For almost a decade now, Hearts of Iron 4 has stood as the definitive World War II grand strategy game. The epic, expansive RTS provides a recreation of WWII so detailed and captivating, the playerbase has remained strong since its first release in 2015. Soon, it’ll be getting even bigger thanks to the Graveyard of Empires DLC that bolsters several different countries and is coming in just a few weeks time.
The latest Hearts of Iron 4 country pack expands four nations in the strategy game: Iraq, Iran, India, and Afghanistan. Each gets distinct additions that explore their position globally, as well as closer to home, and as is typical of the historical grand strategy game, you can choose to emulate or rewrite history through your choices.
India, then under the rule of the British Empire, is getting a new focus tree that looks at the broiling internal discontent and desire for independence from Britain. All manner of options are available for the nascent state, from reopening the East India Company to freeing the Princely States and beyond.
Iran and Iraq are also tied up with the British. Iran suffers pressure coming from both Britain and the Soviet Union as a result of its strategic positioning, and you can decide where it leans through another focus tree. If you manage to push back all attempts to sway or invade, you could create a renewed superpower in the war game.
Iraq has several factions vying for supremacy within the country, and while sorting those out, you need to maintain those ever-present oil fields as well. Finally, Afghanistan, from whom the term ‘Graveyard of Empires’ comes. The big question here is: remain neutral, or get involved, with all the benefits and dangers therein?
As ever, fresh aesthetics and a smattering of new models come in the pack as well. Hearts of Iron 4 is another powerhouse in Paradox’s oeuvre of strategy and 4X games, going from strength to strength alongside the likes of Stellaris and Europa Universalis IV.
Hearts of Iron 4: Graveyard of Empires comes out March 4, 2025 for $14.99 / £12.79. Expansion pass holders will get access as soon as it’s available.
For more intriguing ways to simulate the Allies facing the Axis powers, our sister site Wargamer has a list of the best Hearts of Iron 4 mods, or you can sit tight with us and check out some other great WW2 games.
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