Conquering Austria: A Hungarian Strategy Guide

Hearts of Iron IV is a complex game that unfolds differently for each player. One strategy that players have discussed is how to annex Austria as Hungary. This can be done through an aggressive strategy, where Hungary skips the Secret Rearmament and Bled Agreement and instead enacts a Demand for Referendum, or through a peaceful unification, where Hungary must improve relations with Austria and ensure that Austria has a very good opinion of them by the time of the referendum. If Austria denies the referendum, Hungary can go to war and attempt to seize Vienna and Salzburg. Players have also noted that there are mods available that allow Hungary to always annex Austria, but these may be outdated and cause bugs in the game.

Invade Austria by force, taking Vienna and Salzburg

To annex Austria as Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV, one strategy is to invade Austria by force and capture the cities of Vienna and Salzburg. This can be achieved through a series of steps:

First, focus on industrial development to strengthen Hungary's economy and build up its military strength. Concentrate on constructing civilian factories, and then shift to producing infantry equipment and artillery. Disband the air force and cavalry units to free up manpower for the infantry. You can also hire an infantry expert to gain army experience.

Next, improve relations with Austria and demand a referendum for unification. If Austria denies the referendum, then prepare for war. Put your troops on the border and head straight for Vienna and Salzburg. Capturing these cities will end the war quickly and allow you to annex Austria before Germany's Anschluss.

Another aggressive strategy is to skip the referendum process altogether. After building up your military strength, simply invade Austria and capture Vienna and Salzburg. This will remove the Treaty of Trianon spirit early, but it may result in a prolonged fight for Austria's land and the loss of Austria's military.

It is worth noting that taking Austria by force can be challenging due to supply issues and the need to fight for each piece of land. However, it can also provide opportunities for farming army XP and levelling up generals.

Demand a referendum for unification with Austria

To annex Austria as Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV, one strategy is to demand a referendum for unification. This can be done by following the Balanced Budget branch of the focus and electing Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne.

To increase the chances of Austria accepting the referendum, players should improve relations with Austria and complete the "Reintegrate the Railroads" focus. Having 75+ relations with Austria and completing the "Reintegrate the Railroads" focus gives an 80% chance of Austria accepting the referendum. Completing the "Reintegrate the Railroads" focus also grants access to the "Protect Austria" and "Alliance with Italy" focuses, which can further improve relations. Additionally, timing the referendum focus to trigger at the same time as Germany's Anschluss focus can increase the chances of Austria accepting.

If Austria accepts the referendum, unification is achieved peacefully. If Austria denies the referendum, players can go to war. Capturing Vienna and Salzburg will end the war quickly and allow for annexation before Germany's Anschluss.

It is worth noting that some players suggest that it is easier to take Austria by force, as they will capitulate once Vienna is seized. However, demanding a referendum and preparing for invasion in case of refusal is also a viable strategy.

Improve relations with Austria and increase diplomatic pressure

To improve relations with Austria and increase diplomatic pressure when playing as Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV, players can employ a range of strategies and in-game mechanics. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:

Firstly, players should focus on boosting relations with Austria. This can be done by spending political power, as mentioned in the "Improve Relations" mechanic in the game. Increasing diplomatic pressure can be achieved by taking certain in-game actions, such as rushing to invite the Habsburg Prince to take the throne. This action can be followed by focusing on Secret Rearmament, including Partial Mobilization, Industrial Revitalization, and Reintegrate the Railroads. These actions will help increase Hungary's influence and pressure on Austria.

Additionally, players can work on improving their country's standing with Austria by taking advantage of certain in-game events and mechanics. For example, timing your focus on triggering a referendum for unification right before Germany focuses on the Anschluss can increase the chances of a peaceful unification. This strategy leverages the high world tension that may push Austria to accept the referendum and unite with Hungary.

Another strategy to improve relations and increase diplomatic pressure is to follow the "Balanced Budget" branch of the focus tree. This involves electing Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne and then demanding a referendum for unification with Austria. It's important to note that this approach can lead to two outcomes: war or peaceful unification. If Austria has a very good opinion of Hungary by the time of the referendum, they may vote for peaceful reunification. However, if they deny the referendum, players can go to war, capturing cities like Vienna and Salzburg to end the war quickly and annex Austria.

It's worth mentioning that going down the path of Austria-Hungary grants players claims on several countries, including Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Poland. This expansionist approach can provide more options for growth and influence, but it may also increase diplomatic complexities and challenges.

Lastly, players can consider the "royal route" or economic intervention when playing as Hungary. The royal route takes more time but offers stability and political power. On the other hand, economic intervention is faster but comes with negative perks. Both paths eventually lead to the "Renounce the Treaty of Trianon" focus, which can have implications for Austria-Hungary relations.

Restore Austria-Hungary through the focus after annexation

To restore Austria-Hungary through the focus after annexation, there are several strategies that can be employed in Hearts of Iron IV. One strategy is to elect a Fascist king or intervene economically. The "royal route" takes five focuses and provides stability and political power, while the shorter economic intervention route has three focuses and allows for two extra focuses but also brings negative perks. Another strategy is to rush to invite the Hapsburg Prince, followed by Secret Rearmament, Industrial Revitalization, and Reintegrate the Railroads. During this time, boost relations with Austria and apply diplomatic pressure. After these steps, demand a referendum, which should result in Austria agreeing to be annexed.

Once Austria is annexed, restore Austria-Hungary through the focus and start training paratroopers. Send an attache to China or hire a military theorist to gain enough Army XP to make them all one division. Disband some units if you lack the population or equipment. Prepare Collaboration Governments in Roma and check on Germany's actions, as they may go off the rails due to the annexation. During the peace deal, take the required German and Italian territories. You can also proclaim the restoration of Austria-Hungary after annexing Austria.

To peacefully unify, spend political power to improve relations with Austria and ensure they have a very good opinion of you by the referendum. If Austria denies the referendum, go to war. Put your troops on the border and capture Vienna and Salzburg to end the war quickly and annex Austria before Germany does the Anschluss. Timing your focus to trigger at the same time as the Anschluss also increases the chances of a peaceful unification. Alternatively, you can make Austria disagree with the referendum and then declare war and invade them. This saves time and allows for faster troop and industry buildup.

Annex Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria

To annex Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria as Hungary in Hearts of Iron 4, you can follow these steps:

First, focus on annexing Austria peacefully by inviting the Habsburg Prince, demanding a referendum, and improving relations. If Austria denies the referendum, go to war, capture Vienna and Salzburg, and annex them before Germany does the Anschluss. Then, proclaim the restoration of Austria-Hungary, with Budapest as the capital.

Next, turn your attention to Czechoslovakia. Improve relations with them as much as possible, as you need them to become an associate. Rinse and repeat this process for Romania through the Claim Transylvania focus. Demand Transylvania from Romania, then immediately generate a war goal on Yugoslavia and declare war.

Yugoslavia can be annexed directly after taking care of Romania, as territorial concessions gained in Romania will make it easier to defeat Yugoslavia. Bulgaria is also relatively straightforward to annex, as the Italians can influence them. However, keep in mind that conquering these nations will result in a manpower loss, and you will need to station troops to deal with partisans.

Additionally, you can consider building dockyards in Yugoslavia and constructing a battleship to achieve the "Better Than Szent István" achievement. Alternatively, you can acquire a battleship by puppeting and annexing a naval power like Italy or Britain.

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