Country Pack - Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires is a country pack DLC for the grand strategy simulation Hearts of Iron IV. Released on March 4, 2025, alongside patch 1.16, it expands the game with new national focus trees for nations in West, Central, and South Asia. Players explore paths of resistance against imperial powers while pursuing national rebirth across the region between the Euphrates and the Gulf of Bengal.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on national focus trees that guide diplomatic maneuvers, internal management, and military decisions during the World War II era. For Iran, the tree emphasizes resisting Soviet and British pressure while opening routes toward a modernized Persian Empire. India receives an extensive tree centered on independence struggles, with branches that include corporate revival options or restorations of historical empires alongside the Princely States. Iraq involves balancing ethnic and religious groups as a British client state, with options to pursue pan-Arab nationalism and develop oil resources. Afghanistan offers choices between continued isolation or accelerated industrial growth in its mountainous terrain.
These trees integrate with existing systems for resource allocation, faction management, and alternate historical outcomes. New unit models, including infantry variants and vehicles with distinctive regional elements, accompany the content along with updated leader portraits and artwork.
Game Modes
The DLC operates within the base game's established frameworks rather than introducing separate modes. Single-player campaigns allow full exploration of the new focus trees and regional scenarios in isolation or as part of larger global conflicts. Multiplayer support carries over from the core title, enabling cooperative or competitive sessions where up to 32 participants engage across platforms.
Focus tree choices shape both historical fidelity and divergent paths, such as siding with different alliances or pursuing independent dominions, all within the same overarching structure of diplomacy, production, and warfare.
Key Additions
Beyond the focus trees, the pack supplies a range of visual updates tailored to the featured countries. These include expanded art assets, leader portraits, and 3D models for infantry and vehicles that reflect local characteristics. The emphasis remains on deepening play with Iran, the British Raj, Iraq, and Afghanistan without altering foundational mechanics.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception has been overwhelmingly negative according to aggregated user reviews, with only 15 percent positive ratings. Critics have pointed to the focus trees as lengthy and less engaging compared to prior content. The pack suits players already invested in Hearts of Iron IV who seek specific expansions for these Asian nations and their alternate history options. Those prioritizing broad mechanical innovations or higher production polish may find the offering limited in scope. Continued patches following release address some feedback, though the overall player response remains mixed.
