Goal
Win a short, supplied war using terrain, sieges, and blockades. Avoid attrition races and multi-front commitments. Your first war should teach you the fundamentals, not exhaust your resources.
Three-Phase Plan
1. Setup
- Lower maintenance in peace: Keep army/navy maintenance low during peace to save cash.
- Raise when ready: Increase maintenance only when war is imminent or you're actively protecting trade.
- Position near forts/defensive terrain: Move your army to favorable positions before declaring war.
- Identify a single target: Pick one clear objective (fort, crossing, or strategic province). Don't fight on multiple fronts.
Tip
Preparation is key: A well-prepared war is easier to win than a hasty one. Wait for the right moment.
2. Execute
- Strike for forts and crossings: Control key terrain first. Forts and river crossings give defensive advantages.
- Blockade with navy if applicable: Use naval blockades to cut off supply and force quicker surrenders.
- Rotate stacks to limit attrition: Don't keep armies in the same province for too long. Move them to avoid attrition penalties.
- Hire mercs for siege soak if cash-positive: Use mercenaries to absorb siege casualties while your main army maintains strength.
Tip
Speed matters: Fast, decisive strikes are better than long sieges. Take objectives quickly before attrition sets in.
3. Close
- Take positional gains and cash: Prioritize strategic provinces and war reparations over prestige or minor gains.
- Avoid chasing into winter: Don't pursue enemies into winter terrain. Winter penalties are severe.
- Rebuild manpower and economy before next war: Restore your forces and economy before starting another conflict.
Tip
Know when to stop: A good peace deal now is better than a perfect peace deal later. Don't overextend.
Terrain Cheat Sheet
Favor
- Hills: Defensive bonuses, easier to hold
- River crossings: Defensive positions, control movement
- Fort zones: Strategic control points, easier to defend
Avoid
- Mountains in summer marches without supply: Severe attrition, slow movement
- Swamps and marshes: High attrition, difficult terrain
- Winter terrain: Extreme penalties, avoid unless necessary
Common Traps
- Naval landings without ports: Landing troops without port control leads to supply problems and attrition. Secure ports first.
- Splitting forces beyond supply: Don't spread your army too thin. Concentrate forces for decisive battles.
- Ignoring siege priorities: Siege forts and strategic points first. Don't waste time on minor provinces.
- Fighting on multiple fronts: Focus on one theater at a time. Multiple fronts exhaust resources and spread forces thin.
- Chasing defeated armies: Don't chase enemies into unfavorable terrain. Secure your objectives first.
Your First War Checklist
- Prepare: Lower maintenance in peace, raise when ready, position near forts/defensive terrain
- Target: Identify one clear objective (fort, crossing, or strategic province)
- Execute: Strike for forts and crossings, use blockades if applicable, rotate stacks to limit attrition
- Close: Take positional gains and cash, avoid winter chases, rebuild before next war
Note
Remember: Your first war should be short and decisive. Learn the fundamentals, then expand to more complex strategies.