Hearts Of Iron 4: Best Countries For Beginners (2024)

Hearts of Iron 4 has become a much more complex game since its initial release in 2016. Players now have more control than ever over their nations in the lead-up to the 20th century's greatest catastrophe, the Second World War. Fans have a diverse plethora of countries to choose from, many of them containing their own unique National Focus Trees.

Since Hearts of Iron 4 can be so complex, beginners may be a little intimidated when it comes to choosing their first country. Starting a new game with an easy nation is the best way to learn the ropes without getting frustrated. Luckily, there are a few choices that stand out from the pack.

Updated on August 11, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Hearts of Iron 4 having just released its first Content Creator Pack in the form of Soviet Union 2D Art, fans of the acclaimed grand strategy can give their experience a USSR-themed twist with quite a lot of new icons for National Focus, Ships, Tanks, and even Planes that both history enthusiasts and newcomers may appreciate. However, newcomers who want to maximize their Hearts of Iron 4 experience can take things up a notch by learning the game’s best mechanics through must-try countries. Depending on their choice, players may be treated to a challenging encounter that tests their mettle in order to overcome, or to a more chill experience where they can experiment with the game’s mechanics to fully learn their intricacies.

9 Mexico

Stop Civil Wars, Conquer The World Afterwards

Given the geopolitics of Mexico at the start of Hearts of Iron 4 playthroughs, its status as a Guarantee of the United States makes it a relatively protected nation. War Goals scattered across the North and South as well as potential Cores in Central America can give Mexico access to decent territory on top of powerful Manpower and Industry. It’s possible to slowly build up to become a power strong enough to match the United States before the Allies could even react.

While it’s true that Mexico constantly has to juggle its religious leanings in order to trigger Civil Wars, their occurrences shouldn’t give players a lot of disadvantages in the long run. Players who want to train in Hearts of Iron 4 warfare should consider investing in Central America, as United Kingdom’s stake in Belize will Guarantee nearby Democracies and aid players.

8 Argentina

Watch The War Unfold At A Distance

The lack of general activity in South America throughout Hearts of Iron 4 gameplay can make Argentina an attractive starter nation. Since it’s likely to be Guaranteed by the United States, it’s possible for players to capitalize on Argentina’s Army and Navy against nearby Brazil and Chile and expand outward with relative safety.

Due to their safe position, players should start an Argentina playthrough by focusing on their Industry to boost their Civilian and Military Factories and overall Infrastructure. As Argentina is a Neutral nation, they can unlock the Fascist parts of the Focus Tree while avoiding the Ideology by countering with Democratic or Communist Ministers. By doing this, players can benefit from the aggressive-leaning benefits of Fascism without going full into the route. This position also enables players to choose whichever Ideology they desire, be it full Fascist and join the Axis, Communist and join the Comintern, or siding with the Allies.

7 Nationalist China

Start As An Underdog Victor, Continue The Momentum

Despite starting fractured due to threats from Japan and being torn by civil wars, Nationalist China has many opportunities to dominate Hearts of Iron 4 gameplay with its sheer manpower and production. Should players learn how to counter Japan’s invasion, they may very well turn the tide and take Japan for themselves and start their own global conquest.

Nationalist China’s clear goal of having to defend itself from Japan makes the country an excellent way of learning Land Warfare and overall Production. The initial war against Japan is fairly straightforward, as China has the northeast and the coast to look after and the manpower to actually mount a sizable defense. Despite the focus on Japan, Nationalist China remains a Major and therefore possesses a decent economy and strong potential for growth.

6 German Reich

Play More Proactively For More Impact

Due to the nature of Germany as a Major, beginners should consider using the country to learn how to be more proactive in their Hearts of Iron 4 gameplay. Its straightforward Focus Tree allows players to reap benefits while learning the game’s mechanics, and Germany’s initial allies can act as a safety net to develop its already-promising Industry before starting any wars.

5 Sweden

No Immediate Danger With A Lot Of Resources To Use

New players may want to seriously consider one of the historically neutral countries of WW2 (with Historical AI turned on). With this in mind, Sweden represents a solid choice. Out of all the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is the most powerful. Unlike Denmark, Norway, and Finland, the Swedes are in no immediate danger from the Germans or Soviets.

Although Sweden lacks a huge manpower pool, it can make use of several valuable natural resources, particularly Steel and Tungsten. Its army and navy are small, but also easy to manage. New players can practice experimenting with division templates and ship/aircraft design without having to worry about being thrust into war in a handful of years.

Sweden also utilizes a generic Focus Tree, which is useful since the generic trees are straightforward to understand. Thus, beginners can familiarize themselves with how bonuses work in relation to their military and industrial capabilities. Lastly, beginners can practice their first war with one of Sweden's weaker neighbors, such as Denmark or Finland.

4 Portugal

Use A Smaller Country To Get To Know The Game’s Mechanics

Like Sweden, Portugal is another country that historically maintained its neutrality during WW2. Assuming that fans are playing with the Historical AI, Portugal occupies a safe position on the Iberian peninsula; Spain is its only neighbor. Portugal also has a few colonies spread across the map, so players can familiarize themselves with the Subjects mechanic. Their dominions aren't as far-flung as Great Britain's colonies, so players will have an easier time learning the basics.

Portugal has a fun and unique National Focus Tree, giving new players a sense of direction in terms of how they want to rule their country. Beginners can get a sense of how the Ship Designer feature works since Portugal's navy is minuscule. Finally, players with an eye for expansion may want to consider a war against Spain, which is often militarily exhausted after their civil war.

3 Kingdom Of Hungary

Multi-Directional Frontline

New players who want to try taking a more direct role in WW2 instead of sitting on the sidelines may want to try the Kingdom of Hungary. Although they start the game in 1936 as a small nation, they have several opportunities to expand considerably. Hungary is also a landlocked country, so players who don't want to fool around with a navy can rest easy.

The Kingdom of Hungary's National Focus Tree can take players in several different directions. Among other paths, players can try to restore the old Austro-Hungarian Empire with the Habsburgs at the helm. Beginners who want to follow a more historical route can align themselves with Germany, which is an ascendant power in the early game. This should give players enough extra time to build up their industry and military before the war between Germany and the Soviet Union.

2 Dominion Of Canada

Stick With The Allies And The Protection Of US

Fans who want to give one of the Allied nations a shot should consider the Dominion of Canada. As part of the British Empire, Canada stands firm with its mother country as well as the other Dominions, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Whereas Great Britain and France will be in the thick of the fighting at the outset, Canada is geographically safe with the United States to the south.

Much of Canada's National Focus Tree revolves around ramping up the country's industry, technology, military, and infrastructure. As such, beginners will get a great sense of how to properly apply bonuses/buffs when it comes to production. This sort of knowledge will come in handy later when trying to play as harder nations.

Canada has valuable natural resources of its own and doesn't lack suitable trade partners. Beginners should stick with the Allies in their struggle with the Axis. However, players who become more confident of the game mechanics should try one of the ahistorical paths for a more memorable playthrough.

1 United States

A Sleeping Giant With A Lot Of Power To Manage

The United States is a great country for beginners who want to take their skills to the next level. Like Canada, the U.S. is geographically protected by the expansive Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. itself is physically huge with a wealth of natural resources and manpower at its disposal. America's landmass makes building civilian and military factories a breeze. An intimidating navy also sits in its harbors. The U.S. isn't called "the sleeping giant" for nothing.

Now, the U.S. has a lot to manage. War with the Axis is guaranteed when playing with the Historical AI. Nevertheless, America's unbounded potential for waging war, along with its alliances with the other Allied nations, makes it a powerful threat. Just like in real life, the Axis will struggle to out-produce the U.S.

Hearts of Iron 4

Grand Strategy

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

June 6, 2016

Developer(s)

Paradox Development Studio

Publisher(s)

Paradox Interactive

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op

ESRB

Everyone 10+

Number of Players

1-32