Deal | “What-if simulator”: World War II grand strategy for $15 on Steam

Hearts of Iron IV was developed by Swedish studio Paradox Interactive, best known for deep grand strategy series such as Europa Universalis and Crusader Kings. Over the years, the studio has earned a loyal following among strategy fans thanks to the depth, complexity and freedom its games offer. HoI IV is no exception – few games simulate World War II in such extensive detail. The title is 70% off on Steam until May 11, reducing the price from $49.99 to $14.99. According to SteamDB, this matches the game’s usual discount level.

Players take control of a nation during World War II and oversee politics, economics, research, diplomacy and warfare. History can either follow its real-world course or be rewritten entirely. More than 100 countries are playable. Alongside major powers such as the United States, Germany and the Soviet Union, players can also choose smaller nations that historically played a lesser role – though that can quickly change in Hearts of Iron IV.

Gameplay focuses on large-scale strategy rather than individual battles. Players manage factories, resources, research, air forces, navies and armies, while planning front lines and coordinating offensives across a massive world map. National Focuses and political decisions significantly shape the course of a campaign and allow for countless alternate-history scenarios. Great Britain, for example, can turn fascist, while Germany may forge entirely different alliances.

Hearts of Iron IV was released in June 2016 and has since accumulated more than 376,000 user reviews on Steam, 88% of which are positive. German gaming magazine PC Games described the title as a “what-if simulator” and praised its believable historical simulation, the wide variety of playable nations and the useful AI generals. Criticism focused on the steep learning curve, cluttered interface and occasionally overcomplicated controls. The editorial team ultimately awarded the game a score of 8 out of 10. Although HoI IV is rated as “Playable” on the Steam Deck, its interface and controls are clearly designed for mouse and keyboard.

As with most Paradox Interactive titles, Hearts of Iron IV has received numerous DLC expansions since launch. The Ultimate Bundle includes 17 of them and is currently available at a 45% discount for $93.70 instead of $169.98. Alternatively, players can subscribe to the DLC service for $7.99 per month.

By the way: Stellaris – the sci-fi cousin of Hearts of Iron IV – is also currently on sale on Steam and available for just under $10 with a 75% discount.

Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.