So, you want to snag the Welsh Argentina achievement in Hearts of Iron IV (HOI4), huh? It sounds like a wild ride, and honestly, it is! You'll need patience, strategy, and a healthy dose of luck to pull this one off. The basic idea is to start as Great Britain, release Patagonia as a puppet, then, as Patagonia, break free and form your own destiny by conquering South America. Sounds easy? Nah, it's HOI4. Let's break down how to make this happen, step by step.

Setting the Stage: Great Britain's Role

Alright, first things first: You're playing as Great Britain. This is where your Welsh adventure begins, even though it doesn't seem like it at first. Load up the game, choose Great Britain, and get ready to do some serious political maneuvering. Your initial goal is to set up Patagonia for success before you release them. This means a few crucial steps that will make your life as Patagonia much, much easier.

• Infrastructure Investment: Before even thinking about releasing Patagonia, pump some serious infrastructure into the region. Focus on the states that Patagonia will comprise. We're talking about maxing out the infrastructure level to give them a fighting chance. Why? Because infrastructure directly impacts supply, and supply is king in HOI4. A well-supplied Patagonia is a Patagonia that can actually field an army and not die of attrition the moment they start marching. This initial investment of building infrastructure will save you time, resources, and headaches later on when you're trying to fight a war across the Andes.
• Building Factories: Next up, build some civilian and military factories in Patagonia. Civilian factories will help Patagonia construct buildings faster, while military factories will allow them to produce equipment. Don't go overboard; just a handful of each will make a huge difference. Remember, you're giving them a boost, not making them an industrial superpower overnight. Focus on a balanced approach that gives them the basic tools to get started. Strategic placement is also key; consider spreading them out a bit to minimize the impact of potential bombing or naval invasions.
• Strategic Deployment: Deploy a few divisions to Patagonia before releasing them. These divisions will act as a buffer against early aggression from Argentina or Chile. Don't leave them with nothing! A few well-equipped infantry divisions can hold the line long enough for you to build up your own forces after you break free. Think of it as a starter pack of soldiers to prevent an immediate game over. Make sure these divisions are fully equipped with up-to-date equipment; you want them to be as effective as possible.
• Naval Base Construction: Consider building a naval base in Patagonia. This will give them a place to build and repair ships, as well as provide naval support for their operations. Even a small naval base can be incredibly useful for protecting their coastline and projecting power. Plus, having a naval base means they can start building submarines to harass enemy shipping – a tactic that can be surprisingly effective.
• Puppet Setup: Now it's time to release Patagonia as a puppet. Go to the occupied territories tab, select the Patagonian states, and choose the "Release as Puppet" option. Make sure they are a puppet and not a dominion; this gives you more control over their initial actions.

By frontloading these investments before releasing Patagonia, you are essentially giving yourself a massive head start. It’s like giving your character in an RPG a bunch of starting gear – it makes the early game much less painful. Trust me, this prep work is worth its weight in gold.

Independence and Early Consolidation as Patagonia

Okay, the big moment has arrived. You're now playing as Patagonia. Time to ditch your British overlords and forge your own destiny. The first few years are going to be crucial, so pay attention. You'll need to focus on building up your industry, army, and navy while carefully managing your relations with your neighbors.

• Declaring Independence: The first thing you need to do is declare independence. Build up some political power and use the "Request Independence" diplomatic action. Great Britain will likely refuse, giving you a war goal. Now, carefully plan your independence war. Do not underestimate the British. Even a weakened Britain can still throw its weight around.
• Diplomacy and Alliances: While preparing for independence, start improving relations with potential allies. Chile and Argentina are the obvious choices, but be careful who you trust. Alliances can be fickle in HOI4. Focus on nations that share a common enemy or have overlapping interests. For example, aligning with other South American nations against Brazil could be a viable strategy. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons of each alliance carefully.
• Economic Development: Focus on building civilian factories first to boost your construction speed. Then, start building military factories to produce equipment for your army. Infrastructure should also be a priority, especially in resource-rich areas. Efficient resource extraction is essential for fueling your war machine. Don't neglect your naval bases either; a strong navy can give you a decisive advantage in controlling the seas.
• Military Buildup: Start training infantry divisions. Focus on quantity over quality at first, but gradually upgrade your templates as you gain more experience and resources. Support companies like engineers and reconnaissance can significantly improve your divisions' combat effectiveness. Don't forget to build an air force! Even a small air force can provide valuable air support and reconnaissance. Prioritize fighters for air superiority and close air support for ground battles.
• National Focus: Your National Focus choices are critical for shaping your nation's path. Focus on focuses that boost your industry, military, and political stability. The specific focuses you choose will depend on your overall strategy, but generally, you'll want to prioritize economic development and military modernization.

The initial period as independent Patagonia is all about surviving and thriving. You're a small nation surrounded by larger, potentially hostile neighbors. Prudent diplomacy, careful economic development, and a strong military are your keys to success. Don't be afraid to play defensively and exploit your enemies' weaknesses. Remember, patience is a virtue in HOI4. Don't rush into unnecessary wars or make rash decisions. Carefully assess the situation and make informed choices. With a bit of luck and good planning, you can lay the foundation for a powerful and prosperous Patagonia.

Conquering South America: The Welsh Dream

Okay, you've survived independence and built a decent power base. Now it's time for the fun part: conquering South America! This is where the Welsh Argentina achievement truly begins. You'll need to carefully plan your wars, manage your resources, and exploit your enemies' weaknesses to achieve your goals.

• Choosing Your Targets: Argentina is the obvious first target. They're relatively weak and control key territories you need to form Argentina. However, don't underestimate them. They have a larger army and more industry than you do. Consider striking when they're at war with someone else or when they're weakened by internal strife. Chile is another potential target, but they're often allied with Argentina, making them a tougher nut to crack. Brazil is the biggest threat in South America, but they're also the most distant. You might want to leave them for last. Take into account political factors as well, for example, fascist countries may be easier to invade early on.
• War Strategies: Naval invasions are your friend. Use your navy to land troops behind enemy lines, cutting off their supply and disrupting their defenses. Encirclements are also crucial. Try to trap enemy divisions and destroy them before they can reinforce. Air superiority is essential for winning battles. Use your fighters to clear the skies and your close air support to bomb enemy troops. Don't forget about your spies! Use them to sabotage enemy industry, steal technology, and spread dissent.
• Managing Resistance: As you conquer new territories, you'll need to deal with resistance. Use military police to suppress resistance and prevent uprisings. Building compliance also helps reduce resistance over time. Consider using collaboration governments to reduce resistance and increase manpower. These governments are more loyal and provide more resources than occupied territories.
• Forming Argentina: Once you control the necessary states, you can form Argentina. This will give you a significant boost to your industry, manpower, and military. It will also unlock new national focuses that will further strengthen your nation.
• Dealing with the Allies/Axis/Comintern: Depending on the game's progress, you might have to deal with the major powers. Joining a faction can provide valuable protection and support, but it can also drag you into wars you're not ready for. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of joining a faction before making a decision.

Conquering South America is a long and arduous process. It requires careful planning, shrewd diplomacy, and a bit of luck. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward. With persistence and determination, you can achieve the Welsh Argentina achievement and create a powerful new nation in South America.

Key Strategies and Tips

• Naval Power: Don't underestimate the importance of your navy. A strong navy can control the seas, protect your coastline, and launch naval invasions. Invest in submarines to harass enemy shipping and battleships to dominate the seas.
• Air Superiority: Air superiority is essential for winning battles. Build a strong air force and use it to clear the skies and bomb enemy troops. Focus on fighters for air superiority and close air support for ground battles.
• Espionage: Use your spies to sabotage enemy industry, steal technology, and spread dissent. Spies can be incredibly useful for weakening your enemies before you go to war.
• Resource Management: Manage your resources carefully. Make sure you have enough resources to fuel your industry and military. Trade with other nations to acquire resources you're lacking.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: Look for opportunities to exploit your enemies' weaknesses. Strike when they're at war with someone else or when they're weakened by internal strife.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game progresses. The situation can change quickly in HOI4, so you need to be flexible and adaptable.

The Welsh Argentina achievement is a challenging but rewarding goal. It requires patience, strategy, and a bit of luck. By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of success and create a powerful new nation in South America. Good luck, and have fun!

Final Thoughts

Securing the Welsh Argentina achievement in Hearts of Iron IV is no walk in the park, guys. It demands meticulous planning, resource management, and tactical flexibility. From the initial setup as Great Britain to the declaration of independence as Patagonia, every decision counts. Building a robust economy, forging strategic alliances, and mastering naval and air power are crucial for survival and expansion. Remember to adapt to the ever-changing political landscape, exploit your enemies' weaknesses, and manage resistance effectively. With determination and a bit of luck, you can transform Patagonia into a dominant force in South America, fulfilling the Welsh dream and earning that hard-earned achievement. Now get out there and conquer!