Since Hearts of Iron 4 takes place during World War 2, it should not be surprising that the title allows players to use nukes. While most strategy games allow players to utilize atomic bombs, Hearts of Iron 4 does not make it a simple feat; however, players are not expected to excel in physics and chemistry to get nukes.

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Players who want to use nukes in Hearts of Iron 4 will need to do some research. Additionally, they will need special technology and the necessary resources to get nukes. Fortunately, this guide will illustrate how players can get and use nukes along with other helpful tidbits.

How to Get Nukes in Hearts of Iron 4

By Blood Alone Expansion Concept Art

Before players can use nukes, they will need to get them first. To get nukes, follow these simple steps:

  1. Players must get the following technologies from the Engineering group: Atomic Research, Nuclear Reactor, and Nuclear Bombs.
  2. The base research time is approximately 1500, but players can speed this process by hiring a theorist with the Nuclear Enthusiast or Nuclear Scientist trait.
  3. After acquiring the necessary technologies, players will need to build reactors. Each reactor builds one nuke per year.

How to Use Nukes in Hearts of Iron 4

Hearts of Iron 4

Before players can use nukes, there are a couple of things to take into consideration:

  • Players can only use nukes on hostile countries.
  • Since the bomb will be dropped from the air, players must have a Strategic Bomber and 75% Air Superiority or more.
  • The target is always a province when dropping a nuke.

Players can increase Air Superiority in the area that needs to be nuked by sending planes there, regardless of their type, range, etc.

To drop nukes, follow these steps:

  1. Press F1 to switch to the Default Map view.
  2. Select the target province.
  3. Click the nuke icon at the bottom of the window.

After executing the order, the nukes will be dropped in 12 in-game hours.

What Happens After Using Nukes in Hearts of Iron 4?

Hearts of Iron 4 generals pose next to Hearts of Iron icon

After dropping nukes on a province, all the buildings will be damaged, and all divisions in the province will see a 20% drop in their strength and organization. Additionally, all airplanes in any airfield or airport may be destroyed. The country will also suffer as buildings on a state level might receive some damage. Furthermore, depending on the damage to infrastructure, the recipient country will see a drop in war support, as much as 20%.

Nuking Japan will cause the country to surrender.

hearts of iron 4
Hearts of Iron 4

Platform(s)
PC
Released
June 6, 2016
Genre(s)
Grand Strategy