Hearts of Iron IV: Thunder at Our Gates

The main pros of the game

• New Mechanics: Players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics like the Army HQ and the Division Designer, which add depth to gameplay and enhance historical immersion.
• Focus Trees: Some players find the focus trees for Australia, Siam, and Indonesia to be well-designed and engaging, offering multiple paths and choices.
• Historical Context: The DLC sheds light on lesser-known nations in the Asia-Pacific region, adding a unique perspective to the game.
• Gameplay Variety: The new content allows for different playstyles, particularly with the focus trees that support various political paths.

The main cons of the game

• Overpriced: Many users feel that the content does not justify the $20 price tag, especially given the limited number of focus trees and overall depth.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: A significant number of players report game crashes, bugs in focus trees, and issues with AI behavior, making the experience frustrating.
• Shallow Content: Critics argue that the focus trees are padded with too many generic or uninteresting focuses, leading to a lack of meaningful gameplay.
• AI Performance: Users express disappointment with the AI's incompetence, particularly in executing strategies and utilizing new mechanics effectively.

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

• Additional Nations: Many players feel that key nations like New Zealand, Malaya, and French Indochina should have been included in the DLC, as their absence diminishes the overall content.
• Expanded Ideologies: There is a demand for more diverse ideological paths, particularly a communist path for Siam and a more fleshed-out focus for Indonesia.
• Refinement of Existing Mechanics: Users call for improvements to the new features, such as making the Army HQ more integral to gameplay rather than just a stat boost.
• Historical Accuracy and Balance: Players express frustration over perceived inconsistencies in how nations are treated in terms of buffs and focus tree development, leading to a lack of balance between major and minor powers.

Summary

• Overall, while "Thunder at Our Gates" introduces some interesting new elements and content, the consensus among users is that it falls short in terms of value, depth, and technical execution. Many recommend waiting for a sale or considering mods for a more satisfying experience.

Summary generated on: July 6, 2026