Facebook
Reddit
Email
Learn how traits shape characters in Europa Universalis 5 (EU5), and how they differ across ruler, military, and religious roles.
Characters in Europa Universalis 5 can possess several types of traits that activate when they take on particular roles for their country, providing buffs or debuffs within their sphere of work. Traits define the personality of characters and affect their behavior as well. While traits are most defined and important for rulers, other characters can earn traits to provide bonuses within their roles in EU5.
How To Get Traits in Europa Universalis 5
Traits are earned by characters under various circumstances when fulfilling a specific role tied to the earned trait. Some traits have restrictions, such as the Careful trait being locked for a character if they have a Naive or Bold Fighter trait.
Having a high Ability Score is important for earning traits tied to it. Most of the best traits are unlocked if your character crosses an ability score threshold. For example, the Conqueror trait requires a Military Ability Score greater than 49 and positively affects military policies and expansionism.
The education phase for heirs, which lasts between 3 and 15 years of age, is the most important for earning good traits as a ruler. You can choose from the following education:
- Balanced: 50% Ability increase during education. The most general option is to try and get balanced abilities.
- Administrative: +75% Administrative ability and +25% overall Ability increase during education.
- Diplomatic: +75% Diplomatic ability and +25% overall Ability increase during education.
- Military: +75% Military ability and +25% overall Ability increase during education.
- Expensive: +75% Ability increase during education. +2% Expected cost of court and -250 Gold. The best possible option for gaining better ability scores in all fields.
Europa Universalis 5: Types of Traits
There are different types of traits that are earned when a character is in the relevant role.
Ruler Traits
When a character becomes the Ruler of their country, they will earn three Ruler Traits over time. The first after 1 year, the second after 10 years, and the third after 25 years serving as Ruler. Ruler traits are the most diverse category of Traits, as they include generic traits as well as those tied to military, administration, and diplomacy.
General Traits
Each character can only have one General trait active when they are assigned the role of a general leading an army. Some traits only originate when the army has the appropriate unit types, such as the Siege Specialist trait having a chance to appear with an army composition including at least 1% artillery units.
Also Read: Europa Universalis 5 (EU5): War Enthusiasm Guide
Admiral Traits
Characters appointed as admirals leading a fleet can have one admiral trait. These traits can be influenced by the fleet’s composition, such as the Naval Gunner trait having a chance to appear if the fleet is made up of more than 1% heavy ships.
Artist Traits
Each character in the role of an Artist can have one Artist Trait. Artists don’t have any abilities, and the quality of their artwork is also improved based on how much you spend on them and certain cultural advancements.
Explorer Traits
Characters assigned as Explorers can have one Explorer Trait. There are only five Explorer Traits available:
- Cartographer: -10% Exploration Cost and -0.10 Exploration Monthly Progress.
- Curious Adventurer: +5% Exploration Preparation Time Modifier and -10% Exploration Cost.
- Navigator: -5.00% Exploration Preparation Time Modifier and +0.10 Exploration Monthly Progress.
- Scientist on Sea: +0.25 Exploration Monthly Progress
- Treasure Hunter: +10% Exploration Cost and -0.20 Exploration Monthly Progress.
Also Read: Europa Universalis 5 (EU5): Conquistadors Guide
Religious Figure Traits
Characters can gain this type of trait upon becoming a Religious Figure. These traits can provide small bonuses to a variety of domains, from Ascetic decreasing Clergy Food Consumption by 5% to Mystic Seer increasing Monthly Research progress by 5%.
Child Traits
At the age of three, every child gains a single Child Trait at random, influencing their ability growth during education. For instance, a child with the Rowdy trait will gain an increased percentage of Military Abilities during their education.
We provide the latest news and create guides for Europa Universalis 5. Meanwhile, you can check out the following articles or catch us playing games on YouTube:
