Hearts of Iron IV

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 103,126 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • replayability
Hearts of Iron IV Game Cover
Hearts of Iron 4’s detailed World War 2 sim makes it a contender for the title of ultimate armchair general game.
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Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy wargame that lets players command the world's most powerful war machine during World War II. Experience historical gameplay or create alternate histories as you manage industry, diplomacy, and battle plans to dominate the globe. Connect your Paradox and Steam accounts to access game book content through the mobile app.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 103,126 reviews
gameplay1,167 positive mentions
stability357 negative mentions
  • gameplay4,520 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hearts of Iron IV" is characterized by its intricate mechanics and steep learning curve, often requiring players to invest significant time to fully grasp its systems. While many find the depth and complexity rewarding, newcomers may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of mechanics, particularly those related to naval and air warfare. The game is enhanced by a vibrant modding community, which offers additional content and gameplay options, but many essential features are locked behind paid DLC, leading to mixed feelings about the overall value of the experience.

    • “This game is well made with mechanics that make the game fun to play.”
    • “The game itself is incredible, with in-depth mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are deep and multifaceted, catering to both seasoned grand strategy players and newcomers to the genre.”
    • “But it takes hundreds of hours to barely understand all the intricate mechanics of the game.”
    • “I can't even play my favorite mods because they require mechanics from the DLCs I don't have.”
    • “The sheer amount of information and the intricacies of the game mechanics may leave some feeling lost.”
  • graphics1,022 mentions

    The graphics of "Hearts of Iron IV" are generally praised for their detailed and immersive representation of World War II, with many users noting the game's vibrant map and unit models. While the visuals are considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, "Hearts of Iron III," some players feel that the graphics are not cutting-edge and can be demanding on hardware, particularly in late-game scenarios. Overall, the graphics effectively support the strategic gameplay, though opinions vary on their aesthetic appeal and optimization.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with beautifully rendered landscapes and detailed unit models that bring the battles to life.”
    • “Graphically, Hearts of Iron IV presents a detailed world map with over 11,000 unique provinces, enhancing the immersion.”
    • “The graphics and sound design transport you back in time, adding to the thrill and immersion.”
    • “The graphics in this game are a huge step-up from previous paradox games, and the game really looks gorgeous.”
    • “I get it, this isn't a AAA title, but it's 2023, and the graphics in Hearts of Iron IV look like they were pulled from a history textbook.”
    • “Every time I try to play this game feeling attracted by its mechanics and historical settings, I immediately feel nauseated by its graphical nonsense.”
  • replayability1,018 mentions

    Hearts of Iron IV is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, largely attributed to its extensive modding community and the variety of nations and strategies available to players. Many reviewers highlight that the game's depth and the ability to explore both historical and alternate history scenarios provide countless hours of unique gameplay. While the base game offers significant replay value, the addition of mods and DLCs further enhances the experience, making it one of the most replayable games in the grand strategy genre.

    • “The game's mechanics are deep and varied enough to reward numerous strategies and playstyles, the gameplay loop is snappy and gets right to the point, and the replayability is insane.”
    • “The dynamic nature of the game world ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, providing endless replayability.”
    • “With its depth of gameplay, accessibility, attention to detail, and endless replayability, it's a game that will keep you coming back for more time and time again.”
    • “The worst part perhaps is their replayability, which is even worse if you don't own the nearly $200 worth of DLC to get all the trees.”
    • “The main issue with this game is the lack of replayability.”
    • “However, I find that over time this game can start to lose its replayability.”
  • story785 mentions

    The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many users noting that the base game offers minimal narrative content, primarily focusing on gameplay mechanics. While some players appreciate the potential for storytelling through mods, such as Kaiserreich and others that provide rich alternate histories, the core experience is often described as lacking a cohesive or engaging storyline. Overall, players seem to enjoy the freedom to create their own narratives within the game's framework, but many feel that the official content does not provide a compelling story on its own.

    • “The story of Hearts of Iron IV is based on the historical events of World War II, with players able to choose any of the major powers or smaller countries that were involved in the conflict.”
    • “The plot is rich, unpredictable, and touching.”
    • “This game is amazing with the modding community, but what developers give us is a different story.”
    • “There is really no story.”
    • “The base game is boring and I would not recommend it if you want a story-driven playthrough.”
    • “The bulk of the new content consists of clunky mission trees that in most regards don't even make sense for a WWII game.”
  • humor727 mentions

    The humor in this game is widely appreciated, with players finding joy in its absurd scenarios, quirky mods, and the ability to rewrite history in hilarious ways. Many reviews highlight the comedic potential of multiplayer sessions, where unexpected outcomes and chaotic AI behavior lead to laugh-out-loud moments. Overall, the game's blend of strategy and humor, particularly through the use of mods and alternative history, creates a uniquely entertaining experience for players.

    • “This game is good in singleplayer and very funny with friends, and some mods make the game even funnier.”
    • “I have over 1,000 hours in this game and I am still finding new and funny ways to play.”
    • “The absurdity of a country like Tannu Tuva, now a provincial republic of the Russian Federation, having the possibility to conquer the world is hilarious.”
    • “Also did things that were not funny, kept my face straight.”
    • “Unfunny mustache man.”
    • “It's actually not funny, don't know why I laughed.”
  • music433 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many players praising its immersive and atmospheric qualities that enhance the overall gameplay experience. While some find the soundtrack to be engaging and fitting for the historical context, others criticize it for being repetitive or not particularly memorable. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, especially when complemented by various DLCs and mods that expand the musical offerings.

    • “The sound design, including the stirring soundtrack and authentic wartime effects, enhances the immersive experience.”
    • “The game's soundtrack and sound effects complement the gameplay well, with atmospheric music and authentic military sounds adding to the immersion.”
    • “The music is amazing, and the gameplay is full of surprises from start to end.”
    • “The soundtrack of this game is not that special, like, at all.”
    • “The only complaint that I really have is that the music is awfully repetitive, at least for my tastes.”
    • “I have to say that the soundtrack got repetitive after playing 12 hours non-stop.”
  • stability377 mentions

    The stability of Hearts of Iron IV is widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and numerous bugs that hinder gameplay. Many users express frustration over the game's reliance on mods for a smoother experience and the perception that Paradox prioritizes DLC releases over fixing existing issues. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite its flaws, the overall consensus is that it remains a buggy and unstable experience, particularly in multiplayer modes.

    • “Game runs great on Linux (Proton) as well.”
    • “I play this all the time with my friends and have had no glitches.”
    • “The game runs great; it has a lot of features to toy around with and pleases every heart.”
    • “For a game that is this buggy, unbalanced, and dependent on mods to be playable, the price is absurd.”
    • “Its been 8 years since this game came out and yet they still haven't really cared for their game as much as they should, which is obvious as I cannot be bothered to play anymore with the glitches, bugs, and straight-up awful 'fixes' they have with the updates.”
    • “The game is a buggy disaster of a game.”
  • optimization375 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it runs smoothly on lower-end hardware initially but suffers significant performance drops in the late game, particularly after 1940. While some updates have improved performance, issues such as lag, stuttering, and low frame rates persist, especially during large-scale battles or when many units are in play. Overall, players express a strong desire for further optimization to enhance the gaming experience, particularly for those with less powerful systems.

    • “The game runs smoothly on mediocre hardware, even laptops with integrated graphics (provided you turn the visuals down a bit).”
    • “Overall, the performance is solid and doesn’t detract from the gameplay.”
    • “With the new patch, a major optimization fix has also arrived.”
    • “This game is infuriating, buggy, poorly optimized, and constantly being updated with new DLCs that are absurdly priced.”
    • “The performance is awful, with regular drops to 30 and oftentimes 15 fps (!).”
    • “The game is really poorly optimized and unless you have a good PC with a fast CPU you will get a lot of stutters, freezes, and lagging around 1943 and onwards.”
  • grinding370 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to invest hundreds of hours to achieve meaningful progress or complete objectives. Many reviewers express frustration with the micromanagement involved, which can lead to repetitive gameplay and a sense of burnout, suggesting that players may need to dedicate significant time to enjoy the game fully. While some find the grind rewarding and addictive, the overall sentiment leans towards it being a burdensome experience that detracts from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding isn't necessary to progress.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Far too grindy, and takes far too long.”
    • “The long 70-day focuses and awful meta game make both diplomacy and wars slow and grindy.”
    • “The game is full of tedious micromanagement (with no automation).”
  • monetization90 mentions

    The monetization model for "Hearts of Iron IV" has been widely criticized as predatory and exploitative, with many reviewers labeling the DLCs as blatant cash grabs that lock essential features behind paywalls. While the game itself is praised for its depth and complexity, the high prices and frequent advertisements associated with the DLCs detract significantly from the overall experience, leading to frustration among players. Despite the enjoyment derived from the game, the overwhelming sentiment is that the monetization strategy undermines its potential and value.

    • “Good game, questionable monetization, but mods are free.”
    • “One positive thing; no microtransactions or pay-to-progress in this game.”
    • “The DLC is also preferred over microtransactions.”
    • “What could have been a masterpiece in the grand strategy genre has turned into a cash grab filled with bad design choices, glaring imbalances, and sheer laziness from the developers.”
    • “The monetization scheme is inherently predatory.”
    • “Greedy predatory monetization of additional content is by far the biggest downside of this game and very typical of Paradox.”
  • emotional87 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from frustration and despair to moments of joy and connection with its complex narratives. Players often express a deep attachment to the game, with many humorously noting that it has led them to neglect real-life interactions and responsibilities, such as "touching grass." Despite its challenges, the game is praised for its ability to provoke strong emotional responses, making it a memorable experience for many.

    • “The plot is rich, unpredictable, and touching.”
    • “This strategy game is one of the most emotionally rewarding experiences.”
    • “I cried when Winston Churchill said.”
  • atmosphere58 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive sound design, including a stirring soundtrack and authentic sound effects that effectively transport players to the historical context of World War II. Detailed visuals, realistic unit models, and engaging gameplay further enhance the sense of realism and complexity, making it a standout in the grand strategy genre. While many players appreciate the overall atmosphere, some express a desire for deeper character interactions and narrative elements to enrich the experience.

    • “The game's soundtrack and sound effects complement the gameplay well, with atmospheric music and authentic military sounds adding to the immersion.”
    • “The visual design, combined with a stirring musical score, creates an immersive atmosphere that draws you into the chaos of global conflict.”
    • “The game is really easy to get immersed in, it has a great atmosphere and has gameplay that could keep you coming back to HOI4 for hours on end.”
    • “But there is a huge void in terms of atmosphere, character interactions, and storyline.”
    • “I really love the idea of the game and its atmosphere, but after those bad experiences, I feel like I've wasted my money.”
    • “I really like some parts, especially the atmosphere it creates, but unfortunately, the many weak spots totally spoil this.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development is generally praised, with reviewers noting strong character design and growth. However, some feel that the main character could benefit from a more heroic portrayal and deeper development to enhance the overall storyline.

    • “Great character development.”
    • “The storyline would be better if the main character was more heroic and had more character development.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Hearts of Iron IV

Play time

253hMedian play time
488hAverage play time
51hMain story
1105hCompletionist
60-752hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 792 analyzed playthroughs

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