Let’s break this down like a battle plan with clear steps to help you dominate Britain early in the Hearts of Iron IV game.
Table of Contents
Preparation Phase
Step 1: Gather Political Power
First, you need 50 political power. Let it build up naturally. Once you have it, start justifying war, but don’t target Britain directly. Go for one of their weaker puppets, like British Malaya. This bypasses their stronger defenses.
Step 2: Organize Your Divisions
You’ll need three armies for this operation:
- Army 1 (10 divisions): Use your strongest units—tanks, motorized infantry, cavalry, and elite infantry. Assign them to a naval invasion plan targeting a British port (refer to the map in-game).
- Army 2 (5 divisions): Smaller force with a secondary task. Give them an order near the landing zone to support the main invasion.
- Army 3 (15 divisions): The backup team. They’ll defend the port you’re launching from and prepare to reinforce once the landing succeeds.
Step 3: Timing is Key
As your justification nears completion:
- At 2-3 days left, slow the game to speed 2 or 3.
- At 1 day left, drop to speed 1.
- Pause the game exactly at 1:00 AM on the day of justification.
Declaration of War and Landing
- Declare war on the British puppet (not Britain itself). This ensures Britain gets pulled into the conflict without overwhelming you immediately.
- Execute your naval invasion plan. Your divisions will begin landing at the designated port.
Capturing Britain
- If British divisions are defending the port, don’t panic. Surround them using your landing forces and crush them quickly. Once the port is yours, victory is within reach.
- Send your backup army (15 divisions) across the channel to establish a strong front line in Britain.
- From here, push inland. Britain typically has minimal defenses at this stage, making it easier to take over key territories.
Post-War Strategy
At the peace conference:
- Prioritize taking control of Britain’s navy—it’s invaluable for future campaigns.
- Annex Britain and its puppets if possible. This consolidates your power and makes future conquests smoother.
By following these steps, even beginners can pull off this strategy efficiently.
Key Tips for Success
- Always justify war on weaker puppets to avoid unnecessary resistance.
- Timing matters—slowing down game speed ensures precision during critical moments.
- Reinforce quickly after capturing ports; don’t leave your initial landing force vulnerable.
With this method, you’ll rewrite history by turning Britain into a German stronghold by 1936!