2024 - Most Underdog Nation to Play as Campaign.

[GDFKTT]

Alright I last asked this on the Steam Discussion in 2023 in February.  Time for an update relative to V1.5 in 2024:

What nation in your opinion is now the most difficult nation to play in the campaign on max difficulty?

Explanation of your reasoning is appreciated

Popular 2023 responses:  Spain (early game weakness), China (weak land campaigning), Russia (wide fleet dispersion), AH (Russian land war threat)
Common request for additional challenge:  Play as Ottomans

Edited March 8, 2024 by GDFKTT

[Dave P.]

I’ve tried various starts and IME China was the worst, just because of the economy being kinda hobbled from the get-go. You take every option to grow it that you can and you still never catch up with anybody else.

[TK3600]

Spain. Always has been, always will be. At least China only defend against 1 region, and has late game perk of unstoppable army.