So, you're aiming for that elusive "Welsh Argentina" achievement in Hearts of Iron IV, huh? Awesome! It's a fun one that requires a bit of planning, some strategic gameplay, and a healthy dose of luck. This guide will walk you through the steps, offering tips and tricks to help you plant the Welsh flag firmly in South American soil. Get ready to dive into the world of HOI4, where history is yours to rewrite – one Welsh province at a time!

Understanding the Achievement

Before we get started, let's clarify exactly what the "Welsh Argentina" achievement entails. To unlock it, you need to start a game as the United Kingdom, release Wales as a puppet, and then, playing as Wales, conquer Argentina. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, there are a few nuances and challenges along the way that we need to address.

Key Challenges:

• Initial Weakness: Wales starts as a tiny nation with limited resources and manpower.
• Naval Invasion: Conquering Argentina requires a successful naval invasion across the Atlantic.
• World Tension: High world tension can attract unwanted attention from major powers.
• Resource Management: Balancing your limited resources is crucial for survival and expansion.

Setting Up the Game

First things first, fire up Hearts of Iron IV and select the Grand Campaign. Choose the United Kingdom as your starting nation. This is where the initial setup begins, and it’s crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to playing as Wales. The key is to prepare Wales for independence and set them up for success. Select your difficulty level – for achievement hunting, it’s often best to go with Regular difficulty to avoid unnecessary complications from aggressive AI.

Now, as the UK, your primary focus is to build up Wales. Invest in infrastructure in the Welsh regions to boost their economy. Construct civilian factories and some military factories to give them a decent industrial base. Also, start training a few divisions for Wales. The goal is to make Wales as self-sufficient as possible before releasing them. Don’t go overboard, but a little investment goes a a long way. Use the national focus tree to your advantage. Focus on industrial and political focuses that will benefit the UK in the short term, while also indirectly helping Wales.

Before releasing Wales, make sure to check their national unity and stability. A nation with low national unity is prone to civil wars, which would derail your plans. Use political power to improve stability and national unity if needed. Also, improve relations with Wales through the autonomy system. The higher their autonomy, the more resources and factories they will get when released. Keep an eye on world tension. If it’s too high, releasing Wales might draw unwanted attention from other major powers. Try to release Wales before world tension gets too high to avoid any complications.

Releasing and Playing as Wales

Once you've sufficiently prepared Wales, it's time to release them as a puppet. In the occupied territories tab, select Wales and choose the option to release them as a puppet. This gives you some control over their initial government and policies. As soon as Wales is released, switch your focus to playing as them. Select Wales from the main menu and start the game.

As Wales, your immediate priorities are to secure your nation and build up your strength. Start by improving relations with your overlord, the UK. This ensures continued access to resources and protection. Begin constructing civilian factories to expand your industrial base. Focus on infrastructure as well, as it will improve resource extraction and supply.

Next, focus on your national focus tree. Choose focuses that boost your industry, military, and political stability. Prioritize focuses that give you research bonuses, as technology will be crucial in the long run. Start researching essential technologies like construction technology, industry technology, and basic military technology. Don’t neglect your military. Begin training additional divisions to bolster your defenses. Focus on infantry divisions with support companies like engineers and support artillery. A strong defensive force will deter potential aggressors and give you time to build up your strength.

Preparing for War

Now comes the challenging part – preparing for war with Argentina. This requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic thinking. Start by building up your navy. You'll need a decent fleet to transport your troops across the Atlantic and secure naval superiority. Focus on building submarines and destroyers to protect your convoys from enemy attacks. Research naval technologies to improve your ships' capabilities.

While building your navy, continue to expand your army. Train additional divisions and equip them with modern weaponry. Focus on infantry divisions with artillery support. Also, consider training a few marine divisions for naval invasions. Marines excel in amphibious landings and can quickly secure beachheads. Begin stockpiling resources like steel, oil, and aluminum. You'll need these resources to produce equipment and maintain your war effort. Trade with other nations to acquire any resources you're lacking.

Argentina will likely have a stronger military than you, so you'll need to use tactics to your advantage. Research doctrines that improve your combat effectiveness. Focus on superior firepower and mobile warfare doctrines. Also, consider recruiting advisors who provide bonuses to your military and industry. A skilled advisor can significantly boost your capabilities.

Naval Invasion of Argentina

With your military and navy prepared, it's time to launch your naval invasion of Argentina. This is a critical step that requires careful planning and execution. Before launching the invasion, scout the Argentine coast to identify potential landing sites. Look for areas with low defenses and minimal enemy presence. Assign your navy to patrol the sea zones around your chosen landing sites. This will help protect your convoys from enemy attacks and ensure a safe passage for your troops.

Select your marine divisions and assign them to the naval invasion order. Choose a suitable port in Wales as your starting point and your chosen landing site in Argentina as your destination. Ensure that you have enough convoys to transport your troops and supplies. Launch the naval invasion. Your marines will embark on their journey across the Atlantic. Keep a close eye on the progress of the invasion. Be prepared to reinforce your troops if they encounter heavy resistance.

Once your marines have secured a beachhead, quickly follow up with your regular infantry divisions. Establish a supply line from your landing site to your main base in Wales. Begin pushing inland, capturing key cities and provinces. Focus on capturing Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Taking the capital will significantly weaken Argentina and hasten their surrender. Be prepared for counterattacks. Argentina will likely launch counteroffensives to push you back into the sea. Use your superior tactics and firepower to repel their attacks.

Securing Victory

As you advance further into Argentina, continue to capture key objectives and expand your control. Focus on securing strategic resources like oil and steel. These resources will be vital for sustaining your war effort. Continue to reinforce your troops and maintain your supply lines. Be prepared for a protracted war. Argentina may put up fierce resistance, especially in mountainous or heavily fortified areas. Use your air force to support your ground troops. Bomb enemy fortifications and disrupt their supply lines.

Once you've captured enough territory, Argentina will eventually capitulate. Annex their territory and claim victory. Congratulations, you've successfully achieved the "Welsh Argentina" achievement! Now you can proudly display your Welsh flag in South America and bask in the glory of your accomplishment. Remember to manage the conquered territories effectively to prevent resistance and ensure stability. Integrate Argentina into your empire and exploit its resources to further strengthen your nation.

Additional Tips and Strategies

• Join a Faction: Consider joining a faction like the Allies or the Axis to gain support from other major powers. This can provide you with valuable resources and military assistance.
• Exploit Weaknesses: Look for opportunities to exploit Argentina's weaknesses. If they're at war with another nation, launch your invasion while they're distracted.
• Air Power: Invest in air power to support your ground troops. Tactical bombers can disrupt enemy supply lines and provide close air support.
• Intelligence: Use spies to gather intelligence on Argentina's military strength and defenses. This will help you plan your invasion more effectively.

Conclusion

The "Welsh Argentina" achievement in Hearts of Iron IV is a challenging but rewarding goal. By following this guide and employing smart strategies, you can lead Wales to victory and conquer Argentina. Remember to plan carefully, manage your resources wisely, and adapt to changing circumstances. Good luck, and may the dragon of Wales fly high over the pampas of Argentina! This achievement not only tests your strategic skills but also your patience and adaptability. Enjoy the journey, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. After all, it’s not just about conquering Argentina; it’s about the fun you have along the way. So, gather your wits, prepare your troops, and embark on this epic adventure. The world of Hearts of Iron IV awaits your command. And who knows, maybe next time you'll try conquering the world as Luxembourg! The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. Happy gaming, and may your campaigns be ever victorious!