Ruqayyah Snyder
Playing Austria in a competitive multiplayer setting is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a good player, a tremendous diplomatic effort, and the ability to make the right friends at the right moment. Austria is surrounded at the start of the game and is perched atop the Balkans, a region coveted by Russia and Turkey. One of the keys to playing Austria is to get either Russia or Turkey on your side against the other. Getting Russia on your side should be easier, but dividing up the Balkans and Turkey with Russia is challenging. Offer Russia all of Turkey in exchange for Bulgaria, and then you can stab the Russian in Rumania and shoot for Sevastopol. However, timing is critical – if you stab Russia too soon, they will wipe you out, and if you stab too late, they might have the units to fend you off. Another important relationship is with Germany – it is mutually beneficial for Austria and Germany to work together. Additionally, there are Hedgehog openings that present a tough posture for Austria, but diplomacy is key. Playing Austria will test your diplomatic skills, and you must be careful not to let your potential enemies carve up the rich lands of the HRE.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Austria is one of the most difficult majors to play |
| Position | Surrounded at the start of the game, sitting atop the Balkans |
| Neighbours | Russia, Turkey, Italy, Germany |
| Strategy | Forming alliances is key, especially with Germany |
| Offer neutrality pacts to Italy | |
| Divide up the Balkans and Turkey with Russia | |
| Negotiate for Bulgaria | |
| Offer Russia a de-militarized Turkey once the alliance is over | |
| Military strength | Weaker military ideas than its major neighbours |
| Advantages | Austria has some very unique and distinct advantages that can give her a major leg up on her competition |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's position and tactics
Austria is a unique country with a distinct playstyle that differs from most other nations. It requires a lot of diplomacy and careful planning. Austria is not a beginner-friendly country, and it is one of the most difficult majors to play. When playing as Austria, your first thought should be about how to survive the first few years of the game.
Austria is surrounded at the start of the game and sits atop the Balkans, a powerful base for a mid-game victory drive. Germany is rarely discussed when it comes to Austria, but it is important to remember that Austria and Germany should not be fighting each other. They need to work together for their mutual benefit. Getting on good terms with Germany is crucial, as any threat to Austria should be seen as a blow to Germany as well.
To play as Austria, it is important to understand that hard agreements set in stone are usually unfavourable. Instead, focus on making light, non-binding agreements with other players while feeling out the group and trying to understand their intentions and gameplay strategies. It is also essential to offer Italy a neutrality pact and avoid turning your back on Turkey and Russia. Pulling off victories against them would require incompetent players, but keeping Italy from attacking you is a more challenging task.
Additionally, players must work to minimize the impact of heresy and maintain religious unity within the Empire. This involves declaring wars, forcing religion, and conquering provinces with Centres of Reformation. Completing the Diplomatic and Religious idea groups early on can offer valuable bonuses. Austria also has the potential to acquire Personal Unions with other nations, such as Spain/Castile, Poland/Commonwealth, Bohemia, and Hungary, through specific events and mechanics. Managing these Personal Unions can strengthen Austria's position.
In terms of expansion targets, Venice, Northern Italy, Southern Germany, and the Balkans are all viable options. It is also important to secure the borderlands of the Holy Roman Empire and build forts in mountainous provinces to defend against potential enemies.
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Diplomacy and alliances
Playing Austria in Diplomacy requires a great deal of hard work and a focus on survival. Austria is the easiest country to eliminate as it is surrounded at the start of the game, sitting atop the Balkans—a region coveted by Russia and Turkey. As such, Austria's strategy must have early survival as its foundation.
Austria has four neutral supply centres within reach in the first year, presenting an opportunity for explosive growth. However, one or more of these centres will likely have to be offered to other players in exchange for alliances. Austria must placate or destroy Turkey, Russia, and Italy. Germany can usually be relied on as an ally, as neither power has anything to gain from an early war between them. A non-aggression pact with Germany should be sought, demilitarising Bohemia and Tyrolia.
To the north, Austria should focus on preventing an alliance between Russia and Turkey. Getting Russia on their side against Turkey is a more viable option than the other way around. Offering Russia all of Turkey in exchange for Bulgaria, for example, could be a good strategy. In the west, Italy is a corridor, and its western side is vulnerable to a strong French attack. Austria should avoid early war with Italy, and a neutrality pact should be offered. If an RT (Russia-Turkey) alliance does develop, Austria and Italy should work together to stall it and encourage an attack on Russia in the north.
A Hedgehog opening can be employed, presenting a tough posture for Austria while still allowing for diplomacy. Alternatively, a neutral opening can be employed, not moving Vienna or Trieste. A more aggressive player could try the "Von Metzke Blitz" opening, sending Budapest to Trieste and Vienna to Tyrolia, although this is rarely advised as it can divide Austria's front and make defence more difficult.
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Early expansion and moves
Playing Austria in a game of Diplomacy can be challenging, but also rewarding. The country is surrounded at the start, sitting atop the Balkans—a region coveted by Russia and Turkey. Italy may also pose a threat, especially if they are a new player. As such, your first priority should be to survive the first couple of years. Focus on maintaining sovereignty over your home centres and acquiring two to three other supply centres.
To survive, you must form alliances with neighbouring countries early in the game. Building trust and working towards common goals can help secure your borders. A successful alliance with Italy or Russia, for example, can provide much-needed support. You should also encourage Germany to see the benefits of mutual cooperation. Neither country has anything to gain from an early war, and you should seek a non-aggression pact, demilitarising Bohemia and Tyrolia.
You must do whatever it takes to keep Russia and Turkey from allying. Offer to support Rum into Bul and Bul into Rum. Promise Turkey whatever it takes to get them to move to the Black Sea. You can also afford to let Russia have Rum. If you feel you can trust Russia to leave Gal alone, you can move to Vie-Bud.
You should also encourage England to move to Bar in the fall. Keeping England viable is integral to your strategy. Keeping the west in turmoil is your goal, so leak secrets that help western underdogs.
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The Austrian economy
Austria's economy is highly developed, with international tourism being a key component. The country's average GDP growth from 1992 to 2017 ranked 13th among OECD countries. Vienna, in particular, is a significant economic hub, ranking as the fifth-richest NUTS-2 region in Europe. Its GDP per capita reached €38,632, trailing only Inner London, Luxembourg, the Brussels-Capital Region, and Hamburg.
Austria's economic history has had its challenges. In the aftermath of World War I, the country faced economic difficulties, including the abolition of the gold standard, a balance-of-payments deficit, and hyperinflation. However, with assistance from the League of Nations and international money markets, Austria implemented financial reforms and stabilised its currency, ending hyperinflation.
In terms of foreign trade, Germany has historically been Austria's primary trading partner, making the Austrian economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the German economy. However, Austria's membership in the European Union has reduced this economic dependence by fostering closer ties with other EU economies and attracting foreign investors. The adoption of the Euro in 1999 further integrated Austria into the European economic landscape.
Austria's economic policies and performance are influenced by various factors, including labour movements, government spending, and corruption. Labour movements play a significant role in shaping labour politics in the country. Regarding government spending, excessive expenditures can lead to chronic budget deficits and public debt, impacting economic dynamism. Additionally, corruption, such as bribery and nepotism, can erode economic freedom and vitality by increasing the costs of economic activity.
Overall, Austria's economy is characterised by its highly developed industries, strong labour movements, and integration within the European Union. Effective diplomacy and strategic alliances are key to maintaining and advancing Austria's economic position, both within Europe and on a global scale.
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Playing defensively
First and foremost, survival is the top priority when playing as Austria. The nation is surrounded by potential rivals at the start of the game, making it a challenging position to play. Your initial goal should be to survive the first few years or turns without succumbing to attacks from neighbouring countries. This may involve making light, non-binding agreements with other players to feel out the group and identify potential allies.
Diplomacy is key to a successful defensive strategy as Austria. Forming strong alliances will be crucial to your survival. Germany, for example, can be a valuable ally, as it is in Germany's interest to ensure your stability. Additionally, consider offering a neutrality pact to Italy. While Turkey and Russia may pose significant threats, keeping Italy from attacking you can be more challenging.
Another defensive strategy is to focus on building and development. Austria's economy may not be as strong as other European powers, so it is important to prioritise increasing production development and taking advantage of resources like the gold mine in Tirol. This will help you strengthen your position over time.
Securing your borders and building forts on mountainous provinces can also enhance your defensive capabilities. This is especially important for protecting the borderlands of the Holy Roman Empire. Additionally, consider allying with Poland and Burgundy and working to acquire Personal Unions with nations like Spain/Castile, Poland/Commonwealth, Bohemia, and Hungary.
Lastly, remember that hard agreements set in stone may not always be in your best interest. Flexibility and adaptability are essential when playing defensively as Austria. Be prepared to make compromises and adjust your strategy as needed to ensure your survival and maintain a strong defensive position.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is not recommended for beginners as it is one of the most difficult countries to play. Austria is surrounded at the start of the game and requires a lot of hard work and diplomacy. It is important to get on good terms with Germany and Italy, and to avoid turning your back on Turkey and Russia.
The "Hedgehog" is a series of openings that present a tough posture for Austria. It involves offering Italy a neutrality pact and focusing on diplomacy rather than tactical openings.
Germany and Austria should work together for their mutual benefit. Getting on good terms with Germany is important, as they can provide valuable information and help protect against threats.
