Don't Like Your Loot? A Tongue-in-Cheek Guide to Changing Trade Goods in EU4
So, you've fired up EU4, ready to dominate the world with your cunning strategy and (let's be honest) a sprinkle of luck. But then you see it: your glorious new province boasts a trade good that makes you wince more than a rogue taxation policy. Hemp? Really? Who even uses hemp these days? (Except maybe for... questionable nautical endeavors, but that's a story for another grog-filled night). Fear not, fellow monarch! There are ways to turn that frown upside down (or at least into a slightly less disappointed grimace).
The Vanilla Option: Embrace the Grind (or Save Scumming)
The good ol' fashioned way of influencing trade goods involves development. By investing development points in a province, you nudge the game towards a specific good. This takes time, patience, and a whole lot of clicking. Pro tip: If you're feeling particularly adventurous (or downright desperate), there's always the glorious art of save scumming. Just remember, that reload button can become a siren song, luring you into a vortex of "just one more try."
Eventful Adventures: When Lady Luck Smiles (or Throws You a Curveball)
Sometimes, the EU4 gods take pity on your hemp-stricken soul and bless you with a random event. These can trigger changes in trade goods, but be warned: they're as unpredictable as a runaway courtier with a gambling habit. You might end up with the spices you crave, or you could be stuck with... wait for it... even more hemp! Just remember, a little chaos can be the spice of your playthrough (pun intended).
The Console Command Caper: For the Bold (or Slightly Reckless)
For those who like to live life on the edge (and have a healthy disregard for Ironman mode), there's the console command route. Warning: This is where things get a little tricky. Messing with console commands can lead to unintended consequences, like turning your entire nation into a giant producer of... well, let's just say the market for unicorn horns might take a hit. But hey, if you're feeling brave (or just really, really hate hemp), then by all means, delve into the world of console shenanigans. Just make sure you have a backup save in case things go south faster than a galley with a broken rudder.
The modding Marvel: When You Like Your Game... But Also Want to Be God
For the truly adventurous monarch, there's always the world of modding. With a bit of elbow grease (and possibly a tutorial or two), you can become the ultimate trade good overlord, dictating which provinces produce what. Just remember, with great modding power comes great responsibility. Don't go all Willy Wonka and flood the market with Everlasting Gobstoppers. Moderation is key, even when you're practically a digital deity.
In Conclusion: There's Hemp for Every Hope
So there you have it, a smorgasbord of (slightly) helpful hints on how to change those pesky trade goods. Remember, while hemp might not be the most glamorous good, it could always be worse. You could be stuck with... shudders cod. (Although, a well-timed cod-based trade war could be an interesting strategy...) But hey, that's the beauty of EU4 - there's always a way to make the most of a situation, even if it involves a little hemp-related soul-searching. Now go forth, conquer the world, and for goodness sake, diversify your trade goods!