How to Have AI-Only Hearts of Iron IV (HOI4) Campaigns
Hearts of Iron IV, also known as HOI4, is a grand strategy game that allows players to take control of a nation during World War II and shape its destiny. One popular way to experience the game is through AI-only campaigns, where the player sets up the game and lets the AI take control of all nations, observing and analyzing the unfolding events. If you’re interested in running an AI-only campaign in HOI4, here’s a guide on how to set it up and run it effectively.
Setting Up the Game
Before starting an AI-only campaign, you need to set up the game properly to ensure that the AI will take control of all nations. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Select a Starting Date: Decide on the starting date for your campaign. You can choose to begin in 1936 or 1939, depending on your preference for the historical context.
2. Choose Your Nation: Select the nation you want to play as and set it to be controlled by the AI. You can do this by clicking on the nation’s flag and selecting “AI control.”
3. Disable Player Controls: Make sure to turn off the player controls for all other nations in the game. This can be done in the game setup menu by clicking on each nation’s flag and selecting “AI control.”
4. Adjust Game Rules: Consider adjusting the game rules to your preferences, such as setting historical or random focuses, enabling or disabling the AI aggressiveness, and adjusting other game settings.
Running the AI-Only Campaign
Once you have set up the game for an AI-only campaign, it’s time to start the campaign and let the AI take control. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you observe the unfolding events:
1. Observe and Analyze: As the campaign progresses, take time to observe and analyze the actions and decisions made by the AI-controlled nations. This can be a fascinating way to learn about the game’s mechanics and AI behavior.
2. Monitor the World Map: Keep an eye on the world map to track the territorial changes, alliances, and conflicts that occur during the campaign. You can gain valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by the AI.
3. Record and Share: Consider recording and sharing the progress of the AI-only campaign with others. This could be in the form of written updates, screenshots, or videos to showcase the unfolding narrative of the campaign.
4. Learn from the AI: Use the AI-only campaign as an opportunity to learn from the AI’s decisions and actions. You may gain inspiration for new strategies, tactics, or historical insights that you can apply in your future gameplay.
Benefits of AI-Only Campaigns
AI-only campaigns in HOI4 offer several benefits to players, including:
1. Unique Narrative: Each AI-only campaign unfolds in a unique and unpredictable manner, creating a compelling narrative driven by the AI’s decisions and interactions.
2. Observational Learning: Players can observe and learn from the AI’s behavior, strategies, and responses, providing valuable insights into the game’s mechanics and dynamics.
3. Community Engagement: Sharing the progress of an AI-only campaign with the community can foster discussions and engagement, as others weigh in on the unfolding events and outcomes.
4. Creative Inspiration: AI-only campaigns can inspire players with new ideas, scenarios, and historical what-if situations that they may not have considered before.
In conclusion, running AI-only campaigns in HOI4 can be a fascinating and educational experience for players. By setting up the game to be controlled entirely by the AI and observing the unfolding events, players can gain valuable insights into the game’s mechanics, AI behavior, and historical dynamics. Whether it’s for personal learning or community engagement, AI-only campaigns offer a unique way to experience and appreciate the complexities of grand strategy gaming.
