How to Make Money Early Game in Europa Universalis IV

Embarking on your journey in Europa Universalis IV can be both exhilarating and challenging. One of the primary goals for many players is to accumulate wealth and power as quickly as possible. In this guide, I’ll walk you through various strategies to make money early in the game, ensuring you’re well on your way to becoming a dominant power in the medieval world.

1. Establishing a Strong Economy

Your economy is the backbone of your power in Europa Universalis IV. Here are some key steps to establish a strong economy:

• Choose the right starting country: Some countries are naturally more prosperous than others. Look for countries with high wealth and trade values.

• Optimize your trade routes: Ensure you have a good balance of trade routes that bring in wealth from various regions.

• Build and upgrade your ports: Ports are essential for trade, so invest in them early to maximize your trade income.

• Manage your taxes: Find a balance between high taxes and low taxes to ensure you’re not overburdening your population while still generating revenue.

  

2. Expanding Your Territory

Expanding your territory can provide additional sources of income and resources. Here are some tips for expanding early in the game:

• Focus on vulnerable neighbors: Look for countries with low military power or those that are at war with their neighbors.

• Use diplomacy: Form alliances and negotiate peace treaties to gain territory without going to war.

• Conquer provinces with valuable resources: Prioritize provinces that offer additional wealth or resources to your economy.

3. Investing in Technology and Buildings

Investing in technology and buildings can boost your economy and military power. Here are some key investments:

• Trade: Invest in trade-related technologies and buildings to improve your trade efficiency and income.

• Industry: Invest in industry-related technologies and buildings to increase your production capacity and resource extraction.

• Military: Invest in military technologies and buildings to strengthen your military power and make it easier to conquer territories.

4. Leveraging Diplomatic Power

Diplomacy can be a powerful tool to make money early in the game. Here are some diplomatic strategies:

• Trade Embargoes: Use trade embargoes to force other countries to pay tribute or provide resources.

• War Debt: Borrow money from other countries during war and pay it back with tribute or resources.

• Peace Treaties: Negotiate peace treaties that include territorial concessions or tribute payments.

5. Utilizing the Market

The market can be a lucrative source of income. Here are some tips for maximizing your market profits:

• Trade Goods: Trade goods that are in high demand and have a high profit margin.

• Manage Prices: Keep an eye on market prices and adjust your trade accordingly.

• Invest in Companies: Invest in companies that have high potential for growth and profit.

6. Exploiting Religious and Ideological Opportunities

Religious and ideological opportunities can provide additional income and resources. Here are some strategies:

• Religious Wars: Participate in religious wars to gain wealth and resources from conquered territories.

• Ideological Conversions: Convert provinces to your ideology to gain additional income and resources.

• Religious Orders: Invest in religious orders to gain additional wealth and resources.

7. Managing Your Population

Your population is a valuable asset. Here are some tips for managing your population effectively:

• Population Growth: Invest in population growth to increase your workforce and tax base.

• Immigration: Allow immigration to bring in skilled workers and increase your population’s wealth.

• Education: Invest in education to improve your population