Hearts of Iron IV - 30th Development Diary - 23rd of October 2015

  • We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.

Johan

Studio Manager Paradox Tinto
Administrator
Paradox Staff
Moderator
15 Badges
Dec 14, 1999
18.383
38.890
  • Diplomacy
  • Teleglitch: Die More Edition
  • War of the Roses
  • 500k Club
  • Crusader Kings II: Holy Knight (pre-order)
  • Europa Universalis III: Collection
  • Magicka: Wizard Wars Founder Wizard
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Stellaris Sign-up
  • Imperator: Rome Sign Up
  • A Game of Dwarves
  • Magicka
  • Starvoid
Hello everyone and welcome to another entry in the Hearts of Iron development diary series. Today is a bit of chaotic day in the Paradox office, as we leave this office around lunch, and move into the new one in monday morning. I promised a look at France for today,

France is one of the great powers in 1936, one of the winners of the Great War, and in control of a vast global empire. Their heartland in Europe is rich, almost half of Africa is under their control, and they have colonies in Indochina, Syria & Guyana, not to mention direct control of islands in all the oceans of the world.

France has access to all the aluminium and steel they could ever dream of using. They are also controlling some of the biggest supplies of Tungsten and Rubber from their asian colonies. They have no access to oil so they need to import that.

France has three national spirits from the start.
  • Victors of WW1, which is a penalty to the speed of land doctrine research by 75%.
  • Disjointed Government, which costs 1 political power each day and reduce the national unity until it is removed.
  • Protected by the Maginot Line, which slows down planning speed by 25% but increasing their maximum planning bonus by 25%.

France has 74 division in 1936, but several of those are colonial divisions that are only binary, and their armored units are basically brigades. As you can see here on this screenshot, they rely on the heavy fortifications at the border against Germany to defend them there.

ZojXE2d.jpg


France has 1 CV, 3 BB, 7 CA, 7 CL, 52 DD and 57 SS at the start, but it is not a top modern fleet. However, it is strong enough to decisively defeat either the germans or the italians alone, but would have have no chance against a combined axis fleet.

France starts with 456 fighters, 48 Naval Bombers and 204 modern Tactical Bomber. It is a rather good airforce, but it will need to be significantly strengthened before the war starts.

France stands outside of the Allies at the start of 1936, and have plenty of options in their focus tree.

The French Focus Tree has lots of different options.
  • The Metropolitan France & Algerie France starting points gives an industrial buildup, and allowes another research slot.
  • Defensive OR Agresssive Focus shapes France’s military focus, and the end focus removes the Victors of WW1 penalty.
  • Government Reform is a very flexible political tree that can gives France four different options, while eventually removing the Disjointed Government. Start their own faction with Czechoslovakia, join the Allies, join the Comintern or Join the Axis..
  • Navy Focus gives research and development bonuses for the navy.
  • Air Focus gives research and development bonuses for the air. (not seen in screenshot.)
32JeCDz.jpg


Next week we’ll talk about Peace Conferences.
 
  • 87
  • 57
  • 2
Reactions:

Duritz

Defense Minister, Socialist Republic of Australia
64 Badges
Jan 1, 2002
1.493
471
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44
  • Cities: Skylines
  • Pride of Nations
  • Europa Universalis: Rome Collectors Edition
  • Crusader Kings II: Way of Life
  • Cities: Skylines - Snowfall
  • Stellaris
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • Cities: Skylines - Natural Disasters
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • 500k Club
  • Cities: Skylines - Mass Transit
  • BATTLETECH
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 - Second Wave
  • Cities: Skylines - Green Cities
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Stellaris: Apocalypse
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44 -  Back to Hell
  • Cities: Skylines - Parklife
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Heir to the Throne
  • Cities in Motion
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • East India Company
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • For the Motherland
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Hearts of Iron III: Their Finest Hour
  • Hearts of Iron Anthology
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • March of the Eagles
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Victoria: Revolutions
  • Europa Universalis: Rome
  • Semper Fi
  • Sengoku
  • Victoria 2
  • Victoria 2: A House Divided
  • Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness
Awesome!
 
  • 7
Reactions:

Praetorian44

Field Marshal
97 Badges
Dec 14, 2009
4.784
1.912
  • Stellaris: Nemesis
  • Surviving Mars: Digital Deluxe Edition
  • Battle for Bosporus
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone
  • Crusader Kings III
  • Europa Universalis IV: Golden Century
  • Stellaris: Federations
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • 500k Club
  • Europa Universalis 4: Emperor
  • Victoria 3 Sign Up
  • Stellaris: Lithoids
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • Europa Universalis III: Chronicles
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Victoria 2
  • Rome Gold
  • Europa Universalis IV: Call to arms event
  • Europa Universalis IV: Pre-order
  • Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
  • Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Europa Universalis IV: Art of War
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cossacks
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven
  • Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rule Britannia
  • Europa Universalis IV: Dharma
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • Crusader Kings II: The Republic
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II: Charlemagne
  • Crusader Kings II: Way of Life
  • Crusader Kings II: Horse Lords
  • Crusader Kings II: Conclave
  • Crusader Kings II: Reapers Due
  • Crusader Kings II: Monks and Mystics
  • Crusader Kings II: Jade Dragon
  • Crusader Kings II: Holy Fury
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Colonel
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
So now we're going to start seeing DDs on individual countries. Great! I always love these.
 
  • 5
Reactions:

Vonboe

Artistic Mercenary
Paradox Staff
8 Badges
May 28, 2008
936
1.537
  • Hearts of Iron II: Armageddon
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • 500k Club
  • Europa Universalis IV: Pre-order
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 Sign-up
  • Imperator: Rome Sign Up
The French focus tree looks great!
Love the option to start a faction with Czechoslovakia :D

P.S great work on the french models @larre !
 
Last edited:
  • 10
Reactions:

misterbean

Fumbling My Way through History
90 Badges
Oct 18, 2009
7.899
759
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization
  • Hearts of Iron III: Their Finest Hour
  • Iron Cross
  • March of the Eagles
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Semper Fi
  • Victoria 2: A House Divided
  • Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • Europa Universalis IV: Pre-order
  • Hearts of Iron II: Armageddon
  • Stellaris: Synthetic Dawn
  • Cities: Skylines - After Dark
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cossacks
  • Cities: Skylines - Snowfall
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum
  • Stellaris
  • Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • For the Motherland
  • Arsenal of Democracy
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Crusader Kings II: Charlemagne
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Rajas of India
  • Crusader Kings II: The Republic
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • Darkest Hour
  • Europa Universalis III: Chronicles
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Europa Universalis IV: Call to arms event
  • Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations
  • Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
  • Europa Universalis IV: Art of War
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • Warlock 2: The Exiled
  • Crusader Kings II: Conclave
  • Victoria 2
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Pillars of Eternity
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Stellaris Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man
  • 500k Club
  • Stellaris: Digital Anniversary Edition
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • Cities: Skylines - Natural Disasters
I think I like the "Victors of WW1" national spirit Reducing their land doctrine research makes a lot of sense.
 
  • 9
  • 1
Reactions:

Gamer_1745

Field Marshal
68 Badges
Sep 2, 2012
8.048
4.410
www.youtube.com
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Hearts of Iron III Collection
  • Semper Fi
  • For the Motherland
  • Hearts of Iron III: Their Finest Hour
  • Imperator: Rome - Magna Graecia
  • Europa Universalis 4: Emperor
  • Age of Wonders: Planetfall Sign Up
  • Imperator: Rome Sign Up
  • Warlock 2: The Exiled
  • 500k Club
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • Pride of Nations
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • Crusader Kings II: Horse Lords
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cossacks
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rights of Man
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mandate of Heaven
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44 Deluxe Edition
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Age of Wonders III
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 - Second Wave
  • Europa Universalis IV: Cradle of Civilization
  • Victoria 2
  • Hearts of Iron IV: La Resistance
  • Europa Universalis IV: Rule Britannia
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Europa Universalis IV: Dharma
  • Europa Universalis IV: Golden Century
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Victoria 3 Sign Up
  • Darkest Hour
  • Arsenal of Democracy
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Divine Wind
  • Heir to the Throne
  • March of the Eagles
  • Europa Universalis IV: Call to arms event
I forgot that this was the French uniform of the time.
The only problem I see is that when they are on the 'On Guard' stance they should be sitting around smoking.:p

The 'Phoney War' and all.
 
  • 18
  • 1
Reactions:

Midden

Captain
25 Badges
Sep 8, 2009
480
404
  • Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
  • Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations
  • Europa Universalis IV: Call to arms event
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Semper Fi
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • Battle for Bosporus
  • Hearts of Iron IV: La Resistance
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Imperator: Rome
  • Imperator: Rome Deluxe Edition
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Field Marshal
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Colonel
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Stellaris: Galaxy Edition
  • Stellaris: Galaxy Edition
  • Stellaris
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • 500k Club
  • Victoria 2
Really impressed that "sorting France out" is the disjointed political situation, really captures that flavour of France at that time I think.
Really impressed with the options available in the focus tree, really intriguing options for a player to choose.
I'd be really keen to understand what path the Ai defaults to?
Also a little confused with how the focus interacts with joining a faction... I mean say at the beginning of a MP Game The French Player and The German Player want to ally as a faction, does that mean that won't happen until you get to choose the "Join Germany" focus in the tree?
 
Last edited:
  • 10
Reactions:

Duritz

Defense Minister, Socialist Republic of Australia
64 Badges
Jan 1, 2002
1.493
471
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44
  • Cities: Skylines
  • Pride of Nations
  • Europa Universalis: Rome Collectors Edition
  • Crusader Kings II: Way of Life
  • Cities: Skylines - Snowfall
  • Stellaris
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • Cities: Skylines - Natural Disasters
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • 500k Club
  • Cities: Skylines - Mass Transit
  • BATTLETECH
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 - Second Wave
  • Cities: Skylines - Green Cities
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Stellaris: Apocalypse
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44 -  Back to Hell
  • Cities: Skylines - Parklife
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Heir to the Throne
  • Cities in Motion
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • East India Company
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • For the Motherland
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Hearts of Iron III: Their Finest Hour
  • Hearts of Iron Anthology
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • March of the Eagles
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Victoria: Revolutions
  • Europa Universalis: Rome
  • Semper Fi
  • Sengoku
  • Victoria 2
  • Victoria 2: A House Divided
  • Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness
I think you have captured the situation France was in very well! Powerful, but impotent.

The only minor thing I can see that might be missing is Frances reaction to The Spanish Civil War. The National Focus Tree might not be the right place, maybe better handled with events.

Now I've had a proper look at the National Focus tree my concern is similar. I fear that France will be stopped from intervening in Spain until they reach a National goal on the third line of the tree.

Will it be possible for France to support Republican (and indeed, Nationalist) Spain if they so wish? It shouldn't even carry a penalty as politics in France was such that any decision they made would annoy someone. Non Intervention annoyed the Communists and helped bring down the Popular Front, helping the Republicans may annoy the Radicals but in reality all options should be on the table.

The SCW is a tricky one for you guys, I hope it works out well.

Cheers,
Dury.
 
  • 4
Reactions:

LostinSpice

Captain
28 Badges
Jun 9, 2013
462
461
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Stellaris: Synthetic Dawn
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • Stellaris: Humanoids Species Pack
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone
  • Stellaris: Nemesis
  • Stellaris: Necroids
  • Battle for Bosporus
  • Stellaris: Federations
  • Hearts of Iron IV: La Resistance
  • Stellaris: Lithoids
  • Stellaris: Ancient Relics
  • Stellaris: Distant Stars
  • Stellaris: Apocalypse
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Age of Wonders III
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • Stellaris: Digital Anniversary Edition
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Colonel
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Stellaris Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Stellaris
  • Stellaris: Megacorp
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
I noticed a few things:

1. The artillery in the division now has a number next to it. Can I assume now each level of artillery now has to be produced as you research it? If so it's a very welcome introduction!
2. The basic stats show trickle back and exp loss - nice little additions. Affected by your Field Hospitals and Maintenance companies (if selected).
3. Is Initiative based on Recon companies?
4. How does Reliability work here please?

Overall the game seems to take on a richness and deeper dimensions every time you post a DD. I'm a very happy gamer and haven't even played HOI4 yet!:)
 
  • 2
  • 1
Reactions:

safe-keeper

• ← 2mm hole in reality
54 Badges
Sep 6, 2012
8.567
14.270
livetkanfly.com
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Stellaris: Galaxy Edition
  • Stellaris: Galaxy Edition
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • Stellaris
  • Cities: Skylines - After Dark
  • Semper Fi
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Magicka
  • Heir to the Throne
  • Hearts of Iron III: Their Finest Hour
  • Hearts of Iron III
  • Europa Universalis IV: Art of War
  • Cities in Motion
  • For the Motherland
  • Divine Wind
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis III: Chronicles
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • Darkest Hour
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Colonel
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Field Marshal
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44
  • Cities: Skylines - Mass Transit
  • Steel Division: Normand 44 Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass
  • Stellaris: Apocalypse
  • Steel Division: Normandy 44 -  Back to Hell
  • Cities: Skylines - Parklife
  • Shadowrun: Dragonfall
  • Cities: Skylines Industries
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Stellaris Sign-up
  • Hearts of Iron IV Sign-up
  • Stellaris: Galaxy Edition
  • Europa Universalis IV: Mare Nostrum
  • Cities: Skylines - Snowfall
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • Pillars of Eternity
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • Hearts of Iron IV: No Step Back
  • 500k Club
  • Victoria 2
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
Still not sure what to think of the national focus tree. I think either France shouldn't be able to join Germany, or it should come at a price, like a loss in national unity or whatever. I just don't know what I think about the game being this "sandboxy".
 
  • 13
  • 10
Reactions:

Shavanna

Second Lieutenant
43 Badges
Oct 25, 2010
124
85
  • Europa Universalis IV: Wealth of Nations
  • Heir to the Throne
  • Impire
  • Europa Universalis IV: Res Publica
  • Supreme Ruler: Cold War
  • Europa Universalis IV: Pre-order
  • Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
  • 500k Club
  • Crusader Kings II: Holy Knight (pre-order)
  • Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado
  • Mount & Blade: Warband
  • Crusader Kings II: Way of Life
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Stellaris
  • Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet
  • Stellaris: Leviathans Story Pack
  • Crusader Kings Complete
  • Surviving Mars
  • Stellaris: Apocalypse
  • Stellaris: Distant Stars
  • Imperator: Rome
  • Surviving Mars: First Colony Edition
  • Imperator: Rome Sign Up
  • Stellaris: Ancient Relics
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Europa Universalis IV
  • Stellaris - Path to Destruction bundle
  • Europa Universalis IV: Conquest of Paradise
  • Europa Universalis IV: Art of War
  • Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods
  • Crusader Kings II: Rajas of India
  • Crusader Kings II: The Republic
  • Crusader Kings II: Charlemagne
  • Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham
  • Crusader Kings II
  • Cities in Motion
  • Crusader Kings II: Sword of Islam
  • Europa Universalis III
  • Europa Universalis III: Chronicles
  • Europa Universalis III Complete
  • Divine Wind
  • Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome
  • A Game of Dwarves
I wonder what the focus tree looks like for the common, minor countries, like Romania, Austria, and so on. Will they get an individual tree or will it be a shared one (like 'german ideas' from eu4)?
 
  • 1
Reactions: