Who Should Pick Which
Choose your starting nation based on your preferred playstyle:
Choose England if:
- You want naval-first, trade-safe learning with controllable wars
- You prefer economic focus over military expansion
- You want to learn trade and market management without land war complexity
- You prefer island safety and naval dominance
Choose France if:
- You want land-first hegemon play with strong vassal integration
- You prefer military expansion and territorial control
- You want to learn vassal management and estate balance
- You prefer continental power and diplomatic complexity
First 20 Years: Decision Fork
| Aspect | England | France |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Decision | Decide the France plan or pivot to island/economy | Integrate vassals and pick one main rival (England or Burgundy), not both |
| Military Priority | Navy/blockade and marketplaces in London/Channel hubs | Win sieges, take position, and stabilize estates economy |
| Economic Focus | Trade capacity via marketplaces; short protected routes | High-pop centers, inland logistics, and roads for tax efficiency |
| Diplomacy | Secure alliances to deter France; manage Scotland carefully | Balance vassals; avoid early coalitions; pick one main rival |
| First War | Optional: short war for strategic position or cash | Decisive early war to integrate vassals or secure borders |
Tip
Key difference: England emphasizes naval and trade control, while France emphasizes land warfare and vassal integration. Choose based on what you want to learn first.
Risks
England Risks
- Overcommitting in France: Getting drawn into expensive land wars in France. Focus on naval and trade first.
- Ignoring Scotland and naval funding: Neglecting Scotland can lead to threats, and naval dominance requires funding. Don't ignore either.
- Trade route disruption: Without naval control, trade routes are vulnerable. Maintain fleet superiority.
France Risks
- Coalitions from fast expansion: Expanding too quickly triggers coalitions. Pace conquests and improve relations.
- Multi-front distractions: Fighting on multiple fronts exhausts resources. Focus on one theater at a time.
- Vassal integration costs: Integrating vassals too quickly drains resources. Integrate when economy can absorb costs.
- Estate balance issues: Poor estate management reduces control and efficiency. Balance estates carefully.
Trade Plan
England Trade Strategy
- North Sea/Channel routes: Focus on North Sea and English Channel trade routes. These are your natural hubs.
- Capacity via marketplaces: Build marketplaces in London and Channel hubs to expand capacity.
- Short protected routes: Keep routes short and protected by naval dominance. Long routes are vulnerable without fleet control.
- Maritime trade focus: Leverage your naval strength to control trade routes and protect commerce.
France Trade Strategy
- High-pop centers: Focus on high-population centers for production and consumption. Large populations drive economy.
- Inland logistics: Build roads and infrastructure to connect provinces and improve market access.
- Roads to keep control for tax efficiency: Roads improve control, which directly affects tax collection. Build infrastructure first.
- Internal market focus: Develop internal markets before expanding overseas. Focus on continental trade first.
Quick Verdict
Start England if you want to learn:
- Naval control and trade management
- Safe, controlled wars with economic focus
- Market capacity and trade route optimization
- Island-based defensive strategies
Start France if you want to learn:
- Land warfare and siege mechanics
- Vassal integration and estate management
- Continental power and diplomatic complexity
- Control and tax efficiency optimization
Note
Both are excellent starters: England is safer for beginners, while France offers more challenge and complexity. Choose based on your preferred learning path.