Hearts of Iron 4 is a name that needs no introduction, as it stands as one of the most iconic World War II real-time strategy games on the market. This reputation has been built through the efforts of a dedicated development team and a passionately engaged fanbase. The community has modded the game to include nearly every imaginable fictional and non-fictional scenario, including popular alternate history mods like “Kaiser Reich: Legacy of the Welt Krieg” and “Red Flood.” These mods have become staples in the community, loved by many, and are likely a key influence behind the upcoming expansion, Götterdämmerung. This new expansion explores an alternate history where Germany won the war through superior technological power. Still, it’s more than just a single theme, it also brings numerous updates for all the German factions and much more.
This new expansion is solely focused on the German States and its tributaries, with a major focus being on Germany itself. Players will have to rebuild the German nation from scratch after the Great War. A task that will be made easier with the new systems, such as a revamped focus tree and the Inner Circle. The latter of which is unique to Germany as it will hold the most influential people of the political party. This will also give players more control over who to support and bring to the position of supreme commander. Or if you fancy the old ways, you can also reinstate the Kaiser and bring back the monarchy. But in the end, it will be the player’s choice, as the decisions they make could either follow the historical timeline. Or bring about a new future unlike any other.
But Germany isn’t the only one getting a revamp, as Austria, Hungary, Belgium, and The Congo are also included in the expansion. Players can now lead Austria and Hungary back to glory after the disastrous defeat in the Great War. Or resurrect the Austria-Hungary Empire to dominate central Europe once more. Alternatively, the player can also choose to take them in a new direction such as becoming the shield for democracy or spreading the propaganda of communism. Each country will get a new focus tree and all new historical units. Other than these two The Congo and Belgium are also getting a rework, as the former can now form an independent nation. While the latter will have to industrialize at a rapid pace to fend off the Axis powers.
Aside from nation revamps and some graphical updates, we are also getting brand-new systems introduced in the game. As the Special Projects and Raids, each of which can be used by any nation. Special Projects give every nation a fair chance at winning, as they introduce new technology and super weapons. While the Raids if used correctly can hinder or completely stop the progression of your enemies. Both of these will be pivotal for players to realize their alternative history goals.
This new expansion is not only a testament to the popularity of Hearts of Iron 4. But it also shows that the developers are still attentive to the needs of the players. Paradox Interactive does have a major problem with its DLC pricing. But Götterdämmerung shows they are taking a step in the right direction, for both the community and the game.
