Saluzzo. A one-province minor nestled precariously between Savoy and Provence. It doesn’t sound like the birthplace of an Italian juggernaut, does it? Yet, this tiny duchy holds some of the strongest potential for forming Italy quickly, efficiently, and with minimal opposition. In this guide, you’ll learn how to transform humble Saluzzo into a unified Italian power and beyond.

Why Saluzzo?

Saluzzo has a deceptively strong position. Though it starts small, it boasts excellent national ideas: increased infantry strength and a valuable -15% aggressive expansion impact. As a Holy Roman Empire member, it’s protected early on from French aggression. France and Provence are unlikely to attack, but nearby Savoy and Milan will require caution.

Early Setup and Expansion

Begin by switching to an elective monarchy. This grants better rulers and greater flexibility. Avoid expensive advisors initially; use standard estate setups to boost your Crown Land and reduce autonomy. Prioritize royal marriages and alliances with Austria and the Papal States. Austria, in particular, offers valuable early game protection and expansion leeway within the Empire.

Provence is the first conquest target. With a fortunate diplomatic opening, declare war and capture their land before your aggressive expansion grows too large. Focus on hunting down their armies, taking their capital, and claiming high-value provinces.

Limit early conquest to prevent AE coalitions. Remember, around 1460, the Shadow Kingdom event will remove most Italian provinces from the HRE. This significantly lowers the AE cost for conquering them afterward. Be patient.

Diplomatic Chess

Use espionage ideas early. They pair beautifully with Saluzzo’s ideas for AE reduction and claims generation. Also, integrate espionage with diplomatic reputation bonuses to vassalize smaller duchies peacefully. Create a wide vassal network across Italy—they’ll do much of the military work for you.

Meanwhile, build relationships with Austria and Castile. Pursue a royal marriage with Burgundy for a chance at inheriting the Burgundian lands via personal union. Don’t worry too much if you don’t get it; just being in the running opens new paths.

Claiming Genoa and Beyond

Genoa is a top-priority target. As a wealthy trade center, it’s crucial for economic growth. Utilize espionage to fabricate claims and attack when Genoa is isolated. Control of the Genoa trade node becomes essential later for funding your wars and building your infrastructure.

War against Sienna and Venice follows. Austria may falter, but don’t panic. Take advantage of tech gaps, mountain forts, and timing. Stack wipe enemy armies using defensive terrain, then push forward.

Embracing Institutions and Reforms

Introduce faceting in Siena for glass-based bonuses. Embrace Renaissance and Colonialism as soon as possible, especially since you’ll likely see them appear close by. Leave the Empire once you’ve grown beyond 600 development. This allows you to elevate from duchy to kingdom, breaking rank restrictions.

Adopt Espionage and pair it with Diplomatic or Humanist ideas. The synergy for AE reduction and claim fabrication is unmatched. Alternatively, go with Innovative for siege bonuses and stronger rulers. You’ll see your conquests become faster, cheaper, and more controlled.

Managing Religion

Convert to Protestantism when the time is right. It offers flexible bonuses like extra missionaries and reduced AE against heretics. During conversion, use bishops to speed up the process and keep your unity high. Rome will fall eventually, but don’t take it until you’ve left Catholicism—conquering it as a Catholic brings severe diplomatic penalties.

Vassal Swarms and Wide Dominance

Once espionage and religious conversions are in place, your Italian vassals should be well-integrated. Use them as auxiliary forces while you conquer Venice, Naples, and eventually France. When France is excommunicated or weakened, swoop in to grab southern provinces and release Gascony or Toulouse for further claims.

As AE dwindles thanks to idea synergy and advisors, cycle short wars to grab key fort provinces. Siege fortifications become laughably easy with high discipline, innovative siege speeds, and artillery-heavy armies. Stack wipe the French in mountain terrain or corner forts for decisive victories.

Forming Italy

With most of Italy in your hands and Rome secured post-conversion, form Italy by 1524. This gives you a powerful new mission tree and stronger national ideas that further boost your conquest potential. Italy gains increased production, manpower, and tax potential.

Once Italy is formed, you’ll have:

• Massive AE reduction potential.
• Powerful vassal allies and subject claims.
• Control of trade in Genoa and Venice.
• Dominance of institution adoption and religion.
• A flexible and well-rounded military power.

The Next Chapter?

By the 1530s, you’re ready for something bolder: conquering Germany or forming the Roman Empire. If the Palatinate inherits Burgundy and France is busy elsewhere, why not push north?

Let us know if you’d like a part two: forming the Roman Empire or dominating Germany by 1600. Saluzzo is only the beginning.