Even for seasoned strategy gamers, Victoria 3 will push players' skills to the limit. There's so much to manage in Victoria 3 that new players may find the experience overwhelming. As such, it's important for beginners to refrain from biting off more than they can chew and start with an easier nation. After all, it's better to start things small and learn the basics of the game in increments before moving on to tougher challenges.
By a similar token, fans who are still a little shaky on Victoria 3's mechanics should try to avoid the following countries. The complexity of these nations offers too much of a challenge for players just beginning their journey in the Victorian Age. Only fans who possess a firm grasp of the game's many nuances should attempt the following countries since, for one reason or another, these nations require a lot of forethought and planning.
4 Ottoman Empire
In 1836, the Ottoman Empire isn't called the "Sick Man of Europe" for nothing. The Ottomans are already losing the race for dominance against their European neighbors by the time the game begins. Players who intend on salvaging the situation and reversing the empire's decline are met with a tough proposition. Despite its mighty-looking exterior, the Ottomans face a problem in almost every department on the inside.
What makes the Ottoman Empire so complex, especially for newer players, is the number of States that compose it. Multiple facets of the empire need modernizing, which takes a lot of time and careful planning. The Ottoman Empire's Journal entries will tell players what they need to do, though completing them before the empire disintegrates completely will push a player's skills to the limit. Players who succeed in reversing the empire's inexorable decline will actually have something to legitimately brag about to their friends!
3 Great Britain
Although Great Britain is undeniably a powerhouse at the start of Victoria 3, new players may want to hold off on taking its reins. Running an empire that is already quite large isn't recommended, especially when it pertains to the game's economic mechanics. The British Isles aren't very large, but players have to keep an eye on their AI-controlled far-flung colonial possessions as well as their Dominion subjects.
Players need to approach Great Britain with a firm grasp of market/trade mechanics already in hand before attempting to lead this gargantuan state. Since Great Britain is a mighty colonial power, knowing how and where to form new colonies is beneficial. Waging war can also be a little tricky since the British will often be forced to shuffle their troops around the globe via their navy to meet whatever new threat emerges. It's easier to learn basic concepts like Pop needs and supply/demand while managing a smaller nation before taking on one of the "big boys" of Europe.
2 Russia
Russia is yet another far-flung behemoth that takes practice to manage effectively. The Russians, unlike their European rivals to the west, aren't as technologically advanced. It takes a lot of work and careful planning to bring Russia on par with its neighbors while also managing its large population in a manner that doesn't lead to revolution. As such, it's important for players to possess a firm grasp of how to placate the powerful sections of Russian society.
Historically, the Russian monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a communist system. By the same token, players should be mindful when it comes to juggling Russia's interest groups and Pops. Technological modernization and industrial innovation won't mean much if the country can't maintain stability. Like the Ottoman Empire, Russia's large size can make keeping track of its many States a haphazard affair. Completely green players may want to avoid the Russian bear on their first experience with Victoria 3, though there is something to be said about learning through repeated failure!
1 Sikh Empire
The Sikh Empire represents an interesting challenge for players who want to try to flex their military skills. The Sikh Empire's army at the start of the game is actually quite large, giving players an opportunity to expand more aggressively at the outset. However, the problem lies in the Sikh Empire's neighbors, who don't exactly slouch when it comes to warfare.
To the south are the British colonial possessions in India, which aren't going to roll over at the first sign of trouble. To the east is China, yet another state that can call upon a lot of resources in the event of war, not to mention its gargantuan size. The geography surrounding the Sikh Empire is also rough to traverse. Finally, the country still has a lot of work to do when it comes to technological innovations and law-making, so players will have to be adept at managing which interest groups are in their government to pass the measures they want to see enacted.
Victoria 3 is currently available on PC.