Hearts of Iron IV

Thunder at Our Gates launched on June 11, 2026, marking the release of the first Theater Pack DLC for *Hearts of Iron IV*. This expansion introduced a wealth of new content, including new nations and gameplay features, significantly enriching the experience for players. Key highlights include the introduction of Army Headquarters and Ship Captains as new gameplay mechanics.

• New Nations: Players can now control Australia, Siam, or the Dutch East-Indies, expanding strategic options.
• Gameplay Features: The DLC added the Army HQ gameplay feature and introduced Ship Captains, enhancing military management.
• Division Designer Rework: A rework of the Division Designer and the addition of Regimental Support were made available for free alongside the DLC, offering players new ways to customize their forces.
• Soundtrack: A brand new soundtrack was released with *Thunder at Our Gates*, enhancing the immersive experience.
• Modding Support: Several major mods were updated for compatibility with the new DLC, ensuring a seamless experience for mod users.

No Compromise, No Surrender DLC launched on November 20, 2025, introducing extensive gameplay features for Japan, China, and the Philippines, allowing players to explore new historical paths. Additionally, the Warships of the Pacific DLC Announcement on March 12, 2026, set the stage for a focus on naval warfare in the Pacific theater.

• New Content:
  • Czechoslovakia Focus Tree: A new focus tree released on April 22, 2026, offering diverse political paths.
  • Chinese Soviet Republic: Introduced on October 21, 2025, as a playable faction with unique mechanics.
  • Siam Focus Tree: Introduced on June 1, 2026, detailing its historical context and gameplay mechanics.
  • New Ships: Various new ships were added for Nationalist and Communist China, Japan, and the USA on March 12, 2026.

• New Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Underground Revolution Mechanics: Added on May 27, 2026, allowing for a network of revolutionaries in Indonesia.
  • Political Chaos Events: Implemented new events for Indonesia on May 27, 2026, impacting stability and ideology support.
  • Expanded Factions System: Enhanced control over allied countries introduced on November 20, 2025.

• Balance Changes:
  • Submarine Visibility Adjustments: Tweaked visibility parameters for submarines on April 2, 2026, enhancing gameplay balance.
  • Supply Consumption Changes: Adjusted supply consumption for various naval units on April 2, 2026.

• Seasonal Event:
  • 10-Year Anniversary Celebration was planned for June 6, 2026, to commemorate the game's decade-long journey.

Graveyard of Empires launched on March 4, 2025, bringing a wealth of new content to *Hearts of Iron IV*. This expansion introduced new focus trees for India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, alongside the introduction of a Special Projects feature that allows players to develop super weapons. Additionally, the Götterdämmerung expansion was made available for individual purchase in November 2024, adding significant gameplay mechanics and focus tree overhauls for Germany and Hungary.

• New Content:
  • New German Focus Tree: Overhauled structure for alternative history gameplay.
  • Hungary Overhaul: A complete rework of Hungary's national focus tree.
  • Special Projects: Introduced projects like the V1 Flying Bomb and V2 Ballistic Missiles.
  • New Focus Trees for India, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan: Expanded gameplay options in the Graveyard of Empires country pack.

• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Introduction of Experimental Facilities: Four types now available for advanced research.
  • Raids Feature: New mechanics for targeting enemy installations and resources.
  • New Event Chains: Added for Syria and Lebanon, affecting their allegiances during the war.

• Balance Changes:
  • Differentiation of Rocket Types: New classifications for Flying Bombs and Ballistic Missiles introduced.
  • Various adjustments to production costs for tanks and artillery units to refine gameplay balance.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Anniversary Week Celebration on June 6, 2024, marked the 8th anniversary of *Hearts of Iron IV*, featuring special activities and community engagement.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Version rollback feature introduced, allowing players to revert to previous game versions shortly after DLC releases.

Trial of Allegiance DLC launched on March 7, 2024, introducing significant new content focused on South America, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This period also saw the release of the Arms Against Tyranny expansion, which added new gameplay mechanics and content centered on Finland and other Nordic countries.

• Major DLC Releases:
  • Trial of Allegiance DLC launched on March 7, 2024, featuring new content for South American nations.
  • Arms Against Tyranny expansion released on October 10, 2023, enhancing the game with new features and mechanics.
• New Content:
  • Introduced new focus trees for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, expanding gameplay options significantly.
  • New leaders Väinö Tanner and Vilho Annala added for Finland, each bringing unique traits and agendas.
  • Kinship War Content allowed Finland to support Karelian independentists during in-game conflicts.
• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Integration of DLCs into the Base Game improved the overall experience by enhancing core mechanics.
  • New Military Industrial Organizations (MIOs) system introduced, allowing players to interact with and upgrade design companies for tailored upgrades.
  • International Market Feature enabled nations to buy and sell equipment, enhancing trade dynamics.

• Balance Changes:
  • Adjustments to lend lease mechanics now require world tension limits, adding strategic depth.
  • Changes to steel production for major nations like Germany, France, and the UK improved resource management.

• Seasonal Event:
  • A brief Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Wishes was issued to players on December 21, 2023, marking a festive touch during the update cycle.

Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone expansion launched on September 27, 2022, bringing a wealth of new content and features. This major update was complemented by the introduction of the International Market and Military Industrial Organizations (MIOs), significantly enhancing gameplay mechanics. Additionally, the Operation Cockpit update released on April 13, 2023, further expanded the game's depth.

• Major Content Drop: By Blood Alone Expansion released on September 27, 2022, adding new nations, focus trees, and gameplay mechanics.
• New Features:
  • International Market introduced on May 16, 2023, allowing nations to trade equipment globally.
  • Military Industrial Organizations (MIOs) launched on May 2, 2023, enabling players to manage living organizations for tailored upgrades.
  • Operation Cockpit update released on April 13, 2023, enhancing the overall game experience.
• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • Awards System added on August 31, 2022, featuring new in-game achievements and mod support.
  • Enhanced Combat Efficiency Stats introduced on August 31, 2022, allowing better tracking of offensive and defensive battles.
  • New Peace Conference UI launched on August 17, 2022, improving usability during negotiations.
• Balance Changes:
  • Adjustments to Support Companies on May 31, 2023, modified the effectiveness of various units like Flame Tanks and Engineers.
  • Divisional Commanders XP Adjustments implemented on April 13, 2023, streamlined the experience gain and level thresholds for commanders.
• New Modding Options:
  • Balance of Power Feature for Modding introduced on August 31, 2022, allowing for dynamic gameplay creation.

No Step Back DLC launched on November 23, 2021, introducing a wealth of new content and mechanics to Hearts of Iron IV, including 20 new achievements and significant gameplay updates. Additionally, a subscription service for DLC became available, allowing players to access various expansions and cosmetics.

• New Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Overhaul of Peace Conference System: A complete rework improved functionality and user experience during peace conferences on May 4, 2022.
  • Introduction of Limited Points System: Fixed points based on war participation were introduced to enhance conference dynamics.
  • Restoration of the Holy Roman Empire: Added the ability for any nation to join and restore the Holy Roman Empire starting April 1, 2022.

• Expanded Focus Trees:
  • Habsburg Branch: Added to the Generic focus tree on April 1, 2022, allowing players to restore the Habsburg dynasty.
  • Soviet Union Focus Tree Expansion: New branches and paths, including the introduction of Five Year Plans, were added, enhancing the gameplay experience.

• Logistics and Combat Enhancements:
  • Introduction of Railway Guns: New railway guns could be researched and produced, providing strategic advantages from September 8, 2021.
  • Logistics Strike Mission Added: New mission type for CAS and bombers to target enemy supply networks was introduced on September 1, 2021.

• Balance Changes:
  • Experience Generation Changes: Adjustments to military advisors' experience generation were made on June 16, 2021.
  • Supply System Update: A major overhaul allowed divisions to supply from multiple hubs, improving overall supply flow as of June 30, 2021.

• DirectX 11 Support: The game added support for DirectX 11, enhancing performance and visual fidelity starting November 3, 2021.

No Step Back was announced on May 26, 2021, focusing on the Soviet Union and the eastern front, marking a significant content reveal for *Hearts of Iron IV* in this period. Additionally, the Battle for the Bosporus DLC launched on October 15, 2020, bringing new national focus trees for Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Players also welcomed the Tank Designer System on April 28, 2021, allowing for deeper customization of armored units.

• Major DLC Releases:
  • Battle for the Bosporus launched on October 15, 2020, introducing three new countries with unique gameplay mechanics.
  • Eastern Front Music Pack, Immersion Bundle, and Eastern Front Planes Pack were released on June 3, 2021, adding music, cosmetic details, and over 50 new airplane models.

• New Content Introduced:
  • Tank Designer System allowed players to design tanks with specialized attributes.
  • New political focus trees were added for Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia on May 19, 2021, enhancing gameplay options for the Baltic States.
  • New gameplay mechanics included the introduction of Railway Guns and Pirate State Mechanics for Malta.

• Gameplay Mechanics Enhanced:
  • A revamped supply system was introduced, emphasizing logistics and incorporating new features like supply hubs and capturable railways.
  • Updates to the land warfare and logistics systems were planned to enhance overall strategic depth.

• Balance Changes:
  • Adjustments made to logistics impact on combat and weather effects on supply flow improved gameplay realism.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Road to PDXCON event on April 12, 2021, engaged players with a grand campaign alongside other Paradox titles.

La Résistance expansion launched on February 25, 2020, introducing significant new gameplay features focused on espionage and resistance mechanics. This expansion brought a wealth of new content, including unique focus trees for several nations, and revamped the intel system, enhancing strategic depth in gameplay.

• New Content:
  • Expanded Spanish Campaign: Introduced new National Focuses for both Republican and Nationalist Spain, enhancing the Spanish Civil War narrative.
  • Unique Focus Trees for Portugal: Enabled Portugal to restore its naval power and influence during the conflict.
  • Introduction of Recon Units: Added scout planes and armored cars for reconnaissance and suppressing resistance activities.

• New Systems / Mechanics:
  • Espionage Mechanics: Players could train spies and conduct special operations, introducing a new layer of strategy.
  • Collaboration Governments: This feature allowed players to prepare local collaborators in conquered territories, influencing post-war governance.

• Balance & Gameplay Changes:
  • Resistance System Overhaul: Adjusted resistance mechanics to provide a more challenging experience for Germany without direct nerfs.
  • AI Improvements for Invasions: Enhanced AI logic for troop deployment and invasions, particularly for major powers like the USA and Germany.

• Quality of Life Enhancements:
  • New Airwing Reinforcement Options: Players could now select reinforcement strategies for airwings, improving management.
  • Intel Source Decay Mechanic: Introduced a decay system for intel sources, requiring players to actively maintain their intel levels.

• New Music Tracks Added: The expansion included new musical compositions to enrich the gameplay atmosphere.

Man the Guns DLC launched on March 6, 2019, marking a significant expansion that introduced naval-themed content and several new gameplay mechanics. This update included the 1.6 Ironclad update, which revamped naval combat and added the new resource, fuel. Along with these major additions, the Hearts of Iron Radio Pack and the Axis Armor Pack were also released, enhancing the audio and visual experience.

• New Naval Mechanics: The Ship Design Mechanics allowed players to research components and refit vessels, while the Revamped Naval Combat System introduced new mechanics for ship combat.
  • Task Forces for Ship Control: Players could organize ships into task forces for better control during naval missions.
  • Introduction of Fuel as a Resource: Fuel became essential for most vehicles, requiring players to manage oil and synthetic refineries.
• Alternate History Paths: The expansion added new narrative options, including alternate paths for the United States and British Empire, allowing players to explore different historical outcomes.

• Governments in Exile Feature: This new feature enabled players to welcome governments in exile, boosting legitimacy in exchange for manpower and elite troops.

• New Achievements and Content: A total of 21 new achievements were introduced, alongside new national focuses for The Netherlands and Mexico.

• Gameplay Changes: The naval supremacy calculation was revised, affecting how naval strength is assessed based on ship effectiveness in regions, while naval invasions were no longer limited to one per port.

• Balance Updates: The 1.6 Ironclad update included a major free update that adjusted naval warfare mechanics and made wargoal justifications cheaper against nations assisting enemies.

Waking the Tiger launched on March 8, 2018, marking a significant expansion that enhanced gameplay focused on the Chinese Front and introduced new mechanics. This was followed by the Man the Guns expansion announcement on May 19, 2018, which promised to deepen naval warfare and ship design. Additionally, the 1.5 Cornflakes Update released alongside Waking the Tiger, bringing substantial changes to the game for all players.

• New Expansions:
  • Waking the Tiger Expansion Released: Focused on the Chinese Front, introducing new national focuses and gameplay improvements.
  • Man the Guns Expansion Announcement: Set to enhance naval warfare and ship design.
• New Content:
  • Chinese National Focuses: Introduced in the Waking the Tiger expansion, enhancing gameplay and strategy for China.
  • Four New Focus Trees: Added for Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia, allowing players to experience the war from new perspectives.
  • Free DLC 'United and Ready': Released on June 6, 2017, focusing on Poland in celebration of the game's one-year anniversary.

• Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Chain of Command System Implemented: Players can unify armies under a field marshal, utilizing the skills of various generals.
  • Acclimatization Mechanic Introduced: Troops can adapt to extreme environments, providing veterans with advantages.
  • Battlefield Equipment Capture Mechanic: Players can capture equipment during battles, enhancing strategic options.

• Balance Changes:
  • 1.5 Cornflakes Update Released: A major update that included various gameplay adjustments and was available to all players.

• New Voice Overs:
  • Polish Troop Voice Overs Added: Community contributions enhanced the game's audio experience with new voiceovers.

Death or Dishonor Country Pack launched on April 26, 2017, bringing new content focused on Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. This update introduced unique national focus trees and gameplay mechanics. Additionally, the Together for Victory expansion released on December 15, 2016, enhanced gameplay by adding new national focus trees for British Dominions and Commonwealth nations.

• New Content:
  • Yugoslavia Gameplay Mechanics: Introduced new National Spirits affecting national unity and factory output on May 24, 2017.
  • Military Branch Choices: Players can now choose between different military branches for rebuilding on May 3, 2017.
  • Demand Transylvania Event Chain: A detailed event chain with 25 events related to territorial annexation launched on May 3, 2017.
• New Systems / Mechanics:
  • Autonomy System Introduced: A new mechanic allowing nations to assert independence based on subservience levels, implemented in the Together for Victory expansion.
  • License Production Feature: Nations can request licenses to produce foreign equipment in local factories, enhancing strategic gameplay on April 19, 2017.

• Balance & Gameplay Adjustments:
  • Air Wings Overhaul: Air wings were revamped to behave like divisions for easier management on May 17, 2017.
  • Warscore System Overhaul: Changes made to how warscore is earned from battles, improving the importance of combat outcomes on December 7, 2016.

• AI Improvements:
  • Expeditionary Forces Management Overhaul: Enhanced AI management of expeditionary forces for better operational effectiveness on April 26, 2017.
  • AI Improvements for Unit Behavior: Various AI bugs were fixed to improve unit behavior and order assignment on December 7, 2016.