Back in June, publisher Paradox Interactive unveiled the latest expansion for the well-received World War II strategy game Hearts of Iron IV. This upcoming expansion, dubbed By Blood Alone, will allow players to further mess with history and create countless what-if scenarios through the addition of “three new major National Focus Trees.” Although these Focus Trees belong to three newly added countries, the expansion as a whole themes itself around Italy and the various geopolitical dynamics it experienced during the war. Just in time for the start of gamescom 2022, Paradox Interactive revealed that the Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone DLC will see a release on September 27, a little over a month from now.
According to a press release, Italy, Ethiopia, and Switzerland will each get its own National Focus Tree courtesy of the By Blood Alone expansion. The Italian Focus Tree grants players the choice to either experience the history of Italy during World War II as it happened or form their own path and help establish a socialist revolution or a monarchy to oust Mussolini. Meanwhile, in the Ethiopian Focus Tree, players can “defy the odds to defeat the Italian invader or resist the conqueror from abroad using unique Government in Exile abilities.” Finally, the Swiss Focus Tree sees players managing competing nations and factions as a neutral force.
More ways to play God
Once the release date for the upcoming Hearts of Iron IV DLC arrives, players will be able to try out many more new features on top of these Focus Trees. These features include the ability to design planes, reward high-performing divisions with medals, and embargo countries that cause too much geopolitical tension.
To coincide with the DLC’s release, Hearts of Iron IV will receive a major update. So those who do not yet want to purchase the expansion will likely still be able to experience at least a few noteworthy changes to the core experience.
