Civilian factories are the backbone of all nations in Hearts of Iron IV. However, there are many other important buildings needed to be build. Such as military factories, synthetic refineries, train roads, infrastructure, airport, bunker, etc. So, should you build civilian factories in HOI4? If so how many of them? Answers are in this article below.
Civilian factories important not only for building but also trading. Most countries need to trade resources for building weapons, tanks, equipment, planes and ships. Buildings are also really important. So, building civilian factories at the start of your game is mandatory for creating a strong nation.
HOI4 should you build civilian factories? Yes of course, you must build civilian factories no matter which country you play. The important question is, how many should you build.
I personally built civilian factories from start up until mid 1937. Then I build military factories and trade resources if necessary. You might think you don’t need too many civ factories. However, in order to mobilize your tanks, navy and airplanes in war, you will have to buy lots of oil. Because no major country can sustain oil output during war except USA.
All in all, build civilian factories early to start snowball effect. That is the only viable way.
HOI4 Where To Build Factories
HOI4 civilian factory construction cost is 10800 whereas military factories are 7200. Since civilian factories are more costly, you should build them to your provinces with highest infrastructure. Because higher the infrastructure, the faster the construction ends. Should you build infrastructure first? It depends on the province really. If the province have decent amount of resources, you can build infrastructure first to get both benefits. Because infrastructure also increases resource gain on the province.
Some countries like German Reich and Italy have infrastructure upgrade focus trees. Don’t build anything in these provinces until you take the focus tree. Once focus tree upgrades your infrastructure in certain provinces, then you can build on those lands. That would be the best way to optimize your growth.
Building infrastructure before factories in HOI4 is a good idea.
Just don’t invest buildings on your far away colonial provinces. Because they might be hard to defend and you don’t want to lose large part of your industry during war. I wouldn’t build close to the dangerous borders too unless I am confident in my military power.