Grand Strategy general ideas...

[MythTrip]

And specific ideas for Sweden? Am getting the hang of the mechanics, but would like any experienced players out there to comment on any grand strategies in general, and also any specifics for Sweden.

Certainly we all know the basic strategy of building infrastructure, recruiting armies then painting the map. But the game has so many refined mechanics of religion, diplomacy, trade etc....any other ideas would be appreciated.

[prenticea]

I have played a little bit of Sweden. I would start by making nice with my vassals, increase the chance of absorbing one as an RGD, and do so. I was drawn into an early war with Finland, so that helped me make the decision to go East.

I think the East or West decision is the major strategic one for Sweden. If you go east, taking on all those pagan tribes you have some easy pickings, but a longer route to assimilate the individual regions as you will have to convert religion and ethnicity. if you go West and take Viken (Norway) and Danemark then they will be tougher to crack but easier to integrate. If you go West, make sure you insult emissary and forge claims to reduce the Authority hit when you war. Some instill revolt would not hurt either.

With vassals, I find there is a size tipping point between absorbing them and forming them. Early on, given the right token flow, some early absorption increases your income and makes it easier to reach the target size for evolution - prioritise high admin Peers of the Realm to keep max national demesne high. Later, you run out of characters, and some selective forming of vassals helps keep you expanding.

With regions, at least 3 of most structures is not a bad idea as it unlocks the possibility of the authority boosting structures. Some specialisation on farming or infrastructure is not a bad move, but you will reach a point where infrastructure is delivering buildings quicker than population growth can give you slots.

I generally give high priority to 0 slot buildings as it increases your options later and gives you added buildings to unlock more tiers.

With Sweden early recruit local and recruit non standard seems to give you some very good troops, you have a limited standing army maximum, but improved retinue size, so prioritising the recruit RGD is probably better than recruiting your own.

Good luck, have fun!

[MythTrip]

You are the greatest, what an answer, thank you!

[prenticea]

My pleasure, do share your exploits :)