Can you believe it’s been ten years since Hearts of Iron 4 first launched? Yet, developer Paradox isn’t slowing down one bit! This grand strategy behemoth, often hailed as one of the finest World War II games ever made, consistently holds a top spot on Steam’s most-played charts, drawing over 50,000 daily players – putting it right up there with giants like Elden Ring Nightreign, GTA 5, and Helldivers 2. Now, Paradox is focusing on its second ‘expansion pass’ bundle, which kicks off this November with an exciting new DLC that unlocks incredible potential for Japan, China, and the Philippines.
Dubbed “No Compromise, No Surrender,” this expansion is the star of Hearts of Iron 4 Expansion Pass 2, shining a spotlight directly on three pivotal nations in the Asian theater of World War II. Playing as Japan, you’ll gain the power to dominate the Pacific, dismantle Western influence, and carve out a new future for the region as you see fit. Building on recently introduced faction redesigns, your objectives will include securing vital energy resources, establishing absolute naval supremacy, suppressing any uprisings, and meticulously managing your industrial output.
For those commanding China, you’ll face a momentous choice: pursue a Communist focus tree to overthrow the old regime and forge a unified nation, or opt for a Nationalist path to consolidate power by crushing warlords and revitalizing the republic. Whichever you choose, you’ll need every strategic advantage to confront both internal dissent and external imperial threats.
Finally, the Philippines enters the fray. Your primary challenge will be to defend these vital islands from foreign invaders seeking to exploit your rich resources, battling fiercely to achieve true independence. However, the expansion also presents captivating alternate-history scenarios, enabling you to forge alliances with former adversaries, trading your abundant resources for crucial military backing and the promise of lasting peace.
Looking ahead, Expansion Pass 2 promises three additional exciting DLC drops. Kicking off in Q1 2026, “Warships of the Pacific” will introduce stunning new cosmetic art for a variety of battleships and other naval vessels, including some truly legendary designs. Following in Q2, “Thunder at our Gates” will enhance the gameplay for Australia, Siam, and Indonesia with updated focus trees, new military headquarters mechanics, and fresh navy captain options.
And finally, later this year, “Peace for our Time” will bring a significant overhaul for Czechoslovakia. This DLC features new focus trees that dare to “imagine a world where the White Lion of Prague was prepared to face German aggression.” But that’s not all – Paradox has fantastic news for naval warfare fans: their acclaimed 2019 naval expansion, “Man the Guns,” will soon be free for all players, granting access to its innovative ship designer and other crucial features.
Mark your calendars: the Hearts of Iron 4 DLC No Compromise, No Surrender arrives on Thursday, November 20. This expansion is part of the Expansion Pass 2 bundle, priced at $48.77 / £40.99, which immediately grants you the Seaplane Tenders unit art, plus three upcoming additions: Warships of the Pacific, Thunder at our Gates, and Peace for our Time.
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