It's astonishing to think that Hearts of Iron 4 is now more than eight years old – indeed, it's lasted longer than the very conflict it's based on. But Paradox's defining World War II grand strategy game is only getting bigger as it prepares to launch the next HoI 4 DLC, Götterdämmerung. This next expansion pack is focused on expanding the German and Austrian focus trees, alongside new options for Hungary and Belgium, and the developer explains how the latter of these is being brought to the forefront.
"I very much wanted to see this nation given more content in the game because they contributed so much, but are often so little known," grand strategy game's new Belgian focus tree presents "the real story of the plucky underdog" during the events of World War II. It gives you the ability to have Belgium hold out against German rule, or even fight back against it in exile, and to showcase its close relationship with Congo.
Belgium starts out keenly feeling the effects of the Great War. Its countryside is scarred with trenches, its economy is struggling, and its government is rife with corruption. Despite this, it boasts a powerful military force, but lacks naval or air superiority. Progressive industry mandates such as the 40-hour work week and paid vacations open the door for some potentially impressive economic scaling if handled correctly, and it has adopted a policy of neutrality across all nations in an attempt to avoid any future conflicts.
Of course, as WW2 begins to take shape, you'll have to determine how best to proceed. In the wake of corruption scandals, do you attempt to form a unified leadership with the former ruling party of Paul van Zeeland, or have Emile Vandervelde's Labor Party pursue a minority government? Do you opt for a royal intervention on the part of King Leopold III?
Should Belgium fall to German rule with the surrender of the King, you'll still have ways to continue playing. You can adopt the more historic route and declare the King to be unfit to reign, centralizing your resistance efforts around the government-in-exile in London, then using resources based in Congo to reclaim your nation. Alternatively, you could use the King's status as a political prisoner to solidify the Belgian resistance movement around a monarchist tentpole.
Perhaps you'll choose to one of the Fascist groups, whether to build up and solidify Belgium as a world power itself, or to expand its interests further. Or maybe a Socialist or Communist approach is in your future – especially if you've favored the minority government. You could turn to the Soviets to look for allies, Kay hypothesizes, or instead attempt to rally to form what will become the European Union.
The Hearts of Iron 4 Gotterdammerung expansion launches on Thursday November 14. It's also part of the game's first expansion bundle, which you can buy now for $36.99 / £31.19 and includes a country pack, a prototype vehicles unit pack, and two additional bonuses. You'll find it right here.
Alternatively, try another of the best management games instead.
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