For players diving deep into Hearts of Iron IV, one of the more unique and strategic paths available is the Finland monarchist path. Unlike the usual democratic or fascist alternatives that dominate many European playthroughs, the monarchist route for Finland offers an intriguing blend of alternate history, diplomacy, and military buildup. It invites players to reshape Finland’s fate by restoring the monarchy a direction rich with flavor events, new alliances, and complex decision-making. This path challenges you to think beyond simple conquest and instead focus on national identity, political maneuvering, and strategic positioning in the shadow of larger powers.
Introduction to the Finland Monarchist Path
A New Direction in the Blood Alone DLC
The Finland monarchist path in HOI4 became more fleshed out with the By Blood Alone expansion, which reworked several national focus trees. This update gave Finland a more detailed and interactive tree, allowing alternate history fans to pursue uncommon ideologies like monarchy. Through this path, you’ll find yourself navigating delicate politics, choosing between different royal claimants, and deciding how Finland should interact with the larger conflicts unfolding across Europe.
Historical Inspiration Behind the Monarchy
Historically, Finland had brief monarchist ambitions after World War I, including a short-lived plan to install a German prince as king. Though it never materialized, HOI4 turns this historical footnote into a playable storyline. The monarchist route brings that what if scenario to life what if Finland embraced monarchy in the 1930s and reclaimed royal heritage as a means of asserting sovereignty?
How to Begin the Monarchist Path
Early Steps Toward Royal Rule
To reach the monarchist path, players need to choose the right political options early in the game. This involves selecting the appropriate branch of the Finnish focus tree. The early political focuses include choices between neutrality, democracy, fascism, communism, or monarchy. To proceed with monarchy, you must follow the focus line that prioritizes national unity and historic revival, eventually unlocking the Crown the King or similar monarchist-specific focuses.
Managing Internal Stability
One challenge is managing Finland’s initial political instability. You’ll face competing interests from democratic reformers, fascist sympathizers, and Soviet influence. To stay on track, you’ll need to suppress these factions either through political power usage, decisions, or national focuses that strengthen monarchist support. It’s important to maintain control of the narrative, or else rival ideologies may derail your progress.
Choosing a Monarch for Finland
Multiple Candidates for the Throne
Unlike other monarchist paths in HOI4 that may have a single predetermined king, Finland can choose between several royal candidates, including:
- Frederick Charles of Hesse– A German prince originally considered for the Finnish throne post-WWI.
- A native Finnish monarch– An entirely fictional route that allows Finland to develop a royal family of its own.
- A Swedish or Scandinavian claimant– Aligns Finland more closely with the Nordic region and sets up potential cooperation with Sweden or Norway.
Each choice carries different national bonuses and can open diplomatic opportunities. Frederick Charles might tie Finland to Germany. A native monarch boosts nationalist sentiment. A Scandinavian king could promote Nordic unity, even enabling a Northern Alliance later in the game.
Impacts of Your Monarch Choice
Your monarch selection will affect more than just flavor. It shapes diplomacy, faction possibilities, and sometimes military access. For instance, aligning with a German prince might make it easier to join the Axis, while a neutral or Scandinavian monarch could allow Finland to lead its own faction or remain isolated but sovereign. Choosing wisely is critical to the long-term success of your campaign.
Military Implications of the Monarchist Path
Preparing for Conflict
The monarchist path doesn’t shield Finland from war. The country still faces pressure from the Soviet Union and, depending on your diplomatic decisions, could find itself dragged into larger wars. However, monarchy does offer some benefits such as increased stability, better leadership, and potential military reforms unlocked through the focus tree.
Strategic Focuses for War Readiness
- Revive the White Guard– Improves militia effectiveness and internal security.
- Royal Military Academy– Boosts officer training and doctrine research.
- Monarchist Volunteer Corps– Allows for sending volunteers to support allies and gain army experience.
Combining these focuses with intelligent production and training strategies allows a monarchist Finland to punch above its weight class militarily, especially when defending against the Soviets or expanding regionally.
Diplomacy and Faction Possibilities
Staying Independent vs. Joining a Faction
Once the monarchy is restored, Finland has the option to pursue several diplomatic directions. One possibility is staying independent and carving out your own influence. Alternatively, you can form or join a faction:
- Nordic League– Aligns with Sweden, Norway, and Denmark to form a united Northern front.
- Join the Axis– A more aggressive option that works well if Frederick Charles is installed.
- Custom Monarchist Faction– Create a unique faction with fellow monarchies like Romania or Hungary.
The choice depends on how you want to balance Finland’s sovereignty with its need for allies. Going solo is risky but rewarding, while faction play opens access to technology sharing, joint wars, and strategic security.
Late-Game Goals for a Monarchist Finland
Territorial Expansion
A monarchist Finland isn’t limited to defense. With enough preparation, you can push territorial claims on Karelia, parts of the Baltics, or even expand into Soviet territory after a successful war. Some paths may even allow reconquest of historic Swedish-Finnish lands or participation in wider European monarchist revivals.
Restoring National Glory
By the late game, your objectives may include:
- Crushing communist threats in the region
- Establishing a pan-Nordic empire under one crown
- Surviving World War II with independence intact
- Spreading monarchist ideology to neighboring nations
Each goal provides long-term satisfaction and can shape your endgame experience into a compelling alternate history where Finland is no longer just a buffer state, but a sovereign kingdom with a strong voice in world affairs.
Why the Finland Monarchist Path Stands Out
What makes the Finland monarchist path in HOI4 truly special is its combination of realism, creativity, and replay value. It’s grounded in plausible history, but it also allows for inventive what-if scenarios that make each run feel fresh. Whether you’re interested in restoring royal legitimacy, forming new alliances, or simply surviving the chaos of global war, this path gives Finland a powerful, flavorful, and rewarding alternative to more conventional ideologies. In a game full of nations vying for control, a monarchist Finland offers something different a chance to rewrite history with a crown and a sword.