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The original was posted on /r/paradoxplaza by /u/papertrade1 on 2025-05-21 10:42:56+00:00.

Some time ago, I bought a whole bunch of Paradox games on a sale ( HOI, Stellaris, EU4, CK3, VIC3)

I started with CK3 because it was the one recommended for beginners. Turns out I don’t like RPG’s ( and to me CK3 is more an RPG than a grand strategy game)

HOI is mostly about combat , and it’s not what I was looking for.

Then I got into EU4, which I liked a lot. It was well rounded strategy game, economics, diplomacy, bit of combat, etc… It took a loooong time to learn this one, with endless hours of watching tutorials.

Then I tried to take a look into Stellaris and Victoria 3. All of them have massive learning curves.

Unfortunately, for at least this year, I only have enough time and energy to devote to only one Paradox game.

If you had to choose only one of these ( EU4, Stellaris, VIC3) to delve into , which one would you feel provides the most rounded strategy experience ( planning, economics, geopolitics, diplomacy, conflict , etc.) ?

EDIT: just be clear, I don’t mean which one has the biggest longevity of these 3, but which one provides the most rounded and balanced experience in all the various aspects of strategy ( the economy, the diplomacy, the expansion, etc…)