InHearts of Iron IV, every nation plays differently, and even the smallest tags can offer some of the most rewarding and unexpected gameplay experiences. One such minor nation is Sinkiang, a remote region in western China during the World War II era. Identified by the tag ‘XSM’ in-game, Sinkiang may not appear significant at first glance, but it holds unique potential for players who are willing to embrace its geographical isolation and political volatility. Learning how to manage and utilize theSinkiang tag in Hearts of Iron 4can lead to surprisingly powerful outcomes in global conflicts.
Understanding the Sinkiang Tag
Sinkiang, represented in-game by the tagXSM, is a warlord clique that starts off in western China during the 1936 and 1939 scenarios. Historically, Sinkiang was under heavy influence from the Soviet Union, which is reflected in the game’s mechanics and diplomatic options. The tag XSM stands for Xinjiang (or Sinkiang), and it’s often overlooked by new players due to its poor industrial base, lack of manpower, and difficult starting position.
Despite these limitations, Sinkiang offers a sandbox for strategic thinkers. Whether you want to support communist China, form your own faction, or go completely independent, XSM has the potential to grow into a strong regional power under the right guidance.
Sinkiang’s Starting Position
Geography and Infrastructure
Sinkiang is located in a mountainous and desert region with limited infrastructure. Its capital is Ürümqi, and the state borders Nationalist China, Communist China, and Tibet. This geographic isolation can act as both a buffer and a barrier. The terrain makes it difficult for enemies to invade quickly, but it also hampers your own mobility and logistical planning.
Military and Industry
In 1936, Sinkiang starts with:
- A very small army only a handful of divisions, most poorly equipped.
- Extremely limited factories usually 1 to 3 civilian and 1 military factory.
- No air force or navy.
This makes early game expansion critical. Without seizing new territory or aligning yourself with stronger nations, you won’t be able to develop a significant industrial base or field a modern military.
Political Landscape and Ideology
Sinkiang starts the game under a communist regime led bySheng Shicai. His historical ties to the Soviet Union allow for unique diplomatic opportunities. Early on, you may receive Soviet volunteers or support if you follow the communist path. However, you are not forced to remain communist shifting ideologies through decisions, focuses, or civil wars is always an option.
Ideological Options
Players have multiple paths available depending on the desired playstyle:
- Remain Communist: Align with the USSR, potentially join the Comintern, and support the global proletarian cause.
- Go Democratic or Fascist: With effort, you can stage a coup or use political advisors to shift ideologies. This allows alignment with Allies or Axis factions.
- Go Independent: Ignore the major factions and attempt to form your own faction or dominate China on your own terms.
National Focus Tree
Sinkiang does not have a unique national focus tree in the base game or most DLCs. Instead, it shares a generic focus tree with other minor nations. While this is limiting, it still provides basic development tools:
- Industry Focuses: Use these to build up civilian and military factories over time.
- Political Paths: Shift your ideology, boost stability, or prepare for war.
- Army Effort: Modernize your troops, unlock doctrines, and improve equipment.
Because Sinkiang starts so weak, it’s vital to follow the industrial branches of the focus tree early on. You’ll need every factory you can get just to maintain a basic army and prepare for regional conflicts.
Early Game Strategy
Consolidate Power
Your early game priority should be stability and factory construction. Keep an eye on your political power and use it wisely to hire advisors that improve industry or reduce consumer goods penalties.
Watch China Closely
The Chinese Civil War provides both threat and opportunity. If you play diplomatically and time things right, you can intervene in the civil war between the Nationalists and Communists to your advantage. Choose whether to back the CCP, remain neutral, or exploit their war to expand your territory.
Build a Reliable Army
Don’t overextend your manpower. Focus on a few strong infantry divisions with support equipment. You can’t afford tanks or planes early on, but artillery and engineers will help you defend your mountainous terrain.
Mid to Late Game Options
Join a Major Faction
As your power grows, consider aligning with one of the global factions:
- Comintern: Ideal for historical roleplay and gameplay synergy, especially if you stayed communist.
- Allies: A longer path, but one that can give you access to lend-lease and global wars against the Axis.
- Axis: More challenging but opens up possibilities for war with the USSR or expansion into India.
Expand Into Neighboring Territories
Once strong enough, you can target Tibet, Communist China, or even Nationalist China. Be careful with world tension, especially if you’re not part of a faction. Expansion through war is risky but necessary if you want Sinkiang to become a regional power.
Industrial and Technological Development
By the mid-game, you should focus on improving research speed, unlocking better infantry equipment, and building additional infrastructure in your starting states. This will allow you to support more divisions and eventually mechanize or motorize your army for greater reach.
Challenges of Playing as Sinkiang
Sinkiang is one of the more difficult nations to play inHearts of Iron IVdue to:
- Poor starting economy.
- Geographical isolation.
- Lack of unique focus tree or events.
- Dependence on global events to grow.
However, these challenges make every victory feel earned. The satisfaction of turning an overlooked warlord clique into a strong nation leading troops on a global stage is immense.
Tips for Success
- Use terrain to your advantage: Fortify mountain passes and chokepoints.
- Choose allies wisely: The USSR is a good early friend, but don’t rely on them forever.
- Balance army and industry: Avoid overcommitting to military production too early.
- Be opportunistic: Capitalize on Chinese wars or collapsing nations to expand quickly.
Playing asSinkiang (XSM tag) in Hearts of Iron IVis a rewarding challenge for players who enjoy turning underdogs into major powers. Despite lacking flashy features or unique focuses, Sinkiang can still leave a big mark on the global stage with smart strategy, careful diplomacy, and well-timed expansion. Whether you stay true to your communist roots or forge a new ideological path, this isolated region in western China holds untapped potential for ambitious commanders ready to write their own chapter in history.