Which expansions/DLCs to get (especially for multiplayer)?

[Tornadoli]

In the past, I've been an avid EU3 player (including lots of multiplayer), and also played EU4 afterwards. Unfortunately, I have been away from the game for quite some time, but I'd like to get back into it. Looking at all these expansions & DLCs, I admit that I feel a bit overwhelmed - I don't want to spend that much money on stuff that I will probably not use.

Hence:
1) Do I need all the expansions/DLCs to participate in multiplayer games effectively (i.e. what is the "standard" configuration now)?
2) What are the best expansions/DLCs to get (most bang for the buck)?

 

[ivo_tentye]

The host of a multiplayer game selects the active dlc's form the list of dlc's he owns, these are active for all players even if those players do not own that DLC.

 

[Tornadoli]

The host of a multiplayer game selects the active dlc's form the list of dlc's he owns, these are active for all players even if those players do not own that DLC.

Nice - completely forgot about that! Does that include expansions?

 

[Vetgirig]

Nice - completely forgot about that! Does that include expansions?

Thats for expansions.

 

[Tornadoli]

Thats for expansions.

Ok, so is it worth getting any expansions/DLCs at all? I don't want to sound like a leech, but for now since I am just getting back into the game I will probably not host anything. Are there any must-have expansions for single player at all?

 

[mysticdueler]

All DLC. Expansions, unit packs, etc should all fall under that umbrella. The only thing that wouldn’t be included is the soundtracks, since that is a local file (vs universal data).

 

[mysticdueler]

Ok, so is it worth getting any expansions/DLCs at all? I don't want to sound like a leech, but for now since I am just getting back into the game I will probably not host anything. Are there any must-have expansions for single player at all?

Art of War and Common Sense are usually agreed to be the bare minimum. Other DLC can depend on which area of the world you prefer to play in. For example, El Dorado for new world countries, or Cossacks for Eastern Europe, or Mandate of Heaven if you like playing in Asia.

Also, if you are planning on waiting to buy anyway, wait for the next big PDS sale (usually one every three months give or take)

 

[Tornadoli]

Art of War and Common Sense are usually agreed to be the bare minimum. Other DLC can depend on which area of the world you prefer to play in. For example, El Dorado for new world countries, or Cossacks for Eastern Europe, or Mandate of Heaven if you like playing in Asia.

Also, if you are planning on waiting to buy anyway, wait for the next big PDS sale (usually one every three months give or take)

Thanks! So these are the only "must haves"? When was the last sale?

 

[mysticdueler]

Thanks! So these are the only "must haves"? When was the last sale?

Well, if you want a more comprehensive look at which DLC includes what features, you can always check the wiki.

As for the last major sale, it was when the newest Stellaris update released, which was . . . What, about 3-ish weeks ago now, I guess? The next major sale should coincide with the next major release. And, even if they don’t release anything else before the new year, there’s always the Steam Winter sale!

 

[SolSys]

Thanks! So these are the only "must haves"? When was the last sale?

I wouldn't classify any of the expansions as a must-have as I played without any for a long time.
The somewhat misguided notion** steams from users getting used to DLCs so it is hard to get back playing plain vanilla [which is perfectly reasonable].

You can use the wiki page for research: https://eu4.paradoxwikis.com/Downloadable_content
You can also familiarize yourself with DLC features by browsing the wiki or reading past DDs: https://eu4.paradoxwikis.com/Developer_diaries

Regarding your 2nd question -- the next EU4 sale is likely to be between mid-to-late next month with the release of the new EU4 expansion.


**once every while there is also the debunked claim by the less familiar that you need DLC to stay competitive with AI, when in fact the AI can't use features from DLCs you don't own.