Becoming the Holy Roman Emperor as Bavaria in Europa Universalis 5
In Europa Universalis 5 (EU5), Bavaria (specifically starting as the Duchy of Upper Bavaria under the Wittelsbach dynasty in 1337) begins the game as the Holy Roman Emperor—a huge advantage for early dominance in the HRE's patchwork of over 300 member states, including princes, free cities, and prelates. However, the position is elective, so you'll need to actively manage elections to hold or reclaim it, especially against rivals like Austria (Habsburgs) or Bohemia (Luxemburgs). The HRE mechanics emphasize diplomacy, imperial authority, and protecting members from external threats, rewarding patient players who build influence rather than pure conquest.
Key HRE Mechanics in EU5
Election Process: The Emperor is chosen by seven Prince-Electors (four secular: Palatinate of the Rhine, Bohemia, Brandenburg, Saxe-Wittenberg; three clerical: Trier, Mainz, Cologne). Votes occur on succession (e.g., ruler death). All HRE members vote on laws via the Imperial Parliament, but only electors decide the throne.
Gaining Votes: Improve relations (+opinion), bribe with gold, threaten via military superiority, or eliminate unfavorable electors (via war or annexation) to replace them with puppets or allies who vote for you.
Benefits of Emperorship: Access to Imperial Authority for enacting laws (e.g., Golden Bull for constitutional perks), diplomatic tools like enforcing peace, and bonuses like extra prestige, ducats, and member loyalty. It also lets you expand the HRE, defend against outsiders, and enforce religious unity.
Challenges: Losing authority risks disintegration; rivals can poach votes. Focus on a single faith (Catholic start) and internal cohesion to avoid penalties.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Bavaria
As starting Emperor, your goal is to consolidate power early, vassalize small HRE states, and rig elections against challengers. Here's a phased guide based on community strategies:
Early Game Setup (1337–1400: Secure Your Throne)
Ally key electors (e.g., Brandenburg, Mainz) immediately for +votes and defensive pacts. Use your starting prestige to improve relations to 100+.
Fabricate claims on nearby OPMs (one-province minors) like Augsburg or Salzburg for quick vassalization—Bavaria's mission tree aids this with bonuses to diplomatic annexation.
Enact early HRE laws like "Imperial Ban" to weaken rivals. Build toward Diplomacy ideas first for better relations and influence.
Watch for your aging ruler (Ludwig IV); prep a strong heir via dynasty perks.
Mid-Game Expansion (1400–1500: Build Imperial Authority)
Expand HRE borders by adding Italian or Swiss minors via conquest or invitation—gain authority for each addition.
Target Austria early: Declare on them when overextended (e.g., after their Hungarian wars) to force concessions or PU them. Vassalizing electors guarantees their votes.
Use bribery (save ~200 ducats per elector) or threats (stack military points) during elections. If losing a vote, reload or console-command if testing.
Form Bavaria proper via decisions for mission bonuses like "Overthrow Austria," unlocking Emperor-specific paths.
Late-Game Dominance (1500+: Enforce Unity)
Push for HRE centralization laws (e.g., revoke free cities' privileges) to concentrate power and boost your economy.
Defend against external threats (e.g., France, Ottomans) to rack up authority—members will love you, improving opinions empire-wide.
If dethroned, focus on destroying the new Emperor (e.g., via coalition wars) and reclaim votes. Aim for 5+ elector votes for a lock.
Optional: Reform into a unified Germany for endgame power, but preserve HRE flavor for roleplay.
PhaseKey ActionsPotential PitfallsTips for SuccessEarly (1337–1400)Ally electors, vassalize OPMs, improve relationsAging ruler successionUse Wittelsbach dynasty spread for +heritage votesMid (1400–1500)Conquer Austria, bribe/threaten votesRival bids from HabsburgsPrioritize Expansion ideas for faster annexationsLate (1500+)Enact centralizing laws, defend HREReligious wars fracturing unityMaintain Catholic dominance; use Parliament for buffs
This approach leverages Bavaria's central position and missions for a "tall" HRE playstyle—focus on diplomacy over blobs. For visuals, check YouTube guides like "PDX REVISED EU5 Political MAP of HRE & Bavaria" for flavor details. If you meant EU4 or a specific patch, clarify!
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