Hearts of Iron IV: Waking the Tiger

The main pros of the game

• Interesting Gameplay Options: Some users appreciate the new focus trees, particularly for Germany and Japan, which enhance the gameplay experience on the Asian front.
• Fun and Engaging: Several reviews mention that the DLC makes playing as China, especially Communist China, enjoyable and challenging, with a good soundtrack noted as a highlight.
• Integration into Base Game: For new players, the fact that the DLC has become free is seen positively, as it allows access to additional content without cost.

The main cons of the game

• Devaluation of Paid Content: Many users express frustration that they paid for the DLC only for it to become free shortly after, leading to feelings of being scammed or misled.
• Limited Focus Trees: The focus trees for both Communist and Nationalist China are described as "okay" but lacking depth, with specific criticism directed at the warlord focus trees being identical and uninspired.
• Content Replacement and Compatibility Issues: Some users are unhappy that new DLC (like "Götterdämmerung") renders this expansion irrelevant or restricts access to previously paid features.

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

• Historical Accuracy: There are strong feelings about the historical representation in the game, particularly regarding Tibet's status and the portrayal of China. Users demand a more accurate depiction of territorial claims and historical events.
• Focus Tree Diversity: Users express a desire for more unique and varied focus trees for different factions, particularly the warlords in China, which currently feel repetitive.
• Respect for Player Concerns: Some reviews highlight a lack of responsiveness from the developers regarding community feedback and concerns, particularly from Chinese players regarding historical representation and cultural sensitivity.

Summary

• In summary, while "Waking the Tiger" offers some engaging elements and has become more accessible as a free DLC, it faces significant criticism over its perceived value, historical accuracy, and the handling of player feedback.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025