Downloadable content

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Event trigger.pngFor music, cosmetic packs or e-books see Downloadable content 2.
HoI4's DLC Interface.

Downloadable content (DLC) is content built by Paradox Development Studio (PDS) as an extension or add-on to Hearts of Iron IV. They are modular in nature,[1] which means that a player can choose to play with or without a given DLC by checking them out at the launch menu. An expansion DLC is normally accompanied by a free patch that gives players most of the new content as not to hinder the playability of the game. As such, most DLCs are seen as optional content for players who wish to have a better gaming experience in exchange for some monetary support.

Multiplayer games also benefit from this compatibility, that is to say, if the host has a gameplay DLC (expansions and flavor packs) the player does not, the game acts as if the player has it.

Note: Further details on a specific title may be available by clicking on its banner or icon. A quick summary of the major DLC is provided at the bottom of this page.

Base game editions[edit | edit source]

The base game is required for any and all DLC relating to the game. While cosmetic/music DLCs can be used with any game version, content DLCs can't be used prior to the version they were released with.

Title and Quick description Release date

Banner HoI4.jpg

Released on 2016-06-06.
  • Total strategic war: War is not only won on land, sea and in the air. It’s also achieved in the hearts and minds of men and women.
  • Authentic real-time war simulation: Let the greatest commanders of WW2 fight your war with the tools of the time; tanks, planes, ships, guns and newly discovered weapons of mass destruction.
  • Assume control of any nation: Choose from the greatest powers striving for victory, or the small nations trying to weather the storm.
  • Turn the world into your battlefield: Experience the full WWII timespan in a topographical map complete with seasons, weather and terrain. Snow, mud, storms can be both your strong ally and a ruthless enemy.
  • Negotiate or force your will: Experience the advanced politics and diplomacy systems, form factions, engage in trade for resources and appoint ministers to your party.
  • Intense Online Combat: Battle in both competitive and cooperative multiplayer for up to 32 players. Featuring hotjoin and cross-platform multiplayer.
  • Give your nation a unique edge: Experience the flexible technology system, where all major powers get their own unique identity. Develop detailed historic tanks and planes through research and army experience.

Hearts of Iron IV: Ultimate Bundle

  • Hearts of Iron IV: Ultimate Bundle
  • Steam
Includes the base Hearts of Iron IV Hearts of Iron IV game along with the following expansions and cosmetic & music DLC packs:
  • Waking the Tiger Waking the Tiger
  • Man the Guns Man the Guns
  • La Résistance La Résistance
  • Together for Victory Together for Victory
  • Death or Dishonor Death or Dishonor
  • Battle for the Bosporus Battle for the Bosporus
  • Event trigger.png Axis Armor Pack
  • Event trigger.png Allied Speeches Music Pack
  • Event trigger.png Eastern Front Music Pack
  • Event trigger.png Eastern Front Planes Pack
  • Event trigger.png Radio Pack

Expansions[edit | edit source]

Expansions change the game considerably; introducing new and improved gameplay mechanics as well as many kinds of flavor and various balance tweaks (included in the accompanying free patch).

Title and Quick description Release date

Banner Waking the Tiger.jpg

Released on 2018-03-08.
  • National Focus Trees for China: Guide Flag of China China or the Flag of Communist China Communist China through the war, guided by your own vision of the future.
  • Modified Focus Trees: Flag of German Reich German Reich and Flag of Japan Japan, two major Axis powers now have alternate history paths, including the chance to depose Hitler or restore democracy to Japan.
  • General Traits and Abilities: Generals’ traits can now unlock powerful Command Power abilities, allowing great flexibility and creativity.
  • Decisions and Missions: Historical decisions and national missions give new places to spend Political Power, from domestic politics to start special projects.
  • And more: Scavenge equipment from the battlefield, use Volunteer Air Corps, as well as new music and art.

Banner Man the Guns.jpg

Released on 2019-02-28.
  • Major Alternate Paths: Revive the Old Confederacy as the Flag of United States United States and provoke a new civil war, or hasten decolonization of the Flag of United Kingdom British Empire.
  • Ship Design: Research new components and refit older vessels to take advantage of new knowledge. Outfit your submarines with snorkels or improved stealth.
  • Admiral Traits and Skills: Tailor and level up your Admirals with new traits and skills.
  • Governments in Exile: Welcome a government in exile to your democracy, boosting their legitimacy in return for more manpower and elite troops fighting to free their homeland.
  • Other National Focuses: New national focuses for The Flag of Netherlands Netherlands and Flag of Mexico Mexico.
  • Naval Mines: Protect your coasts from invasion or assault with anti-ship mines, or clear a path through enemy mines before you make the big push.
  • Shipping route controls: plot new routes for your shipping and navies by marking areas you want to avoid.
  • Naval Treaties: Struggle to keep the peace by following internationally agreed upon rules, or creatively defy the world consensus by exceeding your limits.
  • Amphibious Landing Vehicles: Add power to your beach landing by researching and producing specialized combat vehicles for your marines.
  • New Music: Original music composed specifically for the Man the Guns expansion.

Banner La Resistance.jpg

Released on 2020-02-25.
  • New Focus Trees for France: New National Focuses for Free Flag of France France and the Flag of Vichy France Vichy France Regime, as well as an option for conservatives to restore the old French Monarchy.
  • More in Depth Spanish Campaign: New National Focuses for Flag of Republican Spain Republican Spain and Flag of Nationalist Spain Nationalist Spain, as well as an expanded Spanish Civil War that can spiral into a wider conflict..
  • Portuguese Focuses: Navigate the pressure of the World War, or involve yourself in the Spanish Conflict with the new Focus Tree for Flag of Portugal Portugal.
  • Espionage: Use your Intelligence Agency to train spies to specialize in certain types of information warfare and develop passive resistance to enemy espionage, then send them on special operations.
  • Support Resistance: Use your agents to assist allied resistance movements, giving them what they need to damage the enemy.
  • Collaboration Governments: Use your agents to prepare the ground for collaborators to fill the void once you’ve conquered your target.
  • Code Cracking: Decrypt enemy communications to gain short term battlefield advantages.
  • Recon units: Scout planes can provide useful information on nearby areas while armored cars help in detecting and suppressing resistance activities.

Banner No Step Back.jpg

Released on 2021-11-23.

The Second World War’s hardest fighting was on the Eastern Front of Europe. This expansion adds greater detail for many nations in Eastern Europe, unique game systems to reflect Soviet politics, and many improvements to the military aspect of the game.

  • New Flag of Soviet Union Soviet National Focuses.
  • New Flag of Poland Polish National Focuses.
  • New Baltic National Focuses: Shared alternate history paths for Flag of Estonia Estonia, Flag of Latvia Latvia and Flag of Lithuania Lithuania, as well as unique paths for each.
  • Army Officer Corps: Build a general staff, drawing on the talents and expertise of available officers to take advantage of changes in technology and tactics.
  • Army Spirits: Emphasize certain characteristics of your military arms, adding general bonuses to certain units types or even aiding division design.
  • Supply System Updates: Scorched Earth tactics, floating harbors and special supply units added to the logistics system.
  • Tank Designer: Design your own armored force using modules prioritizing speed, gun power, armor or even production cost.
  • Railway Guns: Commission the grandest, most prestigious of artillery pieces, uniquely designed to deal with entrenched foes, and fortified positions.

Banner By Blood Alone.jpg

Release on 2022-09-27.

Build a new empire, resist foreign aggression or explore the limits of neutrality. The expansion adds new alternate history options and gameplay variety for three nations, as well as other significant changes.

  • New Flag of Italy Italian Focus Tree: Follow the historical path of Mussolini’s Italy or rewrite history by restoring power to the monarchy, leading a Communist revolution or promoting democracy.
  • New Flag of Ethiopia Ethiopian Focus Tree: Defy the odds to defeat the Italian invader or resist the conqueror from abroad using unique Government in Exile abilities.
  • New Flag of Switzerland Swiss Focus Tree: Surrounded by France, Germany and Italy, the mountain nation of Switzerland finds strength in its neutrality, balancing competing factions and overtures from the great powers.
  • New Peace Conference Options: Demilitarize zones of the map or entire nations, bid on the capital ships of defeated powers, or claim control of enemy resources or factories as reparations.
  • Aircraft Designer: Design and build your own planes, from nimble interceptors that prioritize speed to durable bombers crafted to unload tons of destruction from high above.
  • Unit Medals: A log of each division’s accomplishments lets you track their performance, and even allows you to award unique medals to division commanders for their actions in the field.
  • Embargo Interaction: Embargo your enemies with a new diplomatic interaction, preventing them from trading with you if they have generated enough world tension.
  • New Unit Models: Over 20 new unit models for Italy, Ethiopia, and Switzerland
  • New Plane Models: 67 new plane models
  • 12 New Music Tracks

Country packs[edit | edit source]

Country packs are expansions of a smaller scale. Unlike regular expansions which focus on adding new gameplay mechanics country packs' main focal point is on adding more flavor to the game (in addition to the accompanying free patch).

Title and Quick description Release date

Banner Together for Victory.jpg

Released on 2016-12-15.
  • New national focus trees and events: Focus trees for Flag of Canada Canada, Flag of Australia Australia, Flag of New Zealand New Zealand, the Flag of British Raj British Raj (India) and Flag of South Africa South Africa.
  • Alternate historical path: For each of the Dominions, with options to stay loyal to Great Britain, or forge a new, more independent destiny.
  • New autonomy system: Giving subject states degrees of independence from a foreign master.
  • Changes to Lend-Lease: Allows to ask allies to send you your desperately needed equipment.
  • A Spearhead battleplan command: Allowing more control over grand encirclements and punching through enemy lines.
  • Technology sharing: Allows Commonwealth nations to quickly catch up with British assistance.

Banner Death or Dishonor.jpg

Released on 2017-06-14.
  • Four New Focus Trees: Experience the war from the difficult perspectives of Flag of Hungary Hungary, Flag of Romania Romania, Flag of Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia, and Flag of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia.
  • Equipment Conversion: Update your arsenal by converting older units - or make use of captured enemy vehicles and gear.
  • New Diplomatic Interactions: License military technology to bring other nations' weapons to the field or sell your advances to the highest bidder.
  • New Puppet Interactions: Fascist countries get new subject levels like Reichskommissariat, with access to licenses, industry and strategic resources. The instated governments are held in an iron grip, making it harder for them to break free.
  • New Music and Art: 3 new thematic musical tracks from composer Andreas Waldetoft, new art content for the four focus nations, and new troop voiceovers.

Banner Battle for the Bosporus.jpg

Released on 2020-10-15.

New dedicated national focus trees to the minor powers around the Black Sea and the Aegean. Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey can each chart unique historical and alternate history paths as they resist efforts by the major powers to dominate the strategic sea-lanes of the Bosporus and Dardanelles.

  • National Focus Tree for Flag of Bulgaria Bulgaria: Balance the factions in a divided land or reclaim territory lost in 1919. Follow the historical alliance with Germany or resist the German pressures on Tsar Boris, standing up for a free Bulgaria.
  • National Focus Tree for Flag of Greece Greece: Riven by political division, Greek neutrality is maintained by the controversial Metaxas. Build a strong relationship with the Allies under the guidance of King George II, follow arch-conservatives into fascism or restore the glories of Greek Empire in the east.
  • National Focus Tree for Flag of Turkey Turkey: Robbed of its empire in the last war, what future is there for Turkey in a new one? Continue or halt the reforms of Kemalism, stand as the protector of the Balkans in a new regional faction, restore the Sultan to the throne or found a new Islamic state.
  • New Music Tracks.
  • New Models: 3D Unit Models for Balkan and Turkish armies.
  • Unique voiceovers for Flag of Bulgaria Bulgaria, Flag of Greece Greece and Flag of Turkey Turkey.

Flavor packs[edit | edit source]

Flavor packs add new events, event pictures and unit models often specific to one nation or group.

Title and Quick description Release date
Poland: United and Ready
  • Poland: United and Ready
  • (A free DLC[2])
Released on 2016-06-06.

Focuses on Flag of Poland Poland

  • Adds a unique national focus tree.
  • 3D art for infantry and some more well known tanks and planes.
  • 2D art for tanks & planes, complete with flavor names.
  • 2D art for ministers, generals and country leaders.
  • Complete Polish voice acting for military units.
  • Some additional events.

Music, cosmetics and E-books[edit | edit source]

Main article: Downloadable content 2

Additional content is available for the game in the form of music and cosmetic packs, as well as e-books for reading outside of the game.

Summary[edit | edit source]

DLC New flavour[* 1] Reworked flavour[* 2] Designer Systems Battle planner & missions Quality of life Other
Poland: United and Ready Flag of Poland Poland
Together for Victory Together for Victory Flag of Australia Australia
Flag of Dominion of Canada Canada
Flag of New Zealand New Zealand
Flag of British Raj British Raj (India)
Flag of South Africa South Africa
Commonwealth autonomy

Technology sharing

Spearhead Combat Log enhancements

Lend-Lease requests

Death or Dishonor Death or Dishonor Flag of Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia
Flag of Hungary Hungary
Flag of Romania Romania
Flag of Yugoslavia Yugoslavia
Fascist puppet states Production licenses

Equipment conversion techs

Waking the Tiger Waking the Tiger Flag of Communist ChinaFlag of China China
Flag of Guangxi CliqueFlag of ShanxiFlag of Sinkiang Flag of Xibei San Ma Flag of Yunnan
Chinese warlords
Flag of Manchukuo Manchukuo
Flag of Germany Germany
Flag of Japan Japan

Border wars
Japanese puppet states
Military attachés

Air supply
Command Power combat boosts
Strategic bombing prioritization
Division consolidation
Minimap
Multiplayer pings
Acclimatized uniforms
Air volunteers
Army icons
Prospecting for resources
Man the Guns Man the Guns Flag of Mexico Mexico
Flag of Netherlands Netherlands
Flag of United Kingdom United Kingdom
Flag of United States United States
Ships Governments-in-exile
Naval treaties
Sea zone control
Expeditionary force requests
Minelaying & minesweeping
Amphibious vehicles
Faction leadership usurpation
Pride of the fleet
Supervised states
La Résistance La Résistance Flag of Portugal Portugal
Flag of Spain Spain
Flag of France France Intelligence agencies Air reconnaissance Armored cars
Collaboration governments
Scout planes
Battle for the Bosporus Battle for the Bosporus Flag of Bulgaria Bulgaria
Flag of Greece Greece
Flag of Turkey Turkey
No Step Back No Step Back Flag of Estonia Estonia
Flag of Latvia Latvia
Flag of Lithuania Lithuania
Flag of Poland Poland
Flag of Soviet Union Soviet Union
Tanks Military spirits
Preferred tactics
Logistics strike Floating harbors
Railway guns
Train variants
Scorched earth
By Blood Alone By Blood Alone Flag of Ethiopia Ethiopia
Flag of Switzerland Switzerland
Flag of Italy Italy Planes Divisional commanders
Unit medals
Peace Conference extra demands
Trade embargos
All of the above DLC include Achievements except Poland: United and Ready.
  1. New flavour countries generally receive a National Focus tree, ideas (such as political advisors and design companies), unique generals and admirals, 2D pictures and 3D models of their equipment, unique decisions and events, and music inspired by these cultures. Voice overs (activated when a player clicks on units) are added if they are not in the base game.
  2. Reworked countries already have unique content in the base game (or an earlier DLC), but here they receive additional alt-historical branches in their National Focus tree, additional decisions and events, and (except for the UK) a unique mechanic to model the politics of that country.

File names[edit | edit source]

List of DLC files in the /Hearts of Iron IV/dlc folder (bold names are expansions):

  • dlc001 – Historical German Portraits
  • dlc002 – Poland: United and Ready
  • dlc003 – Rocket Launcher Unit Pack
  • dlc004 – Famous Battleships Unit Pack
  • dlc005 – Heavy Cruisers Unit Pack
  • dlc006 – Soviet Tanks Unit Pack
  • dlc007 – German Tanks Unit Pack
  • dlc008 – French Tanks Unit Pack
  • dlc009 – British Tanks Unit Pack
  • dlc010 – US Tanks Unit Pack
  • dlc011 – German March Order Music Pack
  • dlc012 – Allied Radio Music Pack
  • dlc013 – Sabaton Soundtrack
  • dlc014 – Wallpaper
  • dlc016 – Art of War (e-book)
  • dlc018 – Together for Victory
  • dlc019 – Sabaton Soundtrack Vol.2
  • dlc020 – Death or Dishonor
  • dlc021 – Anniversary Pack
  • dlc022 – Waking the Tiger
  • dlc023 – Man the Guns
  • dlc024 – Man the Guns wallpaper
  • dlc025 - Axis armor pack
  • dlc026 - Radio pack
  • dlc027 - La Resistance preorder bonus
  • dlc028 – La Resistance
  • dlc029 - Allied armor pack
  • dlc030 - Allied speeches pack
  • dlc031 - Battle for the Bosporus
  • dlc032 - Eastern Fronts Planes Pack
  • dlc033 - Songs of the Eastern Front
  • dlc034 - No Step Back
  • dlc035 – No Step Back preorder bonus

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Forum, "A new patching and expansion policy for Paradox Development Studio", 2011-09-26
  2. Forum, Development Diary 57 - Poland: United and Ready, 2016-05-20 | DLC is added automatically to the base game