In the world of Hearts of Iron IV: By Blood Alone , the story isn't written in a book, but on the shifting borders of a world at war. Released in late 2022, this expansion focuses on the Mediterranean theater, specifically the rise and fall of empires in Italy, Ethiopia, and Switzerland.
: Much like the tank designer in previous updates, you now "write" the technical history of your air force, designing specific airframes to counter enemy aces.
: As the "Lighthouse of Liberty," you must manage relations with your neighbors to avoid invasion while taking in refugees and acting as a hub for international espionage. Download Expansion Hearts of Iron IV By Blood A...
The expansion completely rewrites Italy’s historical path. The central narrative follows Benito Mussolini's attempt to turn the Mediterranean into an "Italian Lake."
: Emperor Haile Selassie faces a technologically superior Italian army. The "story" here is one of survival—using the rugged terrain of the Horn of Africa to bleed the invaders dry. In the world of Hearts of Iron IV:
: A unique "Balance of Power" mechanic tells the story of Mussolini’s internal standing. If the war goes poorly, the Grand Council of Fascism or the King may move to depose him, leading to a dramatic civil war.
Switzerland’s story is one of high-stakes diplomacy and "armed neutrality." Surrounded by the Axis powers, the narrative is a constant balancing act. : As the "Lighthouse of Liberty," you must
Here is a detailed narrative of the "story" you experience through this expansion: 1. The Defiant Lion: Ethiopia’s Struggle