Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
Game
Game2011
Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game
Developer Martin Ivanov
Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game is a 2011 grand strategy video game developed by Martin Ivanov and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the first installment in the Hearts of Iron series to not be developed by Paradox Development Studio, instead being developed by a team of independent developers led by Ivanov; Paradox let them use their in-house Europa Engine. In Darkest Hour, as is the case with other… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
197 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon, Lemmy) · newest Oct 29, 2026 · last updated Nov 4, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
82
LovedLoved
135 positive · 29 negative
95% range 76–87%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 135 | 29 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
1,028 of 1,161 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
82% recommend · 139 yes, 31 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 170 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (1,891 of 2,165 positive).
Players widely consider Darkest Hour the best Hearts of Iron game, praising its depth and design. [1][2][3][4] Many reviewers contrast it favorably with Hearts of Iron 4, criticizing the latter's DLC practices. [1][5][3][6] Some players report technical issues or dissatisfaction with the UI and gameplay. [7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [7]
A lot of the reviews seem to be based on nostalgia. The UI and Combat are atrocious, there is little to do other than build factories and armies. There is no flavor. War is tedious and slow. The logistics aspect is overly simple. For two dollars, might as well get it. But don't expect it to be fun if you're used to something like Hearts of Iron 4 or Eu4.
- [1]
One of the best games Paradox has ever made. Forged in the day when the company still had a soul and passion for it's art. Before it was a morbidly ill beast of DLC and gluttony. Before it begged you for HUNDREDS of dollars for a feature complete game. If you want a grand strategy game but don't want to play the weenie hut junior version of WW2 (HOI4) then buy it!
- [2]
After over a decade of playing HoI games and a few hundred hours in HoI4 and a thousand in this between my Steam library and the GameStop Launcher version (oh yeah. ancient times.) I can say that Darkest Hour is the best Hearts of Iron game, bar none. It is -the- 20th century grand strategy game. The operational and strategic elements are simple enough that the AI can keep itself afloat, and you don't have to micro …
- [3]
Though based on HOI 2, this is the best of the HOI games. I own and have played them all and I've really been put off by the HOI IV endless expensive DLC scam. So this modded spin-off of HOI 2 really shines. It is really well designed and the manual is excellent, as are the tool-tips. Admittedly, I like using mods, esp the Kaissereich mod. It is essentially an operational and strategic masterpiece, with the AI doing …
- [4]
Still the best game of the HOI series, paradox should learn from HOI2 and Darkest Hour how to make compelling WW2 games
Summarised from 34 of the 198 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 12, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game talk about best Hearts of Iron game ever made; those who didn't talk about outdated UI and steep learning curve. Which matters more to you?
Reactions
60 of 197 · most liked first> The video was a clip from the 2017 film Darkest Hour about Winston Churchill during World War II, and has Gary Oldman playing Churchill shouting, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth!” Oldman’s character was talking about Hitler in the scene, but the department’s clip followed the line with techno music over a montage of President Trump, implying that he’s the tiger. The post carried the tagline, “No one does it like us,” followed by a tiger emoji. They'll say they…
neutral · AI labelView post →One of the best games Paradox has ever made. Forged in the day when the company still had a soul and passion for it's art. Before it was a morbidly ill beast of DLC and gluttony. Before it begged you for HUNDREDS of dollars for a feature complete game. If you want a grand strategy game but don't want to play the weenie hut junior version of WW2 (HOI4) then buy it!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is horrible!!! It doesn't have 500 different subpar DLCs based off far superior mods. How can I possibly enjoy it without paradox charging me several hundred dollars for the full experience?
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Can’t wait to read “Our Darkest Hour: the oral history of the 15 or so minutes of game time Canada was losing a hockey game” on all digital platforms tonight.
neutral · AI labelView post →it's the last twelve hours of the Best of 2024 TTRPG Bundle for the Trans Empowerment Project! You can get nearly 80 games for $10, including my horror game Darkest Hour, and help trans people at a time when we need it most. itch.io/b/2847/best-...
neutral · AI labelView post →I actually very briefly worked on this game. Proud of my little contribution.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →After over a decade of playing HoI games and a few hundred hours in HoI4 and a thousand in this between my Steam library and the GameStop Launcher version (oh yeah. ancient times.) I can say that Darkest Hour is the best Hearts of Iron game, bar none. It is -the- 20th century grand strategy game. The operational and strategic elements are simple enough that the AI can keep itself afloat, and you don't have to micro like a freak to manage your war front. Event trees allow you to guide the fate…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am a 45 yo father, probably one of the oldest people playing this game. I am a single farther to my Son, who is 14 now. My son got this game for Christmas in 2021 from his uncle, so we installed it on his computer and he started playing. By the end of the week he had 24 hours on this game. This was horrible for me, as it was already hard for me to find ways to spend time with my son, as he is always out with his friends or just watching YouTube. So I decided to make a Steam account and get…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Though based on HOI 2, this is the best of the HOI games. I own and have played them all and I've really been put off by the HOI IV endless expensive DLC scam. So this modded spin-off of HOI 2 really shines. It is really well designed and the manual is excellent, as are the tool-tips. Admittedly, I like using mods, esp the Kaissereich mod. It is essentially an operational and strategic masterpiece, with the AI doing a decent job. The event branches are better than the National Focus system of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Preface: Buy this if you want to play Hearts of Iron 2. It is the definitive version of the game and supplants the original, read on for more. Darkest Hour is a major update to HOI2, with a completely new map, new scenarios including WWI, and new game systems. It is a refined product at this point, but still receives the occasional update. This game is deeper than HOI4 by far, and though it is arguable whether HOI3 is deeper, DH is less frustrating to play, less micro. There are features that…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thanks to whoever made that 158 pages manual on how to play this game‚ you're a legend and i'm forever grateful to you!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've played over 8000 hours. 8000. With different mods this game will devour your time and energy. But in a fun and engaging way. Its not an expensive game and its well worth the money to me considering I spent over 8000 hours on it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Steep learning curve, old UI, but probably one of the best military strategy games out there. Especially played at a slower speed and over a longer period of time. don’t rush through it, don’t make Switzerland into an all-conquering empire, it’s not that kind of game. That’s HoI4. This is the game where you wanna spend a full day planning out every aspect of the invasion of Norway.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →better than hoi4
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Still the best game of the HOI series, paradox should learn from HOI2 and Darkest Hour how to make compelling WW2 games
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You don't have to buy dlc for 1000$
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A game I keep coming back to from time to time even 15 years after I first played it. The battle scenarios and mods like Kaiserreich provide a lot of replay value, and I like the battle and total losses calculators. Even in a Hearts of Iron world dominated today by HOI4 and its mods, let this old lady not be forgotten.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game is a deeply intricate and compelling grand strategy title that appeals to both history enthusiasts and avid strategy gamers. Building upon the foundations laid by the Hearts of Iron series, Darkest Hour delivers an expansive and detailed simulation of the tumultuous years surrounding World War II, offering players a chance to rewrite history or faithfully recreate it. The game’s scope is monumental, encompassing a broad range of nations, military units,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i find it even better than HOI4
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Whenever someone leaves a nice comment on one of my games I cry, but when they say it's one of their favorites to date???? 🥹 I would die in battle for you, itch user xvampstampx Check my game Darkest Hour out at gamemakerm.itch.io/darkest-hour
neutral · AI labelView post →I like this autistic map game best of them all.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is what should be hoi4 without dlc and not that boring unplayeble ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm out here slinging my newest game, Darkest Hour, a tabletop game about trying to defeat a horror movie monster over a single night. Perfect for one-shots, with community copies available for the low, low price of giving it a rating! gamemakerm.itch.io/darkest-hour... Thank you for the space!
neutral · AI labelView post →This game isn't just a strategy game; it's the genesis of a legendary franchise. As I navigated the complexities of World War II, I was drawn into its immersive historical narrative and deep gameplay mechanics. From managing supply lines to diplomatic negotiations, every decision felt significant. Despite its complexity, the game remains accessible, thanks to its intuitive interface. While not without its flaws, Darkest Hour sets the stage for the expansive Hearts of Iron series, making it a…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →As far as I am concerned, the best Hearts of Iron to date
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Best HOI ever, at least back then they did not nickel and dime you to death with predatory business practices and actually delivered whole game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Best of 2024 TTRPG bundle is live! You can get my horror game, Darkest Hour, and 77 other games for $10 and help support indie tabletop creators and the Trans Empowerment Project! itch.io/b/2847/best-...
neutral · AI labelView post →As of 2025, it is not A but still THE Hearts of Iron game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I should actually use this place to talk about my work! My newest ttrpg, Darkest Hour, is up on itch (with community copies available)! It's a one-shot horror game about hunting a monster over a single night, even as the darkness closes in. Take a look: gamemakerm.itch.io/darkest-hour...
neutral · AI labelView post →Best Hearts of Iron game. Has the right level of detail with the provinces and the units that the game is rewarding to play (no Vic 3 abstractions) but isn't a sweat factory of micro-ing 10,000 locations like HoI 3. The artstyle is also timeless.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The first time I played this game starting just before WWI I was shocked when it abruptly ended at 1920. Then it picked up again in 1936 for WWII. It is actually two games. I thought it continued to fill the gap between the wars. I was extremely disappointed. And then I discovered the Campaign Mod! Someone took the time and created one game from 1914 all the way to 1991. Incredible! Yes, there is a glitch that prevents the game from continuing past 1958, but there's a work around for that. So…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Reminder that Atatürk partook in the Armenian genocide and that Turkey will never into EU. 👍
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've now played this game longer than the real battle of Stalingrad lasted. So I would say no don't play it. You don't want none of this in your life. Then again...Verdun lasted 7,272 hours so I can still probably try out some stuff. Maybe declare war on every other country on earth as Germany in September 1939 and fight them all with nothing but militia. One time I fought the USSR along a static front in central Europe until they ran out of manpower and I watched their armies…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Still the best Hoi game even in 2026! (with my Mod, of course!) And unfortunately, I assume that DH will remain the best HOI even in the 30s, because the Hoi is steadily deteriorating with each new series. Amen
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Simple the best version of HOI there is.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Better than Hoi4.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do you like staring at maps and numbers for hours on end? Well.... I do, and this game certainly offers one of the better map-staring experiences out there
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have no idea how to play these games, but they look fun
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A lot of the reviews seem to be based on nostalgia. The UI and Combat are atrocious, there is little to do other than build factories and armies. There is no flavor. War is tedious and slow. The logistics aspect is overly simple. For two dollars, might as well get it. But don't expect it to be fun if you're used to something like Hearts of Iron 4 or Eu4.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Awsome game. Very many detail and you can play many different way. There is history in game but you don't have follow it and you can create your own history idea when you play. There is many great mods for use if you want more stuff. You really need think good strategy but it is still not too hard. I think it is perfect difficulty. Good graphics too but sad because you can't take any photos in game for posting in Steam profile.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →starts being good when you know how to play
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The hate that THIS one in particular is getting is so forced. Do your due diligence and read reviews made more then a month ago, no one was saying anything negative about this game other then the fact that it isn't a total sandbox and will naturally follow a more historical path unless you heavily deviate from it and you know enough about how the game works to know how. So it isn't literally just like an alt-history simulator out of the box where you can be like "Oh I'll just make Germany…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you like HOI4, you should like this. Unlike in HOI4 though, your frontlines are not managed on their own and your military, navy, and air all have a bit more of a hands-on experience (setting the time of attacks, who supports the attack, what kind of attack if it's for air, etc) which makes it easier to blunder (this is a plus for me, forces me to slow down when the front expands). Only downside, if you want to alt-tab then it's best to run in windowed fullscreen. Because the game is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Makes the most of the dated Europa Engine and Hearts of Iron 2. Still a fun game but limited when compared to more recent entries.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Keep in mind that this is not a historical simulator. Its an RTS game. Focus on that and you will have a ton of fun playing this game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's Hearts of Iron, but good
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The manual is simply brilliant with its presentation and depth of detail at 158 pages, it just keeps drawing you in to read more about the game. The game itself is also well designed, and there is a depth of detail that is in the UI allowing you to drive down into a host of details and all the various aspects of game play. The mechanics are easy to understand and getting into the game is so easy to do. Very immersive and engaging.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This thing actually got an update even so long after release... sick af
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It has a nice mix of complexity and simplicity. Complex strategy, simple mechanics.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I don't know if they follow me here but someone made not one but TWO playbooks for Darkest Hour and sent me a lovely email about their experiences with the game and I didn't respond because I felt like words weren't sufficient for the elation of having someone like your stuff enough to transform it
neutral · AI labelView post →Absolutely disgusted by the recent path Paradox has embarked upon as a company. I didn't see in my years of gaming a more disrespecful company towards it's players and fanbase while also charging them huge loads of money for the slightest add-ons in their games for decades now. Just avoid anything to do with this company at this point. Paradox Boykot!!!
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The best HOI ever made
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Nice to start before 1936 as WWI set up what came after. Ideally there would be a 1901 or 1902 general start scenario to better kick off the post Victorian era and capture events like a choice to expand the Russo-Japanese War, Moroccan Crisis or the Italo-Turkish wars. Plus boost tech and infrastructure early on and chase more Airships so to go from an alternate Steampunk era to an alt. Ironpunk / Airpunk era.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →For those that like history and military history its a great game that allows you to control every aspect of a country during conflict.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There's so much out there and I have always been eager to pull as much in as possible. My game Darkest Hour is about horror movies, my game Magica is about magical girl anime, I'm writing a mech story while watching every Gundam. I wrote a musical about gacha games. Everything feeds everything else
neutral · AI labelView post →Slow paced but smooth experience, this is A Hearts of Iron game. Enjoy so far. Reference Historical Event with a movie: Beginning of The Great Revival
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game doesn't run on some Windows 11 systems (like mine) from the get go and troubleshooting is too much trouble
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A classic of grand strategy games
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Lots of improvements on the hoi2 base game and its last updates. A pleasure to play but a steep learning curve. Found I had to restart the game many times when I realised things worked differently to my expectations but logically enough. There are no pushover countries in this version of WWII.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →not good at all Rome Total war is better.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
Posts are quoted from public profiles with links to the original. Want yours removed? Contact us.
