In Europa Universalis IV (EU4), playing as Brandenburg or the Teutonic Order and forming Prussia is one of the most satisfying and powerful paths a player can pursue. Prussia’s militarization mechanics offer unparalleled army quality, and when activated early, they can completely shift the balance of power in Central Europe. Understanding how to unlock early Prussian militarization, efficiently form the nation, and take advantage of military bonuses can turn a modest German state into a continental superpower. This guide explores the mechanics, strategy, and key decisions required to achieve early Prussian militarization.
Understanding the Power of Prussian Militarization
Why Prussia Stands Out
Prussia is widely regarded as one of the most powerful military nations in EU4 due to its unique government mechanics. Once you form Prussia and adopt the Monarchy or Military Dictatorship form, you gain access to militarization, a government mechanic that allows you to build up militarization points and gain military modifiers such as discipline, manpower recovery, and reduced morale damage.
Militarization Bonuses
At 100 militarization, Prussia receives:
- +20% Infantry Combat Ability
- +10% Discipline
- +10% Army Morale Recovery
- −10% Land Maintenance
- −10% Military Advisor Cost
These bonuses make your armies incredibly powerful, even when outnumbered. For players interested in war-focused gameplay, these stats are unmatched in the early to mid-game.
Choosing the Right Start: Brandenburg or Teutonic Order
Brandenburg’s Strategic Position
Brandenburg begins the game in 1444 with good military ideas and is part of the Holy Roman Empire. This gives players access to Imperial Authority protection early on and diplomatic opportunities within the empire. Brandenburg’s national ideas also contribute to discipline and militarization.
The Teutonic Order: A More Aggressive Path
The Teutonic Order offers another powerful option. Starting with strong military capabilities and a monastic government, they’re not part of the Holy Roman Empire but have fewer diplomatic entanglements, which allows more aggressive expansion early on. However, forming Prussia from the Teutonic Order involves converting to Protestant or Reformed Christianity, which is crucial for militarization.
Forming Prussia: Requirements and Timing
Steps to Form Prussia
To form Prussia, you need to:
- Be Protestant or Reformed
- Own and core the provinces of Königsberg and either Danzig or Ostpreussen
- Not be a subject nation (except as a march)
Once you meet these conditions, you can enact the decision to form Prussia and immediately gain access to the militarization mechanic, provided you’re using a monarchy government form or switch to the unique Prussian Monarchy.
Converting Religion
A common challenge for players is waiting for the Reformation to start, which typically begins around 1517. Converting early is key to accelerating your Prussia formation. If playing the Teutonic Order, you can preemptively prepare by controlling provinces with centers of reformation and increasing religious unity before conversion.
Accelerating Militarization in the Early Game
How Militarization Increases
Militarization is affected by:
- Army professionalism and tradition
- Low autonomy provinces
- Army maintenance at 100%
- Disbanding regiments
- Having fewer mercenaries
To gain militarization quickly, maintain a small but well-drilled standing army, keep provinces at low autonomy, and avoid excessive use of mercenaries.
Tips for Maximizing Militarization Early
- Drill armies constantly with full maintenance
- Disband mercenaries after wars
- Conquer high development provinces and lower their autonomy
- Keep army tradition high by fighting frequent wars or investing in military buildings
Military Ideas to Complement Prussia
Idea Group Synergy
To build an unstoppable force, consider the following military-focused idea groups that synergize with Prussian militarization:
- Quality Ideas: Further boosts discipline and combat ability.
- Offensive Ideas: Enhances general quality and siege ability.
- Defensive Ideas: Increased morale and faster recovery during wars.
- Quantity Ideas: Offsets the low manpower that comes with small starting nations.
Combining these ideas with militarization results in a nearly invincible military force by the mid-game.
Expansion Strategy Post-Formation
Targets for Early Expansion
After forming Prussia, target the following regions to build your power base:
- Poland and Lithuania: Defeat Poland early while it is in a union with Lithuania.
- Bohemia and Saxony: Offers valuable German lands and religious spread for Protestant conversion.
- Denmark and Sweden: Break the Kalmar Union and dominate Scandinavia for trade and manpower.
Join or Leave the HRE?
Staying in the Holy Roman Empire offers early protection and diplomatic reach. However, leaving the HRE can help avoid internal politics and let you expand more freely into German and Baltic lands without Emperor intervention.
Long-Term Benefits of Early Militarization
Dominate the Military Rankings
With early Prussian militarization, your military power skyrockets. You can easily defeat larger coalitions, win defensive wars, and dissuade aggressive neighbors. Maintaining 100 militarization throughout the game makes you a terrifying military hegemon.
Become Emperor or Form Germany
Another goal post-Prussia is to become Emperor of the HRE or form Germany. Both give you vast bonuses, and with your superior army, you can enforce peace and grow your influence throughout the continent.
EU4 early Prussian militarization offers a unique and rewarding path for players who enjoy military dominance and strategic depth. Whether you begin as Brandenburg or the Teutonic Order, the path to Prussia requires careful planning, early religious conversion, and efficient military development. By maximizing militarization mechanics and leveraging strong military ideas, you can transform your minor state into a formidable European powerhouse. Conquer, reform, and lead your disciplined troops to reshape the map the Prussian way.