How to Gain Independence as Sweden in Europa Universalis 4
Quick links
- How to declare independence from Denmark as Sweden
- How to Win the Swedish War of Independence
Sweden is a powerful nation in Europe Universalis 4, but begins the game hampered by his junior partner status under Denmark. Any Swedish campaign begins with gaining independence, after which you can work to establish yourself as the premier power in Northern Europe and beyond.
Gaining independence is essential, so this guide will help you with the opening moves if you choose to play as Sweden. EU4’s publisher, Paradox, is a Swedish company, so they’ve given a lot of love to their homeland. Under your leadership, the Swedish Empire could become more powerful in-game than it was in real life!
Sweden’s strengths
Once launched, Sweden is a military power above all. Their infantry are some of the best in the game, and once their National Ideas are all unlocked, they also get great manpower bonuses. Mid to late game, Sweden also excel in maintain their stabilitynotably by maximizing their absolutism.
The starting territory of Sweden does not have such well-developed provinces as Denmark, but has much more land overall with lots of Baltic coastline and an overland route to Finland. This is useful for expanding east once you gain independence, as you probably won’t be able to match Denmark at sea, but you should have little trouble taking on enemies on land.
Finally, Sweden gets several events and missionss which greatly facilitated the achievement of independence from Denmark. With just a little preparation, you should be able to break free from the Union of Kalmar with ease.
How to declare independence from Denmark as Sweden
It is better to complete the four preparatory missions that Sweden has before declaring war on Denmark. To do this you will need money, troops and allies.
You can get some extra money to start increasing Stockholm’s basic tax and Dalaskogen’s production. Dalaskogen owns the copper mines of Falun, which allow it to produce more goods and put more money in your coffers. Hold on to your military power for now, because you’ll want to research pike place as soon as possible. Once the starting month is over, check the diplomatic status of Denmark. They will have chosen three nations as enemies; this usually includes England, Poland and/or Lithuania, but Scotland, Novgorod and Burgundy are also options. Choose Denmark’s two strongest rivals and send diplomats to improve relations with them.
Inheritance support
Next, you need to prepare the states for war. To complete the Estate support mission, at least two domains must have three or more privileges each. Once the mission is complete, all eligible estates will offer to help with the independence effort, but you can only choose one offer to accept:
| Domain | Recommended privileges | Support Event Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Clergy |
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| Nobility |
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| Bourgeois |
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|
If you accept the clergy’s offer, you can spend papal influence to get Free stability, army morale and increased taxes.
If you accept the Nobility’s offer, you will have the best adviser possible to hire and trigger the appearance of Vasa (see below).
If you accept the Burgers offer, you can equal or exceed the naval power of Denmarkdepriving them of their main advantage.
Whichever you choose, you will be considered a debtor to the selected domain until you complete several tasks for it in the future. Until this is done, you will suffer a minor legitimacy penalty and base domain loyalty will be lower.
Of course you can always reject all three offers for a quick boost of twenty Prestige!
Final preparations
As soon as you have enough money and the aristocratic adviser privilege is in place, hire a military adviser. Any will do, and as soon as you do, the mission Military tips can be completed. This automatically recruits Johan Vasa as a general, for free. Consequently, you no need to spend military power recruit a general for your army. Assign Vasa to your army and drill them until you are ready to declare war.
When your Liberty Desire reaches one hundred percent (which should be easy if you’ve completed all the steps above), you can complete the Swedish allies assignment. This allows you to choose between forcing Denmark’s rivals to support your war Where get military buffs and extra reward to go alone. If you have already obtained pledges of aid, force rivals to join you as well. You will only have the advantage of going it alone if you win the war without any allies.
If you are lucky, it is possible that The Rebel Suitors will spawn in Sweden. If it happens, move your army to Finland and let the rebels take your capital. You will suffer economically as long as your important provinces are in rebel hands, but when the rebels take over the country, they automatically releases you from Denmarkcompletely skipping the War of Independence!
How to Win the Swedish War of Independence
The wars of independence forced the former suzerain to take over the rebel capital. It means that you are finally fight a defensive war. Keep Denmark and their allies out of Stockholm, and you can eventually claim victory.
Sweden has a large defensive terrain and fairly harsh winters; declare independence in the fall so that by the time the Danish army and its allies arrive they will suffer further attrition from the snow. If you can catch Denmark at a time when their allies are otherwise busy, great!
As long as you have completed the four preparatory missions, you will be able to complete the Declare independence mission as soon as you start the war. This refunds Stability that you lose by standing up to your overlord.
Before declaring war, moor all your ships unless you accept the Burghers’ offer to build a fleet. Otherwise, your navy will be easy prey for the Danes, leading to early casualties.
Denmark will generally be attempted march from the south, slowly heading towards Stockholm while Norway waits just across the border to offer combat support if needed. Let them suffer attrition until their first seat reaches a positive chance of success, then attack with your whole army led by Vasa to hunt them. Waiting, look at the coastline and the eastern border for any sneak attack by Denmark’s allies. If England try to make landfall, make sure your troops are there to meet them capitalize on landing penalties.
Unless you chose to go it alone, count on your allies to fight the great enemy armies. A protracted war is to your advantage, so don’t be afraid to lose a fort or two this can be taken back if it means forcing more attrition and meeting the enemy on more advantageous terms.
If you are able to go on the offensive, make the occupation of Skaneland a priority. These four provinces directly to the south will make a great addition to your empire if you take them as war concessions, and it allows you completed a mission as soon as they become Swedish nuclei.