Paradox Interactive has announced in its dev blog the next expansion coming to Europa Universalis IV - the Hordes of Asia, where players can be a Khan on the Steppes of Mongolia.
For starters, first off a Khan doesn’t rule out of any hereditary nobility. Legitimacy is replaced by Horde Unity, which represents how much control the Khan has over the nomadic tribes. Control is earned through plundering other provinces. Lose Horde Unity, and a Pretender will arise to challenge for leadership.
Some gameplay mechanics are introduced alongside Horde Unity includes the ability to Raze, where players can build their own pyramid of skulls by razing provinces, which drops said region’s development by 30%. ”Each point of development razed gives you Monarch Power, with Base Tax giving Administrative Power, Production giving Diplomatic Power and Manpower giving Military Power, and also raises your Horde Unity significantly,” according to the Dev Blog. One side effect is that this gives the Khan a way to acquire new technology. Steppe Nomads also no longer take a prestige hit for selling and returning provinces, since they’re, well, nomads.
The Horde expansion also adds the Tengri religion, which is a better faith to follow than Buddhism when you’re constantly pillaging and warring with other regions.
The expansion will be a part of the 1.14 patch. There is no release date planned yet.