System Guidelines
Tip
These settings help reduce CPU load and improve performance, especially during large wars.
- Keep Peacetime Maintenance Low: Lower army/navy maintenance during peace; enable only when mobilizing. This reduces CPU load from pathfinding and UI updates.
- Lower Map Clutter: Reduce visual layers that refresh frequently. Lower unit models and simplify map modes to improve frame rate.
- Avoid Constant Speed-5 with Heavy Wars: Hourly ticks and large pathfinding queues slow simulations. Use speed-3 or speed-4 during major conflicts.
Settings Checklist
Optimize these settings for better performance:
- Disable/Limit High-Frequency UI Animations: Simplify map modes and reduce animation overhead.
- Moderate Message Pop-ups: Reduce notification frequency to minimize UI updates.
- Cap Autosave Frequency: If not needed, prefer monthly over daily saves. Frequent autosaves can cause stuttering.
Expectation Setting
Compared to EU4, EU5 processes more granular ticks. Large wars + speed-5 will feel slower on mid-tier PCs. Opt for shorter wars and focused fronts to maintain smooth performance.
Note
The game's increased complexity means some slowdown during major conflicts is expected. Focus on strategic planning rather than constant speed-5 gameplay.
Quick Start
Start Small/Medium Nations for First Campaigns: Fewer moving parts improves tick feel and learning quality. Larger nations with massive populations and complex trade networks will naturally run slower.