Europa Universalis V has an automation feature that helps a lot with management, allowing new players to learn the game without being too overwhelmed by all the existing micromanagement. Among the many things players need to handle in EU5 is ensuring the Crown has high Control over their locations, maximizing the benefits they can get from the estates. One of the most effective ways to ensure high Control is by building roads. Here's how to build roads in Europa Universalis V.

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How To Build Roads In EU5 - Europa Universalis V

europa-universalis-v-5-eu5-how-build-road-proximity-control - road construction building option tab under infrastructure

To build roads in Europa Universalis V, first, press the location where you want to build roads from. After choosing the region, it will open the area's management window.

Under Infrastructure, there will be a roads button. Press it to begin building roads.

europa-universalis-v-5-eu5-how-build-road-proximity-control - road construction

Next, choose where you want to build the road to. Press on an area, then check how much it will cost in the pop-up window (bottom-left of the tooltip). If you're willing to spend the money, press the left click to start the road construction in EU5.

europa-universalis-v-5-eu5-how-build-road-proximity-control - road construction route choose from left side

Alternatively, you can see all viable areas on the left side of the screen, along with how much the road building will cost. Choose the location you want, then begin the road construction.

europa-universalis-v-5-eu5-how-build-road-proximity-control - check road construction progress

Once you begin building the roads in Europa Universalis V, you can check the construction progress by pressing the area where you're building the roads from, then find the road construction progress under the Constructions section.

Roads In EU5

Building roads in Europa Universalis V is one of the most important tasks in the game, as it helps improve Proximity, which in turn will boost your country's Control. Control is crucial as it boosts Tax Base percentage and the effectiveness of Levies, a military unit raised from the Population.

Roads help connect two locations, reducing the amount of time needed to "reach" the capital. It eases Trade movement and even increases the Army's marching speed.

However, building roads doesn't only take time, but also requires a notable amount of Ducats, especially in the early game. Additionally, it can be overwhelming for new players to manage which locations need roads next and to ensure all areas have interconnected access.

Thankfully, EU5 helps the Crown manage this by providing a "Proximity to Capital" map view, giving players a glance at how their locations fare in terms of proximity to the country's primary power.

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Grand Strategy
Strategy
Simulation
Real-Time Strategy
War & Military
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
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Released
November 4, 2025
Developer(s)
Paradox Tinto
Publisher(s)
Paradox Interactive
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DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
Grand Strategy, Strategy, Simulation, Real-Time Strategy, War & Military