Incidentally, Building up trade networks between its subjects and allies is how the predecessor of russia (the grand duchy of muscovy) became powerful enough to overthrow the tatar yoke and become a great power. So this is kind of a return to its roots.
@An_Economist_Plays trade network was not the only thing though, because muscovy also did a lot of embezzling with the tribute money (muscovy was assigned by the golden/great horde to collect tribute payments from other rus principalities and pay the money to the Golden/great horde), but they embezzling some of the money to help fund the the projects (building trade networks, settlements, etc.) and fund armies used to conquer the rus principalities that were not friends/allies of muscovy.
In Russia, the distance between the extreme points (west-east) is about 10000km. In Africa, about 7500km Africa is 1.77 times larger than Russia in terms of area
There we go, that's what I was looking for. It's still a Mercator thing that makes the projection SO big on the flat map in more Northern regions. :-) Thanks for looking that up!
You should try a Netherlands game. It is a huge sleeper power and can dominate mainland europe with the French on a tight leash all fueled by a massive empire to fuel it all.
The reason for russia having defensive cooperation is so that you can diplomatically ask those central asian countries to join the powerblock in exchange of your protection and so that they cannot attack each other. Then subjugate them through powerbloc actions. Less infamy this way and you do not have to use that expensive and ineffective military of russia in the early game
Even as a Sovereign Empire, though, the chances of one fighting the other are small. Having it for the early game as a free mandate is fine, I can build out the two other mandates, but then I'd double back and change that one during the midgame.
I think getting the Brazil and Russia runs under my belt have helped me to see some possibilities with a nation of those sizes. But I still like a big nation that has access to what it needs to get the job done!
Russia biggest starting problem is terrible 60% MAPI from traditionalism and no stock exchange tech. This prevents you from taking advantage of economies of scale since both imported and exported goods from each state have a massive penalty. Russia's literacy therefore qualifications are also so low that you wont be able to fully employ machinists and later engineers for some time. I found it is much more effective to first build one or two wood construction sectors in each state with a huge wood surplus then focus on areas that also have iron available. I predict that your huge stack of cotton plantations will be a huge bust if you insist on building it. Fix that bureaucracy deficit immediately after you stop building construction sectors: they are effectively more profitable than anything else you can build. You'll need lots of paper for bureaucracy and universities soon enough so paper is a great industry for Russia. Pro tip: conquer Uruguay ASAP and incorporate it, build 3 paper mills there and take the special combined paper and forestry company. It's a hidden gem that not only boosts infrastructure but also tools throughput.
Indeed, once I got off of traditionalism, things got much better - that happens later in the game. And, yes, paper is very much needed for a growing Russian Bear!
Incidentally, Building up trade networks between its subjects and allies is how the predecessor of russia (the grand duchy of muscovy) became powerful enough to overthrow the tatar yoke and become a great power. So this is kind of a return to its roots.
I love it when I can find a historical justification for a cheesy move! You win the Internet today!
@An_Economist_Plays trade network was not the only thing though, because muscovy also did a lot of embezzling with the tribute money (muscovy was assigned by the golden/great horde to collect tribute payments from other rus principalities and pay the money to the Golden/great horde), but they embezzling some of the money to help fund the the projects (building trade networks, settlements, etc.) and fund armies used to conquer the rus principalities that were not friends/allies of muscovy.
In Russia, the distance between the extreme points (west-east) is about 10000km. In Africa, about 7500km
Africa is 1.77 times larger than Russia in terms of area
There we go, that's what I was looking for. It's still a Mercator thing that makes the projection SO big on the flat map in more Northern regions. :-) Thanks for looking that up!
You should try a Netherlands game. It is a huge sleeper power and can dominate mainland europe with the French on a tight leash all fueled by a massive empire to fuel it all.
They do have a good potential, just that pesky Belgium that broke away spoiling all the fun!
Russia is the nation I bounce off of quickest in this game, so I'm looking forward to picking up some tips. Let's go Fancy Bears!
Slow and steady is the key, and then when you have enough iron mines... Boom!
I've been waiting on a Russia campaign. Hopefully this one takes off and you have fun with it.
It is a great game!
The reason for russia having defensive cooperation is so that you can diplomatically ask those central asian countries to join the powerblock in exchange of your protection and so that they cannot attack each other. Then subjugate them through powerbloc actions. Less infamy this way and you do not have to use that expensive and ineffective military of russia in the early game
If the goal of the russian player is to expand, maintaining sovereign empire is a must. But this is a roleplay playthrough I guess
Even as a Sovereign Empire, though, the chances of one fighting the other are small. Having it for the early game as a free mandate is fine, I can build out the two other mandates, but then I'd double back and change that one during the midgame.
Heres a video idea: Play as greece, form byzantium, restore the full borders of the roman Empire, and make sure that the economy is stable.
I was looking forward to you playing as Italy 😢.
Can you point out the cons playing for example Italy or Netherlands?
Love your videos either way! ❤
I think getting the Brazil and Russia runs under my belt have helped me to see some possibilities with a nation of those sizes. But I still like a big nation that has access to what it needs to get the job done!
Russia biggest starting problem is terrible 60% MAPI from traditionalism and no stock exchange tech. This prevents you from taking advantage of economies of scale since both imported and exported goods from each state have a massive penalty. Russia's literacy therefore qualifications are also so low that you wont be able to fully employ machinists and later engineers for some time. I found it is much more effective to first build one or two wood construction sectors in each state with a huge wood surplus then focus on areas that also have iron available. I predict that your huge stack of cotton plantations will be a huge bust if you insist on building it. Fix that bureaucracy deficit immediately after you stop building construction sectors: they are effectively more profitable than anything else you can build. You'll need lots of paper for bureaucracy and universities soon enough so paper is a great industry for Russia. Pro tip: conquer Uruguay ASAP and incorporate it, build 3 paper mills there and take the special combined paper and forestry company. It's a hidden gem that not only boosts infrastructure but also tools throughput.
You can also just slash the least profitable trade routes to get bureaucracy back to zero and avoid building the admin buildings for now.
Indeed, once I got off of traditionalism, things got much better - that happens later in the game. And, yes, paper is very much needed for a growing Russian Bear!