Hearts of Iron IV: No Compromise, No Surrender

The main pros of the game

• New Faction System: The reworked faction mechanics allow for better control over alliances, setting goals for AI allies, and integrating various aspects of warfare, making factions feel more cohesive.
• Doctrine Rework: The new military doctrines provide a more flexible and specialized approach to military strategy, allowing players to customize their forces more effectively.
• Focus Trees: The focus trees for Japan and the two Chinas (Nationalist and Communist) are seen as improved, offering more engaging gameplay and historical accuracy.
• Naval Rework: Changes to naval mechanics, such as naval supremacy and carrier functionality, are generally viewed positively, adding depth to naval warfare.
• Coal Resource: The introduction of coal as a resource adds a new layer to economic management, although opinions on its implementation vary.

The main cons of the game

• Overpricing: Many users feel that the DLC is overpriced, with a price point of $30 being viewed as excessive for the amount of content provided, especially when compared to previous expansions.
• Limited Content for Minor Nations: The expansion lacks focus trees or meaningful content for several nations, particularly smaller countries and warlords in the region.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: Players report numerous bugs and performance issues, including problems with AI behavior and game stability, which detract from the overall experience.
• Gameplay Changes: Some changes, like the naval invasion mechanics and the removal of manual micro-management features, have been criticized for making gameplay less enjoyable and more tedious.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Content for Minor Nations: Many players express disappointment over the lack of new content for nations like Manchukuo, Mengkukuo, and other Chinese warlords, feeling that these could have been included in the expansion.
• Balanced Gameplay: Users mention a need for better balancing of military doctrines, as some are considered overpowered, leading to an uneven gameplay experience.
• Quality Control: There is a strong sentiment that the DLC feels unfinished, with calls for better testing and refinement before release.
• Inclusion of Previous Content: Players are frustrated that previously paid content (like that from "Waking the Tiger") is now part of the base game, leading to a feeling of being charged again for rehashed content.

Summary

• Overall, while the expansion introduces some interesting mechanics and improvements, the high price, technical issues, and lack of content for certain nations have led to significant dissatisfaction among players.

Summary generated on: December 1, 2025