Victoria 3 lets players dive into what it was like to run a country in Victorian society, with gameplay beginning in 1836. It is a grand strategy game that allows players to manage the Pops that live under their control. The Pops offer a realistic simulation of an ever-changing society. Players can create fantastical alternate timelines in which nothing matches up to history as it is written. Their choice of government, laws, and advancements will determine the direction in which their society grows.
One option for expansion within Victoria 3 is colonization. Players can take advantage of Decentralized regions that are viable options and following the colonization process. By doing this, players can set up economic and political footholds in foreign lands. Colonies can also offer the benefits of natural resources otherwise unavailable to the players and discourage rivals from seeking a political advantage. Knowing the best options for colonization will go a long way toward a successful venture in building players' kingdoms.
4 West And North Africa
A primary target for those who start with a European country, the western and northern portions of Africa are highly sought after. In addition to being a colonization target, many players will take the opportunity to conquer nations here. These Decentralized regions tend to be high in Pops and offer excellent resources that are necessary for advancements in the game, making them must-haves for any growing nation.
By colonizing these regions, players will gain access to things such as cotton, tea, sugar, tobacco, and dye. Players will also find this region to be rich in rubber, which is essential to advancement through the game. In the start of the game, this is a prime target for colonization, so players will need to move quickly if they wish to colonize here. Many of the Decentralized states in this region carry the Malaria or Severe Malaria trait. Players will not be able to colonize them without researching Quinine and Malaria Prevention, which adds a significant amount of time to the process. However, players should not let this extra time deter them, as the rewards are plentiful and highly beneficial.
3 East Africa
East Africa is a relatively easy region for players to colonize as there is little competition for the Decentralized states here. However, as part of Africa, they are prone to having the Malaria or Severe Malaria trait. Players will be required to research Quinine and Malaria prevention before colonizing here, making the process longer. However, the rewards will be worth the extended wait.
Resources available are abundant and include sugar, tea, tobacco, cotton, and dye. Additionally, Africa is a rich source for rubber, which is an essential material needed for advancement. Despite having to conduct research before colonizing, these Decentralized states are easy to snatch up because of the lack of competition surrounding them. They are a great prospect for those just starting out who are running European nations.
2 Oceania
Colonizing Oceania should be relatively easy for players. It is considered a low-priority target that is easy to take over. Australia is primarily British-owned land. However, Western Australia and many of the surrounding islands area available from the start of the game. These Decentralized states make a great addition to any country's economy because of the addition of ports that they bring, which will boost the available trade. With an increase in trade, the country will be more profitable, and chances are the people will be happier.
Japan and the United Kingdom are excellent countries to select for players who wish to colonize this location. For Japan, players will want to colonize the rest of the area surrounding the country and move on to the southern portion of New Zealand. As mentioned, the United Kingdom already has possession of most of Australia, so it makes sense for players with that as their country to continue progressing colonization.
1 Southern Tip Of South America
South America offers excellent resources that players will eventually need. Specifically, the Decentralized states around the southern tip of the continent are where the focus should be. In these areas there are many gold and sulfur mines that are easy to grab. Once under their control, they can be quickly developed, to make the player's country more successful. Sulfur, in particular, can be used to create fertilizer to improve crops or create explosives to improve mining.
Following history, players who choose Spain could make excellent conquering nations for South America right off the bat. However, history does not have to be followed, as players are welcome to create their own alternate realities. Brazil, being right there in South America, is an ideal candidate for colonizing the southernmost part of the continent once it gets a handle on its own wars. Spreading its influence across the vast area makes sense, allowing Brazil to become a powerhouse with many resources at its disposal.
Victoria 3 is currently available on PC, macOS, and Linux.