Hearts of Iron IV

The only game i have played that you can drop 1000 hours, And still feel like you have no idea whats going on. pretty damn complex, tons of replay-ability. Its fun but quite difficult for new players, i would recommend it if you have the time to learn it and like history/ww2 era games. it also has a fantastic modding community, So you can make the game what you want it to be, only real negative i can say is that it requires alot of DLC . so wait for a sale or get the subscription if that is something your ok with.

I'm still really, really bad at this game, but I can't deny that it's a lot of fun

The game is great. But I cannot stand by their DLC situation. It's insane!!!

first game played as Japan .
Stayed neutral all the way too 1946.
Signs non aggression pact with the Soviet Union.
Immediately starts a war with usa.
jus got clapped and by hella nukes non stop.
100/1000 love this game never put so much thought how a game like this could have made me feel so happy about invading other countries 😭

It is safe to say this is a game which is full of weird and absurd stuff but it is enjoyable enough. Id give the game a solid 8/10 but let me tell you a funny story of mine as a person who managed to play the game for 200 hours.


I had a gaming group consisting of 3 people. Three of us joined the Comintern (Brazil, Yugoslavia and myself as Sweden) and Mexico joined the Allies very early in. All started off well, with myself sticking out of the winter (I had my own designs on scandanavia), we all set to work to try and make ourselves super powerful. Mexico focused on navy and eventually became the third biggest naval power in the game, I focused on a small but elite force capable of hitting hard on any force it fights, Brazil went down an air force and marine route to support his later ally in Mexico in the invasion of Europe and Yugoslavia just got annexed early as they couldn't stop Germany and Hungary (especially as the Hungarian Al pulled off a masterful stroke of luck surrounding half his army).

With my powerful army on the rise, in 1939 I decided to give it a spin, I declared war on Norway. Completely vanquishing the Norwegian armies and further bringing it into my fold. Its added industry may be small but a major asset for me with lacking industry. Meanwhile, Germany is hard at work advancing further, 1939 would see them smash through and capitulate France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Poland. The Soviets would be hard at work too, with Communist China joining the Comintern due to some form of bug.

Start of 1940 and Hungary attacks Yugoslavia, causing a war between the Comintern and Axis, a war I stick out of for now. However now Sweden gets its time to shine. A moment of glory, and also a big dick move on my Brazil ally.

Both myself and Germany fabricate claims on Denmark and BOTH invade Denmark at the same time. I'd just successfully plunged the world into a war of Allies vs Axis vs Comintern. Poor Brazil.

And it was to get worse. I jumped in the war, absolutely crushing the initial German forces, getting to Hamburg before being stopped. My troops dug hard in, and the Germans attempted desperately to break through, occasionally pushing me back only for me to counterattack to take it right back. Even German industry could not keep up with the rate I was destroying it's equipment.

Then, in 1942 the Germans fell apart completely.

D-day occurred. Within a week the Allies had liberated Paris and Brussels. A month later the Swedish lines were holding back the Allies and Axis whilst also making gains into Germany. Alas, the Swedish war machine with no support managed to absolutely crush the Germans and reach Berlin before the Soviets got to Warsaw. I kept pushing and pushing eventually reaching Munich, beating the Allies back, with my friend as Mexico obliterating peoples navies.

Or so he thought until a lucky Russian torpedo bomber sank three of his carriers and a battleship.

By the time I stopped playing, Swedish and Soviet lines had met in Western Poland, Russia had just freed Yugoslavia, Swedish troops were just outside Paris and combined with Yugoslavia now it was free, were on the borders of Rome. It wasn't even 1943 yet.

I think Sweden plunging the world into a three way war was bad enough, but taking Berlin without assistance, watching a lone Russian Torpedo bomber knock out 4 modern capital ships and having Sweden as the third biggest industrial producer in the world must have counted for something.

I bought Hearts of Iron IV because I saw tens of thousands of people playing it on Steam and thought, “Hey, if that many people are into it, it’s gotta be good, right? Probably just Risk with better graphics.”

Wrong. So very wrong.

This game isn’t Risk. This is a full-blown world domination simulator built entirely out of spreadsheets, buttons, and pain. It’s like someone weaponized Excel and gave it historical trauma.

I started a game as Japan, thinking “Cool, I’ll conquer the Pacific like in the movies.” I didn’t even make it past 1938 before I’d completely derailed history. I invaded China with full confidence... and zero supply. My tanks ran out of fuel, my troops starved in the mountains, and I accidentally built more horses than actual weapons. My navy? Still stuck in port because I forgot to give them orders. Classic rookie admiral move.

Things only got worse when I tried to join multiplayer.

The chat hit me with:

“J A P rush 40w marines, meta is CAS-heavy micro, USA does AA spam, GER go 7-2s.”

I felt like I was reading secret military code. People were throwing out terms like "air meta" and "naval micro" like we were planning a real war. Someone told me to “rush AA with 40w support recon CAS” and I honestly considered uninstalling.

I asked what “7-2” meant and someone called me “Malta-tier.” I don’t know what that means, but I took it personally.

And look, I tried to get better. I even launched a naval invasion on the UK forgot convoys. My entire army just stood at the edge of France, staring across the channel like sad kids waiting for a school bus that doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, the British invaded me with paratroopers. I didn’t even know paratroopers were in the game. My capital fell before my invasion plan even got off the ground.

But then I discovered a mod.

Old World Blues.

And suddenly, it all clicked.

Now I’m not just failing at World War II I’m thriving in the Fallout universe. I’m leading an army of radioactive ghouls through post-apocalyptic Utah. I’ve got super mutants with rocket launchers. I invaded a toaster cult and took over a robot factory. I still don’t really know how combat width works, but at least now I can wear power armor while not knowing.

It’s way more intuitive, way more fun, and somehow I understand it. Probably because the game isn’t pretending to be historically accurate it’s just chaos, lasers, and lore. I’m still losing wars, but now it’s to talking bears and brain-in-a-jar dictators instead of Belgium. Huge improvement.

I understand navy a little but only because I am literate and I was tired of the British sinking 200 of my submarines with one ship and me not getting anything when I scrolled over a naval battle and observed the fact that submarines just sink ships that are running away not actual combat.

The sims 4 of war games, hella DLC that should be in base game, barely functional without mods, and 100% not worth your time

I honestly dont know what the actuall fck they did to this game. Its literally unplayable since the new DLC. Units disappear, units teleport, whole provinces change owner without reason. Cant support this policy anmore paradox. Stop the cashgrabbing and start working on your games properl.

the dlcs are overpriced af and ass.
its just annoying
wasted potential from a greedy developer

You want to lose your life?-You want to not understand the game for the first 50 hours?-You want to get absolutely destroyed by germany for your first houndred runs?
If you said yes to thoose questions this is the right game for you
This game will keep you playing it until 4 am and will destroy any form of relationship you can have.
I can only recommend this game if you want to suffer

Have played for 12 000 hours, still do not understand how the navy works.

What the fuck is this game? Million of buttons in UI and none of it is being properly explained. You can go fuck yourself with tutorial type of "Go to wiki and read nigga, reaaaaaaaaad!!!!!!!". If there were at least tutorial similar to CK3 and no im not going to watch some fucking youtuber explaining how game works, its up to developers to do it if they make game as complex as this one.

I would appreciate more if developers spend more time on improving tutorial than creating another Paradox DLC pyramid scheme.

Turned Ireland fascist. Took over the world with a bunch of gingers. 10/10 historically accurate

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy masterpiece with incredible depth and replayability. Managing a nation through WWII feels both challenging and rewarding, especially with the variety of historical and alternate paths.

However, the steep learning curve and sometimes clunky UI can be overwhelming for new players. Also, the game relies heavily on DLCs for a complete experience.

Still, if you’re into strategy and history, this game is a must-have.

Game got good after spending over it's retail price on dlc

Also spend extra $5 aud for starter when on sale

I keep coming back to this game like a dog returns to its vomit. Easily the largest skeleton in my closet and most unfuckable red flag of mine. Obligatory don't give your money to a bunch of Swedes who need generative AI to hold their hand through basic fucking tasks, here's a list of more entertaining and smarter things to do with your time.
Text your Ex
Do whippets while driving
Bum cigs from strangers and tell them you love them
Shave your head
Get a pintrest tattoo
Threaten TSA staff
Get an Associate's Degree
Buy homeless people beer
Start a secret family in TJ
Join the Peace Corps
Buy a gun to pull out at parties and tell people "how fucked up would it be if I shot myself rn"
Feed crows until they follow you around
stalk your local representative.

Don't piss on me and call it rain. Devs have adopted AI generation into one or more of their games.

AI generate a playerbase and money. If it isn't suppose to make a difference to me, it shouldn't make a different to the devs.

While the base game is fun I highly recommend mods for this game as it makes the gameplay more fun!

(Fun fact: I have yet to play the actual game as I only been playing Old World Blues and TNO)

This is probably my least enjoyed Paradox game so far, I cant begin on what is broken because everything is, and the concept of fun is an afterthought. The only reason I could recommend this game is because of the mods and multiplayer if you're into that kind of thing, (although half the time the multiplayer is a desync laggy mess.) I don't remember hoi4 being as bad as it is in it's current state and personally I think the older versions of the game are more enjoyable. It feels like a simple shallow game pretending to have some kind of depth. The core gameplay loop is to draw an arrow in a direction and wait until you win with broken modifiers and stats. There is only so many encirclement against a broken ai on every level before it gets stale and a chore. I'd recommend any other paradox game, even march of the eagles and hoi3 over hoi4 vanilla. You should not have to start a vanilla game and end it with a headache and annoyance over broken mechanics they should have ironed out years ago. While I have a lot of respect and admiration for the modding community keeping this game afloat, it's bad practice to just assume modders will fix your broken buggy mess of game as anyone who has played a Bethesda game can tell you.

Starts game for the first time

Being generic chose a major superpower

Got wrecked by the allies

Decide too try as allied super power

Lost everything too the axis

10/10 for people with no skill

It really was a good game, but the recent updates for more than one year since the Northern Europe DLC had been more and more hilarious, and I have run out of patience to wait for a good one. So sorry, a dislike for current HOI4 now.

Praise to the game mod creators, and a thumbs down to the arrogant Swedish donkeys.

Absolutely addicting, and with the amount of great free mods and DLCs, makes it perfect

As of this moment my play time on this game is 1437 hours while online. actual playtime is most likely twice to three times that 2874-4311 maybe more. I generally play Italy or another Minor such as Bulgaria, Hungary, or Manchukou.

This game is excellent in all aspects.
if you are new to the Paradox 4X scene, I'd suggest you just dive right in and enjoy the learning experience.

Aside from the main game there is ton of DLC all of them worth the prices listed. In this instance Paradox is one of the few game companies that actually gives you something for your money besides just skins.

This games biggest and only failing is that lack of any Paranormal and or Alien Tech DLC that would include cults and mythos type artifacts, hyper alien technology, and recruitable aliens or monsters. something akin to Indiana Jones which pioneered many fans into ww2. If you are listening Paradox Make these!!!!!!!!! $30 each is no big deal just make them smack full of content Please!

I'd love to see an Alien Tech Mothership, or Alien Tech Battleship, and somekind of Blacksite research facility. I'd also love to see a Mythos Styled Special Forces and Mythos Agents tasked with reclaiming or defending various sites. I'd love Tactical Zombies raised like Militia, and Church trained monster Slayers.

one of the best strategy games, the modding community is also great

i played for multiple days straight, do not buy this for your own good, I have been expelled from art school and lost all my family. 10/10

After 1340 hours on this game, I can finally say I'm only slightly good at this game.

I am amazed at the complexity and detail in this game! It is a challenge to learn and play HOI4, but that being said, the game is very rewarding! Who doesn't love a challenge? I am still learning even after 112 hours of play, so be prepared! I am playing as Poland, and if you know your WW2 history, then you know what I'm up against!

com mods um dos melhores que já joguei
sem mods um lixo 👻

It's good, but as soon as I pressed play, I was enveloped in a stinky green aura with flies.

perfect game
would be crazy if you could buy the game and get all dlcs for free....
imagine that..... hmm.....

HOI4 is a game where you start off thinking you're a strategic mastermind, and 30 minutes later, you're screaming because Poland just invaded you. 10/10 would rewrite history in the worst way possible again.

100 hours in and still get confused my the mechanics 10/10

I bought it for the mods, stayed for the mods, and returned for the mods

I might be addicted to this game. It is hard to get into with how many mechanics there are (especially with how many dlc's there are by this point) so it can be a bit daunting to new players. I'd always recommend getting it on sale along with most of the dlc's. It is worth playing and almost all the dlc's are good, but not at the price they have everything all totaled up. Great gameplay, and decent paths for most countries. It helps that it still get's updates relatively often. But the most amazing thing is the steam modding scene. There are so many alternate history mods in particular that are of such a high quality that they feel like their own respective games. I'd recommend getting it on sale, worth a play if you love large scale war map games, or country building games.

One of the best grand strategy games I've ever played. I always keep coming back to this one because of the sheer amount of content and mechanics that all mesh together beautifully. You never truly quit this game, you just take breaks. there's so many countries all with completely unique (At least most of the time) trees and paths that may be historical or completely new. Even bringing back empires from further in history. It's an extremely good game that I'd recommend to anybody who would be okay with taking many hours to learn an extremely intricate game

The best WW2 grand strategy ever and it is even better with mods.

very good game, i have 500 hours and i still get beaten by AI

I've spent 11 hours on tutorials just to learn the game is trash.

In all seriousness, the game probably isn't that bad, but it's so complicated that I would prefer to learn a real skill instead of joining this unemployed club.

A bit of getting used to this is needed; but it is a worthwhile learning experience for administrating a nationstate, especially when it comes to the updates to the game.

I have 55 hours on this game, I cant do shit in anything, not even casual difficulty, that was until I got a bunch of op mods because fun.
10/10

Some love the combat, others love the material management, but I loved the political position that can be done before the big war.

This game is a exercise in frustration and anger management.
No developer provided documentation, thus forcing you rely on user information: Which may or many NOT be correct, and/or out of date.

Want to waste ur life away looking at a map. Then this game is for you!
I cannot imagine how much more time i'll be spending on this game, especially with all the great mods the community has made. One fair warning tho, the DLC's are pricy

Ive played for almost 400 hours and I still dont know how navy works, also you have to pay for a lot of the interesting stuff through DLC's, would recommend though

Absolutely love the game, I can't wait until I get around 1000 hours into it, I'm definitely sure I'll actually know how to play it then. This definitely beats the soulsborne games in terms of difficulty.

Game is ok i think, haven't played a lot but dlc's are SO MUCH expensive (can't even afford the last ones). Same thing with EU IV, CK, etc... so if u like paradox, u can't be broke to play their games. Vanilla is interesting for learning, after that u NEED the dlc's.

I must say mods on this game extend the playtime by A LOT. U want to play in the universe of Fallout New Vegas ? => Possible. U want to play WW1 ? => Possible. The game can't be separated from the modders.

Can't wait for HOI5 but i'll have to sell one of my liver to afford it.

Yugoslavian bias
(honestly tho it is a great game and I highly recommend it)

In this game you have to manage your resources and you need to make strategic plans to beat the enemy and if you just want to have a chill game you can make your game in your favour by strengthening your country.