Slitherine

Despite numerous restarts, we eventually get overrun. This is based on the 1914 start. Whilst general advice for holding out is welcomed, I'm particularly wondering,

Are there any in game event regarding Serbia? Historically, after Belgrade fell and it seemed it was all over, the French sent lots of ammo and weapons to help the Serbs and they managed a fight back. Does such an event happen in the game if you hold out long enough? This could be reflected as a chunk of PP being given to you, if conditions are right to activate the event (i.e. reach a certain date, but have lost Belgrade).

Can you land other entente troops in Serbia to help? It doesn't have a port so i'm guessing no (unless you capture a port which is unlikely). But I was wondering if a coastal landing might be possible. If not, no matter, but just wanted to check on this.

If Serbia is knocked out of the war, do you get partisan units pop up from time to time? Could be an interesting feature.

Yes, you can land units without a port.

Thanks, i'll send a couple of French units to help on my next play through

If Serbia is knocked out of the war, do you get partisan units pop up from time to time? Could be an interesting feature.

Sorry, no partisans anytime during the game

Thanks, i'll send a couple of French units to help on my next play through

You might want to send the British garrison at Malta to Serbia also. You might want to have some fleets handy to protect these transports and secure a coastal hex to disembark from.

I think it is possible to hold Serbia. The only times I suffered substantial losses against the AI was when I became overly adventurous and tried to invade Austria myself and got encircled in the process. The key to success, I think, is to be bold with Russia. Aggressive moves against Lvov and Przemyśl will keep Austria too busy defending the east to be able to start a large offensive against Serbia.

The extra troops from France and Britain certainly help, I tend to be able to hold now.

Tips:

1) Buy Serbian infantry, not garrisons most of the time

2) Do not employ your garrisons in "corner" positions - at the corner of your line where they can ghet attacked by 3+ units of the ennemy.
3) Remember you can swich positions, so feel free to cycle the damaged units to teh rear and replace them with fresh ones.

4) You need to keep Belgrade, but you don't necessarily need to hold on to every empty hex. Sometimes its better to trade ground for a shorter frontline. The Central powers will have more forces than Serbia, so a shorter, straighter frontline is always better.

5) Invest in Serbian infantry defence technologies, skip anything else.

6) Sometimes the best defence in the balkans is a good offence elsewhere. Keep the central powers occupied on other fronts, deal casualities in Poland and France. Units the AI will need to send against Russias are units taht he will lack in Serbia. PP used to repair units on other fronts mean less new units purchased to attack Serbia.