A double post, but I thought the information important.


I started a campaign as Austria, and yes it is a tough faction to play. I have only just played a few turns but so far I have had NO DoWs. I started on easy though there are some things to know about the game that have not been discussed enough in my opinion.

At every difficulty setting the first turn diplomatic deals and rearrangement of your ministers is extremely important. If you neglect these aspects of the game then everyone is going to DoW your little butt. Acquiring trade agreements, protectorates, and alliances in the early game set the tone for most of what fallows.

Particularly as Austria and Spain you need to make some agreement with everyone you can on your borders or you get DoWs out the yeing yang. If you have agreements then you may never have to worry about them.

In the current campaign I asked Poland for a trade agreement. They are usually the first to DoW you in most circumstances. I was surprised when they counter offered with Alliance, Trade Agreement, and paid Cash! I excepted because the region of theirs I need is usually taken by the Prussians early on.

When I asked Prussia for a trade agreement, they also wanted an alliance to go with it but they wanted me to pay 4400 so I said no. They are my primary rival at any rate. I did get a trade agreement two turns later but they won't keep that too long, I am sure.

The difficulty level may have some effect but much less than you would think. I have managed to avoid many of the crazy DoWs in the other versions buy keeping a high level head minister and making all the agreements I could with bordering factions.