Eu4 revealed: the ultimate guide to drilling units for superiority

In the grand tapestry of Europa Universalis IV, military prowess is paramount to conquering vast empires and shaping the course of history. Drilling units is an essential aspect of military management, enabling you to enhance your armies’ combat capabilities and secure battlefield victories.

Understanding the Benefits of Drilling

Drilling provides numerous advantages for your units:

• Increased Discipline: Discipline represents the unit’s ability to maintain formation and morale during combat. Higher discipline results in fewer casualties and improved combat performance.
• Greater Morale: Morale is crucial for keeping units motivated and preventing them from routing. Drilling improves morale, making them more resilient in the face of adversity.
• Enhanced Combat Abilities: Drilling improves various combat abilities, such as attack, defense, and maneuverability. This translates into greater effectiveness on the battlefield.

How to Drill Units

Drilling units in Europa Universalis IV is a straightforward process:

1. Select the Unit: Choose the unit you wish to drill by clicking on its icon.
2. Open the Unit Interface: Right-click on the unit’s icon or press “U” to open its interface.
3. Drill Button: Locate the “Drill” button in the unit interface. It is usually represented by a shield icon with an arrow.
4. Drill Duration: Adjust the drilling duration using the slider. Longer drilling periods yield greater benefits but also require more time.

Factors Affecting Drilling Effectiveness

Several factors influence the effectiveness of drilling:

• Drill Master: The presence of a drill master, such as a general with the “Drillmaster” trait, significantly boosts drilling progress.
• Province Development: Drilling in provinces with higher development levels provides a bonus to effectiveness.
• National Ideas: Certain national ideas can provide additional bonuses to drilling speed or quality.
• Military Technology: Advanced military technologies unlock more effective drilling methods.

Optimizing Drilling Strategies

To maximize the benefits of drilling, consider the following strategies:

• Prioritize Discipline: Discipline is the most important attribute to focus on during drilling. Units with high discipline are more likely to hold their ground and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
• Drill in High-Development Provinces: Provinces with high development levels provide a significant bonus to drilling effectiveness. Prioritize drilling in these provinces to achieve the best results.
• Utilize Drill Masters: Generals with the “Drillmaster” trait are invaluable assets for drilling. Assign them to units to accelerate their progress.
• Drill Consistently: Regular drilling is essential for maintaining high levels of discipline and combat effectiveness. Schedule drilling sessions at regular intervals to ensure your units are always battle-ready.

Managing Drilling Costs

Drilling units requires manpower and ducats. Manpower represents the number of available soldiers, while ducats are the in-game currency. Consider the following tips to manage these costs effectively:

• Conserve Manpower: Avoid excessive drilling, especially during peacetime. Only drill units that are actively campaigning or preparing for war.
• Increase Manpower Pool: Use national ideas, buildings, and events to increase your manpower pool and support extended drilling periods.
• Manage Finances: Plan your drilling expenditure carefully to avoid depleting your treasury. Consider the cost of drilling relative to the potential benefits.

Summary: Drilling for Victory

Mastering the art of drilling units in Europa Universalis IV is crucial for building a formidable military force. By understanding the benefits, techniques, and strategies involved, you can maximize the combat effectiveness of your armies and secure victory on the battlefield.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: How often should I drill units?
A: Drill units regularly, but avoid over-drilling to conserve manpower. Schedule drilling sessions based on your military needs and available resources.

Q: Can I drill units while they are on campaign?
A: Yes, you can drill units while they are on campaign. However, this will slow down their movement and may make them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Q: What is the best way to increase drilling effectiveness?
A: Assign drill masters to units, drill in high-development provinces, and utilize national ideas that provide drilling bonuses.