As we celebrate a decade of Hearts of Iron 4, developer Paradox Interactive remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching this iconic World War II strategy game. With its enduring popularity, consistently ranking among the top titles on Steam, HoI 4 attracts over 50,000 players daily, standing shoulder to shoulder with gaming giants like Elden Ring, GTA 5, and Helldivers 2. This November, the studio is set to launch the second installment of its innovative ‘expansion pass’ bundles, introducing a new DLC that unlocks the potential of Japan, China, and the Philippines.
No Compromise, No Surrender
The centerpiece of Expansion Pass 2, titled No Compromise, No Surrender, zeroes in on three pivotal nations within the Asian theater. As Japan, players will have the opportunity to dominate the Pacific, dismantle Western supremacy, and reshape the geopolitical landscape. With the integration of new faction redesign concepts, strategic players must secure energy resources, establish naval superiority, quell uprisings, and control industrial production.
In the case of China, players can choose between two distinct paths: embracing a Communist focus tree to unify the populace under a new regime or rallying the republic by defeating warlords through a Nationalist focus tree. The choices are plentiful, as players will need to navigate both internal and external threats to emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, the Philippines presents its own unique challenges. Players must defend their islands from invading forces eager to exploit local resources while striving for independence. Alternatively, they can explore alternate-history scenarios, forging alliances with former adversaries in exchange for military support and a promise of peace.
Looking ahead, Expansion Pass 2 will unveil three additional DLCs. The first, Warships of the Pacific, scheduled for release in early 2026, will introduce new cosmetic designs for various battleships and naval vessels, featuring some beloved classics. Following that, Thunder at our Gates will arrive in the second quarter, enhancing focus trees and adding features such as military headquarters and navy captains for Australia, Siam, and Indonesia.
Later in the year, Peace for our Time will provide a comprehensive overhaul for Czechoslovakia, introducing new focus trees that envision a scenario where the nation was prepared to confront German aggression. In addition, Paradox has announced that its naval expansion from 2019, Man the Guns, will be made available for free, granting players access to its ship designer and other essential features.
No Compromise, No Surrender is set to launch on Thursday, November 20, as part of the Expansion Pass 2 bundle, priced at .77 / £40.99. This bundle includes the Seaplane Tenders unit art and promises three future additions: Warships of the Pacific, Thunder at our Gates, and Peace for our Time.
For those seeking the finest grand strategy experiences, a curated list of top games is available, along with a guide to the best gaming monitors of 2025, ensuring your global conquests are displayed in stunning detail. Additionally, players are encouraged to share their favorite campaign stories within the PCGamesN community Discord server, fostering a vibrant discussion about what keeps them engaged in the world of Hearts of Iron 4.
