Hearts of Iron IV

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 968 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 688 out of 968
  2. Mixed: 149 out of 968
  3. Negative: 131 out of 968

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  1. unwaten
    Aug 25, 2023
    9
    Hearts of Iron IV is a popular war strategy game that allows you to experience the strategic challenges of a major war. Let's take a look at the positive and negative aspects of this game.

    Positive Aspects: Deep Strategic Experience: Hearts of Iron IV skillfully combines complex military strategies and diplomacy. It offers plenty of opportunities to control all aspects of a nation,    Hearts of Iron IV is a popular war strategy game that allows you to experience the strategic challenges of a major war. Let's take a look at the positive and negative aspects of this game.

    Positive Aspects:

    Deep Strategic Experience:
    Hearts of Iron IV skillfully combines complex military strategies and diplomacy. It offers plenty of opportunities to control all aspects of a nation, make strategic moves, and take tactical decisions. The presence of various nations and scenarios enhances the game's replayability.

    Detailed Historical Recreation:
    The historical recreation in the game is quite impressive. Based on real history and events, the game provides players with the opportunity to experience the atmosphere and history of that era. Moreover, the game modes and mods created by the community offer the chance to explore alternative historical scenarios.

    In-Depth Military Planning:
    Military strategy takes center stage in the game, providing a deep experience of war planning. Managing your armies, arranging frontlines, and maintaining supply chains reflect the complexity of warfare.

    Negative Aspects:

    Learning Curve:
    Due to its complex mechanics, Hearts of Iron IV can have a steep learning curve for new players. Learning the game's basic principles and mastering strategic details can take some time.

    Slow Pacing:
    The game's progression of time can be slow, especially when simulating large-scale wars. While this might not be an issue for players who enjoy long processes, it could become tedious for those expecting quick outcomes.

    AI Ineffectiveness:
    In some instances, the artificial intelligence (AI) can be lacking in terms of in-game decisions. Allies or enemies might make unexpected and illogical moves, negatively impacting the player's experience.

    Conclusion:

    Hearts of Iron IV offers a captivating experience for strategy and history enthusiasts. Despite its positive aspects such as deep strategic options, historical recreation, and military planning, the steep learning curve and certain mechanical shortcomings might be challenging for some players. However, for those who appreciate the complexity and details, it can provide a rewarding war strategy experience.    … Expand
  2. Jamjlam
    Aug 17, 2023
    9
    The game is very fun with different focus tree paths for many nations, however it does get far more features and focus trees with dlcs but since they added subscription which is pretty cheap its better. Another problem is that AI in this game is pretty dumb for the most part and because of that the outcomes of the war can be very different (even on historical). There are also lots ofThe game is very fun with different focus tree paths for many nations, however it does get far more features and focus trees with dlcs but since they added subscription which is pretty cheap its better. Another problem is that AI in this game is pretty dumb for the most part and because of that the outcomes of the war can be very different (even on historical). There are also lots of amazing mods for this game such as kaiserreich, road to 56, millennium dawn and so on.… Expand
  3. PYTH00
    Aug 15, 2023
    10
    It is the best strategy game I have ever played and the mods that come out make the game much better.
  4. GentlemanHunter
    Jul 16, 2023
    8
    Things I liked:
    - The gameplay relating to wars is PEAK grand strategy
    - Pretty good soundtrack - Non-Linear for the most part - The game is very replayable - The game has probably one of if not the best modding communities as of me writing this review (look at Kaiserreich, Old World Blues, and The New Order) Things I disliked: - Bad Optimization - Inconsistent AI - The game    Things I liked:
    - The gameplay relating to wars is PEAK grand strategy
    - Pretty good soundtrack
    - Non-Linear for the most part
    - The game is very replayable
    - The game has probably one of if not the best modding communities as of me writing this review (look at Kaiserreich, Old World Blues, and The New Order)

    Things I disliked:
    - Bad Optimization
    - Inconsistent AI
    - The game doesn't really feel complete without DLC
    - Community that has a Nazi Bar Problem
    - Diplomacy can feel a bit too simplistic
    - Economic Management

    Conclusion: Although the game certainly has its flaws, those flaws either aren't deal-breakers or can be solved with mods. This game is probably the best WW2 strategy game on the market today, although I'd wait until it's on sale w/DLC    … Expand
  5. Ikomik
    Jun 17, 2023
    9
    The game is super fun. It might be a little bit complicated but it is easy to learn. but it takes a long time thi
  6. VOLODEI
    Jun 8, 2023
    8
    Hearts of Iron 4-игра основанная на 2ой мировой войне,игра которая отражает самую кровопролитную войну в истории человечества.Можно рассмотреть игру по несколькими критериям:
    ГРАФИКА:графика в этой игре вообще не главное ,но и при этом она не мозолит глаза,при этом игра вообще не требует сильного железа
    ГЕЙМПЛЕЙ:стратегии от Paradox Interactive всегда выделялись огромным количеством    Hearts of Iron 4-игра основанная на 2ой мировой войне,игра которая отражает самую кровопролитную войну в истории человечества.Можно рассмотреть игру по несколькими критериям:
    ГРАФИКА:графика в этой игре вообще не главное ,но и при этом она не мозолит глаза,при этом игра вообще не требует сильного железа
    ГЕЙМПЛЕЙ:стратегии от Paradox Interactive всегда выделялись огромным количеством механики,но и при этом это одна из самых лёгких в обучении для начинающих среди игр от Paradox.Тут можно выделить то,что при огромном количестве механик и стратегий,в этой игре нет стратегии,которая сломает игру и выиграть будет легче лёгкого.Геймплей сложный,но и при этом очень интересный в изучении
    ВЫВОД:игра великолепна в своём жанре,но при этом поставить 10 из 10 просто не получается.Почему?Дело в том что огромное количество контента станет доступно только с приобретением DLS.DLS добавляют фокусы на страны,механики(например шпионаж иди управлением доминионов).К плюсами можно выделить мастерскую в Steam.Там есть работы,которые не просто добавляют играбельность той или иной стране,но и также меняют ситуации и время в игре.В общем игра хороша,но на DLS и их цену прям больно смотреть,поэтому только 8    … Expand
  7. Karl_Maks
    Jun 8, 2023
    8
    Despite being my first Paradox Title I bought, I very much looked forwards to playing it. I already knew the basic mechanics as I had already watched youtubers such as ISP, Bokoen1 and Marvolo playing this game. Despite this, there was, and still is after a lot of hours, a lot for me to learn. And that is despite me having nobody to play multiplayer with, as that is an entirely differentDespite being my first Paradox Title I bought, I very much looked forwards to playing it. I already knew the basic mechanics as I had already watched youtubers such as ISP, Bokoen1 and Marvolo playing this game. Despite this, there was, and still is after a lot of hours, a lot for me to learn. And that is despite me having nobody to play multiplayer with, as that is an entirely different beast. There are also a lot of mods that have tons of lore for people to explore. Generally, fantastic game, but not perfect. There is no tutorial so if you are new and looking how to play, go look it up online.… Expand
  8. thethethe4
    Jun 2, 2023
    8
    Hoi4 is truly one of the greats strategy games out there, the game gives you the ability to to manage your airforce, navy and your army. The game is fun, it's the best game out there for WW2 strategy. The navy is irritating to use but after a few hundred hours you will get the hang of it. The DLCs are the real problem though, like most Paradox games you get one half of the game when youHoi4 is truly one of the greats strategy games out there, the game gives you the ability to to manage your airforce, navy and your army. The game is fun, it's the best game out there for WW2 strategy. The navy is irritating to use but after a few hundred hours you will get the hang of it. The DLCs are the real problem though, like most Paradox games you get one half of the game when you buy it and the other half once you buy all the DLCs. The game is still enjoyable without them though and if you really want to you can use mods as the game is very mod friendly. If you like strategy games then this game is a must have for you. if you aren’t then it the game is probably still very enjoyable for you, but you might want to do a little more research do make sure the game is for you.… Expand
  9. whyyyyyyy
    May 29, 2023
    10
    I have 400+ hours on this game and I am still addicted to this masterpiece.
  10. ProsteNicolas
    May 28, 2023
    8
    Hearts of Iron IV is the best strategic ww2 game ever created, you can play as everyone as you want. In this game there is a lot of things. I have 400 hours and i still doesnt know some things. Absolutely fun game, but in these game are few minuses. The AI is literally stupid. And when you want to enjoy the game more you need to buy some DLCs, One DLC is cost 10$, every DLC have some newHearts of Iron IV is the best strategic ww2 game ever created, you can play as everyone as you want. In this game there is a lot of things. I have 400 hours and i still doesnt know some things. Absolutely fun game, but in these game are few minuses. The AI is literally stupid. And when you want to enjoy the game more you need to buy some DLCs, One DLC is cost 10$, every DLC have some new Focus Trees for some new countries, but when you want to buy all DLCs the cost will be 100$ minimum.… Expand
  11. Amir1960
    May 12, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best strategy for all time and for all game
    A bit hard for kids who gave a low rating to this great game
    But with practice and time, even if you know English, you can learn the game completely. Be sure to play
    free    … Expand
  12. ILikeHam
    Apr 14, 2023
    10
    Love the game but i dont have a life help pls
    :(..................................
  13. Saadthelegend
    Apr 13, 2023
    8
    أسهل لعبة من بين بقية ألعاب شركة بارادوكس الصعبة مثل كروسيدر كينقز 3 أو يوروبا يونفرساليس 4

    واللعبة طبعا لعبة إستراتيجية ومع المودات حقتها تصير رهيبة
    لكنها صعبة التعلم نوعاً ما
  14. Moger
    Mar 20, 2023
    9
    Oynadığım ilk ve bana en çok zevk veren Paradox oyunu. İkinci Dünya Savaşını ve o zamandaki ülkelerin durumlarını, alternatiflerini, içinde bulundukları zorlukları ve sayamayacağım kadar daha çok şeyi içinde barındıran oynadığım en iyi oyunlardan. Panzerler ile Fransız cephelerini yarmanın Türkiye ile Osmanlı Sınırlarına ulaşmanın Almanya ile tüm dünya ile savaşmanın bana verdiği eğlenceyiOynadığım ilk ve bana en çok zevk veren Paradox oyunu. İkinci Dünya Savaşını ve o zamandaki ülkelerin durumlarını, alternatiflerini, içinde bulundukları zorlukları ve sayamayacağım kadar daha çok şeyi içinde barındıran oynadığım en iyi oyunlardan. Panzerler ile Fransız cephelerini yarmanın Türkiye ile Osmanlı Sınırlarına ulaşmanın Almanya ile tüm dünya ile savaşmanın bana verdiği eğlenceyi hayatım boyunca başka hiçbir oyundan alamadım.… Expand
  15. Nikabilan
    Mar 9, 2023
    10
    one of my favorite games. this is just a great game that can be played 1000 times and every time with unique cosenquneses.
  16. Lukastrav
    Feb 19, 2023
    9
    Ok I might be a little bit biased as I have 600 hours in the game and still playing but I stopped for about 2 years. Anyway there’s 4 type of people when you play the game.

    People who love the game with all there heart People who stopped at the complexity of it Poeple who has no dlcs And poeple who hates that they love it Only them four no in between.But I need to warn you it isn’t a    Ok I might be a little bit biased as I have 600 hours in the game and still playing but I stopped for about 2 years. Anyway there’s 4 type of people when you play the game.

    People who love the game with all there heart People who stopped at the complexity of it
    Poeple who has no dlcs And poeple who hates that they love it
    Only them four no in between.But I need to warn you it isn’t a learning hill it’s a learning mountain band I’d you escape it you will love it very much. Though many give up. After the cliff its like walking up stairs . So if your willing to spend at least a hundred hours get it if not don’t bother.
    Tip (buy during sale it literally on sale every 2 months)    … Expand
  17. Cowman17
    Feb 11, 2023
    8
    Good strategy game after a while gets repetitive but fun to play with friends
  18. male92
    Feb 8, 2023
    9
    This is my first paradox game and its honestly worth it. All though it is quite hard to learn it is very rewarding but you will need a tutorial, but i just watched other people play and thats how i learned but its also fine to do tutorials. Also you're gonna have to scroll the steam workshop for a bit to find some mods cause most of this game is mod based and will need mods to enjoy theThis is my first paradox game and its honestly worth it. All though it is quite hard to learn it is very rewarding but you will need a tutorial, but i just watched other people play and thats how i learned but its also fine to do tutorials. Also you're gonna have to scroll the steam workshop for a bit to find some mods cause most of this game is mod based and will need mods to enjoy the full experience. If you more enjoy fast gameplay than this isn't for you this is for patient people who like to strategise. But it does some bugs and will at least once have to google how to fix some bug(usually with mods)
    .Overall this a good complicated game and i would reccomend. Plus micromanaging and winning because of your micromanaging is so nice and feels very rewarding    … Expand
  19. vuachoigame
    Jan 8, 2023
    10
    good game.
    I hope game makers will add events after world war 2 and modern times
  20. The_Senate
    Dec 22, 2022
    8
    I rarely play strategy games, much less grand strategy, but this game just works for me. Almost everything about this game works for me, but nothing really is outstanding. I like the focus tree, research, and division mechanics especially. This game is at it's best when you're playing a viable country, which kind of exposes then main flaw in the game. If you don't buys dlc's you experienceI rarely play strategy games, much less grand strategy, but this game just works for me. Almost everything about this game works for me, but nothing really is outstanding. I like the focus tree, research, and division mechanics especially. This game is at it's best when you're playing a viable country, which kind of exposes then main flaw in the game. If you don't buys dlc's you experience with the game is really dumbed down. I don't mind buying dlc's but fi you don't your handicapping yourself greatly. If you don't have any dlc's about half of the countries a hindered useless. For this one reason this game is held back from greatness.… Expand
  21. Vesar
    Dec 18, 2022
    8
    I spent 250+ hours in Hearts of Iron IV, I can say this isn't the best game created by Paradox Interactive, but it has a lot of potential with mods, multiplayer role plays and e-sport. I really enjoyed playing it and Im still playing HoI to this day.

    PROS: -Good Graphics -Intuitive UI -Great models used for troops -A lot of free mods (wide modder community) CONS: -It needs a good    I spent 250+ hours in Hearts of Iron IV, I can say this isn't the best game created by Paradox Interactive, but it has a lot of potential with mods, multiplayer role plays and e-sport. I really enjoyed playing it and Im still playing HoI to this day.

    PROS:
    -Good Graphics -Intuitive UI
    -Great models used for troops
    -A lot of free mods (wide modder community)

    CONS:
    -It needs a good pc to play at decent speed after 1943/45
    -DLC's are of cours really overpriced, most
    content is blocked by a paywall
    -You need a lot of time to undestand complex mechanics like a where to build railroads for the best supply, what templates to create, what meta is in MP etc.

    Still HoI4 is one of my favourites grand strategy games!    … Expand
  22. GamerLandherr
    Dec 17, 2022
    8
    Game compared to the old ones like 3
    is much more mediocre going by the point that this game was to attract new public he gives very well, since different from the old he is very beautiful in the simple UI with beautiful graphics and anyone can conquer the world playing the first time bringing much more dopamine to brain of course at launch was a game broken up too much more today already    Game compared to the old ones like 3
    is much more mediocre going by the point that this game was to attract new public he gives very well, since different from the old he is very beautiful in the simple UI with beautiful graphics and anyone can conquer the world playing the first time bringing much more dopamine to brain of course at launch was a game broken up too much more today already much better
    OBS: O if you want to play it really want to give it a chance I would say go for the mods    … Expand
  23. justindagoose
    Nov 20, 2022
    10
    Il be honest ok, hearts of iron 4 is not the most fun game in the world. But with the insane amounts of good moments, I had with this game and the amount of time I spent playing it I can certainly give this a 10. At first, it's very complicated but when you get dedicated to learning you can do so much. It's an awesome strategy game and even if you're not satisfied with the base game thenIl be honest ok, hearts of iron 4 is not the most fun game in the world. But with the insane amounts of good moments, I had with this game and the amount of time I spent playing it I can certainly give this a 10. At first, it's very complicated but when you get dedicated to learning you can do so much. It's an awesome strategy game and even if you're not satisfied with the base game then you can get mods that literally make it a new game and making your own mod is quite simple Aswell. I love this game and it's my favorite game not because it's fun but because of what it delivers to you,… Expand
  24. Skogen21
    Oct 30, 2022
    10
    Great WWII strategy. As usual with Paradox games, the game is conceived as an alternative history sandbox. You can choose any nation and direct it in the direction you want. The game itself takes place on both strategic and tactical levels. You set up the war industry, prepare the design of the tanks/aircraft/ships, determine the composition of the units, plan and conduct the militaryGreat WWII strategy. As usual with Paradox games, the game is conceived as an alternative history sandbox. You can choose any nation and direct it in the direction you want. The game itself takes place on both strategic and tactical levels. You set up the war industry, prepare the design of the tanks/aircraft/ships, determine the composition of the units, plan and conduct the military operations themselves, and last but not least, the logistics, the supply of your units, is a critically important element of the game. I rate it 10/10 for complexity, replayability and at the same time freedom.… Expand
  25. BayernRalle
    Oct 13, 2022
    8
    Yes, it's unfortunate that you must pay a little extra to get the DLCs if you want the whole experience, but in my opinion, it's worth it. This game is all about the strategies and techniques you employ, but it's also a lot of fun.
  26. TimEngineer
    Sep 29, 2022
    10
    The best political strategy, in this game on my computer is 20fps!!! (With FPS map)
    I played in hoi4 300-350 hours. Im really fanat of hoi4!
  27. Sinkler_83
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Прекрасная стратегическая игра про 2 мировую. Самое хорошее в этой игре, это различные национальные фокусы и идеологии. Играя за Румынию можно присоединиться к странам "оси" так и помогать СССР. Потрясающая вариативность и геймплей.Прекрасная стратегическая игра про 2 мировую. Самое хорошее в этой игре, это различные национальные фокусы и идеологии. Играя за Румынию можно присоединиться к странам "оси" так и помогать СССР. Потрясающая вариативность и геймплей.
  28. pikachu713
    Sep 5, 2022
    8
    it is hard game, but if you understend how to play this game. it became very interesting strategy. it is war strategy. it mean all what you do you do for war. ALL (fabrics, railways, ports, ideology and others...)
  29. Marinusf
    Sep 3, 2022
    8
    Good AI, good graphics and repetitive gameplay. Especially in 'research' most players choose the same options over and over again because the other options are rubbish. The fact that the game has a certain meta makes it repetitive. The base game is dull and you need mods to make it playable.
  30. TURBO0-0
    Jul 29, 2022
    9
    Два вопрос к этой игре. Что такое личная жизнь и сколько у неё дивизий?) А так игра очень хорошая.
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Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best PC Game of 2016
22
#22 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
66
#66 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Cubed3
    Mar 20, 2018
    50
    The complexity and slow speed of how things evolve take the fun down notches lower than it otherwise would deserve. Endless clicking through menus, and a glacial speed, ruin what could have been a pretty slick overall experience.
    Read full review
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Sep 28, 2016
    85
    Hearts of Iron 4 successfully streamlines a complex strategy game while still retaining the feel of total industrial warfare. AI difficulties persist, however, and some revamped mechanics still need a bit of polishing. [Aug 2016]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 14, 2016
    80
    Excellent revival of a rusty brand with improved accessibility to a wider audience. Paradox studio has rocked in recent years and proof of this is the best episode of the series Hearts of Iron. [Issue#266]
See all critic reviews »