A new Hearts of Iron 4 DLC just gave a pivotal WW2 nation the chance to change history

The latest Hearts of Iron 4 DLC lets you fight back against the rising Nazi powers and reimagine a fundamental turning point on the road to World War II. The new Peace For Our Time focus pack, named after the infamous declaration from British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in the wake of the Munich Agreement, expands the possibilities for Czechoslovakia from 1936 onwards. Whether you pursue new alliances, attempt to forge independence, or lead a government in exile, it’s a fresh way to approach the WW2 game.

The German annexation of the Sudetenland in October 1938, and subsequent occupation of increasingly more of the First Czechoslovak Republic, is one of the pivotal events leading up to the eventual invasion of Poland that is considered the start of the Second World War. This new Hearts of Iron 4 mini-expansion presents a simple alternative: “Imagine a world where the White Lion of Prague was prepared to face German aggression – bravery in the face of oppression.”

The Peace For Our Time DLC implements much greater depth to the government of Czechoslovakia, offering a range of ways to respond to the crisis, and introducing a new focus tree. With the Anschluss joining Austria and Germany, the two nations effectively began to close geographical jaws around western Czechoslovakia. Surrounded by these non-democratic powers, how will you respond?

Your options are vast and varied. Opt for the Democratic Branch, and press for greater backing from the Western powers, or alternatively turn to your remaining neighbors to assemble a Central European confederation. Lean into the Monarchist Branch and attempt to establish a Bohemian empire under the rule of aristocratic prince Karel VI Schwarzenberg. Military dictatorship might see you through the toughest stretch, but will you return to democracy as things ease up, or simply entrench yourself in authoritarianism?

You could pursue the Communist Branch, whether it be in the form of direct collaboration with Stalinism and the Comintern forged by Lenin, or as an independent Czechoslovak Union – either radically or through more moderate reform. Alternatively, there’s the option to embrace the Fascist Branch, although even this isn’t one-note. Capitulate to the demands of Nazi Germany and attempt to earn some favor, or look to support Italy in an alliance with enough political clout to stand alone from Hitler’s rule.

Alongside the overarching path you choose to walk, you’ll also deal with other key events. You might find yourself forging the 1935 Czechoslovak-Soviet pact, or intervening in a second Soviet civil war. Join hands with Romania and Yugoslavia to establish the Little Entente and hold out against the powers surrounding you.

This is still Hearts of Iron 4, so the decisions in front of you extend far beyond alliances and agreements, of course. There’s a new focus tree interface that will give you the ability to more dynamically prioritize which segments of the armaments industry you wish to prioritize. Will you maintain a fighting force at peak readiness – a meaningful show of strength aimed at dissuading any attempts to crush your independence underfoot? Or quietly sideline some of the rearmament in an attempt to maximize your industrial growth?

Your people might be free of the German occupation they saw in the real World War II, but there’s still much to take care of to keep them happy. Can you afford to invest in other areas across the likes of education and industry? The new DLC pack also includes new landmarks, generals, country leaders, a special project, and 3D units. Germany also adds a specific Czech-related national focus, and a new paratrooper raid.

The Hearts of Iron 4 Peace For Our Time DLC is out now, priced at $5.99 / £4.99. It’s also included as part of HoI 4 Expansion Pack 2, which costs $48.77 / £40.99. You can take a closer look here, if you want to envision a world outside of our own.

The second expansion pack, which also built upon key Asian nations in No Compromise, No Surrender, is now nearing its conclusion. Its last addition is Thunder At Our Gates, which centers around Australia, Siam, and Indonesia, alongside features such as military headquarters and navy captains that are designed to “expand on the art of organizing a campaign,” from the perspective of those in the command seat.