The New Order: Last Days of Europe (TNO) is a deeply complex alternate history mod for Hearts of Iron IV, filled with intricate political pathways and narrative-driven gameplay. Among the many leaders players can pursue in the Soviet content, one of the more unique and ideologically charged options is Andrei Zhdanov. Securing Zhdanov as the leader requires careful planning, specific decisions, and an understanding of the mechanics behind the fragmented Russian War and the post-unification events. If you’re looking to get Zhdanov in TNO, this guide will break down each essential step with clarity and precision.
Understanding Who Zhdanov Is in TNO
Andrei Zhdanov was a historical Soviet politician known for his strong Stalinist tendencies and his role in Soviet cultural control. In TNO, he represents a hardline, neo-Stalinist faction with rigid ideology, prioritizing state power, centralized control, and cultural orthodoxy. Players seeking to install Zhdanov as leader are often looking for a return to strict authoritarian rule, with a flavor of ideological purity reminiscent of late-Stalinist USSR policies.
Where Zhdanov Appears in TNO
To get Zhdanov in TNO, the journey starts not with him directly, but by focusing on the Samara region, specifically under the control of the Samara Junta or its evolving political branches. Zhdanov does not begin the game as a leader in TNO. Instead, he emerges under very specific conditions after unification or late-game restructuring in the Soviet sphere. The steps to unlock him are tied to paths taken by other Russian unifiers and the internal politics that unfold after unification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Zhdanov
Step 1: Start with Samara
To access the path leading to Zhdanov, you must begin your campaign in the Samara region. This region is one of the Russian warlord states that emerges after the collapse of central authority. Initially controlled by the military junta, the player has a few branching paths based on internal reforms or ideological shifts. The key is to avoid liberalizing reforms and instead focus on authoritarian consolidation.
- Do not choose paths that lead toward democratic or moderate socialism.
- Maintain or increase authoritarian control within Samara’s local decisions.
- Support hardline officers or ideologues in events and decisions.
Step 2: Win the West Russian War
After consolidating power in Samara, your next objective is to unify the western Russian territories during the West Russian War. You’ll face opposition from other factions such as the Komi Republic, Vyatka, or Arkhangelsk. Winning this conflict is crucial to continuing toward national reunification and eventually opening up post-unification content.
- Focus on strong military buildup early on.
- Use the focus tree to boost industry and army strength.
- Outmaneuver enemy factions with strategic encirclements and focus on weakening their key production cities.
Step 3: Unify Russia
Once the West is unified, you’ll move toward full Russian reunification. This is one of the most difficult stages of the game. You’ll need to conquer the rest of the Russian states through warfare or, in rare cases, diplomacy. Zhdanov’s path depends heavily on having a unified Russian state under authoritarian leadership with Stalinist leanings.
- Prioritize defeating Novosibirsk, Tomsk, and other competing unifiers.
- Continue to choose national focuses and event options that push for centralization, militarization, and suppression of dissent.
- After unification, suppress liberal and moderate factions to make way for hardline ideology.
Step 4: Manage Post-Unification Events
After full unification of Russia, a major wave of internal political content is unlocked. This is where Zhdanov becomes an active possibility. Depending on your previous choices, internal party conflict and ideological battles will emerge. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose options that favor Stalinist rhetoric and crackdown policies.
- Support the emergence of Zhdanovite ideology in internal political debates.
- Undermine moderate and reformist leaders in party congresses or committee votes.
Step 5: Trigger the Zhdanov Takeover
Eventually, after enough support has built within your post-unification government, an event chain will occur allowing Zhdanov to take control. This may be through internal party shifts, purges of opposition leaders, or a formal succession in the ruling apparatus. When the event appears, choose:
- Support Zhdanovor equivalent options in political focus trees or events.
- Back policy decisions that promote ideological purity, control of media, and surveillance of the population.
- Dismiss or remove reformers and install loyal Zhdanovite advisors in government posts.
After enough momentum, Zhdanov will officially become the General Secretary or Head of State. This marks a major shift in the game’s direction, activating new national focuses and policies aligned with his hardline Stalinist worldview.
Gameplay Features Under Zhdanov
Policy and Economic Shifts
Zhdanov’s regime is known for rigid state planning, extreme censorship, and cultural uniformity. Once he’s in power, expect the following changes:
- National focus tree shifts toward collectivization and centralization.
- Suppression of dissenting ethnic or ideological groups.
- Strong emphasis on military buildup and ideological education.
Foreign Policy and Expansionism
Under Zhdanov, Russia becomes highly aggressive. The doctrine revolves around reclaiming lost Soviet territories and exporting the ideology to nearby regions. This includes:
- Renewed tension with Germany and the broader European factions.
- Propaganda campaigns targeting capitalist and liberal ideologies.
- Potential conflicts with Asian neighbors, depending on global alignment.
Internal Security and Culture
Zhdanov’s influence brings strict control over all aspects of culture, mirroring real-world policies he promoted during his career. This includes:
- Art and literature subject to ideological scrutiny.
- Heavy surveillance of intellectuals and academia.
- State-sponsored propaganda glorifying the state and leader.
Tips for Successfully Reaching the Zhdanov Path
- Save often: The path has narrow margins. A wrong decision may block Zhdanov’s emergence.
- Read events carefully: Many decisions are nested in vague political language. Always lean toward authoritarian and purist answers.
- Focus on stability: Maintaining high stability helps avoid internal rebellions that can derail your regime.
- Be patient: Zhdanov’s path is often a late-game development, requiring long-term planning.
Embrace the Hardline with Zhdanov
Getting Zhdanov in TNO is one of the most ideologically extreme and narratively rich paths a player can pursue. It requires careful control over Samara, victories in multiple wars, and deliberate internal power maneuvers. But for those seeking a ruthless, iron-fisted rule in their alternate history Russia, Zhdanov offers a compelling, if chilling, option. His rise reflects the harsh consequences of absolute power and the allure of ideological certainty in a fractured world. With proper planning and focus, you can guide your nation into the shadowy grip of Zhdanovism and reshape Eurasia under a new Stalinist order.