Here are the 10 nations that begin the game on the smaller side:
Moldova
Armenia
Georgia
Azerbaijan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Armenia Republic
Latvia
Romania
Lithuania Both nations have made a significant recovery from the devastating effects of the 2008 financial crisis, and are now looking to build on that progress. They are both struggling with some of the same issues, but their stories offer a unique perspective on how to overcome them.
14. Granada
Castile, the most powerful kingdom in the region, is looking to expand its territory at any cost. Your starting 30 development won’t do much to save you from the inevitable clash with Christian Iberia when your truces with the kingdoms end. ..
The Maghreb is a region of the world that is home to a large population of Muslims. The region is also home to a number of terrorist organizations, which have made it difficult for the government to keep control over the area. To help prepare for war, the government has gathered allies in the region and has begun expanding its territory.
The Granadan and later Andalucian mission tree is extensive and leads you down a path of colonialism and restoration of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Andalucian national ideas are also wonderful.
13. Byzantium
Byzantium is a major center of culture and commerce in the eastern Mediterranean. It’s also home to some of the most important historical sites in the region, including the Hagia Sophia and Constantine’s Palace.
While enjoying strong economic ties with its direct neighbors, Byzantium is in a precarious position, completely surrounded by the Ottoman menace. ..
You’ll need to find allies and fight the Ottomans with as much help as you can find. This is a very difficult start that rewards you with tons of flavor, a large mission tree, and some of the best national ideas in the game. ..
The resurgence of the Roman Empire under the rule of Emperor Constantine is a popular campaign theme among role-players, including myself. ..
12. Tidore/Ternate
Tidore and Ternate are two relatively isolated one province minors in the Moluccas. They are both struggling to make ends meet, and their situation is only getting worse. Tidore is a small, rural town, and Ternate is a large, urban city. They are both struggling to find work, and they are both facing significant challenges.
There are two maps available in the game, and each has its own unique color scheme. If you prefer the look of the map in Tidore, you can choose to play on that map. ..
Both nations need to annex the other to start their mission tree – a mission tree that rewards them with free and fast colonists in the surrounding area. This would help to improve relations between the two nations and help to create a better future for both.
This offers an excellent campaign for someone who wants to relax and chill while colonizing the rich provinces in the Moluccas. Consolidate the area, and whenever you feel ready strike into the rest of Indonesia!
11. Riga
Riga is an important port city in the Baltic Sea, and it is a member of the Hanseatic league, which is a group of European cities that are historically linked by trade. Riga is also isolated from its other members, which makes it an interesting place to visit. ..
As Riga, you find yourself surrounded by the Livonian Order. They may be willing to ally you, but they are also your only route of expansion early on. ..
Strike them when they are vulnerable and take advantage of their weaknesses.
Your culture is based on the Prussian way of life, and so you can easily form a Prussia if you secure the necessary lands to your south.
Riga is set to receive a massive update in the 1.34 patch and associated DLC, giving the nation a unique mission tree and tons of flavor. This update will include new features and changes that will make the city more exciting to explore, as well as improve the overall gameplay experience.
10. Mzab
Ibadi nations are the only ones that can participate in the game’s start. This achievement is associated with The Third Way.
This makes them an interesting choice because they are unique.
Mzab is a small, landlocked country that will have a difficult time competing with larger countries in its region. You will need to eat other smaller countries in order to build up your power before taking on Tunisia and Morocco. ..
Forming Andalusia later can give you access to unique national ideas and a unique mission tree. The mission tree greatly helps you with the achievement, which requires converting ALL Muslim provinces to the Ibadi faith.
This is a very hard campaign. I recommend it only if you’re confident in your skills.
9. Theodoro
Theodoro is a small, insignificant kingdom in the eastern Roman Empire.
The game’s situation in the game is unique. You are the only nation in the game with little hope of securing allies outside of Russia.
The early game will be difficult, as Muscovy will have other matters to attend and rarely will help you. Theodoro’s unique achievement “Gothic Invasion” requires you conquer all of Germany.
Looking for a unique challenge and an interesting achievement? Look no further than our campaign for everyone! With our unique challenges and achievements, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you.
8. Mulhouse
Mulhouse is an OPM in the HRE, which is not a surprise.
After my successful campaign in Mulhouse, I found Swabia to be one of the more interesting areas of Germany. With its rolling hills and picturesque villages, it’s a great place to explore. ..
Mulhouse is a city in France that has a unique achievement which requires you to become the HRE emperor and fully decentralize the empire. This will put all your game knowledge to the test. ..
You start the game as a monarchy, and cannot become the emperor.
To unify Swabia, you’ll need to reform into a monarchy. This will require you to win the support of the people and establish a strong rule. ..
Swabia is a region in Germany that is home to many free cities. To unite the region, you can use the small mission tree in the game to help integrate the free cities. ..
7. Albania
Albania is a country in the game representing the revolt of Skanderbeg against the Ottoman Sultan. ..
The Ottomans start the game with cores on both your provinces, putting you in a precarious position. ..
The good news is that you’ll be starting with a powerful ruler and general in Venice. ..
Your mountain forts give you the option of facing the Ottomans on your own terms. ..
The Balkan region has been a hotspot of conflict for centuries, and it seems like the situation is only going to get worse. In order to prevent the region from descending into chaos, NATO allies have banded together and started beating up on the Turks. This has led to their eventual expulsion from the Balkans, which is always a satisfying experience. ..
Albania offers a great permanent buff through its mission tree, interesting ideas, and a unique achievement that can lead to a fun campaign into the late game. ..
6. Offaly
Offaly is a small Irish nation that gets a unique achievement “Spanish Fly” on top of the “Luck of the Irish.”
The Irish minor nations all play out the same: they compete for the support of the Irish government and people. ..
You are the only one who can stop the British war machine. You must conquer all of Ireland and Scotland before striking into England. The early game is up to you, as it depends on how your actions play out.
The Irish campaign is an interesting way to play the British Isles, providing a different experience than the typical colonial and naval one. ..
5. Dithmarschen
In 1444, communism was a popular idea. However, this is not HOI4, and there is no evidence that it ever existed. ..
Germany has two official languages: German and a regional language. The German northwest is home to two of these regional languages: Low Saxon and Frisian. ..
The Frisian states are North Holland, Friesland, and East Friesland. Dithmarschen is a district in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. ..
The Dithmarschen Republic is a small, rural country located in the eastern part of the continent. It’s a poor, war-torn land that has been struggling for years to keep up with the rest of the continent. However, despite its struggles, the Dithmarschen Republic is still one of the most democratic and open countries in all of Europe. They have a strong military and political system, and their citizens are very proud of it.
If you’re ever tired of the pomp and circumstance, this is the choice for you.
You can choose to wage war on your neighbors to make them also republics, during the Great Peasants War crisis in the HRE.
Germany’s Dithmarschen region is known for its unique achievement of spreading Communism in the Renaissance. The region also gets a special credit for its national ideas and mission tree, which isn’t half bad either!
4. Oda
Oda is an OPM, but they are in Japan.
This means the people on the islands don’t feel like they’re part of a larger, more diverse nation because all of the nations in the islands are relatively small.
The EUIV campaign is an experience that every player should have at least once.
Oda Nobunaga was chosen because their ideas are unmatched, and they are the daimyo that historically usurped the Shogunate and started the unification of Japan. ..
The campaign will include a lot of warfare in the early game. This is until you take over the Shogunate, which changes to a more diplomatic game. ..
After Japan is unified, the choice on how to continue is up to you. ..
No one can invade you, since you are the only country in the world that is tall. ..
3. Taungoo
The Burmese homeland is located in the Taungoo region of the Irrawaddy valley.
Taungoo is a small, impoverished nation located in the far east of Myanmar. Despite its unremarkable appearance, Taungoo is home to some of the country’s most fascinating and unique cultures. ..
The small Office of the Prime Minister is the precursor state of modern Myanmar. They begin the game as a tributary of Ava to their north, surrounded by similar-in-strength neighbors.
Taungoo enjoys extensive mission tree, decent national ideas, and a unique achievement.
The campaign is an enjoyable one. Ayutthaya to your southeast can pose problems in the early game. ..
The first Taungoo Empire was a remarkable accomplishment for the Burmese people. They conquered all of the Burma culture provinces before 1500. This was a significant achievement, as it helped to create a strong and unified Burma.
This will lead to conflict with Bengal, which can be a problem if they consolidate their power.
The Burmese culture group used to be the hardest in the entire game. You needed to fight Bengal, Ayutthaya, and even Ming before 1500 to succeed. Nowadays, with changes to the culture groups in the area, it is significantly easier. ..
2. Ardabil
Ardabil is a small, isolated OPM located in the Azerbaijan mountains in northwestern Iran. Ardabil is flanked by stronger powers on all sides, but it has managed to punch far above its weight by pursuing innovative policies and strategies. ..
The Safavid dynasty eventually unified Iran under Ismail the Great, half a century after the game’s start. Can you recreate such a success?
The game begins with the player character, Ardabil, being drafted into the military. The game is set in Ardabil, a city that is geared for war.
You are a Shi’a Muslim and follow the Jafari school of Islam.
All of these buffs increase the effectiveness of your military, making them more powerful in the battlefield.
The United States should strike against the smaller nations in the area, Biapas and Shirvan, and bide its time. ..
Your neighbors in the north will eventually find themselves embroiled in drawn-out wars. When you see an opportunity, strike against them and capture the rich cities of northern Persia.
Gilan is a great ally to have early on in the campaign. Enemies will be hesitant to attack you, and you can use Gilan to distract them when war comes. ..
The achievement “Shahanshah” will be granted to you if you complete the game’s main story mode. This mode sees you travel through the country, fighting against various enemies and unlocking new areas as you go. The Ardabil campaign is one of my favorite, as it features a lot of different enemies and challenges that are very difficult to beat.
1. The Knights
The Knights Hospitaller are a unique nation that takes the cake for being Catholic, French-cultured, and Greek Orthodox.
The pirates can raid coasts. ..
The Crusaders are a group of pirates who have sworn allegiance to the king of Jerusalem. They are known for their piracy and raids against other ships, as well as their use of large ships and cannons to take down their opponents.
The Crusader states share a common mission tree, which gives them permanent bonuses as rewards for completing its various missions. ..
The Knights’ mission tree will lead you down a path of conquest in the eastern Mediterranean, reclaiming the Holy Land and allowing you to form the kingdom of Jerusalem.
The Knights have three unique achievements that are tied to them. ..
The two naturally fulfilled goals of going on a mission are to save the world and to learn.
The last one needs you to own all islands in the Caribbean and Mediterranean directly.
The Knights are a nation with an interesting history and culture. ..
In order to net all three of their achievements in a single campaign, the player would need to complete a series of tasks that would vary depending on the location they were in. For example, if the player were in Greece, they would need to find and destroy all of the bridges that connect Athens with other parts of the country. If they were in Rome, they would need to find and assassinate all of the senators who had been critical of Emperor Constantine. Finally, if they were in Constantinople, they would need to find and assassinate all of the bishops who had been critical of Emperor Theodosius.
