Welcome to our comprehensive Hearts of Iron IV Walkthrough, the ultimate guide to mastering Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy game. Whether you’re a novice eager to dive into the complexities of WWII or a seasoned strategist seeking to refine your skills, this guide is your strategic blueprint to global domination. In this walkthrough, we will explore essential topics like Starting Your Nation, where you’ll learn how to kick-start your chosen country, and Key Countries and Their Strategies, offering insights into the strengths and tactics of major powers. We’ll also cover the crucial elements of Managing Resources and Industry to keep your war machine running smoothly, navigate the nuances of Diplomacy and Alliances to secure your position on the world stage, and finally, delve into Strategies for Warfare to lead your nation to victory. Get ready to transform your gameplay and conquer the world with our in-depth guide!

Starting Your Nation#

So, you’ve booted up Hearts of Iron IV and are ready to dive into the chaotic world of WWII strategy. Starting a game is like opening a door to endless possibilities. Here’s what you need to know to hit the ground running and set your nation up for success.

Picking Your Nation#

First things first. The nation you choose will heavily influence your game experience. Are you into dominating the world? Maybe give Germany or the Soviet Union a shot. Want a more defensive, strategic gameplay? The United Kingdom is a good pick. Fancy dabbling in politics and diplomacy? The United States or France could be up your alley. Choose a nation that fits your play style and level of comfort.

Understanding Your Situation#

After you choose, take a moment to breathe and assess your starting situation. Each country starts with different resources, military forces, and political situations. Click around the interface to familiarize yourself. Pay attention to your:

• Political Situation: Who’s in charge, and what ideologies are popular? Check your national focus tree for immediate goals.
• Resource Base: See what resources you have and which ones you lack. This will guide your trade decisions later.
• Military Forces: Look at your troops, their location, and state of readiness. You need to know what you have before planning any maneuvers.
• Technology: What are you currently researching? Is it aligned with your strategy?

Setting Up Your Economy#

With a grip on your nation’s situation, it’s time to boost your economy. Head to your construction tab and start building:

• Civilian Factories: More factories mean faster construction of military and civilian buildings.
• Military Factories: You need these to produce weapons, aircraft, ships, and other military goods.
• Infrastructure: Better infrastructure improves resource production efficiency and troop movement.

Focus on balancing civilian and military needs. A strong economy underpins a powerful war machine.

Organizing Your Military#

Your military is the tool you’ll use to achieve national greatness. Here’s how to get it ready:

1. Army: Organize your divisions into logical groups. Name them based on their roles (e.g., “Eastern Defense” or “Invasion Force”).
2. Navy: Group your ships into fleets. Assign missions like patrols, convoy protection, or strike forces.
3. Air Force: Position your planes in key air bases. Set up air wings for different purposes, such as fighters for defense and bombers for offense.

Assign commanders to your forces. Leaders with higher skills and suitable traits will give you an edge in battles.

Research and Development#

You can’t win a war with outdated gear. Head over to the research tab and start working on new tech. Prioritize:

• Industry Techs: Improve your production efficiency and resource extraction.
• Military Techs: Get better infantry equipment, tanks, planes, and naval units.
• Doctrines: Doctrines boost your military’s effectiveness, tailored to your strategy like Blitzkrieg for rapid assaults or Superior Firepower for strong, concentrated attacks.

Diplomacy and Trade#

Don’t ignore the diplomatic side of things. Form alliances, non-aggression pacts, or even trade deals to strengthen your position. If you lack resources like oil or rubber, use the trade tab to import them from other countries. Always balance trading with managing your civilian factories, as each trade takes up factory slots.

In terms of diplomacy, align with countries that share your goals or ideology. Be wary of neighbors who might have their eyes on your land.

National Focus#

Finally, the national focus tree is your strategic roadmap. This is where you direct your nation’s path over time. Focus trees might guide you to new technologies, economic boosts, or even alliances and wars.

For instance, if you play as Germany, you could focus on rearming and expanding your military might early on. Playing the U.S.? Maybe you want to shore up your economy before diving into global conflicts.

The National Focus decisions often have lasting impacts, so plan accordingly based on your long-term goals.

Conclusion#

Getting started in Hearts of Iron IV might feel like juggling flaming swords at first, but with these foundational steps, you’re well on your way to mastering this complex game. Take your time, plan your moves, and soon you’ll be leading your nation to victory. Happy strategizing!

Key Countries and Their Strategies#

In Hearts of Iron IV, some countries play a bigger role than others. Each major nation has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique strategies. Let’s dive into the key countries and how you can make the most of them.

Germany: Blitzkrieg and Beyond#

Germany is one of the most popular choices for players, and for good reason. With a strong military out of the gate and a central position in Europe, Germany is set to dominate.

Early Goals#

• Rhineland Reoccupation: Start by remilitarizing the Rhineland, which boosts national unity and military might.
• Anschluss of Austria: Integrate Austria for additional manpower and resources.
• Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia: Secure these regions to expand your power without immediate conflict.

Mid to Late Game#

• Blitzkrieg Tactics: Focus on fast, overwhelming attacks. Use tanks (Panzers) and airplanes to outmaneuver and crush enemy forces quickly.
• Continental Domination: Push for France and the Low Countries early on, before turning east towards the Soviet Union. Timing is crucial here; ideally invade the USSR in summer for better logistics.

Soviet Union: Strength in Numbers#

The Soviet Union starts huge but underprepared. With vast resources and an immense population, its strength lies in resilience and sheer numbers.

Early Goals#

• Five-Year Plan: Build up industry and infrastructure. Focus on factories to pump out equipment and supplies.
• Purge the Military: It’s brutal, but it’ll prevent political power struggles and stabilize your regime.

Mid to Late Game#

• Defensive Depth: Use your vast territory to your advantage. Let enemies stretch their supply lines thin while you deploy wave after wave of troops.
• Counteroffensive: Once the enemy is weakened, push back with overwhelming force. Keep producing and replenishing your army to maintain the pressure.

United Kingdom: The Guardian of Democracy#

The UK’s power comes from its navy and extensive empire. Controlling the seas and supporting allies is key to their strategy.

Early Goals#

• Naval Dominance: Invest in your navy. Patrol crucial sea lanes and blockade Axis shipping.
• Strengthen the Empire: Bolster defenses in colonies and key positions like Gibraltar, Egypt, and Singapore.

Mid to Late Game#

• Air Superiority: Keep the skies over Britain and your allies clear. Build plenty of aircraft.
• D-Day Preparation: Plan a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. Coordinate with the US and ensure your land forces are well-prepared for a long fight.

United States: The Sleeping Giant#

The US starts the game relatively weak militarily but with immense potential thanks to its industrial capacity.

Early Goals#

• Industrial Build-Up: Focus on economic policies and building factories.
• Lend-Lease: Support allies with supplies while building up your own forces.

Mid to Late Game#

• Overwhelming Force: Once you’re ready, unleash your industrial might. Produce massive fleets and powerful armored divisions.
• Pacific and European Theaters: Balance your forces between fighting Japan in the Pacific and aiding allies in Europe. Coordinate assaults to stretch Axis resources thin.

Japan: Expansion and Strategy#

Japan’s empire-building ambitions lead it to focus on naval and infantry power. Expansion into Asia and the Pacific is key.

Early Goals#

• China Campaign: Secure control over China to strengthen your position. This requires careful planning and persistent effort.
• Naval Build-Up: Develop a strong navy to dominate the Pacific. Aircraft carriers and battleships will be vital.

Mid to Late Game#

• Pacific Dominance: Control key islands and establish strong naval bases. Use these to project power across the region.
• Resource Management: Japan lacks natural resources, so managing what you have is crucial. Trade and conquest will keep your war machine running.

Conclusion#

Each major country in Hearts of Iron IV offers unique challenges and rewards. Tailoring your strategy to the specific strengths and weaknesses of your chosen nation can lead to world domination—or a swift defeat. Choose wisely, plan meticulously, and may your military conquests be swift and decisive!

Dive into the fray and watch history bend to your will, commander!

Managing Resources and Industry#

So, you’ve jumped into the vast world of Hearts of Iron IV, and now you’re staring down your industrial might, trying to figure out exactly how to keep your war machine rolling. Fear not! Managing resources and industry might seem daunting, but with a little know-how, you’ll be cranking out tanks and planes like a pro.

Resources: The Lifeblood of Your War Machine#

Before diving into industry, let’s talk about resources. In HoI4, there are a few key resources you’ll be keeping an eye on:

• Oil: Essential for running all those tanks and planes.
• Rubber: Primarily used for aircraft and some motorized units.
• Steel: The backbone for most equipment.
• Aluminum: Mainly for aircraft and certain advanced equipment.
• Chromium: Vital for the production of heavy ships and certain advanced tanks.
• Tungsten: Used for artillery and advanced gear.

Gathering Resources#

1. Domestic Production: Your country will naturally produce some resources. Check your resource map mode to see what’s available in your territory.
2. Trade: If you’re lacking, trade is your friend. Use civilian factories to import the resources you need from countries that have a surplus.
3. Conquest: Conquering resource-rich areas can help, but it’s often easier said than done.

Pro-tip: Focus on securing critical resources like steel and oil first. Running out of these can bottleneck your production pipelines.

Industry: Building the Arsenal of Democracy (or Tyranny)#

Now, onto the fun part—factories. There are two main types to manage:

1. Civilian Factories
2. Military Factories

Civilian Factories#

These are the workhorses of your economy. They build new buildings and factories, and they’re used for trade agreements. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Construction: Civilian factories build everything from military factories to infrastructure and fortifications.
• Trade: Each import trade deal costs you civilian factories.
• Consumer Goods: A percentage of your civilian factories will always be tied up producing goods for your population, based on your economic laws.

Invest early in more civilian factories to ramp up your production capabilities faster.

Military Factories#

These factories produce the actual equipment used by your armed forces—everything from rifles to tanks.

• Production Lines: You’ll set up production lines for different types of equipment.
• Efficiency: The longer a production line runs, the more efficient it becomes.
• Upgrades: When you research new tech, you might want to upgrade your production lines to reflect the advanced equipment.

Naval Dockyards#

Don’t forget these! They work a bit like military factories but are focused on building ships.

Balancing Act: Civilian vs. Military#

You need to strike a balance between civilian and military factories. At the start of the game, focus more on civilian factories to build up a strong economy. Later, as war looms, shift towards military factories to equip your armies.

• Early Game: Prioritize civilian for faster construction of future projects.
• Mid to Late Game: Start shifting your focus to military factories as you prepare for or engage in lengthy conflicts.

Infrastructure Matters#

Infrastructure isn’t just for faster troop movements. High infrastructure increases resource extraction rates and speeds up construction times. Investing in infrastructure in important areas can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts#

Managing resources and industry in Hearts of Iron IV involves both careful planning and adaptability. Keep an eye on your stockpiles and adjust your factory priorities as the situation changes. Balance your civilian and military production to ensure you can build what you need when you need it. Before long, you’ll be an industrial powerhouse ready to take on the world!

Diplomacy and Alliances#

Diplomacy and alliances play a crucial role in Hearts of Iron IV, dictating how you interact with other nations and shape the world to your advantage. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to get the upper hand in global politics.

Understanding Diplomacy#

Diplomacy in HOI IV is all about managing your relationships with other countries. It’s not just about who you trade with, but who you can rely on when things get tough.

• Influencing Other Countries: You can use political power to improve relations with other nations. This can lead to non-aggression pacts, trade agreements, and even alliances.

• Guaranteeing Independence: By guaranteeing the independence of smaller nations, you can deter bigger threats from attacking them. While this can pull you into wars, it also shows your might and deters aggression. Plus, it can rally other powerful nations to your cause.

• Demanding Territory: If you think you have claims on someone else’s land, you can use diplomacy to demand territory. Be careful, though, as this can often lead to war if the other country isn’t willing to play nice.

Forming Alliances#

Alliances are the heart and soul of your survival and success in Hearts of Iron IV. They can make the difference between victory and defeat.

• Joining Factions: There are a few major factions in the game, like the Allies, the Axis, and the Comintern. These alliances are key parts of World War II history and can provide some big benefits. Joining a faction means mutual defense and support, which is especially important when the world is on fire.

• Creating New Factions: If the existing factions don’t fit your style, you can create your own. This can be useful if you’re playing a more neutral or opportunistic strategy. Invite countries that align with your goals to bolster your strength.

• Influence with Ideologies: Ideologies like democracy, fascism, and communism play a big role. Countries with similar ideologies are more likely to cooperate. You can use your political power to sway other nations towards your ideology through coups or supporting their factions.

Diplomacy Actions Menu#

The diplomacy actions menu is your go-to for managing international relations. Here are some key actions:

• Improve Relations: Spend political power to boost relations with another country. Better relations mean better trade and potential alliances.

• Send Volunteers: If your ideological friend is in trouble, you can send volunteer forces to help them without officially entering the war.

• Stage a Coup: Want to flip a country’s government? Stage a coup to install a friendly regime. It’s a risky move but can pay off big time.

Strategic Uses of Diplomacy#

• Divide and Conquer: Manipulate your enemies into fighting each other. If you can, fuel conflicts between your foes to weaken them before you strike.

• Buffer States: Create and support smaller neighboring countries as buffer states to absorb initial attacks and give you time to react.

• Trade Agreements: Secure vital resources through trade. Friendly diplomatic relations can make these deals more favorable and stable.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls#

• Ignoring Diplomatic Pacts: Don’t let non-aggression pacts lull you into a false sense of security. Always be prepared for the worst.

• Overextending: Don’t guarantee too many countries’ independence; it can drag you into multiple conflicts that you’re not ready for.

• Ignoring Ideological Conflicts: Respect the ideological divides of the time. A democratic nation trying to ally with a fascist one is going to face an uphill battle.

Conclusion#

Mastering diplomacy and alliances in Hearts of Iron IV can turn the tide of war in your favor. Build strong relationships, make strategic alliances, and never underestimate the power of influence. It’s not just about brute force; it’s about playing the global chess game to ensure your nation’s survival and dominance.

Strategies for Warfare#

Hearts of Iron IV can be pretty overwhelming when it comes to warfare. There’s a lot to juggle, from managing troops to making sure your industries are pumping out enough tanks. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true strategies that will help you conquer your foes. Let’s dive in!

Basic Tips#

1. Know Your Troops#

Before you even think about attacking, you need to know what kind of units you’re working with. Infantry divisions are great for holding the line, while tanks (armor) and motorized units are perfect for pushing deep into enemy territory. Air support, like fighters and bombers, can make or break your attack.

2. Keep Your Supply Lines Open#

Always pay attention to your supply lines. If your troops run out of supplies, they will suffer huge penalties in combat. Use the logistics map mode to monitor your supply routes and make sure you’re not over-extended.

3. Use Support Divisions#

Support divisions can provide critical boosts. Engineers improve your defenses, while recon units can give you better tactics in battle. Anti-tank units are key when facing a tank-heavy enemy.

Offensive Strategies#

1. Blitzkrieg#

One of the most effective and famous strategies, Blitzkrieg involves using fast-moving infantry and tanks to break through enemy lines and encircle them. Once the enemy is surrounded, they are much easier to defeat. Make sure you have air superiority to provide close air support.

2. Naval Invasions#

For island nations or coastal regions, naval invasions are essential. Gain control of the seas, then transport your troops. Remember to build naval bases close to your target for easier supply management.

3. Strategic Bombing#

Softening up the enemy before an attack can make your job a lot easier. Use your bombers to target military factories, infrastructure, and supply depots. This will cripple the enemy’s ability to fight back.

Defensive Strategies#

1. Build Fortifications#

When you’re on the defensive, building fortifications in key provinces can help a lot. They slow down and weaken attacking forces. Combine this with good defensive units like infantry and artillery to hold the line.

2. Hold Key Locations#

Focus on holding strategic points such as cities, rivers, and mountains. These locations usually provide combat bonuses and make it easier to resupply and reinforce your troops.

3. Counterattacks#

Defending doesn’t mean you should stay idle. Keep an eye out for opportunities to launch counterattacks, especially if the enemy has over-extended their lines. A successful counterattack can reclaim lost territory and drain enemy resources.

Naval and Air Warfare#

1. Control the Skies#

Air superiority can change the outcome of ground battles. Use fighters to protect your bombers and disrupt enemy air operations. Close air support aircraft can directly help your ground units by attacking enemy troops and breaking through fortified positions.

2. Naval Dominance#

Control over the seas can prevent enemy troops from landing on your shores and ensure your naval invasions succeed. Focus on building a balanced navy, with carriers, battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. Use your submarines to disrupt enemy supply lines.

Technology and Doctrines#

1. Research Smartly#

Prioritize technologies that enhance your current and planned military strategies. Improved tanks, aircraft, and infantry gear can provide a significant edge. Don’t forget logistical techs to keep your armies moving and supplied.

2. Choose Doctrines that Fit Your Strategy#

The right doctrines can supercharge your military efforts. For example, if you’re focusing on fast, aggressive tactics, the Mobile Warfare doctrine is great. If you’re playing defensively, consider the Grand Battleplan doctrine.

Final Thoughts#

Warfare in Hearts of Iron IV is about balance and adaptability. Don’t stick rigidly to a single approach; be ready to change your tactics based on the situation. With practice, you’ll get a feel for what works best for your nation and playstyle. Now get out there and show the world your strategic genius!

That’s it! Happy conquering, and remember: flexibility is key to victory. Be sure to check other sections of our Hearts of Iron IV guide for more tips and tricks.