Strategy video games combine two emotions – satisfaction and complete frustration. Why the latter? Because without console commands, every tiny mistake can result in massive failure.
Grand strategies like Hearts of Iron IV don’t have to be bitterly challenging. After all, you play this game for fun, right? Therefore, you shouldn’t shy away from making your gameplay experience more personal and tailored to your needs. Sometimes — like after work or school — players don’t feel up to completing another war mission in its mechanically pure form.
But they still want that spark of excitement in a slightly more casual version. Something the same but somehow different. And this is where HoI4 console commands prove themselves irreplaceable.
HOI4 Commands
How to use console? To access the console and start typing commands, you must first press the appropriate button on the keyboard. This process, however, may take some effort as not all keys work the same way on all keyboards and in different game versions. Try starting the title and clicking these examples to see what runs the console in your case: tilde (~), Alt 2, Alt 3, Shift 2, Shift 3, `, ‘, “, \, ^, §.
After launching the console, you can type the commands listed below. Note that some may require a specific ID or number. Like, for example, add_equipment [amount] [equipment name]. Ready? It’s high time to learn some handy codes!
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| manpower [amount] | get the desired amount of manpower |
| xp [amount] | xp command for adding a certain amount of experience for the navy, army, and airforce |
| pp [amount] | add the preferred amount of political power |
| instanconstruction | skip construction waiting time to finish it right away |
| focus.autocomplete | complete your National Focus |
| winwars | earn the maximum score in all active wars |
| cp [amount] | increase your Command Power by the desired amount |
| fow | control fog of war visibility (toggle on or off) |
| fronts | turn the fronts' visibility on or off |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| add_autonomy [country ID] [amount] | control the autonomy of the chosen country (increase or decrease) |
| add_equipment [amount] [equipment ID] | increase the amount of wanted equipment (except naval) |
| add_party_popularity [ideology group] [amount] | add the chosen popularity value of a specific party to the ideological group, including communism, fascism, neutrality, or democracy |
| research_on_icon_click | immediately unlock the desired technology on the tech tree |
| allowdiplo | use any diplomatic action without providing a specific reason |
| ai_accept | make your opponents accept all diplomatic offers |
| nuke [amount] | give yourself a fine supply of nukes |
| instanttraining | enjoy instant training of your units |
| occupationpaint [country ID] | take over all lands of the picked country |
| teleport [province ID] | move units to any place on the map |
| yesman | accept all diplomatic offers |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| allowtraits | assign any number of traits to generals |
| add_core [state ID] [country ID] | transform a state into a core part of the chosen country |
| add_ideas [idea ID] | add an idea with the selected ID |
| gain_xp [amount] | give experience to a general or leader |
| st [amount] | add stability |
| ws [amount] | add war support |
| whitepeace [country ID] [country ID] | bring peace to countries at war |
| debug_nuking | enable nuking in the provinces |
| setowner [country ID] [state ID] | make a specific country the owner of the selected state |
| focus.nochecks | ignore national goal requirements |
| focus.ignoreprerequisites | ignore the initial conditions of national goals |
| decision.nochecks | ignore decision requirements |
| puppet [puppeteer country ID] [puppet country ID] | make any country a dummy of the selected nation |
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| set_var [variable] [value] | change the variable to a specific value |
| get_var [variable] | show variable value in the console |
| ai [country ID] | turn the AI of the selected country on or off |
| set_cosmetic_tag [country ID] [cosmetic ID] | change the name and flag of the chosen country |
| reloadinterface | reload interface |
| error | open error log file |
Misconceptions About Using Commands
Many say using commands is cheating. And yes, it is true in the context of multiplayer games where other players have no idea you are using codes. In all other cases, this statement is invalid. Video games are virtual toys for many purposes, like entertainment, education, exploring open worlds, or trying bold tactics on the battlefield.
So, even in a multiplayer game, players can use commands as long as they have all agreed on them in advance. And when it comes to all single-player titles – using codes is more than recommended as long as such an approach satisfies you.
Pro Tips for Debugging and Troubleshooting
A modded or code-altered game may result in errors, but they are fixable. Try enabling repair mode that will inform you about any issues while playing. It looks like an adorable dog, so that’s definitely the most user-friendly option. To turn on this mode, go to Steam, right-click on the Hearts of Iron game, and select Properties.
Click Set Launch Options, type -debug in the blank window, and confirm by choosing OK. Ready! You may also want to stay updated on new command releases. Try following online lists of the best commands for your favorite game – especially the Hearts of Iron 4 Wiki.
Conclusion
Games like HoI IV test us in various fields, such as strategic skills and political creativity, definitely falling into the category of the most challenging titles of our time. For some, such gameplay may be overly difficult.
Others may be unwilling to complete all available objectives. It is absolutely normal and understandable, as games should always be a source of fun, not endless frustration.
Operation of even the most basic commands allows the creation of an entirely new game within familiar rules. Allowing yourself to improve something can give you a sense of power over these complex mechanics and even previously too-difficult rules.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with various codes, determine what approach you enjoy the most, and share your discoveries to encourage others to try new, fun solutions.