Europa Universalis 5: Across the Pillars Chronicle Pack Announced for October 2026

Paradox Interactive announced Europa Universalis 5: Across the Pillars, a new Chronicle Pack arriving October 28, 2026. The expansion centers on the historical struggle for control of the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounding regions of southern Iberia and North Africa, placing players amid competition between Castile, Marinid Morocco, and Granada.

The core feature is The Battle of the Strait, a new historical Situation introducing decisions, cabinet actions, country interactions, events, and special actions built around Gibraltar's control. The victor can advance to the Golden Century Situation, continuing to project influence beyond the immediate conflict.

New expedition content exclusive to the pack includes explorations, gold caravans, and treasure fleets for Iberian and Maghrebi nations. Political systems receive expanded depth through new bureaucracy options and a reworked Iberian Union. The updated Iberian Wedding scenario lets players pursue either a centralized Iberian monarchy or a federalized state, with new laws and policies tailored to each approach.

Iberian nations gain 12 new bureaucracy options inspired by Spanish and Portuguese history, while Maghrebi nations receive eight based on North African history. The expansion adds hundreds of new events and technological advances for regional nations, plus visual and audio content including new unit and ship models, portraits, event illustrations, monuments, and Works of Art.

The soundtrack features nine new songs: six Castilian-themed tracks with baroque instruments and medieval Spanish vocals, plus three Moroccan-inspired pieces drawing on 16th-century call-and-response music with the guembri and qraqeb.

Across the Pillars launches October 28, 2026, for $19.99, £16.99, or €19.99, and is included with the Premium Edition. A free 1.4 Rio Salado update releases the same day.