Details on the Across the Pillars pack, focused on the history of Spain and Morocco, for Europa Universalis V
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The name of the expansion translates as “Across the Pillars.” It refers to the Pillars of Hercules—the rocks marking the sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Whoever controls this narrow waterway and the Pillars of Hercules can restrict the passage of ships into the Mediterranean, as well as facilitate communication between Europe and Africa. Thus, the developers of the Across the Pillars expansion for Europa Universalis V are giving players the opportunity to join the historical struggle for this strategically important strait and lead states seeking to establish control over it. The expansion will be released on October 28, 2026, and will be included in the Europa Universalis V: Premium Edition.

 

The Across the Pillars pack will further explore the history of Castile/Spain, Morocco, and Granada, offering players new scenarios. The pack will let players determine the fate of the southern Iberian Peninsula and lead their country to new historical heights by establishing control over the region. Unique decisions, events, and colorful historical details will transport you to a meticulously crafted world of the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern period, where a tense struggle for dominance in the region unfolds.

Key features of Europa Universalis V: Across the Pillars:

  • Battle for the Strait: a new historical situation dedicated to the struggle between Castile, Granada, and Marinid Morocco for the legacy of Iberia’s Muslim rulers.

    • New thematic decisions, council actions, and interactions with powers
    • New events and special actions dedicated to the struggle for the Strait of Gibraltar
    • The power that wins the battle for the strait will usher in a golden age—a special situation that allows it to extend its power and influence far beyond its own region.
    • Historical flavor

  • Unique Journeys: Across the Pillars introduces features available only to owners of this expansion—special journeys, caravans carrying gold, and golden fleets.

  • Religious Orders: new unique military organizations for the powers of Iberia.

  • Iberian Union: in the revamped “Iberian Wedding” scenario, you will have to choose between a centralized monarchy and a federated power. New laws and rules will help you unite the thrones of Iberia.

  • Iberian Bureaucratic Mechanics: 12 new mechanics inspired by the history of Spain and Portugal.

  • Maghrebi Bureaucratic Mechanics: new mechanics inspired by the history of North Africa.

  • New Historical Events for Iberia: numerous historical events for the powers of the Iberian Peninsula, including unique dynamic events for Castile/Spain, Portugal, Aragon, and Navarre.

  • New Historical Events for the Maghreb: numerous historical events for the powers of the Maghreb, including unique dynamic events for Morocco, Granada, and other states in the region.

  • New Technological Improvements: dozens of improvements available exclusively to the powers of Iberia and the Maghreb.

  • New Visual Content: unit and ship models, portrait elements, event illustrations, monuments, and creations for the powers of Iberia and the Maghreb.

  • New Compositions: six musical compositions in the Castilian style, performed in Old Spanish and on baroque instruments. Three new Moroccan-style songs inspired by the tradition of alternating singing from the 16th century and performed on the sintir and qraqeb.

Europa Universalis V: Across the Pillars will be released alongside the free 1.4 Ria Salado update for the base game. This major update for Europa Universalis V is an important part of Paradox Tinto’s campaign to add new free features, systems, and atmospheric elements to the game. During its first year, the team introduced both major and minor changes, and Rio Salado is the largest update so far: it adds “Expeditions” (character-led missions to distant lands), changes to the Catholicism system (a rework of religious orders and changes to cardinal management mechanics), improvements to dynasty-related gameplay, substantial changes to the trade system, and much more.

More details about the Across the Pillars expansion and the game itself, Europa Universalis V, can be found on the official website.