Sweden starts the game neutral, exporting iron ore to Germany while avoiding picking a side. This guide focuses on when it's worth keeping that stance and when it's worth breaking it.
Starting Point
Your iron ore is coveted by Germany, which gives you diplomatic leverage without moving a single soldier. Meanwhile, you have a long peacetime window to modernize your army in case you ever decide — or are forced — to use it.
Recommended Route
- Industrial and military modernization focuses during the neutrality window.
- Use the iron trade as diplomatic leverage against Germany without committing militarily.
- Prepare your own defenses in case Germany decides to invade to secure the supply directly.
- Decide ahead of time whether your game aims for full neutrality or a late, well-calculated intervention.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not using the peace window to modernize the army, arriving weak at any scenario that breaks neutrality. The second is treating the iron trade as a simple income source, when it's actually your best diplomatic weapon against Germany.
Next Steps
This guide will expand with a breakdown of neutrality routes versus intervention. Also check out the resource trade guide to better understand the real value of your iron exports.