Hearts of Iron IV Expansion Focuses on Asia

A new expansion for Hearts of Iron IV called No Compromise, No Surrender has been announced. It will focus on Asia and is planned to release in late November 2025. The expansion adds new content for Japan, China, and the Philippines, as well as changes to the military system and alliances in the game.

New Focus Trees

The expansion introduces new focus trees for several countries:

• Japan can try to control the Pacific region and challenge Western powers. Players can choose different paths to change history.

• Communist China focuses on removing old leaders, uniting the people, and dealing with enemies inside and outside the country.

• Nationalist China centers on fighting warlords and defending the nation against powerful enemies.

• The Philippines can defend its islands, fight invaders, and work toward independence. Players can also explore alternative histories and use the country’s natural resources to their advantage.

New Game Features

The expansion also adds new military doctrines, which let players change how their armies fight. The main doctrine system has been reworked to give more choices.

An expanded factions system allows players to have more control over allied countries and set clear goals for their alliances.

There are also quality-of-life updates, including new naval projects and improvements to naval combat, especially aircraft carriers.

Release Information and Expansion Pass

No Compromise, No Surrender will be released on 20 November 2025 and will cost $29.99 (or the local equivalent). It is also part of Expansion Pass 2, which includes four additional content packs.

One pack, Seaplane Tenders, is available immediately and adds new unit art for ships used by Japan, Australia, and the United States.

In early 2026, Warships of the Pacific will add new ship designs, including destroyers and battleships from many countries.

Later in Q2 2026, Thunder At Our Gates will introduce new systems like military headquarters and navy captains, along with new content for Australia, Siam, and Indonesia.

Another pack, Peace In Our Time, will also release in Q2 2026. Created with help from experienced community modders, it adds new alternate history paths for Czechoslovakia. Players can choose to protect democracy, start a socialist revolution, or rebuild an old kingdom.

Vocabulary List

1. expansion

Meaning: extra content added to a game

Example: The expansion adds new countries and features.

2. focus tree

Meaning: a system where players choose different paths and decisions

Example: Japan’s focus tree lets players choose how to expand.

3. military doctrine

Meaning: a way of organizing and using an army

Example: New military doctrines change how battles work.

4. alliance / faction

Meaning: a group of countries working together

Example: Players can lead a strong faction in the war.

5. reworked

Meaning: changed and improved

Example: The combat system was reworked to feel more modern.

6. invader

Meaning: a force that enters a country to take control

Example: The Philippines must defend itself from invaders.

7. independence

Meaning: freedom from control by another country

Example: The country fought for independence.

8. alternate history

Meaning: a story that changes real historical events

Example: The game lets players explore alternate history.

9. cosmetic pack

Meaning: content that changes how things look, not how they work

Example: The cosmetic pack adds new ship designs.

10. release

Meaning: the date when something becomes available

Example: The release is planned for November 2025.

Worksheet – Hearts of Iron IV: No Compromise, No Surrender

A. Reading Comprehension

Answer in complete sentences.

1. When is the No Compromise, No Surrender expansion planned to release?

2. Which four countries receive new focus trees in this expansion?

3. What changes are made to the military system in the game?

4. What does the expanded factions system allow players to do?

5. Name two content packs included in Expansion Pass 2.

6. 
   

B. True or False

Write T (True) or F (False).

1. The expansion focuses mainly on Europe.

2. The Philippines can work with former enemies in alternative history paths.

3. Warships of the Pacific adds new ship designs.

4. Thunder At Our Gates will release before the main expansion.

5. Peace In Our Time was developed with help from the game’s community.

C. Vocabulary Matching

Match the word to the correct meaning.

1. expansion

2. focus tree

3. military doctrine

4. invader

5. alternate history

a. a way of organizing an army b. a different version of historical events c. extra content added to a game d.someone who enters a country to take control e. a system of choices that changes gameplay

D. Fill in the Blanks

Use the words below:independence – alliance – reworked – cosmetic – release

1. The expansion’s __________ date is in November 2025.

2. The combat system was __________ to give players more choices.

3. The Philippines can fight for __________ in the game.

4. A strong __________ helps countries work together.

5. The new pack is mostly __________ and changes how units look.

E. Short Writing Task

Write 4–6 sentences.

Which country’s focus tree sounds the most interesting to you? Explain why and describe one decision you would make while playing.

F. Discussion Questions

Use these for pair or group speaking practice.

1. Why do you think players enjoy alternate history in strategy games?

2. Do you prefer games that change history or games that follow real events? Why?

3. How important are alliances in strategy games like Hearts of Iron IV?

4. Would you rather play as a large powerful country or a smaller nation like the Philippines? Explain.

5. Do cosmetic updates (like new unit art) make games more enjoyable for you? Why or why not?