Hearts of Iron IV review

Hearts of Iron IV is the best pure strategy war game here. Paradox describes it as a grand strategy wargame in which you lead any nation of World War II, build an industrial base and alliances, and plan the war almost down to the rivets, including your own division templates, research and factory orders. Alternate history paths open up from your choices. The $49.99 Steam purchase now includes the base game and four expansions: Death or Dishonor, Together for Victory, Waking the Tiger and Man the Guns. English reviews are Very Positive at 90% of 124,374, the highest share on this list, and the game runs on 4 GB of RAM on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is not for everyone: there is no first-person or tactical battle view, mouse and keyboard are required, and the systems take hours to learn. Recent reviews are also lower at 67%.

Who it is for

Strategy fans who want to run an entire war, from factories to front lines.

Price

$49.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store), includes four expansions.

strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history. $49.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Take command of any nation in World War II
• Design division templates and plan military strategy
• Research, production and diplomacy systems
• Base purchase includes four expansion packs
• Multiplayer with up to 32 other players

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Highest review score on the list: 90% of 124,374 English reviews positive
• Strength: Runs on 4 GB RAM and 2 GB of storage
• Strength: Windows, macOS and Linux support
• Weakness: Steep learning curve, and Steam notes mouse and keyboard are required
• Weakness: No real-time tactical battlefield view
• Weakness: Recent reviews are lower at 67% of 2,200

Key facts

• Developer: Paradox Development Studio
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• Released on Steam: June 6, 2016
• Metascore (Steam data): 83
• Minimum RAM: 4 GB

Where it ranks

Hearts of Iron IV is No. 4 in our Best War Games verdict.