Austria-Hungary In Hoi4: Strategies For Success

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game by Paradox Development Studio. In the game, the Kingdom of 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 restore Austria-Hungary, players must follow the Balanced Budget branch of the focus and elect Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne. They must then demand a referendum for unification with Austria, which can be achieved peacefully or through war. After restoring Austria-Hungary, players can pursue various strategies and achievements, such as Miklos Horthy and the Habsburg Prince and Better than the Szent István.

Austria-Hungary as Hungary

Playing as Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV, you start off as one of the most crippled countries, with no manpower and a poor economy. To begin, you should disband the air force and cavalry units to give manpower to the infantry, and hire an infantry expert to add some army experience so you can add artillery and other support companies. You should concentrate all your military factories on making infantry equipment, and once you have fulfilled all the infantry equipment needs, switch the focus to artillery.

Hungary has a unique national focus tree as part of the Death or Dishonor expansion. Without the expansion, Hungary utilizes the Generic national focus tree instead. The Hungarian national focus tree can be divided into 3 branches and 6 sub-branches:

• Balanced Budget/Economic Intervention Branch: Allows Hungary to change its political stance.
• Strengthen the Monarchists Sub-branch: Allows Hungary to elect either a Democratic king (closer ties with Sweden), a Fascist king (align more with Germany and the Axis) or a Non-Aligned Habsburg king (endeavour to rebuild the Austro-Hungarian Empire).
• Strengthen Fascists Sub-branch: Allows Hungary to become Fascist and create a Greater Hungary.
• Council of People's Commissars Sub-branch: Allows Hungary to become Communist and join the Soviet Union and the Comintern.
• Industrial Revitalization Branch: Allows Hungary to develop its industry and unlock research slots.
• Secret Rearmament Branch: Allows Hungary to cast off the Treaty of Trianon and start researching military tech.

When playing Hungary, there are two achievements to aim for: ‘Miklos Horthy and the Habsburg Prince’ and ‘Better than the Szent István’. To get the first achievement, you need to follow the Balanced Budget branch of the focus and elect Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne. Then, you need to demand a referendum for unification with Austria, which can result in either war or unification. To peacefully unify, you must improve relations between you and Austria so that they have a good opinion of you by the referendum. If Austria denies the referendum, you will need to go to war. Put your troops on the border and head for the cities. Capturing Vienna and Salzburg will end the war quickly enough for you to annex it before Germany does the Anschluss. From there, you can proclaim the restoration of Austria-Hungary, with your capital remaining in Budapest.

To get the 'Better Than Szent István' achievement, the most straightforward way is to construct dockyards and build a battleship. However, this achievement is currently bugged and cannot be attained.

With the free update during the release of La Résistance, Otto von Habsburg comes with a leader modifier of -40% world tension requirement to begin justifying war claims. This means that world tension only needs to be at 10% to start claiming countries. Going the path of Austria-Hungary, you gain claims on Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, Poland, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France. However, you only need Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia to get the cores for Austria-Hungary.

Austria-Hungary as Austria

Playing as Austria in Hearts of Iron IV, you can form Austria-Hungary by restoring the Austro-Hungarian Empire. To do this, you must first ensure that you have the Death or Dishonor DLC enabled, as this gives you access to the necessary national focus tree.

Begin by following the Balanced Budget branch of the focus tree and electing Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne. This will allow you to demand a referendum for unification with Austria, which can result in either war or unification. To increase the chances of a peaceful unification, improve relations with Austria and ensure they have a very good opinion of you by the time of the referendum. If Austria denies the referendum, you will need to go to war. Focus your troops on capturing Vienna and Salzburg, which will allow you to annex Austria before Germany can.

Once you have unified with Austria, you can proclaim the restoration of Austria-Hungary, with Budapest remaining as your capital. You will then need to improve relations with Czechoslovakia, as the Protect Czechoslovakia focus gives them the decision to decline, become an associate, or reintegrate into the empire. You will need them to become an associate at a minimum. Repeat this process with Romania through the Claim Transylvania focus.

After demanding Transylvania, you can generate a war goal against Yugoslavia (Romania will refuse, giving you a temporary buff that allows you to generate war goals regardless of world tension). Declare war on Yugoslavia, and once you have annexed them, you will gain cores on most of your new territory and on some Italian states.

To avoid war with Germany over the Sudetenland, you can fortify your border with them and build a large air force to protect against bombers. This will require a significant industrial investment. Alternatively, you can temporarily give up the Sudetenland and use that time to expand your industry.

Once Germany goes to war with the Allies, you can join the war by generating a war goal for one of your cores or claims in Italy. After Germany breaks the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, you can join the Comintern to get aid from Stalin in conquering states from Britain and France.

To gain all the necessary cores for Austria-Hungary, you will need to take Austria, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia. However, you will also gain claims on Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France.

Hearts of Iron 4 DLC

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game by Paradox Development Studio. In the game, Hungary is a landlocked minor power in central Europe. It is one of the most crippled countries, with no manpower and a poor economy.

Hungary has neighbours like Czechoslovakia, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Austria. The Kingdom of Hungary, along with three other nations, gets a unique national focus tree as part of the Death or Dishonor expansion. Without the expansion, Hungary uses the Generic national focus tree. The Hungarian national focus tree can be divided into three branches and six sub-branches.

The first sub-branch, the Balanced Budget/Economic Intervention Branch, allows Hungary to change its political stance. The Strengthen the Monarchists sub-branch allows Hungary to elect either a Democratic king, a Fascist king, or a Non-Aligned Habsburg king as their ruler. Electing a Democratic king means closer ties with Sweden and the possibility of joining the United Kingdom and the Allies or allying with Romania. A Fascist king means aligning with Germany and the Axis and striving to create a Greater Hungary. The most unusual option is the Non-Aligned Habsburg king, as it involves rebuilding the fallen Austro-Hungarian Empire by reuniting with Austria and Czechoslovakia. This option generates claims on lost lands in Yugoslavia, Romania, Poland, and northern Italy.

To play as Austria-Hungary, one strategy is to first do the industrial focuses until you get the one that grants civilian factories. Disband the air force and cavalry units to give manpower to the infantry, and hire an infantry expert to add artillery and other support companies. Concentrate all military factories on making Infantry Equipment, and once all Infantry Equipment needs are fulfilled, focus everything on artillery.

After that, do the Habsburg path while saving up political power, take Austria by force, and change conscription laws. The biggest problem is the war with Austria, which can be challenging despite what older articles and videos might suggest. Austria puts up a good fight, and by the time you annex them, they've killed a substantial number of your troops.

Another strategy is to hire a fascist demagogue and join the Axis. Help Germany defeat the Allies and Comintern, getting a large chunk of France and the USSR. However, building a large enough army, navy, or air force to get a good war score at the peace conferences can be difficult.

Hearts of Iron 4 strategy

Playing as Austria-Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV can be challenging, especially when dealing with the Germans' demand for Sudetenland in 1938, which often leads to war. Here are some strategies to succeed:

Fortification and Alliances

One option is to build a significant number of forts, especially along the Austrian border, which lacks natural defences. Additionally, you can try to get a non-aggression pact with Germany before annexing Czechoslovakia. This can be achieved through espionage and improving relations. Keeping a small army on the German border can also deter them from breaking the pact.

Timing and Negotiations

The timing of your actions is crucial. You can refuse Germany's demand for Sudetenland if Czechoslovakia agrees to be annexed, as this will prevent a costly war. If Czechoslovakia only agrees to become a puppet, it is advisable to refuse their demands. When it comes to Romania, it is beneficial to wait for them to refuse your demands and use the resulting spirit to justify a war goal on Yugoslavia. This manoeuvre will avoid calling France into the conflict.

Research and Development

Focusing on research and development can also give you an advantage. Prioritise improving your air force and paratroopers, as these will be crucial for establishing footholds in enemy territories. Additionally, consider researching and licensing German technology for significant research boosts.

Political Maneuvering

Political decisions can also influence your success. Going down the "Balanced Budget" tree and electing Otto von Habsburg to the Habsburg throne is a viable strategy. This path can lead to a peaceful unification with Austria through a referendum. If Austria denies the referendum, you can go to war and quickly capture Vienna and Salzburg before Germany intervenes.

Joining the Axis

Joining the Axis powers can be advantageous. You can achieve this by declaring war on Poland at the same time as Germany or by going down the fascist route and flipping to fascism after completing the "Protect Czech" focus. This will likely result in an invitation to join the Axis.

Alternative Strategies

If you're willing to take risks, there are alternative strategies. You can invade Germany first, taking advantage of their disarray if you've annexed Austria peacefully. This approach requires a strong Austro-Hungarian military. Another daring move is to refuse Germany's demand for Sudetenland, triggering a war. Immediately start a civil war by flipping to fascism, which will invite Germany to the Axis and potentially win the civil war for you.

Hearts of Iron 4 tips

Playing as Austria-Hungary in Hearts of Iron IV can be challenging, as the country starts off with a poor economy and little manpower. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Industrial and Military Focus:

Begin by focusing on your industry. Prioritize building civilian factories and improving your infrastructure. Disband the air force and cavalry units to free up manpower for the infantry. Concentrate your military factories on producing infantry equipment, and then switch to artillery once your infantry needs are met.

Diplomacy and Alliances:

Work on improving your relations with Austria and Czechoslovakia. This can be achieved through diplomatic means, such as by hiring a political advisor to increase your political weight, or by using spies to apply diplomatic pressure. Aim for a non-aggression pact with Germany, which can buy you some time.

Annexation of Austria:

There are two ways to go about this: peacefully or through force. For a peaceful unification, you will need to spend political power to improve relations with Austria and ensure they have a very good opinion of you before demanding a referendum. If they deny the referendum, you will need to go to war. Station your troops along the border and capture key cities like Vienna and Salzburg to end the war quickly and prevent Germany from intervening.

Dealing with Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia:

Improve relations with Czechoslovakia to increase the chances of a peaceful annexation. Keep in mind that Czechoslovakia has the option to decline, become an associate, or reintegrate into the empire. Focus on Romania next through the "Claim Transylvania" focus. When Romania refuses, you will get a temporary buff that allows you to generate war goals regardless of world tension. Use this opportunity to declare war on Yugoslavia.

Joining the Axis:

Help Germany defeat the Allies and Comintern. You can do this by aiding them in their war efforts and building a large enough army to contribute. However, keep in mind that you may have less war score than Germany at the peace conferences due to your smaller economy.

Alternate Strategies:

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try more aggressive strategies, such as invading Germany first and then France, or focusing on building a strong navy and paratrooper forces to invade the UK directly. These strategies require careful planning and execution, but they can lead to a quick victory if done correctly.

Remember, adaptability is key in Hearts of Iron IV. Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on the actions of other countries and the changing world dynamics. Good luck, and have fun rebuilding the Austro-Hungarian Empire!

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