Does Modding Make Economy Easier to Understand?

[Gen. Monkey-Bear]

Hello All. I recently bought the game and I don't really understand the economics. My plan was to focus on this aspect of the game and ignore the colonial and military aspects until I fully learn the economic portion. The problem is that it is almost impossible to only use one aspect of the game without running my country into the ground!

My solution to this problem was to mod the game to play a minor nation, one that doesn't need to worry about colonies or wars. I tried Mexico. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not because I really just started the game, but my question is do you all think this makes sense?

[Sir Garnet]

Yes, but I would suggest Belgium as it is a stronger economy with more access to trade at the start and can build ships for trade, which Mexico cannot do. It has limited early colonial options, and you can ease into things.

Which is not to knock Mexico - lots of potential resources to develop.

[loki100]

Hello All. I recently bought the game and I don't really understand the economics. My plan was to focus on this aspect of the game and ignore the colonial and military aspects until I fully learn the economic portion. The problem is that it is almost impossible to only use one aspect of the game without running my country into the ground!

My solution to this problem was to mod the game to play a minor nation, one that doesn't need to worry about colonies or wars. I tried Mexico. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not because I really just started the game, but my question is do you all think this makes sense?

Belgium as Sir Garnet says or Sardinia-Piedmont are good choices if you want to get your head around the economy aspect without being overwhelmed at the start.

There are a couple of S-P AARs over on the Paradox forum (here and here), both may provide useful information that should help a little

[Sir Garnet]

There are a couple of S-P AARs over on the Paradox forum (here and here), both may provide useful information that should help a little

Loki is being too modest since one is his. They will help a LOT.

Sardinia-Piedmont faces the challenge of pushing unification and possible war with Austria, as well as a less favorable mix of resources than Belgium.

[Egg Bub]

Try Great Britain. You really can't lose, whatever you do. Some people say that it is overwhelming, but this is only because you have a great number of options of what to do. Anyway, at this time GB produced between 8% and 12% of global GDP so you're unlikely to be short of money or resources (apart from that most coveted of precious rare commodities - rice).

[powloon1]

As mentioned S-P or Belgium are good choices to get your head around the economics of the game. The advantage of S-P in my opinion is you also get to dabble in the colonial game whilst belgium I think dosn't get any colonial options until 1880 or so (which is a long period to wait once your economy is firing on all cylinders) plus you do have the unification aspect as an ovriding strategic goal to keep you focused through the slower game periods.

I would second reading Loki's AAR it is chock full of priceless titbits of game information

[Gen. Monkey-Bear]

Thanks a lot guys. I forgot about Belgium but now I will definitely try it. The AAR does look really helpful.

[Kensai]

Belgium as the underdog is really interesting. It will make a very good game by the 1880s. Actually, I suggest to start at that point.