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. 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.
  2. coso132
    Oct 16, 2022
    5
    Once i got over the first hundreds of hours of addiction, and after playing some other grand strategy games, i noticed how this game is an awfully clunky, and incomplete mess which just doesnt compare to games like crusader kings or europa universalis
    Its only fun for the period you are addicted to it, and when you stop finding cool mods to try
  3. 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
  4. Crimson9
    Dec 13, 2022
    5
    How can you have a war game with a brain dead AI?

    As complexity increases in strategy games, so too must the resources expended to make the AI reasonably capable. In a game like CK2, the AI doesn't need to do too much. HOI4 is much more complex, but the AI is simply not up to it. Which makes single player, regardless of how much content there is and the quality of it, completely    How can you have a war game with a brain dead AI?

    As complexity increases in strategy games, so too must the resources expended to make the AI reasonably capable. In a game like CK2, the AI doesn't need to do too much. HOI4 is much more complex, but the AI is simply not up to it. Which makes single player, regardless of how much content there is and the quality of it, completely irrelevant. The AI is brain dead.

    For multiplayer, this is a fantastic game with a lot of elements that work really well and simulate World War 2 in a wonderful way.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. LambdaLocator
    Jul 21, 2023
    7
    A grand strategy game that makes me want to recreate the USSR and invade Poland again.
  8. vuachoigame
    Jan 8, 2023
    10
    good game.
    I hope game makers will add events after world war 2 and modern times
  9. 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
  10. Cowman17
    Feb 11, 2023
    8
    Good strategy game after a while gets repetitive but fun to play with friends
  11. Killer726Rogue
    Mar 26, 2023
    7
    This game is well-made, definitely a piece in the respective genre. But I was shocked to find some Historical inaccuracies in the game like Subhas Chandra Bose being labelled as a "Fascist".

    However, it has managed to beautifully represent the various details and aspects of the Second World War, as compared to most other such games.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. ILikeHam
    Apr 14, 2023
    10
    Love the game but i dont have a life help pls
    :(..................................
  15. erfunfazli
    Jul 21, 2023
    4
    A real bad game like all Paradox Interactive other game.
    Full of bad and useless and confusing mechanism.
  16. 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
  17. whyyyyyyy
    May 29, 2023
    10
    I have 400+ hours on this game and I am still addicted to this masterpiece.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. agq
    Jul 28, 2023
    6
    This is definitely the easiest to learn Paradox game for new players, however it has many issues and these mainly stem from the publishers choices. This game feels VERY incomplete without the DLCs. Many of the DLCs add very needed content updates to keep the game fresh, however these are small enough to where they could be considered updates, no where near big enough to be DLCs. AnotherThis is definitely the easiest to learn Paradox game for new players, however it has many issues and these mainly stem from the publishers choices. This game feels VERY incomplete without the DLCs. Many of the DLCs add very needed content updates to keep the game fresh, however these are small enough to where they could be considered updates, no where near big enough to be DLCs. Another problem also is how streamlined it is compared to Darkest Hour and HOI3, it feels simpler than those games which for many can be a positive but due to it feels like its too simplified in certain areas of game-play. Overall, I cannot recommend this game to strategy fans, go play Darkest Hour or HOI3 if a game like this interests you.

    Note: The modding community, for me, puts this game at a 6 due to how many playable mods there are which add new interesting content and elements to the game,    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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
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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 »