Welcome, imperialists, to one of the most ambitious alternate-history campaigns imaginable: the Aztec Empire rising from the heart of the New World to subjugate the very European powers that once sought its demise. In this sprawling conquest tale, we follow a massive military and diplomatic effort to defeat Portugal, Spain, England, and France, and establish true Aztec dominance across three continents.
This is not your average EU4 game. This is the world turned upside down.
The Setup: Aztec Ascension and the European Giants
By the time the campaign begins, the Aztecs are the second most powerful nation in the world—but it’s a delicate position. The European powers are allied, interconnected, and already entrenched in the Americas. Each brings its own flavor of chaos:
- Portugal: Deep colonial reach and strong Guerilla tactics.
- Spain: A land juggernaut with powerful formations.
- France: Devastating land armies and elite morale.
- Great Britain: Naval dominance and fortress-spammed Ireland.
The challenge? Beat them all, sometimes at once.
Preparation: Armies, Ideas, and Strategic Claims
The first phase is all about preparation. The Aztecs ramp up to nearly 70,000 troops supported by a fleet of 30 heavy ships and 41 transports. Trade ideas are adopted for immense production bonuses, though administrative ideas remain a tempting swap to reduce coring costs as conquests expand.
A major power play includes upgrading a monument that bypasses Colonial Range restrictions—crucial for picking apart the European empires without waiting on naval tech. Simultaneously, key colonial footholds are taken from Portugal, setting the board for future wars while securing strategic locations.
Map theft plays a key role, particularly from Portugal and Britain. These reveal political situations, alliances, and fortress placements. Despite setbacks like England remaining Catholic (increasing AE risks), war is declared.
First Invasions: England, Portugal, and the Shock of Success
War with England and Portugal opens with lightning strikes into Lisbon and English territories. Despite early artillery disadvantages, the Aztec troops prove superior in battle quality. Quick conquests of Portuguese and British holdings follow, including the rich provinces of Lisbon and London.
Florida and Colombia are seized, but cleverly left with single provinces to continue colonizing—a strategy to preserve future conquest options.
A major oversight—discovering France prematurely—is narrowly avoided by a game crash. But luck holds, and the campaign continues with smooth territorial expansion. To reduce AE, two vassals are released in England, setting up future colonial states.
Spain and the Catholic Coalition Problem
With England and Portugal crushed, Spain becomes the new primary threat. Spain brings in the Commonwealth, whose quality Cavalry and 100k+ army are terrifying.
Spain’s military, while formidable, doesn’t match the Aztec efficiency. A major focus is made on breaking alliances (especially with Poland), and careful peace deals ensure Spain is partitioned without awakening a deadly Coalition too early.
By settling in southern Spain, the Aztecs unlock a unique mechanic: forming colonies in Europe. The released colonial nations (like Northumberland and Lyon) act as AE management tools while contributing to economic and military growth.
Technological Mastery and Economic Power
With the whole world discovered, the Aztecs experience a shift. Every conquest now garners AE attention, and reforms need careful timing. Trade is consolidated in the Caribbean, with over 500 monthly income and 200+ net income.
Colony building follows a smart formula: 10-province blocks grant permanent bonuses (merchants, army/fleet limits, and trade power). Administrative efficiency is boosted with monument investments, especially in Brazil.
Army templates are adjusted:
- Colonial Wars: 18 infantry / 4 cavalry / 10 artillery.
- European Front: Heavier artillery, more infantry.
The Bloody War with France
France is, by far, the toughest nut to crack. Massive fortresses, 100k+ armies, and constant reinforcements bleed the Aztec manpower dry. Over 700,000 troops die in a single war just to claim a handful of provinces.
Still, strategic thinking prevails:
- Allies: Ottomans and Russians join in later campaigns.
- War Chaining: Avoiding truce timers and Coalition traps by rotating wars.
- Mercenary Use: Enables quick sieges and fortress busting.
Colonial strategy continues in Europe. Paris is retained as a monument site and transformed into a colonial holding, while other territories are handed to released vassals like Orléans and Gascony.
Late Campaign Strategy: Clean Up and Supremacy
As the Reformation ends, the Age of Absolutism begins—perfect timing for the final Aztec push.
- Canada and the last Spanish colonies are annexed.
- Brazil is completed with a final colonial war.
- The Terra Incognita mission gives CBs across the Pacific.
Finally, a second war with France is launched with perfect timing: France is low on manpower, and Russia, Bohemia, and the Ottomans provide key distractions and reinforcements. Paris and all southern forts fall.
Strategic peace deals snake through fort lines, and monuments are either destroyed or exploited. France is humiliated, its monuments either claimed or demolished. The mission to conquer Europe is complete.
Conclusion: Aztec Victory and a New World Order
The result? A truly global Aztec empire.
- Colonies span both Americas.
- Europe is fractured and subdued.
- Trade is dominated.
- The army is among the largest and most effective in the world.
Even the once-mighty European colonial nations now serve the empire they once sought to enslave. The Aztecs not only survived—they rewrote history.
And the best part? This campaign could be optimized further. Faster conquests, more aggressive AE manipulation, espionage ideas, and monument stacking could make future runs even more powerful.
My Gaming Tutorials 
Leave a comment