How good is Europa Universalis 4 without DLC?

[Kaiser1]

Im reading great reviews about the game but at the same time alot of people are saying that you need the expansions for this game to be great, so im wondering how good is the base game?
Is it like Civ 5 where the expansions make it a great game and without them its meh, alright, or is it already really good and the expansions just add more? Its on sale right now so im thinking of buying it.

[Talendra]

It is not as good without the dlc after having it for such a long time, but still a really good game. I had many hours of enjoyment on the base game, and there are many free features that make it better too. Having not played the dlc, you would likely not really miss them like I do.
The game can be pretty hard to get learn, so I would recomend watching some lets plays to help you out. Also I set one thing to focus on each game, such as trade, colonising, or just surviving as a small nation. You learn a lot that way.
It can be overwelming at first, but if you have the time to put in, it is a very satisfying and enjoyable game.

[papajack99]

I just bought the game myself plus the Art of War DLC ...coming from a turn based strategy games background ..i think it will be very overwhelming for me

[VoiD]

It was a masterpiece then and it's a masterpiece plus additional content now.

Sure I wouldn't want to go back to the game before DLC but as a new player it's not like you're missing anything that you got used to after years playing.

[zacharyb]

The game is great even without dlcs, the dlcs just make it even better. A warning though, after playing this game for a time you might become bored with civ and not find civ as fun as it used to be.

[cybul]

It's a fantastic game with or wothout DLC. But as it's on a good sale I'd recommend the base game and the first 4 expansions if money allows. Content packs and music you don't need. If you only want one expansion then Art of War is the one.

http://www.eu4wiki.com/Downloadable_content

[Kaiser1]

Well i guess its a buy for me then, thank you all for your input its really appreciated. One last question, is the wealth of nations expac good? thats the only one i can afford after buying the base game.

[Zé Andarilho]

whealth of nations is a excelent expansion if you like to do trade actions .if you just do war after war and rarelly open the trade tab ,so dont buy it

[Laladen]

I can't even play the Civ series anymore after starting EU4. It feels like a board game.

[Romeo Deluxe]

引用自 Fedaykin：

I can't even play the Civ series anymore after starting EU4. It feels like a board game.

So true. The vanilla game will hurt your brain just as easily without any DLC.

Just get the DLC when it's on sale. That's a meta-game all on it's own. LOL

[HitchensRIP]

Is this still a valid argument? Is EU4 still good as Vanilla? I had gotten it on release-ish, played a little, learned very little but then got busy in real life. Now I picked it up again and (still Vanilla) it feels much much different. I dont recall this Fort system nor the Favor system or the Autonomy..(or maybe I'm just going bonkers) and I just cant figure it out. I've read in some reviews that now you kinda need some DLCs to fix those mechanics? Is this true at all or shall I just patiently learn the new mechanics?

[Red Dragon]

As a newcomer not owning some of the dlcs in the very beginning may make getting into the game easier, because there are fewer options to worry about. Especifically the last dlc (Cossacks) makes the game more complex and more... finnicky. Diplomacy (new favor system) and Estates (an extra tab) within your nation make the game more complex and less easy to get into.

Is it better with dlc? Yes. But you also have more options to worry about. All in good time though, once the game sinks its hooks into you, you'll probably get the dlcs anyway ;)

[HitchensRIP]

引用自 Red Dragon：

As a newcomer not owning some of the dlcs in the very beginning may make getting into the game easier, because there are fewer options to worry about. Especifically the last dlc (Cossacks) makes the more complex and more... finnicky. Diplomacy (new favor system) and Estates (an extra tab) within your nation make the game more complex and less easy to get into.

Is it better with dlc? Yes. But you also have more options to worry about. All in good time though, once the game sinks its hooks into you, you'll probably get the dlcs anyway ;)

So all these Forts and Autonomy and Favors I just have to get used to itwithout the need of a DLC? Also the facts that all LPs out there are either outdated in the case of vanilla or too up to date including all DLCs doesnt really help. Oh well it means that its still a great game! And I was here ready to downgrade to EU3, which I also got but never played...

Cheers man!

[Red Dragon]

引用自 HitchensRIP：

So all these Forts and Autonomy and Favors I just have to get used to itwithout the need of a DLC?

Forts and autonomy are both in the base game, favors are part of the paid expansion "The Cossacks" - basically favors simply accumulate over time while having an ally, as long as you have the "join offensive wars of that nation" box checked, also you gain favors for helping out in a war and such... without Cossacks favors are not a thing and countries decide based on diplomatic reputation, their attitude towards you, how much they like you (etc.) if they will or will not join one of your wars.

[kaiyl_kariashi]

As long as you don't play natives in Amercia the game is alright without DLC. But those are VERY bland to play without conquest of paradise or el dorado.

[Red Dragon]

引用自 kaiyl_kariashi：

As long as you don't play natives in Amercia the game is alright without DLC. But those are VERY bland to play without conquest of paradise or el dorado.

Absolutely true.