In Hearts of Iron IV, also known as HOI4, some players may be interested in taking a hands-off approach and letting the artificial intelligence (AI) manage their country or faction. While some may prefer to take direct control of all aspects of the game, playing with AI only can offer a unique and different perspective on the game.
Here are some tips on how to effectively play Hearts of Iron IV with AI only:
1. Selecting a Country: When starting a new game in HOI4, the first step is to select the country or faction that you want to play as. For an AI-only playthrough, you can choose any country, but depending on your preferences, you may want to pick a major power like Germany, the Soviet Union, or the United States, or a smaller country to see how well the AI handles different levels of responsibility.
2. Setting up Game Rules: Before starting the game, you can adjust the game rules to customize the experience. You can enable or disable certain game mechanics, such as historical focus, which determines whether AI nations stick to historical paths or pursue alternative strategies. You may also want to set the difficulty level based on your preferences.
3. Managing Production: One of the most critical aspects of AI-only gameplay is managing your country’s production. You can set the AI to manage the production of military equipment, while you focus on diplomatic or strategic decisions. This allows you to observe how the AI allocates resources and prioritizes different military and civilian industries.
4. Diplomacy and Alliances: In an AI-only game, diplomacy plays a significant role. You can choose to let the AI handle diplomatic negotiations, including forming alliances, signing non-aggression pacts, and justifying war goals. Observing how the AI navigates international relations can provide insights into its decision-making process.
5. Observing Military Operations: Watching the AI conduct military operations provides a unique perspective on the game. You can focus on learning about different tactics, strategies, and unit compositions employed by the AI, and how it manages frontline deployment and reinforcements.
6. Economic Management: Allowing the AI to handle economic management provides insight into how it prioritizes resource allocation, infrastructure development, and trade. You can observe how the AI strives to maintain economic stability while fueling its war effort.
7. Observing Strategic Decision-making: Playing AI-only allows you to focus on strategic decision-making, such as choosing research projects, national focuses, and war strategies. You can observe how the AI prioritizes different aspects of the game and adapts to changing global conditions.
8. Analyzing Results: After letting the AI control your country or faction for a certain period, it’s essential to analyze the results. You can observe how your country has developed, how it has engaged with other nations, and the impact of its decisions on the global stage.
Overall, playing Hearts of Iron IV with AI only can be a fascinating and insightful experience. It allows you to observe the game from a different perspective and gain a better understanding of how the AI makes decisions and manages various aspects of the game. By following the tips above, you can effectively play HOI4 with AI only and enjoy a unique and hands-off gameplay experience.
