
Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game by Paradox Development Studio. In the game, Hungary starts as one of the weakest countries with no manpower and a poor economy. To play as Austria-Hungary, players must first unite Hungary with Austria and Czechoslovakia. This can be achieved through various strategies, such as completing the Reintegrate the Railroads focus, increasing Austria's opinion of Hungary, and reaching certain levels of world tension. Players can also choose between different types of kingship, such as Democratic, Fascist, or Non-Aligned Habsburg, each offering unique advantages and diplomatic ties. The game also involves military strategies, such as focusing on infantry equipment and artillery, and dealing with guaranteed allies like Romania and Yugoslavia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting position | Hungary has no manpower and a poor economy |
| Industrial strategy | Focus on civilian factories, disband air force and cavalry to give manpower to infantry |
| Military strategy | Hire infantry expert, concentrate military factories on infantry equipment, then artillery |
| Conscription | Change conscription laws after taking Austria by force |
| Austria-Hungary strategy | Complete "Reintegrate the Railroads" focus, have Austria's opinion of Hungary over 75, achieve world tension over 20% |
| Germany strategy | Get a non-aggression pact with Germany around January-May 1938 |
| Yugoslavia strategy | Attack towards Novi Sad and Pančova, where the terrain is flat and not crossed by rivers |
| Romania strategy | Liberate core provinces in Vojvodina and West Banat |
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What You'll Learn

Annexing Austria and Czechoslovakia
To annex Austria and Czechoslovakia in Hearts of Iron IV, there are several strategies that players can employ. One common approach is to focus on improving relations with both nations before attempting annexation. This can be achieved by completing the "Reintegrate the Railroads" focus, which boosts relations with Austria, and manually improving relations with Czechoslovakia by having a sizeable army on their border. Additionally, having Austria's opinion of Hungary above 75 increases the chances of a successful referendum for annexation.
Another strategy involves timing your actions with Germany's moves. By using spies to gather intelligence, you can anticipate when Germany plans to demand Sudetenland. Completing the "Annex Czechoslovakia" focus around the same time can exploit Czechoslovakia's fear of Germany, making them more likely to accept annexation by Hungary. However, this requires precise timing to avoid Germany demanding Sudetenland from you after annexing Czechoslovakia.
Some players suggest taking a more aggressive approach by demanding a referendum from Austria and marching to Vienna if they refuse. This can lead to a successful annexation and the restoration of Austria-Hungary. It is important to note that going to war with Austria removes the Treaty of Trianon, so alternative strategies may be preferred.
Additionally, there are mods available for Hearts of Iron IV that guarantee the annexation of both Austria and Czechoslovakia. These mods ensure that the AI of these nations always agrees to annexation, removing the element of chance from the diplomatic process. However, some players may prefer the challenge and unpredictability of the unmodified game.
Finally, when playing as Hungary, it is important to strengthen your position before attempting annexation. This can include focusing on industrial development, improving your military capabilities, and hiring experts to enhance your infantry. A strong Hungary is better positioned to negotiate or confront Austria and Czechoslovakia in the pursuit of annexation.
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Reforming Austria-Hungary
Historical Context
After World War I, Austria-Hungary was dissolved, resulting in the formation of two independent states: Austria and Hungary. Political turmoil and conflicts with neighbouring countries, such as Romania and Czechoslovakia, characterised this period. Hungary, in particular, faced significant territorial losses due to the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, which reduced its land by two-thirds and restricted its military capabilities.
Strategies for Reforming Austria-Hungary
There are multiple strategies to reform Austria-Hungary, each with its own advantages and challenges. One strategy is to play as Hungary and pursue the "royal route," which involves renouncing the Treaty of Trianon and electing a new king. This path can lead to either a Democratic, Fascist, or Non-Aligned Habsburg king, each with distinct consequences.
The Royal Route
The "royal route" offers three options for Hungary's leadership:
- Democratic King: Choosing Carl V Wilhelm of Sweden as king strengthens ties with Sweden and may lead to an alliance with the United Kingdom and the Allies.
- Fascist King: Electing Friedrich Franz of Mecklenburg-Schwerin of Germany as king aligns Hungary with Germany and the Axis powers, and fuels ambitions for a Greater Hungary.
- Non-Aligned Habsburg King: Selecting Otto von Habsburg of Austria as king sets Hungary on a unique path of rebuilding the Austro-Hungarian Empire by reuniting with Austria and Czechoslovakia, opposing German influence, and reclaiming lost territories in neighbouring countries.
Military Strategies
Military strategies also play a crucial role in reforming Austria-Hungary. Building medium tanks, motorized divisions, and light SPGs can give you a significant advantage. Additionally, focusing on CAS, fighters, and paratroopers can be beneficial for invasions. Fortifying borders and taking advantage of mountain terrain and existing forts can help defend against potential invaders like Germany and Italy.
Alliances and Enemies
Alliances and enemies vary depending on the path chosen. Going down the Fascist route often leads to joining the Axis powers, while choosing a Democratic king may result in alliances with the United Kingdom and the Allies. Yugoslavia, Romania, and Czechoslovakia's allegiances can also shift, impacting the strategic landscape.
Remember, the game is dynamic, and your experience may differ from others. Adapt your strategies accordingly, and don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches to reforming Austria-Hungary.
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Dealing with Romania and Yugoslavia
First, it is recommended to focus on taking out Yugoslavia first. Yugoslavia will have an incredibly long front with Austria-Hungary that they won't have enough troops to defend properly. Put the majority of your army on their border and try to make as many encirclements as possible. Keep a small force on the Romanian border to defend and delay their advance. By the time Yugoslavia capitulates, you can gather your divisions and quickly move into Romania, rushing their victory points.
Another strategy is to avoid taking Yugoslavian provinces bordering Romania, as this will prevent Romania from sending its divisions to those provinces. Once Yugoslavia falls, you can move your army to the Romanian border provinces and rush Bucharest, Brasov, and the northeast of the country.
Additionally, you can improve relations with Czechoslovakia to gain their support. The Protect Czechoslovakia focus gives them the option to decline, become an associate, or reintegrate into the empire. You will need them to at least become an associate. After Czechoslovakia, focus on Romania through the "Claim Transylvania" focus. You can then demand Transylvania, and if Romania refuses, you can generate a war goal and declare war.
It is also suggested to start justifying war goals on both Romania and Yugoslavia early on, as their armies will be technologically behind if you attack before 1940. With the power gained from uniting Hungary, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, you should be well-positioned to take on Romania.
Overall, by following these strategies and focusing on one enemy at a time, you can effectively deal with Romania and Yugoslavia as Austria-Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV.
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Hungary's crippled economy and lack of manpower
In Hearts of Iron IV, Hungary is a landlocked minor power in central Europe. It is one of the most crippled countries, with no manpower and a poor economy.
To address Hungary's crippled economy and lack of manpower, players must take several steps to strengthen their position. Firstly, focus on industrial development by building civilian factories and improving infrastructure. This will boost the country's economic prowess and provide resources for military endeavours. Disband the air force and cavalry units to free up manpower, which can then be redirected to reinforce the infantry.
Hire an infantry expert to gain valuable army experience and add artillery and other support companies to your forces. Concentrate your military production on infantry equipment, ensuring your troops are well-equipped, and then switch to producing artillery once your infantry needs are met.
Another strategy is to pursue peaceful unification with neighbouring countries. Improve relations with Austria and Czechoslovakia through diplomatic means, such as hiring political advisors or using spies for diplomatic pressure. Aim for non-aggression pacts or alliances, such as with Germany, to deter aggression and buy yourself time.
Alternatively, you can choose to go to war. When dealing with Austria, focus your troops on capturing Vienna and Salzburg to end the conflict swiftly before the German Anschluss. After securing Austria, turn your attention to Czechoslovakia, ensuring a full annexation rather than accepting them as a puppet.
Additionally, consider expanding your horizons by setting your sights on countries like Yugoslavia and Romania. Assess the advantages of conquering these nations, such as critical resources and territorial gains, but also be mindful of the challenges posed by their military strength and geographical constraints.
By following these strategies, you can work towards overcoming Hungary's initial crippled economy and lack of manpower, setting yourself up for further expansion and success in the game.
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The Treaty of Trianon
There are several ways for Hungary to address the Treaty of Trianon in the game. One option is to pursue the Bled Agreement, which can be achieved by negotiating with the Little Entente. This agreement reduces the negative effects of the treaty, allowing Hungary to recruit soldiers and rearm. However, it may require good relationships with major powers such as Britain, France, Italy, or Germany to pressure Romania into rearming.
Another option is to renounce the treaty altogether. This option is available if Hungary chooses the fascist route, with the election of a Fascist king or through economic intervention. While this path can lead to the removal of armament restrictions, it may be considered very aggressive and provoke a strong response. Additionally, going down the fascist route may require good relationships with either Britain, France, Italy, or Germany.
Alternatively, Hungary can aim for a peaceful resolution by pursuing the "royal route." This path takes longer, requiring five focuses, but it brings stability and political power. However, it may not have a significant impact on the game as Austria is likely to be annexed and the war broken out by the time the focuses are completed.
It is worth noting that the Treaty of Trianon can also be removed by going to war. When at war, Hungary is meant to lose the treaty, although there may be a delay in triggering the event that removes it. Additionally, choosing the left focus to remove the treaty does not rely on the agreement of other countries, although Romania may declare war as a consequence.
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Frequently asked questions
For Austria, you need to complete the Reintegrate the Railroads focus and have Austria's opinion of Hungary be over 75 to get a 95% chance of success in the referendum.
One strategy is to first unite Austria and Hungary, then get a non-aggression pact with Germany around January-May 1938. Then, declare war on Yugoslavia before the Germans do. If your army is big enough, you can even avoid conflict with Germany and backstab them when they go to war with the Allies.
Hungary starts with no manpower and a poor economy. A good strategy is to first focus on industry to gain civilian factories. Then, disband the air force and cavalry units to give manpower to the infantry, and hire an infantry expert. Concentrate your military factories on making Infantry Equipment, and once you have fulfilled all the Infantry Equipment needs, concentrate everything on artillery.
You can either choose to elect a Fascist king or intervene economically. The "royal route" takes 5 focuses and the Economic Intervention only 3; however, while the shorter route makes it possible to complete 2 extra focuses, it also brings negative perks with it, while the longer route also brings stability and political power.


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