What To Know
- Appointing a drill instructor to a unit will automatically increase its drill level over time.
- The “Drill” button in the unit interface allows you to manually increase the drill level of a unit.
- Assigning a unit to reinforce a garrison will grant it experience and increase its drill level.
In the grand tapestry of Europa Universalis IV, the ability to drill units holds immense strategic significance. By honing your skills in this crucial aspect of the game, you can transform your armies into formidable forces that will dominate the battlefields. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the knowledge and techniques you need to master the art of drilling units in EU4.
Understanding Unit Drilling
Drilling units is the process of improving their combat effectiveness through rigorous training exercises. Each unit has its own drill level, which ranges from 0 to 5. The higher the drill level, the better the unit will perform in battle.
Benefits of Drilling Units
Investing time and resources in drilling your units offers a multitude of benefits:
- Increased Combat Ability: Well-drilled units inflict more damage and suffer fewer casualties in combat.
- Reduced Attrition: Higher drill levels reduce the rate at which units lose morale and manpower due to attrition.
- Faster Siege Progress: Units with high drill levels siege forts more effectively, reducing the time it takes to capture them.
- Improved Morale: Drilling units boosts their morale, making them less likely to break and run during battles.
How to Drill Units
There are several methods available for drilling units in EU4:
- Assign a Drill Instructor: Appointing a drill instructor to a unit will automatically increase its drill level over time.
- Build Drill Grounds: Constructing drill grounds in your provinces provides a bonus to unit drilling.
- Use the “Drill” Button: The “Drill” button in the unit interface allows you to manually increase the drill level of a unit.
- Assign Unit to Reinforce: Assigning a unit to reinforce a garrison will grant it experience and increase its drill level.
Factors Affecting Drilling Speed
The rate at which units drill is influenced by several factors:
- Unit Type: Different unit types have different base drilling speeds.
- Drill Instructor Skill: The skill of the drill instructor assigned to a unit affects its drilling rate.
- Province Development: Provinces with higher development provide a bonus to drilling speed.
- National Ideas: Some national ideas grant bonuses to drilling speed.
Prioritizing Units for Drilling
With limited resources, it is crucial to prioritize which units to drill first. The following units should be given top priority:
- Infantry: The backbone of most armies, infantry benefits greatly from increased drill levels.
- Cavalry: Highly mobile and powerful, cavalry units are essential for shock combat.
- Artillery: Artillery provides devastating firepower and should be well-drilled to maximize its effectiveness.
Optimizing Drilling Strategies
To maximize the efficiency of your drilling efforts, consider the following strategies:
- Focus on a Few Units: Instead of spreading your resources thinly, concentrate on drilling a select few units to elite levels.
- Use Drill Grounds: Build drill grounds in provinces with high development to accelerate the drilling process.
- Assign Experienced Drill Instructors: Drill instructors with high skill levels will significantly increase the drilling rate of units.
- Use the “Drill” Button Sparingly: While the “Drill” button can be useful for quick boosts, it should be used judiciously to avoid wasting manpower.
In a nutshell: Embracing the Power of Drilling
Mastering the art of drilling units in Europa Universalis IV is an essential skill for any aspiring conqueror. By implementing the techniques outlined in this guide, you will transform your armies into unstoppable forces that will crush your enemies and secure your dominance over the world.
Information You Need to Know
1. What is the maximum drill level for units?
5
2. Can units lose drill levels over time?
No
3. Does drilling units cost manpower?
Yes
4. Can I drill units while they are engaged in combat?
No
5. What is the best way to increase the drilling speed of units?
Assign a skilled drill instructor, build drill grounds, and prioritize provinces with high development.
6. Which unit types benefit the most from drilling?
Infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
7. Should I drill all of my units to the same level?
No, it is better to prioritize drilling a few units to elite levels.
8. Can I use the “Drill” button to instantly increase a unit’s drill level to 5?
No, the “Drill” button only provides a gradual increase in drill level.
9. What are some national ideas that grant bonuses to drilling speed?
Innovative Ideas and Land Doctrine Ideas.
10. Can I drill units while they are in transit?
No, units must be stationed in a province to drill.
