With the patch live and all DLC active, here is the current meta:
Having everything unlocked transforms the map. Victoria 3 v1.8.6 -ALL DLC-
To the East, the stirred. Brazil and its neighbors were no longer backwaters but vibrant laboratories of democracy and immigration. Meanwhile, the Dawn of Wonder illuminated the world, as the Great Exhibitions showcased the marvels of electricity and steel, turning global prestige into a tangible currency. With the patch live and all DLC active,
: The AI now smarterly avoids bankruptcy during wars and manages Production Methods (PMs) more effectively to prevent labor shortages. Meanwhile, the Dawn of Wonder illuminated the world,
: Overhauls trade with Trade Centers , private company regulations, and the ability to establish monopolies and prestige goods. Immersion Packs
With the release of patch 1.8.6 and the full suite of DLC (especially Sphere of Influence and Voice of the People ), Victoria 3 has evolved from an economic simulator into a true geopolitical sandbox.