How do I release a subject nation in Europa Universalis V?

To release a subject, go to the diplomacy menu for that subject nation and select the 'Release Subject' option, or use the 'Create Vassal/Client State' option in the peace deal or province interface.

Why would I want to release a subject?

Releasing a subject can be used to reduce overextension, establish friendly borders, create buffer states, or gain an extra diplomatic relation slot for a temporary cost.

Can I release a nation from a conquered province?

Yes, if a conquered province contains the core of a nation that no longer exists, you can release that nation as a vassal from the province interface, usually for a diplomacy power cost.

EU5 How to Release Subjects | Europa Universalis 5

Original Guide by GamerBlurb.com | Published on 11/04/2025 at 11:50 AM CST

Europa Universalis V

Managing a growing empire in Europa Universalis V can get messy fast. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t conquering more land, but letting part of it go under your control. That’s where releasing subjects comes in.

How to Release a Subject in Europa Universalis V

To release a subject, open the Diplomacy menu and go to Relations. There you’ll see options for Create Subject or Release Subject. Click one to open a list of available nations or locations that can become subjects.

If you own all the land belonging to a historic nation, you can release that tag instantly. For example, as Castile, owning Granada lets you bring it back as your vassal. You can also release a custom subject by picking specific provinces you want to hand over. After confirming, the new subject appears on the map and becomes tied to your country.

What Happens After You Release One

When you create a subject, it becomes its own nation but stays under your authority. It will pay you taxes, join your wars, and rely on your protection. You keep influence without directly running every province.

You lose some Control and Crown Power over the released region
The subject can’t make its own diplomatic deals
You can build in their territory, but they provide materials while you pay gold
They add to your reach but can’t become Great Powers themselves

This setup works great for large empires trying to manage unrest or distant provinces that drain resources.

Loyalty and Liberty Desire Basics

Each subject tracks loyalty toward its overlord. If loyalty drops below 50, they stop joining your wars and can’t be integrated until they calm down. Liberty Desire is the opposite, showing how badly they want freedom.

Loyalty rises with good relations and clear power balance
Liberty Desire falls over time unless boosted by events
Strong subjects and weak overlords make disloyalty more common

Keep an eye on both stats. You can boost loyalty with diplomacy, privileges, or reduced taxation.

Setting a Subject’s War Behavior

Use the Manage Subjects menu to pick how your subjects fight. You can change this anytime depending on their size and your goals.

Normal keeps things balanced
Aggressive pushes them to attack and siege more
Supportive makes them follow your armies
Passive sticks to blockades or low-risk moves
Defensive keeps them near home territory protecting your land

Small subjects usually do best in Supportive mode, while strong ones handle Aggressive tactics fine.

When Releasing a Subject Makes Sense

Sometimes giving up land is a win. Releasing a subject helps you stay stable while keeping long-term control.

Useful for lowering unrest in conquered regions
Helps maintain Control in areas far from your capital
Creates buffer states between rival powers
Prepares vassals for peaceful integration later

The loyalty and tax income you keep from subjects make them perfect for expanding smart, not just fast.

Final Blurb

Releasing a subject in Europa Universalis V isn’t losing territory, it’s organizing it better. Subjects give you reach, safety, and income while saving you from the headaches of rebellion and distance. Play your cards right, and those smaller nations will fuel your empire instead of fighting it.