Hearts of Iron IV
Hearts of Iron IV Review
Hearts of Iron IV is a deeply complex grand strategy game centered on World War II, praised for its intricate military simulation, historical depth, and vast freedom of choice. Players command nations through war, diplomacy, and resource management, offering a rich tapestry of alternate history possibilities. The game demands patience and a steep learning curve, with many players investing hundreds or thousands of hours mastering its mechanics. The modding community significantly enhances replayability, providing diverse scenarios and improved gameplay experiences.
However, the game faces criticism for its overwhelming complexity, especially for newcomers, and the heavy reliance on numerous paid DLCs, which many consider overpriced or necessary to access full content. Some players find the AI inconsistent and diplomacy limited, while others are frustrated by bugs and frequent updates that sometimes disrupt gameplay. Despite these issues, it remains a beloved title for strategy enthusiasts willing to invest time and effort.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics receive strong praise for their depth and strategic complexity, especially in military management and alternate history exploration. The game's focus on warfare and logistics is lauded as engaging and rewarding.
Players appreciate the graphics as functional and clear, supporting the strategic experience, though not the main attraction. The story is flexible, driven by player choices and historical what-ifs, providing a dynamic narrative.
The modding community is a standout feature, greatly expanding content and keeping the game fresh with popular mods like Kaiserreich and Old World Blues.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the steep learning curve and initial complexity that can overwhelm new players. The AI behavior is sometimes erratic, detracting from realism. Many players express frustration over the high price and aggressive DLC model, viewing it as a paywall limiting full access.
Bugs and technical issues persist despite patches, affecting gameplay quality. Diplomacy mechanics are seen as simplistic and lacking dynamic interactions. Some updates and DLCs have been perceived as diminishing the game's original fun and balance.
Pros
- • Deep and rewarding military strategy with detailed logistics and combat systems.
- • Extensive freedom to rewrite World War II history with multiple nations and paths.
- • Highly active modding community adds immense replayability and fresh content.
- • Engaging alternate history scenarios and dynamic political choices.
- • Complex resource and production management that challenges players.
- • Strong sense of accomplishment mastering the game's intricate mechanics.
- • Functional and clear graphics that support strategic clarity.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve makes the game intimidating for new players.
- • High cost and aggressive DLC pricing frustrate many players.
- • AI occasionally makes illogical decisions, reducing immersion.
- • Bugs and technical issues remain despite ongoing patches.
- • Diplomacy system lacks depth and dynamic interactions.
- • Some updates and DLCs disrupt game balance and fun.
- • Naval combat mechanics are confusing and hard to master.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass 1 Last Chance Bundle
Get Hearts of Iron IV today
About the Game
Take charge of history’s greatest war machines in Hearts of Iron IV, a grand strategy wargame that challenges your strategic abilities and political insight. Refight World War II at the head of nation from the time period, building up an industrial powerhouse and a diplomatic alliance that will effectively wage war on ideological opponents.
Hearts of Iron IV is more than a historical simulation. Alternate historical paths open up with almost every decision you make, from small ones such as where to launch your attack to crack open Fortress Europe, to large ones, such as whether to re-establish democracies or long forgotten monarchies.
In Hearts of Iron IV, you can plan the military strategy almost down to the rivets, as you design division templates for your armies, research new modes of production and means of destruction, set out factory instructions and pursue political objectives. Almost no part of the war goes untouched as you guide a nation of your choice through humanity’s darkest hour.
This purchase comes with the Hearts of Iron IV base game as well as three expansion packs:
- Death or Dishonor: focuses on eastern and central European middle powers
- Together for Victory: focuses on British Commonwealth nations
- Waking the Tiger: focuses on China and Japan
9/10 – IGN
“It captivates me because—imperfectly, impressionistically, and perhaps a little amorally—it lets me orchestrate the most titanic armed struggles in history, from the fussy economic details to the cut-and-thrust of mechanized warfare. There are other great strategic-level wargames out there. But I have never played anything like Hearts of Iron 4”
8.8/10 – PC Gamer
“For now, after many dozens of hours, I'm taking a break from Hearts of Iron 4. Not because I'm sick of it; quite the contrary, in fact. What I need to do is some serious reading, some careful planning on what my vision for the United States should be in 1936. And when I've done that planning — when I've formulated my character sheet, as it were — I have the utmost confidence that Hearts of Iron 4 will be ready for me to play a role in world affairs.”
8/10 – Polygon
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
