Nations
Choose your starting nation and learn proven opening strategies. Each guide includes a First 50 Years checklist to help you succeed.
Starter-friendly
Pick one from Portugal, Castile, Ottomans, England, Muscovy, Japan. Each has a 6–8 item First 50 Years checklist and a trade/logistics mini‑plan.
Filters
England
Master naval dominance and economic transformation through trade nodes and strategic diplomacy with France.
France
Navigate domestic consolidation and power balance. Learn to handle the Hundred Years' War opening.
Austria
Become the diplomatic hub of the Empire. Master vassal strategies and imperial management.
Ottomans
Strong early army with multiple viable first wars. A template for short, supplied, naval-assisted campaigns.
Mamluks
Control the crossroads of Red Sea and Mediterranean trade. Balance military and economic priorities.
Ming
Manage massive population and economic scale. Navigate bureaucratic structures and internal challenges.
Japan
Fragmented power base with consolidation gameplay. Great for practicing internal stability, short wars, and economy-first pacing.
Castile
Early colonization routes and trade pivot points. Balance European politics with overseas expansion.
Portugal
The safest beginner maritime trade template: prioritize economy and trade before expansion, master the capacity—routes—fleet trio.
Poland
Central European balanced start perfect for practicing alliance networks, short wars, and economic consolidation.
Venice
Merchant republic with natural trade leverage. Practice market creation, entrepôts, and economic warfare.
Muscovy
Wide lands, long winters, and supply challenges teach disciplined expansion and fort-first sieges. Ideal to practice short wars and pace control.
Sweden
Strong military modifiers and clear early rivalry space. Practice decisive short wars and economy stabilization between them.
Byzantium
High-risk opener teaching naval control, siege timing, and strict logistics. Succeed with short, decisive campaigns and strong allies.
Compare Nations
England vs France
Which nation should you choose? Compare naval-first trade play with land-first hegemon strategies. Perfect for beginners deciding their first campaign.
France vs Austria
Compare land-first hegemon play with diplomatic hub strategies. Learn which nation suits your playstyle: decisive wars or alliance networks.