Naval warfare has become one of the most integral components of war, and this was especially true in World War II. While most games have already offered some sort of naval combat option, Hearts of Iron 4 takes things up a notch. This WWII grand strategy game gi evs players full control of their nation’s navy. Instead of just allowing players to construct shipyards and create famous ships, players can actually create their own ship designs
Players have the means to control precisely how they want to approach their naval battles. They can focus solely on smaller ships for sleeker movement, or larger carriers for a focus on aerial warfare. For players who want to dominate the sea game in Hearts of Iron 4, good ship designs can give an incredible edge to their nation. Thankfully, some of the game’s best designs simply need a bit of tinkering from players. Some of these schematics are even hiding behind inspiration from warships in the real world.
Destroyer Class: All-Around Destroyer
When it comes to choosing a ship to start one’s naval fleet in Hearts of Iron 4, it’s the Destroyer that can form much of the frontline due to its versatility. This All-Around Destroyer build improves upon the flexibility of the 1936 Destroyer hull and makes it equipped to deal with most common naval threats.
For instance, the All-Around Destroyer can join Carriers in combat with the anti-air capabilities of Level 2 Quadruple Mk 1 Cannons. They can contribute to bypassing naval defenses of Screens via a Level 2 Battery Gun. They may also fight Battleships with a pair of Level 2 Torpedoes and disable Submarines with Mk 1 Mod 1 DC Rack depth charges.
Carrier Class: Carrier Plane Rush
Of all ship classes in Hearts of Iron 4, the Carrier is perhaps the least combat-intensive unit out there. This is exemplified by the Carrier Plane Rush build, which focuses on outfitting a Carrier with the best capabilities of bringing and protecting its fleet of planes.
With the Carrier Plane Rush, players focus on adding aerial defense weapons via a Level 2 Anti-Air Turret and as many Flight Decks as possible. As the game progresses, players can further upgrade this ship to include better firepower, although it’s recommended to focus on anti-air defense to secure the protection of planes being carried into battle.
Battleship Class: Battleship Domination
As the capital ship of a player's fleet, the Battleship becomes an enemy naval force’s primary target in skirmishes. While screens should have enough defense to protect a Battleship, builds like Battleship Domination ensure the capital ship is prepared to dish out punishment when necessary.
With that intention in mind, the Battleship Domination build is kitted with armaments capable of countering most naval threats. For instance, players should install an Improved Floatplane Catapult, a pair of Level 2 Anti-Air cannons, and three Level 2 Heavy Batteries on top of a Level 2 Secondary Battery.
Light Cruiser Class: Light Screen Defense
Screen ships act as a capital ship’s main line of defense in combat. They head to the frontlines at high speeds while time offering just enough defense to absorb torpedoes and incoming attacks without risking the integrity of the entire fleet.The Light Screen Defense is a decent take on the 1936 Light Cruiser, creating a screen ship that can go toe to toe with most threats such as Destroyers, Submarines, and other Light Cruisers.
With the Light Screen Defense, components players should focus on involve a pair of Level 2 Anti-Air weapons, two pairs of Light Cruiser Batteries, and a Secondary Battery. This gives the Light Cruisers decent Light Attack on top of decent Organization and Max Speed perfect for serving as a capital ship’s defensive convoy.
Heavy Cruiser Class: Heavy Catapulting
The Heavy Cruiser in Hearts of Iron 4 has the same hull as the Light Cruiser, but has access to heavier weaponry, making it more classified to become a capital ship instead of a screen ship. With the Heavy Catapulting build, players can take the Heavy Cruiser (arguably the lightest and the weakest among the capital ships) and transform it into a ranged heavy-hitter.
Layout-wise, Heavy Catapulting slaps upgraded versions of a Light Cruisder standard kit. Players are recommended to place a pair of Level 1 Anti-Air turrets, three Level 2 Heavy Cruiser Batteries, a Secondary Battery, and an Improved Floatplane Catapult. While it’s possible to get a Catapult into the Light Cruiser, the lack of range that Heavy Cruisers offer makes the Catapult useless. This is quite unlike the Surface Detection addition of the Catapult to the Heavy Cruiser, which has a maximum range that makes it possible for deployment.
Battlecruiser Class: Battlecruiser Surfing
Although Battlecruisers share the same hull as a Battleship, their focus on lower armor and lower production cost make them easier to build while maintaining an edge on speed. The Battlecruiser Surfing build takes the Heavy Ship Hull and equips it with a Battlecruiser Armor I and the rest of a player’s preferred kit. Since they share many of the same characteristics, the Battlecruiser is often called the “faster Battleship.”
Optimizing the Battlecruiser via Battlecruiser Surfing means adding extra components for extra efficiency. These include a Secondary Battery and a Level 3 Anti-Air cannon as well as six Super Heavy Batteries. This gives the ship a tremendous boost on Heavy Attack and can easily get the edge in most battles.
Submarine Class: Submarine Efficiency
Players who want to get up close and personal to the enemy lines without being detected underwater can rely on Submarines. Submarine Efficiency is one way to capitalize on the ship class’s potential. This build uses the 1936 Submarine Hull and requires Level 2 Submarine Engine and a pair of Level 2 Torpedo Tubes.
This Submarine Efficiency build capitalizes on how Submarines are often used for minelayering and convoy raiding in naval warfare, courtesy of their immense top speed and attack potential. While Level 1 would reduce overall production cost for the Submarine, it would also come at the detriment of losing an entire kilometer of Max Speed as well as lowered Torpedo Attack.
Superheavy Battleship Class: Superheavy Optimization
While a Superheavy Battleship can be a threat throughout Hearts of Iron 4, its expensive nature makes it incredibly difficult to sustain. It’s recommended to create a Superheavy based on Superheavy Optimization. Players rely on improving their anti-air capabilities to secure defenses against heavy bombardment while keeping upgraded forms of most weapons to take out most threats.
That way, Superheavy Optimization needs players to equip five Level 2 Anti-Air cannons on top of a Level 2 Improved Floatline Catapult for general reconnaissance. Aside from that, the ship can outlast most other ships with a Level 2 Secondary Battery and three Super Heavy Batteries.
Hearts of Iron 4 is available on the PC.