While I'd rather purchase this series on GOG, I don't know if it will be here in the near, or distant future, despite research telling me the series is DRM free. With this as a reality, I'm tempted to invest money in it. Should I start with Europa 1, or should I just wait for 4? I hear there's some activation requirements though. Not sure to what extent this goes with this series, or any game from this developer.

Don't start with 1, it was made obsolete as soon as 2 was released. 2 has everything that 1 has, and plenty more. 3 is different enough from 2 to make both worth owning, though after the slew of expansions that 3 got, I do find it to be the far superior game. 3 can also be found for a relatively low price, with all the expansions for a low price these days (note that Europa Universalis 3 complete is not the complete version, Chronicles is).

Don't bother with playing the Paradox games in order (as in EU1 followed by EU2), instead play the version that you think look the best first.

As for DRM, I guess the digital versions of EU 1 & 2 are DRM free. EU 3 is DRM free even if you buy it on Steam.

I would recommend either buying 3 (look around, you should be able to find it for a low price. Also, it was featured in a bundle, so as long as you are willing to use Steam, you'll probably be able to find someone who has a spare key), or waiting for 4, depending on how impatient you are, and if you are willing to pay full price for a game.

Start with EU 3 with all the expansions. Shouldn't cost too much. And the issues they introduced with Divine Wind won't bug you if you don't have prior experience with it.

You can also wait for EU4, but generally speaking, it's a better idea to wait and see with Paradox games. They've really turned up their quality controls after a few disasters, but it's still a good idea to wait and see if there's anything really bad included at shipping.

Consider getting For the Glory instead of EU2. It's something of a glorified patch for EU2, which is why it sold so poorly, but gameplay-wise it's strictly better than EU2. The big downside is that they couldn't re-licence the EU2 music - which is, kind of, the best music in a Paradox game, EVER, so... Also, MP is still unstable, but there's still a very slow one-man-team patching process. Also, mods are still being updated for it, though not anymore for EU2.

I'm interested in this series too and after doing some searching on the EU3: Chronicles version, it looks like a game I would really enjoy. It is currently on sale for $15 on Steam but based on what I've seen in the forums here, there is some conflicting information on DRM. I'm ok with using the client to install and perform a one-time activation. But after that, I do not want the game to require a client to be running or an internet connection to play.

In the DRM-free Steam forum thread, some people say the Paradox games are all DRM-free but in another post someone tested EU3: Complete after uninstalling Steam and the game would not work.

Would anyone be able to confirm that the Chronicles version of EU3 can be played once activated without the Steam client or internet connection?

Please note that Paradox (once a pioneer of drm-free distribution) plans to release most if not all of their future games with Shit-eam. This is what they have done with March Of The Eagles, and what they will do with Europa Universalis 4.

I doubt any of the Paradox games are DRM-free on Steam as they're not on GamersGate (owned by Paradox). The minute you delete the installer or try to move it to another drive, the game stops working. One big reason why I stopped buying games at GamersGate. Yep. That's why I'll no longer be buying Paradox games or, if I do, unfortunately they'll be the bootleg version.

Have you tried to copy the installer once download is complete, but before installing the game? That way, you end up with a gog-like back-up.

I second this. For the glory is the definitive EU2 game.

Be prepared to be really confused at first with EU3, while the game may be great it has one of the worst tutorials I've ever seen. I played through the tutorial twice and I still have no idea how to play the game.

I tried to do that once and it didn't work. Keep meaning to try it again with all my GamersGate games as others here say it definitely works. Don't know why it didn't when I tried it :)

The best way to get into EU3 (definitely start with the third, with the most expansion you can muster) is to start a few "expandable" games where you just run amok and learn the game mechanics the hard way. After a few enlightening defeats (or surprising victories... hey, it's a paradox game) start a real game and use your new knowledge to actually make far reaching and knowledgeable decisions.

You should never use tutorials in EU games. Mostly because the tutorial doesn't get updated. After several patches, tutorial is already obsolete not to mention multiple expansions.

The only way of doing things with P-dox games i to read the hints that are displayed the first time you click on something, or watch Youtube videos of people playing the game.

It's inconvenient for new players, but it's the only way...

and also, what Titanium said - trial and error. Paradox games, at least for me, are also fun in loosing. It's always fun to see how the world reacts to what you're doing. (Usually the whole world hates you after a while, when you don't really know what you're doing :D)

Also watch some of Quill18's gameplay videos no matter which Paradox game you end up buying, as he'll have done a gameplay video on it.

He's the best Paradox gamer online (so good in fact, Paradox paid for him to go to Sweden a couple of months ago to learn all about their upcoming game Europa Universalis 4), so I watch all his videos as he gives great tips, explain why he does what, and really gives you a good handle on Paradox games (which are a NIGHTMARE to learn on their own).

Here's his channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/quill18