Wikipedia

Hearts of Iron IV: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m Reverted edits by Papeclip (talk) to last version by Shadow4dark
 
Line 1:
{{Short description|2016 video game}}
{{Infobox VG
{{use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
|title = Hearts of Iron IV
{{Infobox video game
|image =
| title = Hearts of Iron IV
|developer = [[Paradox Development Studio]]
| image = Hearts of Iron IV packshot.jpg
|publisher = [[Paradox Interactive]]
| developer = [[Paradox Development Studio]]
|distributor =
| publisher = [[Paradox Interactive]]
|designer =
| director = Dan Lind (2016-2021) <br /> Peter 'Arheo' Nicholson (2021-present)
|engine =
| series = ''[[Hearts of Iron]]''
|version =
| engine = [[Clausewitz Engine]]
|released = "Before 2020"
| composer = {{ubl|Andreas Waldetoft}} Mangalf <br /> [[Sabaton (band)|Sabaton]]
|genre = [[Strategy games|Strategy]], [[Wargaming|war]]
|modes platforms = [[SingleMicrosoft playerWindows]], [[MultiplayermacOS]], game|Multiplayer[[Linux]]
| released = {{Video game release|WW|6 June 2016}}
|ratings =
|platforms genre = [[MicrosoftGrand Windows]];[[Linuxstrategy wargame]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
|media =
|requirements =
}}
 
'''''Hearts of Iron IV''''' is a [[grand strategy]] [[computer wargame]] developed by [[Paradox Development Studio]] and published by [[Paradox Interactive]]. It was released worldwide on 6 June 2016.<ref name=PCWorldStellaris>{{cite news | last =Dingman | first =Hayden | title =Paradox Interactive reveals release dates for Hearts of Iron IV and Stellaris | newspaper =[[PC World]] | language =en | date =Mar 15, 2016 | url =http://www.pcworld.com/article/3044712/software/paradox-interactive-reveals-release-dates-for-hearts-of-iron-iv-and-stellaris.html | access-date =September 9, 2016 | archive-date =September 12, 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160912203934/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3044712/software/paradox-interactive-reveals-release-dates-for-hearts-of-iron-iv-and-stellaris.html | url-status =live }}</ref> It is the sequel to 2009's ''[[Hearts of Iron III]]'' and the fourth main installment in the ''Hearts of Iron'' series. Like previous games in the series, ''Hearts of Iron IV'' is a [[grand strategy wargame]] that focuses on [[World War II]]. The player can control any country in the world, starting either in 1936 or 1939. Players have the option of following a nation's historical path, or leading various non-historical paths.
Hearts of Iron IV is the sequel to [[Hearts of Iron III]] from [[Paradox Development Studio]], part of the [[Hearts of Iron Series]].
 
By May 2018, the game had sold a total of one and a half million copies worldwide.<ref name="1mil" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Hearts of Iron 4 sells a million copies, gets a special edition|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/hearts-of-iron-4-anniversary-edition|access-date=2021-12-11|website=PCGamesN|date=May 22, 2018 |language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211215244/https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/hearts-of-iron-4-anniversary-edition|url-status=live}}</ref> As of June 2023, the game has sold over five million copies on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] alone.{{Not verified in body|date=July 2024}} Since its release, Paradox has released large amounts of [[downloadable content]] for ''Hearts of Iron IV''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-07 |title=Next Hearts of Iron 4 DLC beefs up Scandinavia, Winter War |url=https://www.wargamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4/dlc-arms-against-tyranny-release-date |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Wargamer |language=en-US}}</ref>{{None}}
During an Ask Me Anything event on Reddit, Paradox staff confirmed that a Hearts of Iron 4 is planned. Though the team gave no indication as to the game's priority in being developed other than that it would likely come before the sequel to [[Victoria 2]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1p272v/we_are_the_independent_publisher_developer/ccyid2x|title=AMA Hearts of Iron 4 |date=23rd of October, 2013|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref> it was revealed that it would be released "before 2020".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1p272v/we_are_the_independent_publisher_developer/ccxzyq0|title=AMA Hearts of Iron 4 |date=23rd of October, 2013|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref>
 
==Gameplay==
In the same Ask Me Anything event, PDS manager Johan Andersson promised better AI and accessibility compared to HOI3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1p272v/we_are_the_independent_publisher_developer/ccyibim|title=AMA Hearts of Iron 4 |date=23rd of October, 2013|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref>, and that the game would not have a rigid, forced game-progression but would feature "sandbox"-style gameplay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1p272v/we_are_the_independent_publisher_developer/ccy3ix4|title=AMA Hearts of Iron 4 |date=23rd of October, 2013|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref> He also stated that HOI4 would be available on the Linux operating system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1p272v/we_are_the_independent_publisher_developer/ccyj5gc|title=AMA Hearts of Iron 4 |date=23rd of October, 2013|accessdate=2013-10-24}}</ref>
''Hearts of Iron IV'' is a [[grand strategy wargame]] that revolves around [[World War II]]. The player may play as any nation in the world in the 1936 or 1939 start dates in [[Single-player video game|single-player]] or [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]], although the game is not designed to go beyond 1948. A nation's [[military]] is divided between [[Army|ground forces]], [[Navy|naval forces]], and [[Air force|aerial forces]]. For the ground forces, the player may train, customize, and command [[Division (military)|divisions]] consisting of various types of [[infantry]], [[tank]]s, and other units. These divisions require equipment and [[manpower]] to fight properly. The navy and air force also require men and equipment, including the actual [[warship]]s and [[Military aircraft#Combat|warplanes]] that are used in combat. Equipment is produced by military factories, while ships are built by [[Shipyard|dockyards]]. These military factories and dockyards are, in turn, constructed using civilian factories, which also construct a variety of other buildings, produce [[consumer goods]] for the civilian population, and oversee [[commerce]] with other nations. Most nations are initially forced to devote a significant number of their civilian factories to producing consumer goods, but as the nation becomes increasingly [[Mobilization|mobilized]], more factories will be freed up for other purposes. Mobilization is represented as a "policy" that the player may adjust with the proper amount of [[Political capital|political power]], an abstract "resource" that is also used to appoint new [[Minister (government)|ministers]] and change other facets of the nation's government. In addition to mobilization, there are other policies, including the nation's stance on [[conscription]] and commerce.<ref name="Player.One Guide">{{cite news| author =Apolon| title ='Hearts Of Iron 4' Beginner's Guide: Tips, Tricks and Strategies For Mastering The Basics| newspaper =Player.One| date =June 29, 2016| url =https://www.player.one/hearts-iron-4-beginners-guide-tips-tricks-and-strategies-mastering-basics-539675| access-date =January 8, 2019| archive-date =February 21, 2019| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112056/https://www.player.one/hearts-iron-4-beginners-guide-tips-tricks-and-strategies-mastering-basics-539675| url-status =dead}}</ref>
 
Land in ''Hearts of Iron IV'' is divided into tiny regions known as provinces (also called tiles), which are grouped to form [[Administrative division|states]]. Each state has a certain amount of shared and state building slots, both of which affect the whole state, while provinces have province building slots that only impact the individual province. Similarly, major seas and oceans (for warships) and the sky (for warplanes) are divided into different zones known as strategic regions. Sea regions and provinces each have a type of [[terrain]] and [[weather]] assigned to them that determines how well different types of units will perform in combat there. Air regions do not have terrain types but still have weather. Divisions are deployed in provinces and can capture enemy provinces and engage in combat. How well divisions perform in combat depends on various factors, such as the quality of their equipment, the weather, the type of terrain, the skill and traits of the [[General officer|general]] commanding the divisions, aerial combat in the region, supply lines, and supporting units. Technologies can be researched to improve equipment. Military doctrines can be upgraded by using army XP, among other things, which often means that a more technologically advanced nation will have an edge in combat. If a division (or a group of divisions) successfully overwhelms an enemy province, they may [[Military occupation|occupy]] it. Some provinces may have victory points, which can push a nation closer towards [[Capitulation (surrender)|capitulation]] if occupied. Occupying key provinces within a state allows the occupying power to access the enemy's factories and [[natural resource]]s in that state. [[Resistance movement|Resistance]] to occupation within a state can hamper the occupying power's control over it. Late in the game, nations may develop [[Nuclear weapon|nuclear bombs]] if they have the proper technology, which can be used to devastate enemy provinces and states.<ref>{{cite web |author=JAFalcon |title=Hearts of Iron IV developer diary talks about nuclear weapons |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2016-18-03-hearts-of-iron-iv-developer-diary-talks-about-nuclear-weapons |date=March 18, 2016 |website=GameWatcher |access-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112429/https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2016-18-03-hearts-of-iron-iv-developer-diary-talks-about-nuclear-weapons |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Project Armstrong]], the recently disclosed codename for secret project at PDS which will be revealed on the 23rd of January, 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/26955/paradox-forums-reveal-upcoming-games-project-nero-and-project-armstrong|title=Strategy Informer |date=23rd of January, 2014|accessdate=2014-1-23}}</ref> is rumoured to be the code name for this release.
 
''Hearts of Iron IV'' also attempts to recreate the complex [[Diplomacy|diplomatic]] relationships of the day. Nations may undertake a variety of diplomatic actions; they may sign [[non-aggression pact]]s, [[Guarantee (international law)|guarantee]] the independence of other nations, and offer or request [[Access control|military access]], amongst other things. Another key feature of diplomacy is the ability to create a [[Alliance|faction]] or invite other nations to an existing one. Factions represent the main alliances of the era, like the [[Axis powers|Axis]] and [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] (for gameplay purposes, real-world factions like the Axis and Allies are split into numerous smaller factions, like the [[Communist International|Comintern]], the [[Second United Front|Chinese United Front]], and the [[Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere|Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere]]). Faction members may assist each other in wars, making faction members precious assets. Some more clandestine diplomatic actions are also available. For example, the player may [[Casus belli|justify war]] against other nations, spread their [[Ideology#Political ideologies|ideology]] abroad, or stage a [[Coup d'état|coup]]. Countries in the game may be [[Democracy|democratic]], [[Communism|communist]], [[Fascism|fascist]], or [[Neutral country|non-aligned]]. Each of the four ideologies has advantages and disadvantages; for example, fascist nations can go to war with other countries easily, but other nations are not as willing to trade with them as they are with democratic countries. If a nation's ideology is non-aligned, then it can be several things. For an example, if the German Reich loses a [[civil war]], a monarchist party is created, which is non-aligned. If a different ideology becomes too popular in a country, a [[referendum]] may be held that will peacefully convert the nation to the most popular ideology. Otherwise, ideologies may come to power violently through coups, civil wars, or [[Puppet state|forced subjugation by a foreign power]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hannley |first1=Sean |title=Review: Hearts of Iron IV |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/06/07/review-hearts-of-iron-iv/210547/ |date=June 7, 2016 |website=Hardcore Gamer |access-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112433/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/06/07/review-hearts-of-iron-iv/210547/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{reflist}}
 
This diplomacy is further expanded through the addition of [[espionage]] in the expansion ''La Résistance'', which extends gameplay in the management of occupied territories which is done differently according to player choices and ideology. Furthermore, the operation of spy networks allows nations to steal technology, gather information on an opponent's military, and engage in other espionage efforts.<ref name=LaRes/>
 
While ''Hearts of Iron IV'' does feature some [[Scripted sequence|scripted]] events, the game features a "national focus" system that makes fixed events less necessary than in previous installments in the series. Each country in the game has a "focus tree" with various "national focuses" that grant certain effects or trigger events. For example, for the ''[[Anschluss]]'' to occur, [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] must first complete the focus that is related to it. Other focuses can grant special bonuses, like faster research times for certain technologies or extra factories. While some bonuses (like extra factories) are very tangible, others (like improvements to morale) are more abstract. These abstract bonuses are represented by "national spirits" that can be temporary or permanent. Not all national spirits are granted by focuses, and not all spirits are entirely beneficial. Focuses are completed over time; only one focus may be worked on at once, and working on one consumes some political power. Initially, only a handful of key nations, like Nazi Germany, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States, had unique focus trees; all other nations shared a generic one. Subsequent updates and [[Downloadable content|DLCs]] have added focus trees to other nations as well.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dumitrescu |first1=Andrei |title=Hearts of Iron IV Details Italy, National Focuses and Initial Setup |url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/hearts-of-iron-iv-details-italy-national-focuses-and-initial-setup-493612.shtml |date=October 4, 2015 |website=Softpedia |access-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112325/https://news.softpedia.com/news/hearts-of-iron-iv-details-italy-national-focuses-and-initial-setup-493612.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
''Hearts of Iron IV'' also introduces the concept of "[[Causes of World War II|world tension]]", an abstract representation of how close the world is to global war, on a scale from 0 to 100. Aggressive actions by any nation can increase world tension, while peaceful actions can decrease it. Depending on the circumstances of a nation, like their ideology, a certain level of world tension may be necessary to perform certain actions, like justifying war against another country.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Priest |first1=Simon |title=World Tension and neutrality in new Hearts of Iron IV dev diary |date=May 8, 2015 |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2015-08-05-world-tension-and-neutrality-in-new-hearts-of-iron-iv-dev-diary |website=GameWatcher |access-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112434/https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2015-08-05-world-tension-and-neutrality-in-new-hearts-of-iron-iv-dev-diary |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==Development==
''Hearts of Iron IV'' was announced in 2014 and was originally slated for a late 2015 release.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Hearts of Iron 4 launches this 'D-Day' |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/3/15/11242426/hearts-of-iron-4-release-date-paradox-interactive |date=March 15, 2016 |website=Polygon |access-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316030423/https://www.polygon.com/2016/3/15/11242426/hearts-of-iron-4-release-date-paradox-interactive |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[E3 2015]], creative director [[Johan Andersson (game developer)|Johan Andersson]] confirmed that the game would be pushed back from its original release window, with the new release date being scheduled for the first quarter of 2016. This was an attempt to resolve several issues encountered with the game.<ref name=IGN2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/13/kicking-hitler-repeatedly-in-the-kidneys-in-hearts-of-iron-4|title=Kicking Hitler Repeatedly in the Kidneys in Hearts of Iron 4|last=Hafer|first=Todd|website=[[IGN]]|date=13 June 2015|access-date=19 June 2015|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315123607/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/13/kicking-hitler-repeatedly-in-the-kidneys-in-hearts-of-iron-4|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2016, it was announced that the game, built with the [[Clausewitz Engine]], would be released on 6 June 2016, which was the 72nd anniversary of the [[Normandy landings]].<ref name="PCWorldStellaris" />
 
===Downloadable content (DLC)===
{{Timeline of release years
| title = DLC timeline
| subtitle = DLC included with the base game in yellow
| range1 = 2016 – 2018
| range1_color = Gold Goldenrod
| range2 = 2019 –
| range2_color = #0BDA51 #228B22
| 2016 = ''Together for Victory''
| 2017 = ''Death or Dishonor''
| 2018 = ''Waking the Tiger''
| 2019 = ''Man the Guns''
| 2020a = ''La Résistance''
| 2020b = ''Battle for the Bosporus''
| 2021 = ''No Step Back''
| 2022 = ''By Blood Alone''
| 2023 = ''Arms Against Tyranny''
| 2024a = ''Trial of Allegiance''
| 2024b = ''Götterdämmerung''
| 2025 = ''Graveyard of Empires''}}
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Accompanying patch
! Type
! Release date
! Description
|-
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | '''''Together for Victory'''''{{efn|name=fn5|Part of base game since April 4, 2024''}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/hearts-iron-iv-together-victory-dlc-expand-commonwealth/|title=Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory DLC to expand Commonwealth|website=PC Invasion|last=Parrish|first=Peter|date=November 1, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103103944/https://www.pcinvasion.com/hearts-iron-iv-together-victory-dlc-expand-commonwealth/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.3
"[[Operation Torch|Torch]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Country Pack
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 15 December 2016
|''Together for Victory'' is a country pack that adds content to multiple nations within the [[British Empire]]: [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[Dominion of New Zealand|New Zealand]], [[Union of South Africa|South Africa]], and the [[British Raj]]. It also expands the gameplay mechanics between [[puppet states]] and their masters, with a special autonomy system that determines a subject nation's degree of independence. Features like an expanded [[Lend-Lease]] system and the sharing of technology are also added.<ref>{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Fraser|title=Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory review|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/12/16/hearts-of-iron-iv-together-for-victory-review/|date=December 16, 2016|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301004240/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/12/16/hearts-of-iron-iv-together-for-victory-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The country pack was later integrated into the base game.
|-
| '''''Death or Dishonor'''''{{efn|name=fn5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/04/26/hearts-of-iron-4-death-or-dishonor-expansion-announced/|title=Hearts of Iron 4: Death or Dishonor announced|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|last=O'Connor|first=Alice|date=April 26, 2017|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204204907/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/04/26/hearts-of-iron-4-death-or-dishonor-expansion-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.4
"[[Gran Sasso raid|Oak]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Country Pack
| 14 June 2017
|''Death or Dishonor'' is a country pack that adds content to several minor powers in [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]], which include [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]], [[Kingdom of Romania|Romania]], [[First Czechoslovak Republic|Czechoslovakia]], and [[Kingdom of Hungary (1920–1946)|Hungary]], while also featuring the ability to license military equipment to other countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cobb|first=James|title=Review: Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor|date=June 14, 2017|url=https://www.wargamer.com/reviews/review-hearts-of-iron-iv-death-or-dishonor/|website=Wargamer|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014346/https://www.wargamer.com/reviews/review-hearts-of-iron-iv-death-or-dishonor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> If ''Together for Victory'' is not owned, the expansion also adds limited puppet levels to the game. Following the release of the 1.10 "Collie" patch, content for Yugoslavia and Romania was reworked.<ref>{{cite web|title=HOI4 Dev Diary - Yugoslavia and Romania|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-yugoslavia-and-romania.1428578/|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Paradox Interactive Forums|date=September 30, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123123134/https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-yugoslavia-and-romania.1428578/|url-status=live}}</ref> The country pack was later integrated into the base game.
|-
| '''''Waking the Tiger'''''{{efn|name=fn5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/11/16/hearts-of-iron-iv-waking-the-tiger-expansion/|title=Hearts of Iron IV prods China in Waking The Tiger|last=O'Connor|first=Alice|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=October 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024033353/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/11/16/hearts-of-iron-iv-waking-the-tiger-expansion/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.5
"[[Operation Cornflakes|Cornflakes]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
| 8 March 2018
|''Waking the Tiger'' is an expansion that fleshes out the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]] with new content for [[Empire of Japan|Japan]]ese-controlled [[Manchukuo]], as well as [[Nationalist government|Nationalist]] and [[Communist-controlled China (1927–1949)|Communist]] China, and a shared focus tree for the [[Warlord Era|Chinese warlords]] of [[New Guangxi clique|Guangxi]], [[Yunnan clique|Yunnan]], [[Ma clique|Ma]], [[Shanxi clique|Shanxi]], and [[Xinjiang clique|Sinkiang]]. The expansion also adds new opportunities for [[alternate history]] within the focus trees of [[Nazi Germany|Germany]] and [[Empire of Japan|Japan]], which were expanded, and several new formable nations were added. In addition, special projects and policies can be enacted with unique decisions, and several changes to the management of generals are present in the expansion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Joe|title=Review: Hearts of Iron 4: Waking the Tiger|url=https://www.wargamer.com/reviews/hearts-of-iron-4-waking-the-tiger/|date=March 19, 2018|website=Wargamer|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109001910/https://www.wargamer.com/reviews/hearts-of-iron-4-waking-the-tiger/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The expansion was later integrated into the base game.
|-
| '''''Man the Guns'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/au/hearts-of-iron-4-man-the-guns-expansion-grows-its-naval-game/|title=Hearts of Iron 4: Man the Guns expansion grows its naval game|website=PC Gamer|last1=Donnelly|first1=Joe|date=May 19, 2018|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807204550/https://www.pcgamer.com/au/hearts-of-iron-4-man-the-guns-expansion-grows-its-naval-game/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.6
"[[Battle of Madagascar|Ironclad]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|28 February 2019
|''Man the Guns'' is an expansion that improves the naval combat aspect of the game with the inclusion of a [[ship]] designer, although numerous other changes and new features are also present in the expansion, such as adding content for the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands|Netherlands]] and [[Mexico]] and also including new alternate history paths for the [[United States]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. The expansion also adds [[fuel]] as a resource separate from oil, and [[government-in-exile]] mechanics.<ref>{{cite web|last=Donnelly|first=Joe|title=Hearts of Iron 4: Man the Guns expansion grows its naval game|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-man-the-guns-expansion-grows-its-naval-game/|date=May 19, 2018|website=PC Gamer|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122759/https://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-man-the-guns-expansion-grows-its-naval-game/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| '''''La Résistance'''''<ref name=LaRes>{{cite web|last=Hafer|first=T. J.|title=Hearts of Iron IV: La Resistance announced, adds spies and commandos |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-la-resistance-announced-adds-spies-and-commandos/|date=October 19, 2019|website=PC Gamer|access-date=2019-10-19|archive-date=2019-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019092456/https://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-la-resistance-announced-adds-spies-and-commandos/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.9
"[[Allied invasion of Sicily|Husky]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|25 February 2020
|''La Résistance'' is an expansion that adds [[espionage]] and occupation mechanics. Intelligence is greatly expanded, while occupation and resistance are completely reworked. The expansion also includes a revamped focus tree for [[French Third Republic|France]] (including [[Free France|Free]] and [[Vichy France]]), a new one for [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal]], and two focus trees for the different sides of the [[Spanish Civil War]], one for the [[Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War)|Nationalists]] and one for the [[Republican faction (Spanish Civil War)|Republicans]]. It also allows the civil war to spiral into a much bigger conflict.<ref name=LaRes/>
|-
|'''''Battle for the Bosporus'''''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/hoi_game/status/1308738954221498368|title=For centuries, the Bosporus and Dardanelles have been key to strategy in the Mediterranean. How will they act when war comes to their doorstep? Shape their destiny in Hearts of Iron IV: Battle for the Bosporus, releasing 15th October 2020|access-date=2020-09-23|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-date=2020-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923122239/https://twitter.com/HOI_Game/status/1308738954221498368|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.10{{Efn|Patch 1.10, aka "Collie", was released only to beta testers. It was superseded by Patch 1.10.1, which coincided with the release of Battle for the Bosporus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/patch-1-10-1-collie-live-checksum-dd56-not-for-problem-reports.1436345/|title=Patch 1.10.1 Collie Live - Checksum dd56 (Not for problem reports)|date=October 15, 2020|access-date=2021-06-03|archive-date=2021-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603001619/https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/patch-1-10-1-collie-live-checksum-dd56-not-for-problem-reports.1436345/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
"[[Operation Collie|Collie]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Country Pack
|15 October 2020
|''Battle for the Bosporus'' is a country pack that adds unique focus trees for [[Kingdom of Greece|Greece]],<ref>{{cite web|title=HOI4 Dev Diary - Greece|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-greece.1421189/|access-date=2020-09-09|website=Paradox Interactive Forums|date=September 9, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910203931/https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-greece.1421189/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]],<ref>{{cite web|title=HOI4 Dev Diary - Bulgaria|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-bulgaria.1424172/|access-date=2020-09-16|website=Paradox Interactive Forums|date=September 16, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929050017/https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-bulgaria.1424172/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite web|title=HoI4 Dev Diary - Turkey|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-turkey.1426547/|access-date=2020-09-23|website=Paradox Interactive Forums|date=September 23, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927163115/https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/hoi4-dev-diary-turkey.1426547/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|'''''No Step Back'''''<ref name=NoStep>{{cite web|url=https://www.wargamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4/dlc-no-step-back-trailer|title=Hearts of Iron 4 'No Step Back' DLC trailer reveals Soviet theme|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Wargamer|date=May 21, 2021|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113618/https://www.wargamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4/dlc-no-step-back-trailer|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.11
"[[Operation Barbarossa|Barbarossa]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|23 November 2021<ref>{{cite tweet|title=From the womb of Mother Russia, Machines are born - But it is in the blood of the People the Union survives! Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back will release November 23rd, 2021|author=Hearts of Iron|user=HOI_Game|number=1451203682586988547|access-date=2022-08-02|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref>
|''No Step Back'' is an expansion that adds railroads, [[Armoured train|armored trains]], [[Railway gun|railway guns]], and a [[tank]] designer, with the possibility of customising chassis, weapons, and engines. It also introduces the general staff and adds unique focus trees to the [[Baltic states|Baltic countries]], and a reworked one for the [[Soviet Union]]. An additional free update reworks the [[Second Polish Republic|Polish]] focus tree.<ref name=NoStep/>
|-
|'''''By Blood Alone'''''<ref>{{citation|title=Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone - Official Announce Trailer| date=June 7, 2022|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owqpUZy6Gbo|language=en|access-date=2022-06-08|archive-date=2022-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608010356/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owqpUZy6Gbo |url-status=live }}</ref>
|1.12
"[[Operation Avalanche|Avalanche]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|27 September 2022
|''By Blood Alone'' is an expansion that adds new peace conference options, a [[Airplane|plane]] designer, unit medals, and embargo interaction. It also includes a reworked national focus tree for [[Fascist Italy (1922–1943)|Italy]], as well as new national focus trees for both [[Switzerland]] and [[Ethiopian Empire|Ethiopia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Expansion - Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1880650/Expansion__Hearts_of_Iron_IV_By_Blood_Alone/|access-date=2022-06-08|website=store.steampowered.com|language=en|archive-date=2022-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607140826/https://store.steampowered.com/app/1880650/Expansion__Hearts_of_Iron_IV_By_Blood_Alone/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|'''''Arms Against Tyranny'''''<ref>{{cite web|title=Expansion - Hearts of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/2183930/Expansion__Hearts_of_Iron_IV_Arms_Against_Tyranny/|access-date=2023-06-07|website=store.steampowered.com|language=en|archive-date=2023-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607135047/https://store.steampowered.com/app/2183930/Expansion__Hearts_of_Iron_IV_Arms_Against_Tyranny/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|1.13
"[[Operation Stella Polaris|Stella Polaris]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|10 October 2023
|''Arms Against Tyranny'' is an expansion that adds unique focus trees for the [[Nordic countries]], customizable [[special forces]] units and a system for selling equipment between countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Evans|first=Alex|date=June 7, 2023|title=Next Hearts of Iron 4 DLC beefs up Scandinavia, Winter War|url=https://www.wargamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4/dlc-arms-against-tyranny-release-date|access-date=December 29, 2023|website=Wargamer}}</ref>
|-
|'''''Trial of Allegiance'''''<ref>{{citation|title=Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance - Official Announcement Trailer|date=January 25, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iBXgrDqvn0|language=en|access-date=2024-02-14 }}</ref>
|1.14
"[[Operation Bolívar|Bolivar]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Country Pack
|7 March 2024
|''Trial of Allegiance'' is a country pack that adds unique focus trees for [[Infamous Decade|Argentina]], [[Vargas Era|Brazil]], [[Presidential Republic (1925–1973)|Chile]], [[Paraguay]], and [[Uruguay]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wolens|first=Joshua|date=January 27, 2024|title=Hearts of Iron 4 beefs up Brazil and invites you to save South America from fascism in its latest DLC|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-beefs-up-brazil-and-invites-you-to-save-south-america-from-fascism-in-its-latest-dlc/|access-date=February 14, 2024|website=PC Gamer}}</ref>
|-
|'''''Götterdämmerung'''''<ref>{{citation|title=Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass - Content Reveal|date=October 3, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfpjRVIo9X8|language=en|access-date=2024-10-04}}</ref>
|1.15
"[[Kaiser]]"
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Expansion
|14 November 2024
|''Götterdämmerung'' (German for ''Twilight of the Gods'') is an expansion that centers on [[Wunderwaffe|special projects]] and [[Raid (military)|military raids]]. It also features updated focus trees for Germany and Hungary while adding new ones for [[Federal State of Austria|Austria]], [[Belgium]], and [[Belgian Congo|the Congo]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hopkins|first=Tom|date=October 3, 2024|title=New Hearts of Iron 4 DLC adds dramatic alternate history opportunities|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/dlc-gotterdammerung|access-date=October 4, 2024|website=PCGamesN}}</ref>
|-
|'''''Graveyard of Empires'''''<ref>{{citation|title=Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass - Content Reveal|date=October 3, 2024|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfpjRVIo9X8|language=en|access-date=2024-10-04}}</ref>
|1.16
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Country Pack
|Q1 2025
|''Graveyard of Empires'' is an upcoming country pack that will add unique focus trees for [[British Raj|India]], [[Pahlavi Iran|Iran]], [[Kingdom of Iraq|Iraq]], and [[Kingdom of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=October 3, 2024|title=New Hearts of Iron 4 DLC adds dramatic alternate history opportunities|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/dlc-gotterdammerung |access-date=October 4, 2024|website=PC Gamer}}</ref>
|}
 
On 4 April 2024, ''Together for Victory'', ''Death or Dishonor'', and ''Waking the Tiger'' were integrated into the base game and are no longer sold separately or considered DLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/thank-you-for-your-service-spring-sale-steam-store-update.1630917/|title=Thank you for your Service &#124; Spring Sale &#124; Steam Store Update|date=March 14, 2024}}</ref>
 
===Modding===
''Hearts of Iron IV'' was developed to be more open-ended than previous games in the series. Partially as a result of this, the game can be more readily [[Mod (video gaming)|modded]] than its predecessors.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haas |first1=Pete |title=Hearts Of Iron 4 Coming In Early 2015 |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Hearts-Iron-4-Coming-Early-2015-61818.html |website=Cinema Blend |access-date=29 April 2019 |date=23 January 2014 |archive-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124074719/https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Hearts-Iron-4-Coming-Early-2015-61818.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to game director Dan Lind, 64% of ''Hearts of Iron IV'' players use mods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Almost two thirds of Hearts of Iron 4 players use mods|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-4/modding-community|access-date=2021-06-02|website=PCGamesN|date=24 October 2019 |language=en-GB|archive-date=2019-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028203829/https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-4/modding-community|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Many mods do not change the gameplay experience drastically, and as such have become mainstays of the community, for example, 'Player-Led Peace Conferences', which gives the player more control over the outcome of postwar peace conferences. Other mods encompass [[total conversion]]s that change the game significantly, usually through the use of [[alternate history]] scenarios, different starting scenarios, or adding content to the game. Some mods have been successful enough to attract attention from the media, such as the following:
 
*''[[Kaiserreich (mod)|Kaiserreich: Legacy of the Weltkrieg]]'', a mod set in a world where the [[Central Powers]] won [[World War I]]. ''Kaiserreich'' is considered the largest and most in-depth ''Hearts of Iron IV'' mod by community members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why Kaiserreich is (Still) the Ultimate Hearts of Iron 4 Mod|url=https://www.wargamer.com/articles/kaiserreich-hearts-of-iron-4-mod/|website=Wargamer|last1=Borsilli|first1=Timothy|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730011814/https://www.wargamer.com/articles/kaiserreich-hearts-of-iron-4-mod/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kaiserreich, The Mod That Changes The World|url=https://kotaku.com/kaiserreich-the-mod-that-changes-the-world-1838426694|access-date=August 25, 2020|last1=Plunkett|first1=Luke|date=October 3, 2020|website=Kotaku|language=en-us|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422204157/https://kotaku.com/kaiserreich-the-mod-that-changes-the-world-1838426694|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/kaiserreich-mod | title=Hearts of Iron 4's Kaiserreich mod is the best historical strategy sandbox | date=30 December 2021 }}</ref> The mod was first released into [[Steam (service)|Steam Community]] on December 1, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-03 |title=Steam Workshop :: Kaiserreich |url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=809903394 |access-date=2024-07-28 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161203183827/https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=809903394 |archive-date=December 3, 2016 }}</ref>
*''Old World Blues'', a mod set in the ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' universe. This mod has been praised for its effective portrayal of the ''Fallout'' series within a grand strategy setting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/05/18/old-world-blues-translates-fallout-to-grand-strategy/|title=Old World Blues translates Fallout to grand strategy|website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |last1=Ryan|first1=Denis|date=May 18, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2020|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712092204/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/05/18/old-world-blues-translates-fallout-to-grand-strategy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ambitious 'Hearts of Iron IV' Mod Transforms WWII into the Fallout Universe|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vbpp8d/wwii-fallout-hearts-iron-iv|access-date=August 25, 2020|date=February 27, 2018|last1=Klepek|first1=Patrick|website=[[Vice Media]] |archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630041742/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vbpp8d/wwii-fallout-hearts-iron-iv|url-status=live}}</ref> The Legacy version of this mod was first released into [[Steam (service)|Steam Community]] on February 17, 2018.
*''The New Order: Last Days of Europe'', a mod set in an alternate 1962 after the [[Axis powers|Axis Powers]] [[Hypothetical Axis victory in World War II|won]] [[World War II]], where there is a three-way [[Cold War]] between [[United States|America]], [[Nazi Germany|Germany]], and [[Empire of Japan|Japan]]. The mod has received praise for its rich storytelling and esoteric atmosphere.<ref name="wargamer">{{cite web|last1=Borsilli|first1=Timothy|date=August 17, 2020|title=The New Order Is a More Narrative Driven Hearts of Iron 4 Mod Experience That's Both Compelling and Bleak|url=https://www.wargamer.com/articles/hoi4-mod-the-new-order-last-days-of-europe/|website=Wargamer|access-date=August 17, 2020|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818052713/https://www.wargamer.com/articles/hoi4-mod-the-new-order-last-days-of-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref> The mod was first released into [[Steam (service)|Steam Community]] on March 27, 2021.<ref name="Mod-TNO_Release">{{Cite web |url=https://www.igdb.com/games/the-new-order-last-days-of-europe |title=The New Order: Last Days of Europe's IGDB page |website=[[IGDB]] |publisher=[[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] |access-date=June 3, 2024 }}</ref>
<!-- Please note that, following established community consensus, modifications must present either 2 reliable and independent [[Wikipedia:Sources]], or 1 reliable source with significant coverage of the subject, to be noteworthy and included in this list. If you need help determining the notability of a subject, read [[Wikipedia:Verifiability]] and [[Wikipedia:Citing sources]] guidelines. -->
 
Some other mods have also attracted controversy, such as ''Millennium Dawn'', that allows players to take control of any country in the modern day, including the [[Islamic State|Islamic State's caliphate]], and ''Deus Vult'', a now-removed mod that allowed players to take control of the [[Knights Templar]] and commit various [[Atrocity crime|atrocities]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Winkie |first1=Luke |date=June 6, 2018 |title=The Struggle Over Gamers Who Use Mods To Create Racist Alternate Histories |url=https://kotaku.com/the-struggle-over-gamers-who-use-mods-to-create-racist-1826606138 |website=Kotaku |access-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228191821/https://kotaku.com/the-struggle-over-gamers-who-use-mods-to-create-racist-1826606138 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 83/100<ref name=MC/>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name=GSpot/>
| IGN = 9/10<ref name=IGN/>
| PCGUS = 88/100<ref name=PCGUS/>
}}
 
''Hearts of Iron IV'' was a commercial success.<ref name=1mil /> It sold more than 200,000 units within two weeks of its launch, which made it the fastest-selling historically themed Paradox title by that time, ahead of ''[[Crusader Kings II]]'' and ''[[Europa Universalis IV]]''.<ref name=200k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025201015/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/275490/Hearts_of_Iron_IV_becomes_Paradoxs_fastestselling_historical_game.php | url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/275490/Hearts_of_Iron_IV_becomes_Paradoxs_fastestselling_historical_game.php | title=''Hearts of Iron IV'' becomes Paradox's fastest-selling historical game | author=Francis, Bryant | date=June 21, 2016 | work=[[Gamasutra]] | archive-date=October 25, 2020 | url-status=live }}</ref> The game's sales surpassed 500,000 units in February 2017,<ref name=venturebeat>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803215741/https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/20/paradox-sells-over-500000-copies-of-wwii-grand-strategy-game-hearts-of-iron-iv/ | url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/02/20/paradox-sells-over-500000-copies-of-wwii-grand-strategy-game-hearts-of-iron-iv/ | title=Paradox sells over 500,000 copies of WWII grand strategy game ''Hearts of Iron IV'' | author=Grubb, Jeff | date=February 20, 2017 | work=[[VentureBeat]] | archive-date=August 3, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> and 1 million units in May 2018. It was the first ''Hearts of Iron'' game to reach the million mark, and the third Paradox title after, ''Crusader Kings II'' and ''Europa Universalis IV'' to do so.<ref name=1mil>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823042118/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-05-21-hearts-of-iron-iv-sells-one-million-copies | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-05-21-hearts-of-iron-iv-sells-one-million-copies | title=''Hearts of Iron IV'' sells one million copies | author=Valentine, Rebekah | date=May 21, 2018 | work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date=August 23, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> The game received "generally favorable reviews" from critics, according to the review aggregator [[Metacritic]].<ref name=MC>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/hearts-of-iron-iv/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Hearts of Iron IV PC|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=May 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529235850/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/hearts-of-iron-iv|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
''[[GameSpot]]'' gave the game a positive review, writing that "''Hearts of Iron IV'' embodies the hard truths about all-consuming war and the international politics that guide it." It argued that the tutorial was the only weak point, and that "for the dedicated, ''Hearts of Iron IV'' could end up being the best grand strategy game in some time."<ref name=GSpot>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hearts-of-iron-4-review/1900-6416452/|title=Hearts of Iron 4 Review|last=Starkey|first=Daniel|date=2016-06-08|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-24|archive-date=2016-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611061356/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hearts-of-iron-4-review/1900-6416452/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
It was also reviewed in ''[[Kotaku]]'', with the reviewer writing it was "overwhelming in both its depth and, more importantly, its complexity" and arguing that some players unfamiliar with the franchise might find the game interface too complex to navigate easily.<ref name=Kotakuisfrustrated>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/hearts-of-iron-iv-the-kotaku-review-1780258434|title=Hearts Of Iron IV|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|date=June 6, 2016|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=June 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608131446/http://kotaku.com/hearts-of-iron-iv-the-kotaku-review-1780258434|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
''[[IGN]]'' wrote a positive review, describing it as "an incredibly complex ''World War II'' simulation that will require potentially hundreds of hours to master, both in-game and poring over wiki articles that read like an economics textbook", but adding that "the payoff is brilliant for those willing to put in the time to learn". The review praised the layout, writing "thanks to an unusually striking look and clean, easily navigable interface, the biggest challenges ''Hearts of Iron 4'' presents us with are the good kind: strategic planning, division composition, and fine-tuning economic and political policies". ''IGN'' went on to conclude that ''Hearts of Iron IV'' "is a strong contender for the title of the ultimate armchair-general game. The biggest problems I can point to are almost all performance-related, putting a slow, frustrating finale on what is otherwise an ingeniously detailed strategic stimulation of just about every aspect of 20th-century global warfare".<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|last=Hafer|first=T.J.|title=Hearts of Iron IV review|newspaper=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Imagine Games Network]]|date=June 6, 2016|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/06/1558481|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606150731/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/06/1558481|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
A review in ''[[PC Gamer]]'' described it as a "unique, beautiful, thrilling wargame", specifically praising its frontline system and production mechanics, but also criticising the ideology system for being too bland, and finding that combat was somewhat unintuitive, writing "while I found several flaws when I stood close to the tapestry, it's important to remember that ''Hearts of Iron 4'' exists to encompass the whole sweep of the war".<ref name=PCGUS>{{cite web|last=Zacny|first=Rob|title=Hearts of Iron 4 Review|newspaper=[[PC Gamer]]|language=en|date=June 9, 2016|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-review/|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609044830/http://www.pcgamer.com/hearts-of-iron-4-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] praised the openness of the game, writing that "''Hearts of Iron 4'' goes a step further, allowing players to take control of nearly every single nation-state in the world during the same period. If you want to play as [[Eleazar López Contreras]], a Venezuelan fascist with two army divisions and 12 fighter planes to his name, you can give it a go".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/19/12215976/hearts-of-iron-4-review|title=Hearts of Iron 4 review|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=July 19, 2016|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=2019-09-07|archive-date=2016-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720165722/https://www.polygon.com/2016/7/19/12215976/hearts-of-iron-4-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2022, six years after the game's release and shortly after the ''By Blood Alone'' expansion, ''Hearts of Iron IV'' hit a concurrent player record of about 70,000,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Allsop|first=Ken|title=Hearts of Iron 4 DLC drives grand strategy game to record player count|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/player-numbers-record|access-date=2022-10-26|website=PCGamesN|language=en-GB|archive-date=2022-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001080512/https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/player-numbers-record|url-status=live}}</ref> owing to a week-long deal that temporarily made the game [[free-to-play]]. The year prior, the game had reached a record of 68,000.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Robinson|first=Joe|title=Hearts of Iron 4 hits new concurrent player record five years after launch|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/player-numbers-record|access-date=2021-12-16|website=PCGamesN|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216031805/https://www.pcgamesn.com/hearts-of-iron-iv/player-numbers-record|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==See also==
{{Portal|Video games}}
*[[List of grand strategy video games]]
*[[List of World War II video games]]
*[[List of Paradox Interactive games]]
 
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/hearts-of-iron-iv/about}}
 
{{Paradox Interactive games}}
[[Category:Hearts of Iron]]
[[Category:2016 video games]]
[[Category:Computer wargames]]
[[Category:Government simulation video games]]
[[Category:Grand strategy video games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games about World War II alternate histories]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:World War II grand strategy video games]]
[[Category:World War II video games]]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearts_of_Iron_IV"