Overview
Otto von Bismarck was one of history’s greatest strategists, uniting the German peoples into a single nation by skill, luck, and raw intelligence. In Victoria 3 you can relive his role by forming Germany. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from understanding what Germany represents in the game to navigating the complex mechanics of unification, diplomacy, and war.

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1. Understanding Germany in Victoria 3

What Is “Germany”?

At its core, Germany in Victoria 3 is defined as the union of all German peoples.

• Cultural Basis: Visit the culture tab and look for all German cultures to visualize the territorial and cultural scope of Germany.
• In-Game Visuals: By clicking on the Germany button, you can see an outlined map that shows which states are considered German, providing a clear picture of your unification target.

Choosing Your Nation

Any German nation can form Germany, but ease of unification varies:

• Easiest Candidates: Prussia and Austria are recommended due to their high power and favorable diplomatic conditions.
• More Challenging Options: Nations like Bavaria, Saxony, or Verberg are more difficult but not impossible with proper strategy.
• Nearly Impossible Cases: Other German states may be nearly impossible to unite unless you execute flawless gameplay.

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2. Pre-Unification Requirements

The Journal Tab and National Identity

Before you can form Germany, two journal entries are critical:

• Schleswig-Holstein Question: Although it can be ignored for the moment, be aware it might affect later events.
• German National Identity: This must be completed before unification. Specifically, 75% of all German states need to have researched nationalism. This process happens over time, so patience is key.

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3. Unification Mechanics and Support

Unification Candidates and Support

On the Nation Formations tab, you’ll find the German unification screen:

• Candidates: By default, Austria and Prussia are the primary candidates. However, any German nation that becomes a great power can qualify.
• Support System: Each candidate’s chance to unite Germany depends on support from other German states.
  • If only one candidate exists, a support level of 55 is sufficient.
  • With multiple candidates, one must have 60 more support than the others to be considered the unification candidate.
• Support Factors: Support is influenced by factors such as attitude, relationships, and country rank. Use these metrics (or a provided chart) to guide your diplomatic decisions.

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4. The Unification Plays

Once you meet the prerequisites, you have three main options for unifying Germany:

1. The Leadership Play

• Trigger: Unlocked once you research nationalism.
• Mechanics: Initiate a war against your rival unification candidate. All German states will then rally behind your candidate.
• Outcome: The losing candidate is forced to relinquish their status, clearing the path for unification.

2. The Unification Play

• Prerequisite: You must have pan-nationalism and be the sole remaining unification candidate.
• Mechanics: Launch a massive war against any country holding German states.
  • Warning: This play will automatically include war against France, so be well-prepared.
• Outcome: All German states that support you are annexed, uniting the German peoples under one banner.

3. The “Form Germany” Option

• Requirement: Complete support from at least 23 German states.
• Mechanics: This option will annex all German states that support you.
  • In practice, because not enough minor states exist, you’ll likely need to go to war with one of your rivals (or even France) to secure full unification.
• Outcome: You officially become Germany, unlocking all the unique gameplay elements that come with a united German nation.

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5. Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is Essential: Ensure that 75% of German states have researched nationalism before attempting unification.
• Diplomatic Support Matters: The support system is the backbone of unification. Use diplomacy to sway neutral or rival states in your favor.
• Choose the Right Unification Play: Depending on your situation, decide whether to use the leadership play, unification play, or the “form Germany” option. Each comes with its own risks and rewards.
• Timing is Crucial: Unification can be delayed by unresolved journal entries (like the Schleswig-Holstein question), so keep an eye on these triggers.

By following these steps and understanding the mechanics behind forming Germany, you can channel your inner Bismarck and unite the German peoples in Victoria 3. Embrace the challenge, master the diplomacy, and make history in your own grand strategy campaign.

If you found this guide helpful, please leave a like, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more Victoria 3 strategy content. Good luck, and may your unification efforts be as brilliant as Bismarck’s!