it conquered the land needed to form Prussia and remains a republic, it could adopt the Stratocratic Administration government reform. EU4 players looking for a challenge may want to try their hand at starting as an OPM.
Ruppin
The final Saxon nation on the list to form Prussia is Ruppin. Not starting on the EU4 map at 1444, Ruppin must be released as a vassal from Brandenburg as a one-province minor, making it one of the hardest starts for an EU4 Prussia run.
If players manage to declare their independence from Brandenburg, defend their meager territory, and conquer the necessary land, they can form Prussia with one of EU4’s hardest starting nations.
The Minor Nation Route – Pomeranian
The Pomeranian nations listed below can all form the nation of Pomerania once they conquer the necessary land. For EU4 players aiming to form Prussia, forming this nation can be a checkpoint along the way.
Wogast, Mecklenburg, Stettin
Wogast is the largest of the three Pomerania nations, but the trio starts off in relatively similar positions along the Baltic. Brandenburg will be quick to rival these nations and declare war for their mission-given claims.
It is important for players to be ready for any offense from Brandenburg. As an HRE Elector, they have the potential to pick up some sizable allies. Friendly relations between Brandenburg and Poland or other large electors could spell trouble for Pomeranian players.
Rugen
In a category of its own is the Prussian nation of Rugen, which does not start on the map in EU4’s 1444 start. The island one-province minor must be released as a vassal from Wogast and gain its independence from its overlords before Brandenburg conquers the area.
Rugen does have a unique characteristic for EU4 Prussia runs: they can embrace a pirate republic. Rugen is one of only a few nations in the HRE that can turn to piratical ways. They can also form Prussia while pirating the Baltic Sea.
The Minor Nation Route – Prussian
Prussian culture can be found in the northern region of Poland. It is solely controlled by the Teutonic Order at the start of EU4, but there is a second nation with this culture that can form EU4 Prussia.
Danzig
The nation of Danzig does not start on the map in 1444, but players can release them as a vassal of the Teutonic Order. Danzig got attention during the Lions of the North DLC and has access to a unique and dynamic mission tree that aligns with the player’s future plans.
With missions tailored to form Prussia and a hidden start, Danzig is an unusual but rewarding playthrough for EU4’s Prussia fanatics.
Final Thoughts
Prussia is a formidable military power in Europa Universalis 4 thanks to its powerful National Ideas, unique government reforms, and the Militarization mechanic. In addition to its military prowess, Prussia can play a central role during the Reformation and is an ideal candidate to lead the Protestant League.
Overall, Prussia is both a challenging and rewarding country to form in Europa Universalis 4. An EU4 Prussia run provides interesting challenges and opportunities for players of all skill levels as they navigate the complex political landscape of Europe. In the right hands, it is a militaristic force to be reckoned with.
Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, an EU4 Prussia playthrough is something every player hopes to accomplish.
So why not pick up the game today and discover the power and glory of Prussia for yourself?
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