German OPM's and small nations

[Dio-Sama]

Is there any tips for playing them? Like Württemberg, Bavaria, Holstein, Weimar, or the many Saxe nations. Seems like all they can do is just be absorbed by Prussia or Austria the few times the Austrian AI decides to play decently. I know there's stuff to do as Bavaria, I'm not sure how though

 

[Bunnytob]

I think the best you can do is use some sort of mod that slows down the formation of the NGF (I think most major mods make Prussia wait until 1860) or otherwise slow Prussia down in some way, or try to achieve GP rank and sphere any NGF nation before Prussia forms the NGF.
Best-case scenario, Austria defends Saxony for a while and also DOWs Denmark to release Schleswig. This should allow enough time for some of the more powerful German states (especially Bavaria) to become a GP under player guidance (pick the culture techs that give prestige and get lucky).

As for what to do if you manage to stay alive as a German Minor... try and form Germany, I guess? That, or conquer Switzerland. Or enjoy fighting the NGF a lot.

 

[Amtep]

I tried as Bremen once but couldn't figure out how to dominate the world economy using only fish.

 

[Dio-Sama]

Maybe in vic3 they'll do something like they did with the minor chinese nations in hoi4, and give a shared path to conquer and get strong I guess? Because at the moment there is no reason for a country like Frankfurt to exist other then to get annexed. (Austria hoi4 sad noises)

 

[elektrizikekswerk]

I tried Oldenburg once. Didn't know much about the game (especially not about the "game over by assimilation") so I didn't actively prevent any stuff Prussia did.

It was actually quite fun and I did quite well.
I annexed Bremen and Hamburg and also conquered some parts of Hannover.

Then - out of nowhere - it was game over and it took me a while until I figured what just happened.

 

[Dio-Sama]

I tried Oldenburg once. Didn't know much about the game (especially not about the "game over by assimilation") so I didn't actively prevent any stuff Prussia did.

It was actually quite fun and I did quite well.
I annexed Bremen and Hamburg and also conquered some parts of Hannover.

Then - out of nowhere - it was game over and it took me a while until I figured what just happened.

Did you try to ally Austria or Prussia? You'd be steamrolled by them haha

 

[elektrizikekswerk]

Did you try to ally Austria or Prussia? You'd be steamrolled by them haha

Iirc I was allied with Prussia. Otherwise I couldn't have done much conquering.

 

[Dio-Sama]

Iirc I was allied with Prussia. Otherwise I couldn't have done much conquering.

Hmm, gotcha. I know that as a GP, you influence points go slower in negative relations, so maybe the strat is to always spend diplo points ruining relations with whoever you start your sphere in?

 

[elektrizikekswerk]

Hmm, gotcha. I know that as a GP, you influence points go slower in negative relations, so maybe the strat is to always spend diplo points ruining relations with whoever you start your sphere in?

Yes, I think the only way to prevent an early game over as a German minor is to get and stay out of sphere of Prussia or Austria (or any other German country that ascends to GP status) and maybe trying to get into the sphere of UK/France.
With that only the Crown from the Gutter event can kill you.
/edit: And the very same event is most likely your best bet to unite Germany yourself in that situation