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Expansion - Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone Header Image
Expansion - Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone
DLC
(released 2 years ago)
Paradox Development Studio
Paradox Interactive
TL;DR

It is an expansion for Hearts of Iron IV that allows players to build empires or resist foreign aggression during World War II. It adds new focus trees for Italy, Ethiopia, and Switzerland along with various gameplay enhancements. Players can now design aircraft and engage in new diplomatic interactions, making the game even more complex and strategic.

View on Steam
Genres:
Grand Strategy
Simulation
Survival
Tags:
Strategy
Survival
Simulation
War
Grand Strategy
Multiplayer
Singleplayer
Historical
Gore
World War II
Nudity
Military
Alternate History
Memes
Mature
Capitalism
Likely Inspirations:
Civilization VI
Crusader Kings III
Europa Universalis IV
Total War: Warhammer
War in the Pacific
Steam Review Analysis – Total (updated Jun 10, 2025, 6:38 AM)
Disclaimer: This analysis is independently conducted and is not affiliated with Valve or Steam.
Review Summary - 3,564
34%
Mostly Negative

1025

1876

81%

Purchased on Steam

214

449

19%

Purchased Elsewhere

0% Primarily Play on Deck

Conclusion

The reviews for 'Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone' reveal a polarized sentiment among players, with positive feedback on the focus trees and aircraft designer but significant criticism regarding the peace conference system, gameplay bugs, and perceived value for money. Developers should focus on addressing the gameplay bugs and balancing the new systems to enhance player satisfaction, while also considering the concerns raised about content quality and AI behavior.

Strongly Positive
Positive
Focus Trees

The focus trees for Italy and Ethiopia are generally well-received, providing new gameplay options.

~3%
Neutral / Mixed Opinions
Air Designer

The new aircraft designer is appreciated for its depth and potential, though some find it cumbersome.

~5%
Overall Game Experience

Players express mixed feelings about the overall experience, with some enjoying the game while others are disappointed.

~3%
Negative
Civil War Mechanics

The civil war mechanics are viewed as poorly designed and frustrating.

~1%
Mod Compatibility

The DLC's compatibility with mods is a concern, as some players rely on mods for a better experience.

~1%
Strongly Negative
Peace Conference System

The reworked peace conference system is seen as an improvement, but still requires balancing.

~8%
Gameplay Bugs

Numerous bugs and issues with AI behavior detract from the overall experience.

~7%
Price Value

Many players feel the DLC is overpriced for the content it offers.

~6%
Content Quality

The quality of new content is criticized, with some features feeling half-baked or poorly integrated.

~6%
AI Behavior

The AI's decision-making during peace conferences and gameplay is frequently criticized.

~3%
This analysis is powered by OpenAI’s language models and may occasionally contain inaccuracies. For the most precise details, please consult the reviews directly on the official Steam store page.

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