Hearts of Iron 3 province IDs are numeric identifiers the game uses to reference every map province. Knowing a province ID helps you parse console commands, map tools, file exports, and many mods faster and with fewer errors. This guide explains how to find IDs in-game, links to common reference tables, and shows practical ways to apply them in map mode, debugging, and modding workflows.
What Province IDs Are in Hearts of Iron 3
In Hearts of Iron 3, each province on the map has a unique numeric ID that the engine uses for saves, decisions, and scripted events. These IDs are consistent across versions in most stable locations, though minor patches may add provinces at the end of the sequence. IDs appear in several contexts, including map tool exports, console logs, and mod files that reference specific provinces. They are integers, typically zero-padded (for example, 0426 or 13458), which can matter when you enter commands or search text files.
How to Find Province IDs In-Game
Using the In-Game Map Mode
You can find province IDs directly in the game's map interface without external tools. Open the map, hover over any province, and note the ID shown in the province details panel. This method is reliable for quick checks and works with most standard map views. It requires no mods or console commands and is available in both campaign and map mode screens.
Enabling Console Commands
To use province IDs with console commands, you first need to enable the console. Open your game settings, navigate to the input or controller options, and enable the console key (usually the tilde or grave accent, ~). Once enabled, you can open the console in-game, run map-related commands, and observe province feedback directly on screen. Some commands will print province IDs to the console log, which is useful when you are scripting or testing map behaviors.
Reading from Map Files
For bulk lookups or offline reference, you can inspect the map files in your installation directory. Navigate to the game's map folder and examine the province definitions file, typically named definitions.csv or similar. This file lists province numbers alongside names and other metadata. Because these files are text-based, you can search with any editor or script to match province names to their numeric IDs reliably.
Common Reference Tables and Sources
Several community tools and reference tables provide province ID lists for Hearts of Iron 3. A standard CSV compiled by the modding community pairs province numbers with names and coordinates. While the official game does not ship a single canonical ID list, these community tables are widely used by modders and tool developers. They are updated when new provinces are added and are generally reliable for stable versions of the game.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Province ID format | Zero-padded integer (for example, 0426, 13087) | Game files and tools |
| Typical lookup method | In-game map hover, definitions.csv, console command logs | Community and official documentation |
| Common use cases | Console commands, mod scripting, map tool exports | Modding guides and tool readmes |
| Version stability | IDs are mostly stable; new provinces are appended in updates | Patch notes and changelogs |
Practical Uses for Province IDs
- Console commands: Entering province-specific commands for testing or debugging.
- Map tools: Importing and exporting province-based maps with consistent references.
- Mod scripting: Referencing provinces in localisation, focuses, and event triggers.
- Data analysis: Parsing save files or performance logs that use numeric IDs.
How IDs Appear in Mods and Tools
Many Hearts of Iron 3 mods and companion tools reference provinces by ID rather than by name. This approach reduces localization issues and ensures that scripts and configurations remain valid across language versions. When you install or configure a mod, you may need to enter a province ID in a parameter field. Using the correct ID ensures that the mod affects the intended area of the map. Misplaced or mistyped IDs can cause errors, so copying from a verified table is recommended.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Double-check zero-padding when entering IDs manually in commands or files.
- Verify that the ID matches your game version, especially after large map updates.
- Use tools or reference tables instead of memorizing long lists of numbers.
- When scripting, prefer readable aliases or comments so future edits remain clear.
Conclusion
Hearts of Iron 3 province IDs are stable numeric references that make map-related tasks more precise and reproducible. By learning how to locate IDs in-game, using community reference tables, and applying them correctly in console commands and mods, you reduce errors and save time. These IDs are designed to support tools, scripts, and community workflows, so understanding them improves both play quality and modding efficiency.