Hearts of Iron IV is the latest installment in the series of grand strategy games developed by Paradox. The game takes the players once again into the heart of World War II as one of the various nations that participated in it. Throughout the gameplay, the player will shape the history of their faction, leading to outcomes quite unlike the ones known from history lessons.
Hearts of Iron IV is an excellent example of a grand strategy game genre. The player has to make decisions about the well-being of their people, diplomatic relationships, and combat tactics. Over the years, many excellent games grand strategy games have been released. On our list, you’ll find six of the best strategy games like Hearts of Iron IV.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Crusader Kings III | 2020-09-01 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Crusader Kings III | Royal Edition | 2020-09-01 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Sid Meier's Civilization VI | 2016-10-20 | Economy | Firaxis Games |
 | Sid Meier's Civilization VI | Platinum Edition | 2016-10-20 | Economy | Firaxis Games |
 | Europa Universalis IV | 2013-08-13 | Economy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Steel Division 2 Standard Edition | 2019-06-20 | Indie | Eugen Systems |
 | Steel Division 2 Commander Deluxe Edition | 2019-06-20 | Indie | Eugen Systems |
 | Company of Heroes 2 | 2013-06-25 | Strategy | Relic Entertainment |
 | Company of Heroes 2 - Platinum Edition | 2013-06-25 | Strategy | Relic Entertainment |
 | Panzer Corps 2 | 2020-03-19 | Strategy | Flashback Games |
Crusader Kings III
| Released | 2020-09-01 |
| Genre | grand strategy game |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
Developed by the same team as Hearts of Iron IV, Crusader Kings III is the latest game in the popular series of historical grand strategies set in the Middle Ages. In the game, the player controls one of the nations during the period of the titular crusades. The game features elements of dynasty simulation, through which the player influences the fate of their noble family.
Like many grand strategy titles, CK III aims to represent the specificities of the time period in as much detail as possible. The player will have to juggle various mechanics in order to progress through the game, including managing their kingdom, forming armies to conquer neighboring lands, and deciding upon various religious and political matters that will influence the future of their dynasty.
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Sid Meiers Civilization VI
| Released | 2016-10-20 |
| Genre | grand strategy game |
| Developer | Firaxis Games |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
The Civilization series is a classic representative of the grand strategy game genre. The sixth installment gives the player yet another chance to lead one of the budding civilizations of the world to a glorious and prosperous future. Civilization VI introduced several changes to the gameplay, which the fan of the series will definitely enjoy.
The sixth game in the Civilization series develops upon the mechanics introduced in the previous installment. The use of the hex-based grid is expanded with several changes that make the gameplay feel less cluttered (for example, city districts must now be placed on separate grids). Various other aspects of the game have also been improved, including the boost of technological progress of the player’s civilization and greater odds at achieving a cultural victory. All these changes make Civ VI the most complete game in the long-running series.
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Europa Universalis IV
| Released | 2013-08-13 |
| Genre | grand strategy game |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
Despite its title, Europa Universalis IV doesn’t limit itself to the countries of the Old Continent. The player can choose one of several nations of the world and lead them in conquering the in-game world. The game offers the player various ways to do that, including conquering the world through military, diplomatic, and economic power.
Many gameplay aspects of EU IV are similar to Crusader Kings III, except for managing the player’s dynasty. Both games focus on conquering the world and making various decisions about ruling their nation. Various political and religious systems are available for the player to choose from. Also, unlike CK III, which took several liberties from the world’s history, Europa Universalis IV allows the player to participate in historical events important to their chosen nation.
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Steel Division 2
| Released | 2019-06-20 |
| Genre | real-time strategy |
| Developer | Eugen Systems |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
We’ve finally made it to modern times. The first WWII game on our list is Steel Division 2, a real-time strategy developed by Eugen Systems. The game follows the events of Operation Bagration – a large-scale campaign against Nazi Germany led by the advancing Red Army forces. The game features a single-player mode, or “Dynamic Strategic Campaigns”, and a multiplayer, in which up to 20 players can face off against each other in teams of 10.
Steel Division 2 features 25 full-scale maps upon which the major battles of the operation take place. Unlike the previous installment of the series, the game features turn-based elements in the form of a day-and-night cycle. The player can choose between the Axis and the Allies, which allows them to experience the battles from different perspectives and perhaps reach different results. Steel Division 2 is an excellent title for the fans of WWII RTS games.
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Company of Heroes 2
| Released | 2013-06-25 |
| Genre | real-time strategy |
| Developer | Relic Entertainment |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
Relic Entertainment’s Company of Heroes 2 is another real-time strategy game set during World War II. Unlike the previous game on our list, CoH 2 puts the players in the shoes of the Red Army soldiers on the Eastern Front, without an option to play as their opponents. Throughout the game, the player will participate in various operations the Red Army had a major input in – including Operation Barbarossa, Battle of Stalingrad, and culminating with the Fall of Berlin. The game’s story is told through the flashbacks of a Red Army lieutenant interrogated in a Soviet gulag.
The developers of Company of Heroes 2 introduced several changes compared to the first game, which includes a modified way of gathering resources, improved physics of buildings, and implementation of weather-related mechanics. The game tries to tackle various cruel realities of fighting in the Red Army. For example, the harsh weather conditions of the Russian winter may lead soldiers to death from hypothermia and frostbite. Stalin’s infamous order no. 227, by which retreat against orders was punishable by death, is also present as a gameplay mechanic. In summary, Company of Heroes 2 is a great real-time strategy game for the enthusiasts of the harsh realities of World War II.
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Panzer Corps 2
| Released | 2020-03-19 |
| Genre | turn-based strategy |
| Developer | Flashback Games |
| Game modes | single-player, multiplayer |
Panzer Corps 2 is a unique member of our list as its campaign features only the Axis forces (with the Allies available in multiplayer) and allows the player to participate in various scenarios based on the most important operations of that army throughout the war. The game includes 1000 units the player can use against their enemies, including ground troops, artillery, air force, etc.
Panzer Corps 2 features a multiplayer mode in which the players can take on each other in PvP or co-op modes. The game offers various multiplayer options, including a usual online multiplayer, a play-by-email option powered by Slitherine, and more. Combined with the robust single-player campaign, it makes Panzer Corps 2 a game hard to pass on by all the fans of World War II strategies.
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The wheels of war go round and round
Our list features not only the games that relate to the subject matter of Hearts of Iron IV – that is, World War II – but also excellent examples of other strategy games set in different time periods. Whether you’re a fan of WWII theatre or prefer something more ancient or medieval – our list has got you covered. Take your time to choose one, or two, or all of the titles from our list and enjoy hours of strategic gameplay with games like HOI IV.