Hearts of Iron IV

Paradox Thanks their Community with New Voiceovers, Portraits, and More

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today celebrated the one-year anniversary of Hearts of Iron IV, the World War II Grand Strategy Game released to critical acclaim on June 6, 2016. Hearts of Iron IV, the game that challenges players to navigate the nation of their choice through history’s greatest conflict, continues to engage players one year later across Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. To thank the community for their ongoing support for the game, Paradox today released the Hearts of Iron IV Anniversary Pack as free DLC, available now for all players.

Since the game’s release one year ago, Hearts of Iron IV has built a dedicated and growing community of players. Today, Hearts of Iron IV continues to be played by an average of 250,000 monthly active users (MAU). Over half of those players enjoy using one or more of the community’s creative game mods, including “Millenium Dawn,” which brings the war into the modern era, “The Great War,” which pulls it back to World War I, or “Kaiserreich,” an alternate historical setting that presumes Germany had won the first world war. More mods and newer players continue to flock to Hearts of Iron IV, setting the stage for more new war stories for years to come.

The Anniversary Pack includes new in-game content to provide players with a richer and more detailed Hearts of Iron IV experience, featuring new voiceovers for Polish troops – an inclusion frequently requested by the player community. Players can download the new content for free today:

• New voiceovers for troops while playing as Poland
• 20 new portrait selections for generals and leaders across nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America
• 20 new custom division icons

To download the free Anniversary Pack, visit http://store.steampowered.com/app/642010/Hearts_of_Iron_IV_Anniversary_Pack/.

A new addition to Hearts of Iron IV will also arrive next week with the release of Death or Dishonor, a Country Pack releasing on June 14, 2017. Death or Dishonor will add new focus trees and in-game events for the nations of Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. For more information on the forthcoming DLC, visit https://www.paradoxplaza.com/hearts-of-iron-iv-death-or-dishonor.

For more information about Hearts of Iron IV, visit the games official website.

Pre-orders now open for both expansions, duo-pack available for a discounted price

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today announced that Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome, the first immersion pack for the best-selling historical grand strategy game, and Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor, a country pack for the World War II grand strategy game, will launch together on June 14th, 2017.

Both packs will be priced individually at $9.99. Fans of both of Paradox Development Studios’ global conquest simulators can purchase both packs together as part of a duo-pack for 10% off at Paradox Plaza here.

Paradox demoed the new features from Third Rome in a live stream on Tuesday. The replay of that stream can be found here.

The new features in Death or Dishonor are demoed in an ongoing stream series. Replays can be found here.

Third Rome expands the governmental, military, and diplomatic opportunities for the Russian empire. The pack includes new ranks of Russian governments that give Tsars the power to claim states, powerful streltsy mercenary units that excel in combat at the cost of the empire’s stability, and new interactions with the Orthodox Patriarchate. These changes give Russian players more ways to maintain control over their sprawling territory using a mix of military might, political touch, and religious conviction.

Death or Dishonor introduces new National Focus trees and gameplay options for the countries caught between the Nazi and Soviet war machines – Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. In addition, Death or Dishonor adds new diplomatic and puppet interactions, new music and gameplay art, and additional national interactions to change the course of history.

Both DLCs will be accompanied by free patches that bring broader updates to the base versions of Europa Universalis IV and Hearts of Iron IV.

For more information on Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome, click here.

For more information on Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor, visit click here.

New Country Pack for Hearts of Iron IV Expands Gameplay for Countries Trapped in a Tough Spot

Armchair generals extraordinaire Paradox Interactive today announced that Hearts of Iron IV players will soon have more difficult decisions to make with the launch of Death or Dishonor, a brand new country pack coming later this year. Death or Dishonor focuses on the countries of Europe caught between the dueling ambitions of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany – faced with total destruction by a much larger force or making uncomfortable alliances, survival will take compromise, guile, and perhaps a teensy bit of luck. Death or Dishonor will be available for $9.99 on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs — and will be delivered for free to all Expansion Pass owners.

Make another not-so-difficult choice to watch the Death or Dishonor trailer.

Death or Dishonor introduces new National Focus trees for Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia, which revolve around navigating the ideological (and physical) land mines of central Europe during World War II. This content furthers Paradox’s goal of capturing the unique wartime experience of every nation involved in World War II, but players will also find new opportunities to change the course of history if they so choose.

Death or Dishonor – and the accompanying free update – will also include:

• Revamp of Air Gameplay: Take to the skies with new mechanics and quality of life updates that make it easier to bring your airpower to bear.
• Equipment Conversion: Update your arsenal by converting older units — or make use of captured enemy vehicles and gear.
• New Music and Art: Three new thematic musical tracks from composer Andreas Waldetoft, new art content for the four focus nations, and new troop voiceovers.
• New Diplomatic and Puppet Interactions: License military technology to bring other nations’ weapons to the field or sell your advances to the highest bidder. Fascist countries get new subject levels like Reichskommissariat, with access to licenses, industry and strategic resources. The instated governments are held in an iron grip, making it harder for them to break free.
• Improved Map Design and Display: the world map has been clarified to make it easier to follow the action around the world. New impassable areas create tactical choke-points and more historical gameplay

For more information about Hearts of Iron IV, visit the games official website.

Paradox’s WWII Strategy Wargame Conquers the World

Paradox Development Studio is thrilled to announce that Hearts of Iron IV, its World War II themed strategy wargame, has sold 500,000 copies worldwide since its release in June 2016. This milestone follows record sales for Stellaris, Europa Universalis IV and Crusader Kings II, once again confirming Paradox as the premier developer of computer strategy games.

Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive, underlines how the continued success of Paradox games justifies the company philosophy.

“The PC remains the primary platform for games of this nature,” Wester says. “Even genres that have traditionally been seen as niche can find a large audience, if a developer is dedicated to quality, variety and learning from both previous experiences and the community at large.”

Hearts of Iron IV recently saw the release of Together for Victory, the first major expansion to the game. Lead Designer Dan Lind is very pleased with the ongoing development of the game, and the team remains committed to continually improving the HoI experience.

“As a result of this success we are able to take advantage of extra time to add tweaks and polish to the game. Our community has high standards, and we will work hard to to live up to their expectations in the coming weeks and months. We really want HoI to be the best it can be for our fans.”

Hearts of Iron IV is currently 33% off at the official Paradox Store. The game is also available on Steam.

Paradox Development Studio and Hearts of Iron IV continue their musical synergy with Swedish heavy metal band Sabaton. Best known for their songs about real historical events and the human side of war, Sabaton has licensed ten new songs for Hearts of Iron IV, each illustrating a moment of World War II with passion and power chords.

Highlights of this second music pack for HoI4 include 40:1, a song honoring the brave but futile defense of Wizna by a Polish army far outnumbered by invading Germans, and To Hell and Back, the story of highly decorated war hero Audie Murphy and his struggles with PTSD. The full music list follows:

• Ghost Division
• Resist and Bite
• Coat of Arms
• Uprising
• Screaming Eagles
• 40:1
• Panzerkampf
• Smoking Snakes
• To Hell and Back
• The Last Battle

The Sabaton music pack is available now for $5.99 (or €5.99) at the Paradox Store and on Steam.

Reinforcements Have Arrived, eh? Together for Victory is Here.

The time has come for all the subjects of his Majesty to stand shoulder to shoulder against Fascism. Will you answer the call?

Together for Victory, the first expansion for Hearts of Iron IV (PEGI 7), is now available on major digital retailers. This add-on for Paradox’s grand strategy epic about the tumultuous years leading to and including WWII puts the British Dominions and Commonwealth nations in the spotlight.

The major new mechanic is the Autonomy system. Nations still subject to a greater power have a range of actions available to them depending on how subservient they are. A Dominion will have some constraints on its foreign policy, but will be more independent than a puppet regime. Through decisions and actions, these subjects can assert themselves and gain full independence.

Together for Victory also includes:

• New National Focuses: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India each receive their own National Focus Trees, bringing their history to life
• Spearheads: A new order simplifies breakthroughs in land invasions
• Continuous Focuses: Choose a National Focus to boost your nation’s capabilities over time, prioritizing one aspect of your military machine over another
• Alternate Histories: Each of the Dominion nations has alternate history branches. Lead South Africa to a Communist revolution that will end segregation but alienate Great Britain. Make Canada a Fascist state warily eyeing the giant to the south.
• Tech Sharing: Cozy up to an advanced great power and take advantage of their research progress to accelerate your own development.
• Combat Log: Extensive details on the performance of your divisions in battle are now available for you, Commander.
• Request Lend Lease: Ask for assistance from across the seas in the form of lend lease, adding new vehicles and equipment to beleaguered armies.
• New Art: New portraits for new leaders, old leaders have some portraits redone, and new unit designs and event pictures make their debut.

Enlist for a new challenge in Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory.

For more game information click here.

Invasion Date Set, Together for Victory Lands December 15

The British Dominions and Commonwealth states take centre stage in Together for Victory, the first expansion to Hearts of Iron IV, the hit World War II grand strategy wargame from Paradox Development Studios. And now a date has been set for the brave offspring of the Empire to show off their new uniforms.

Together for Victory will be available on December 15, 2016 for $14.99 at major digital retailers, including the Paradox Store.

This expansion is not only the first for Hearts of Iron IV, but sets the model for many future add-ons, bringing new detail and gameplay options to nations outside of the great powers. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Raj of India have been given unique National Focus trees, more leaders to choose from, and a selection of industrial corporations to add extra color to your experience.

Game Designer Dan Lind has enlisted to present a short video summarizing what you can expect.

Together for Victory also includes:

• New Autonomy System: Subject states are not merely puppets, but can have a range of action. Dominions, Puppet States, and Colonies can either work their way to total independence.
• Spearheads: A new order simplifies breakthroughs in land invasions
• Continuous Focuses: Choose a National Focus to boost your nations capabilities over time, prioritizing one aspect of your military machine over another
• Alternate Histories: Each of the Dominion nations has alternate history branches. Lead South Africa to a Communist revolution that will end segregation but alienate Great Britain. Make Canada a Fascist state warily eyeing the giant to the south.
• Tech Sharing: Cozy up to an advanced great power and take advantage of their research progress to accelerate your own development.
• Combat Log: Extensive details on the performance of your divisions in battle are now available for you, Commander.
• Request Lend Lease: Ask for assistance from across the seas in the form of lend lease, adding new vehicles and equipment to beleaguered armies.
• New Art: New portraits for new leaders, old leaders have some portraits redone, and new unit designs and event pictures make their debut.

Together for Victory is just ten days away! Mobilize your inner army and prepare for an even wider perspective on the world’s darkest hour.

For more game information click here.

For King and Country, Paradox announces Together for Victory

When the fires of war erupt and your nation is under siege from the greatest war machine the world has ever seen, it is good to know that you are standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters around the world. Together for Victory, the first expansion for Paradox Development Studio’s World War II game Hearts of Iron IV (PEGI 7), shines a bright light on the British dominions and colonies that rallied around the flag in England’s darkest hour.

The centerpiece of Together for Victory is a set of new National Focus trees for five subjects of the British crown: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the British Raj in India. Make history with appropriate technology or alternate history paths, as well as new portraits, new leaders and new companies for the Dominions. Together for Victory is the first step in a process that Paradox hopes will tell the story of every nation in the great conflict.

Watch the Hearts of Iron IV: Together For Victory, Mood Trailer here.

Together for Victory will also include:

• New Autonomy system has different levels of dependency and status for subject nations – puppets, Dominions and fully independent states
• Continuous National Focus ideas will add new bonuses and improvements to your country as you take it through the crucible of war
• Nations can request a Lend-Lease agreement from their allies and friends if they are in dire need of equipment and vehicles
• And much more, including updates and changes to the combat system

Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory is coming soon to major digital retailers, including the Paradox store.

Sunflower Update Brings Host of Improvements to Wargame

Today, Paradox Development Studios released the first major update for its hit World War II grand strategy wargame, Hearts of Iron IV. The “Sunflower Patch” is largely devoted to improving the game’s AI and user interface, as well as the usual changes to Hearts of Iron’s balance and historical database, plus a number of bug fixes.

You can read the full list of changes and updates on the official Paradox Community forum here. But read on for a brief list of some of the highlights in Sunflower.

• Changes to how peace conferences are handled, based on a design by Steam user Neutrino
• Hotjoin now available for multiplayer games, so you can connect to a match already in progress
• Custom difficulty settings let you adjust the relative power of Germany, Italy, France and the Soviet Union
• More nations can now be released as independent countries
• Re-sync button added to address connection issues without rehosting the game
• AI more likely to update templates, build nuclear reactors and cancel unnecessary production
• AI less likely to risk encirclement, opt for a Communist France or throw everything at North Africa
• Naval combat has been balanced to prevent light cruiser spam
• Changes to national territorial cores (Portugal loses, Sinkiang gains)
• A number of crashes caused by modding have been fixed
• Submarines better at finding surface ships, worse at finding other subs

Go to the Community Forum for the complete rundown of all of the improvements and updates now available for everyone that owns Hearts of Iron IV.

For more information on Hearts of Iron IV, check out the games official website.

By James Cobb @ The Wargamer

After three years of meticulous preparation, the fighting can begin. For this part of the review, I’ve gone straight in with the ’1939′ starting option – trying out both Germany and Japan as they present very different starting positions.

Read on…