Lexi Webster
Playing as Austria in the historical simulator game Hearts of Iron IV by Paradox Entertainment is no easy feat. Austria is a small, landlocked country destined to be absorbed into Germany in the 1938 Anschluss. Players can choose to play as a democracy or a fascist country, but refusing to submit to Germany means fighting an unwinnable war. However, there are tricks to survive and fight World War II as an independent country. This involves strategic decisions such as increasing military power, joining the Axis, and invading neighbouring countries like Hungary to gain industrial power.
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What You'll Learn
Transitioning to democracy
One key aspect is building military strength. By February 1938, you can aim to have an army consisting of 6 infantry, 10 mountain, and 1 cavalry divisions, along with 70 interwar fighters. Fortifying your borders with Germany is crucial, as they pose a significant threat. Consider constructing forts and focusing on producing mountain infantry to take advantage of Austria's terrain. Additionally, you can enhance your infantry by attaching artillery divisions and support battalions.
Another important consideration is managing your relations with other nations. Joining the Axis can provide temporary benefits, but refusing the Anschluss with Germany will lead to your expulsion. One strategy is to join the Axis, declare war on Hungary, and then use the shared conflict to regain Axis membership. However, be cautious when Germany invades Poland, as declining a call to arms can help you avoid direct conflict with the Allies.
While transitioning to democracy, it's essential to balance military and industrial development. Reflecting on their playthrough, one player noted that focusing more on military technologies over industry could have prolonged their independence, even in the face of Germany's might. Remember, refusing the Anschluss means fighting an unwinnable war, so creativity and adaptability are essential for survival.
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Building up your army
When playing as Austria in Hearts of Iron IV, it is important to build up your army to defend against the impending German annexation and establish dominance in Central Europe. Here are some strategies to achieve that:
Focus on the Industry Branch:
Develop your industry by focusing on the industry branch of the focus tree. This will allow you to obtain as many military factories as possible, enabling you to equip and field a larger and stronger army. A strong industry will also help you fortify your borders.
Produce Infantry Divisions:
Create a large number of infantry divisions, even if they are relatively weaker. This will make the AI hesitant to attack your lines. You can also consider building more artillery-heavy divisions if you have limited technology. Ensure that your frontline infantry is not weighed down by unnecessary anti-tank battalions, as the AI rarely builds good armour.
Utilize Fortifications and Air Superiority:
Build fortifications, particularly in strategic locations such as west of Salzburg and along the Italian front. Additionally, ensure you have at least one static anti-air unit in Tyrol, Upper and Lower Austria. Fortifications will deter invasions and provide valuable defence.
Employ Cavalry and Mountaineers:
Make use of cavalry and mountaineer units, especially when holding out in mountainous terrain. This can provide a strategic advantage and help slow down or deter invading forces.
Air Superiority:
Utilize your fighters to gain air superiority. Having air support can provide a significant advantage in battles and help protect your ground forces.
Political Strategy:
Consider your political strategy carefully. Going democratic or communist can allow you to join major factions, such as the Allies or Comintern, which can provide much-needed support against the Germans. Alternatively, remaining fascist can provide more manpower, but your ally options may be more limited.
By following these strategies, you can effectively build up your army when playing as Austria in Hearts of Iron IV. Remember to adapt your tactics based on the in-game situation and your specific goals.
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Fighting Germany
Playing as Austria in Hearts of Iron IV can be challenging, especially when facing off against Germany. Here are some strategies to consider when fighting Germany:
Early Game Strategies:
Start by focusing on increasing your military strength and fortifying your borders. Build infantry, mountain divisions, and cavalry, as well as interwar fighters for air support. Construct forts along the German border, especially in provinces without natural defences, and aim for at least level 5 forts to deter attacks from multiple directions. Additionally, consider increasing your conscription laws to maximise your available manpower.
Alliances and Diplomacy:
Austria's diplomatic choices can significantly impact its military capabilities. One option is to join the Axis, which grants access to Germany's military might. However, refusing the Anschluss will result in expulsion from the Axis. Alternatively, you can try to join the Allies, but this may not always be successful. A risky strategy involves joining the Axis, declaring war on another nation (such as Hungary), and then refusing the Anschluss, which may result in Germany inviting you back to the Axis.
Military Tactics:
When facing Germany, employ defensive tactics and utilise the terrain to your advantage. Make use of mountain infantry and fortify defensive lines, especially along riverbanks, to slow down their advance. Focus on cutting off their supply lines and engaging in defensive battles. Use your cavalry to manoeuvre and attack from multiple directions. Additionally, consider building tanks and investing in air power to gain an advantage.
Alternative Strategies:
Some players suggest going down the historical path and playing as Austria-Hungary, which provides more resources and a stronger position against Germany. This involves reunifying Bohemia and taking control of Czechoslovakia. Another strategy is to turn fascist, join the Axis, and then betray them by refusing to join their wars, using the opportunity to expand your territory.
Remember, adaptability is crucial when facing Germany as Austria. Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on the evolving circumstances and exploit any weaknesses you identify in the German forces.
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Joining the Axis
Firstly, you can try to join the Axis early on, in 1937, and then find a way to get kicked out of the faction before the Anschluss. One way to do this is by declaring war on Hungary. Germany will kick you out of the Axis if you refuse the Anschluss, but if you're already at war, they will invite you back in. This can give you some time to build up your industry and military strength before the inevitable conflict with Germany.
Another strategy is to focus on building up your military and fortifying your borders, especially with Germany. You can try to build forts and mountain infantry divisions to slow down the German advance when they invade. However, keep in mind that it might be difficult to match Germany's military might directly, so you'll need to be creative and make the most of your limited resources.
Additionally, you can try to join the Axis after forming Austria-Hungary. This can be achieved by integrating two countries, which will bring Czechoslovakia and Hungary into your faction as well. However, this method might be dependent on certain events or decisions and may be considered exploitative by some players.
It's important to remember that even within the Axis, Germany can still be a significant threat to your independence. They may still attempt to annex Austria, so you'll need to be cautious and strategic in your dealings with them. Joining the Axis as Austria presents unique challenges and requires careful planning and execution to navigate the complex diplomatic and military situation successfully.
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Conquering Budapest
Firstly, you need to cut the enemy supply line. Go southeast to Pecs with your cavalry and cut the supply line. This will help you hold your position in Austria. Next, use two infantry divisions to hold a small defensive line. You should now have Pecs in your hands and can move three infantry units towards Budapest. Move carefully, as there will be enemies. If you get stuck, consider using two out of three units in a retreat on an enemy province. This is dangerous, as if an enemy enters that province, your units will be lost.
Try to move to a province to create defensive battles, using the river to lower enemy organisation. Move your units progressively to the east side, and your cavalry to the south, to attack the east or strike infantry to avoid letting them reach Budapest. Once all your units are near Budapest, attack and take the land from Hungary.
Hungary has a lot more resources than Austria, so it is a difficult task to conquer them. However, if you can finish the war by September 1937, you can gain the industrial power you need.
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Frequently asked questions
One strategy is to join the Axis in 1937, then declare war on Hungary. Once you are at war with Hungary, Germany will invite you back into the Axis even if you refused the Anschluss. After defeating Hungary and taking Transdanubia, you can stay in the Axis but decline a call to arms when Germany invades Poland and goes to war with the Allies.
As Austria, you will be outnumbered, so it is important to focus on production techs rather than trying to develop more advanced military techs. By February 1938, you should aim to have an army of 6 infantry, 10 mountain, and 1 cavalry divisions, and 70 interwar fighters.
To hold your position, you can cut off the enemy supply line by going southeast to Pecs with your cavalry. Use two infantry divisions to hold a small defensive line, then move three infantry units to Budapest.
