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.
New players should start with the 1936 bookmark to familiarize themselves with the game's many mechanics.
5 Sweden
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
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
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
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
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 is currently available on PC.
