Easiest patch to play as The Ottoman's?

[Zyce]

I'm a new player using The Ottoman Empire and I'm essentially looking for the "easiest"/least resistance start I can possibly have on Ironman mode. Is there a particular patch level I can revert to and/or type of strategy to employ that would give me an even bigger advantage than TO currently has? Any DLC I should disable (I've bought all DLC through Third Rome).

I've tried making some small adjustments via console, but the lack of achievements (and the fact I had to use the console at all, rather than some in-game trick) ruined the experience for me. I'm fine with using small exploits or other tricks that have been patched out, if they don't trivialize the whole experience. I'd like a shot at WQ or at least to conquer a continent or two while picking up some achievements and learning.

My save game is going to become corrupted soon anyway, so I'd like to start a run on a previous patch version. Thanks for any and all advice - it's tough to know what to ask!

 

[bly08]

Why not use this patch? You don't learn anything by using unpatched exploits such as uncapped admin efficiency or 90% coring cost reduction.

 

[holyvigil]

This patch is the best patch for the Ottomans. The AI Ottomans have never expanded/never been as invincible as much as this one.

 

[Zyce]

Why not use this patch? You don't learn anything by using unpatched exploits such as uncapped admin efficiency or 90% coring cost reduction.

It's a little too difficult for me on the current patch. If this is the easiest patch for TO, then I don't want to dismiss any possibilities - I'd like to choose for myself. Something like a 90% coring cost reduction sounds too extreme, though.

 

[Ase Of SpADeZ]

Well what are your goals?

 

[holyvigil]

You asked the question and then you disagree with someone who tries to answer it? what patch do you think the Ottomans were the strongest on then?

 

[moscal]

Easiest patch for OE was 1.0. And this isn't trolling - blobbing as OE was extremely simple; even coalitions were weak compared to you; army almost indestructible etc.

 

[Zyce]

Well what are your goals?

I want to reclaim The Levant, Anatolia, Crimea, and maybe do the "Unify Islam" thing - basically just following the missions sending me Eastward in-game. Then I'd have the option of going into Asia if I was doing well enough. I'd like to stay away from Europe until I have more experience.

 

[Ase Of SpADeZ]

The easiest way to play Ottomans is to download a mod called MEIOU and Taxes. It simplifies many aspects of the game including coring, developing provinces, and the trade network. I recommend it for new players.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Why not use this patch? You don't learn anything by using unpatched exploits such as uncapped admin efficiency or 90% coring cost reduction.

Calling those exploits is an extreme reach. I don't think any objective criteria would fit that conclusion.

 

[bly08]

I can't think of a better word, nothing derogatory about "exploit." Getting better at the game requires using every advantage.

 

[Ase Of SpADeZ]

I'm glad some people found my first suggestion helpful. I'll be here all day.

But honestly, just check your casus belli, make sure you never take any stability hits when you declare wars, and take all your cores as fast as possible and you'll be fine. Also, don't get distracted by all those pretty ideas. Get administrative, offensive, and quantity ideas, then have fun.

 

[bigaristotel]

I'm glad some people found my first suggestion helpful. I'll be here all day.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

I can't think of a better word, nothing derogatory about "exploit." Getting better at the game requires using every advantage.

Certainly true, it's a matter of learning the process of identifying those advantages too.

1.22 100 absolutism is not as strong as 1.20 and 1.21, but it affords a significantly easier endgame for several reasons than 1.19 or most previous patches (more total admin efficiency, decades earlier revolution disaster). There is a major break point in utility between 70% core cost (which is very good) and 80% core cost (which is game-altering outright).

What matters is that when a player can't immediately grasp why these statements hold, that he/she learns the reasoning, and can apply it to future considerations effectively.

"Easiest" and "fastest" are different questions too, given that hordes are the record-holding nations but players new to attempting WC would struggle to use them.

 

[Aepdneds]

I'm glad some people found my first suggestion helpful. I'll be here all day.

But honestly, just check your casus belli, make sure you never take any stability hits when you declare wars, and take all your cores as fast as possible and you'll be fine. Also, don't get distracted by all those pretty ideas. Get administrative, offensive, and quantity ideas, then have fun.

You forgot humanism which makes the game way easier. Also I would prefer defensive before offensive because in the early game morale is stronger than discipline. Also the reduced attrition is helpful, especially for an unexperienced player.

 

[ecrurudesby]

I'm a new player

I'd like a shot at WQ

You must think quite highly of yourself.

My save game is going to become corrupted soon anyway, so I'd like to start a run on a previous patch version.

If you can revert your patch today, you can revert your patch in a month's time. Prevent EU4 from updating, remain on whichever patch you wish, and complete your game in your own time.

It's a little too difficult for me on the current patch.

I have no suggestions or tips, because your goals are not my goals, but the Ottomans are easy on every patch. If you're having trouble as the Ottomans you need to better understand core mechanics like economy, diplomacy (i.e. aggressive expansion), and land combat.

I want to reclaim The Levant, Anatolia, Crimea, and maybe do the "Unify Islam" thing - basically just following the missions sending me Eastward in-game. Then I'd have the option of going into Asia if I was doing well enough. I'd like to stay away from Europe until I have more experience.

Not massively ambitious goals, unless you are a complete beginner. Also to unify Islam you are required to own one province in Spain and two in Sicily.

Easiest patch for OE was 1.0. And this isn't trolling - blobbing as OE was extremely simple; even coalitions were weak compared to you; army almost indestructible etc.

There is no 1.0, 1.1 was the release patch.

 

[Ase Of SpADeZ]

When going for a world conquest go for admin tech 7 (i think) for the first bit of admin efficiency. After that 100% of your points should go to coring provinces. also avoid inflation so you don't have to buy it down with admin points.

 

[Sfan]

It's Admin 17. 7 would be a bit too OP.

 

[Badesumofu]

When going for a world conquest go for admin tech 7 (i think) for the first bit of admin efficiency. After that 100% of your points should go to coring provinces. also avoid inflation so you don't have to buy it down with admin points.

It's 17, not 7. You should aim to take all the admin efficiency techs at least on time, not just the first. There is absolutely no need to spend *every* ADM point on coring anyway. Inflation is also not a problem, it's just a number. You should be drowning in ducats by the end game even with merc cannons. No need to buy it down with ADM at all. Just ignore it.

 

[TenshiN]

If the Ottoman is too difficult for you, then, well... I have bad news. They are definitely stronger than ever this patch.