Paradox Interactive has officially unveiled its highly anticipated next grand strategy game, Europa Universalis 5, following a teaser released last week. The publisher, renowned for titles such as Cities: Skylines, Crusader Kings, and Stellaris, revealed the game with a captivating cinematic trailer today. Developed by Paradox Tinto in Barcelona, Spain, the same team that has contributed to Europa Universalis 4 over recent years, the game's Steam page is already live, though a specific release date remains under wraps.

"Challenge your strategic skills over 500 years of history, in Europa Universalis 5, the latest version of the celebrated grand strategy game," states Paradox's description. "Master the arts of war, trade, diplomacy, and government in the largest and most detailed Europa Universalis game ever. Guide the destiny of any of hundreds of nations and societies in a simulated living world of unparalleled depth and complexity."

Europa Universalis 5 has been in development for over five years, with Paradox Tinto emphasizing that the game is crafted "with the devoted Paradox fan in mind." The team has taken into account more than a year of public feedback, which has significantly influenced what they describe as "the largest and most detailed Europa Universalis game ever made."

The campaign in Europa Universalis 5 starts at the beginning of the Hundred Years' War in 1337, allowing players to navigate through major historical events with a suite of new features. Key highlights from today's announcement include a new, larger map with accurate map projection and hundreds of different societies. The game introduces a population-based system, along with enhanced production and trade systems, where players can establish farms, plantations, and factories, or engage in trade with neighboring regions.

These elements are designed to offer players the ultimate freedom in building and managing their nation according to their vision. Last week's tease hinted at a mysterious and "ambitious" project, though many fans had already pieced together what was coming.

Europa Universalis V - First Screenshots

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"Europa Universalis 5 builds on the franchise's core concept of developing and advancing nations from around a deeply researched historical world," the description adds, "adding more detailed diplomacy, a more sophisticated economic model, a revised military system, and greater logistical depth that will challenge even the most experienced strategy gamers."

Europa Universalis 5 is slated for a PC release at an unspecified future date. While awaiting further updates, you can dive into our hands-on preview here.