Eu4 Burgundian Inheritance

2 min read 26-12-2024

The Burgundian Inheritance. For players of Europa Universalis IV, these two words conjure images of rapid expansion, powerful armies, and the potential for dominating early-game Europe. But securing this inheritance, and then successfully leveraging it, requires careful planning and execution. This guide will break down the key strategies involved.

Understanding the Inheritance

The Burgundian Inheritance is a game-changing event triggered when Charles the Bold dies. If Burgundy survives until his death, and if certain conditions are met, the player controlling either France or Austria (or a nation that has inherited Burgundy through other means) will inherit a substantial portion of Burgundy's territory. This includes wealthy provinces in modern-day Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of France. The exact provinces inherited depend on the game's random factors.

Several conditions must be satisfied for the inheritance to trigger:

Burgundy must exist: The obvious prerequisite. If Burgundy is annexed or otherwise ceases to exist before Charles' death, the event is cancelled.
Charles must die: This is the event trigger. Charles' lifespan varies due to random events.
No other major wars: Major conflicts involving Burgundy might alter the inheritance mechanic. Peace is usually beneficial.
Burgundy's strength: A strong, consolidated Burgundy generally increases the chance of a larger inheritance for the inheriting nation.

Playing as the Heir (France or Austria)

Both France and Austria frequently find themselves as heirs to Burgundy. Their strategies differ significantly.

France:

France's primary goal is to secure the Low Countries. This expansion bolsters French power and weakens rivals like England and the Holy Roman Empire. Successfully incorporating the Burgundian inheritance requires:

A strong military: The inheritance can trigger wars. France needs a powerful army to defend its gains and potentially conquer additional territories.
Diplomatic maneuvering: Alliances with other powerful nations can deter aggression from potential rivals.
Economic stability: The inherited provinces contribute to the French economy, but integrating them requires investment and efficient management.

Austria:

Austria's situation is more complex. Inheriting Burgundy can bring Austria directly into conflict with France, potentially destabilizing the Holy Roman Empire.

Balancing power: Austria needs to carefully manage its relationships with other powerful electors and nations within the HRE. Rapid expansion may trigger negative reactions.
Maintaining HRE control: The inheritance can disrupt Austria's control over the HRE. Strategic alliances and effective diplomacy are crucial for maintaining order.
Military readiness: Austria needs a formidable army to both defend its expanded territories and maintain its influence within the Empire.

Playing as Burgundy:

Surviving long enough to trigger the inheritance is a victory in itself. Burgundy's strategy involves:

Consolidation: Expanding and securing borders in the early game is key. Internal stability and powerful allies are vital for survival.
Alliance management: Strategic alliances with major powers can deter aggression from rivals.
Economic strength: A robust economy helps finance a strong military and provides the means to weather potential wars.

Conclusion

The Burgundian Inheritance represents a significant turning point in any EU4 game. Understanding the conditions that trigger the event, and developing strategies for how to effectively utilize the resulting territorial gains, is critical to success. Whether playing as France, Austria, or even Burgundy itself, the inheritance offers immense opportunities—and considerable challenges. Careful planning and swift execution are paramount.