Ultimate Ship Designs for Hearts of Iron 4: Dominate the Seas

In World War II, naval warfare played a crucial role in determining the outcome of battles. Hearts of Iron 4 takes this aspect of war to the next level by giving players complete control over their nation's navy. Unlike other games that only allow players to construct shipyards and use pre-existing designs, Hearts of Iron 4 allows players to create their own ship designs. This feature gives players the freedom to approach naval battles in their preferred style, whether it be through smaller, more maneuverable ships or larger carriers with a focus on aerial warfare.

Crafting good ship designs is essential for players who want to dominate the sea game in Hearts of Iron 4. Fortunately, the game offers some fantastic designs that can be easily tweaked to suit players' needs. Some of these designs are even inspired by real-world warships, providing players with a historical edge in their battles.

Destroyer Class: All-Around Destroyer

The Destroyer is a versatile ship that can form the backbone of any naval fleet in Hearts of Iron 4. The All-Around Destroyer build takes the 1936 Destroyer hull and enhances its flexibility, making it capable of handling a variety of common naval threats. With Level 2 Quadruple Mk 1 Cannons, the All-Around Destroyer can provide anti-air support to Carriers during combat. It can also bypass Screens' naval defenses with a Level 2 Battery Gun, engage 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

The Carrier class in Hearts of Iron 4 is not typically considered a combat-heavy unit. The Carrier Plane Rush strategy, specifically designed for this ship, prioritizes equipping it with superior capabilities to bring and safeguard its fleet of planes.

To implement the Carrier Plane Rush, players concentrate on incorporating aerial defense weapons, including a Level 2 Anti-Air Turret and multiple Flight Decks. While upgrades for improved firepower are available, the primary focus should always be on anti-air defense to ensure the safety of the planes being transported into battle.

Battleship Class: Battleship Domination

To ensure the Battleship remains a formidable force in naval combat, players often make it their top priority to protect it from enemy attacks. The Battleship Domination build is designed with this in mind, equipping the ship with an array of powerful armaments that can effectively counter any threat it may face. This includes the installation of an Improved Floatplane Catapult, a pair of Level 2 Anti-Air cannons, and three Level 2 Heavy Batteries, in addition to a Level 2 Secondary Battery.

Light Cruiser Class: Light Screen Defense

The Light Screen Defense serves as a crucial defense mechanism for capital ships in combat, effectively absorbing incoming attacks such as torpedoes while keeping the fleet intact. This screen ship, developed as an iteration of the 1936 Light Cruiser, is well-equipped to handle various threats posed by Destroyers, Submarines, and other Light Cruisers.

When assembling the Light Screen Defense, players should prioritize the installation of a pair of Level 2 Anti-Air weapons, two pairs of Light Cruiser Batteries, and a Secondary Battery. This configuration provides ample Light Attack capability, as well as solid Organization and Max Speed, making it an ideal choice for safeguarding a capital ship's convoy.

Heavy Cruiser Class: Heavy Catapulting

The Heavy Cruiser in Hearts of Iron 4 shares the same hull as the Light Cruiser but has access to heavier weaponry, making it a formidable capital ship. By utilizing the Heavy Catapulting build, players can transform the Heavy Cruiser, which is considered the lightest and weakest among the capital ships, into a powerful long-range attacker.

To implement the Heavy Catapulting build, players are advised to upgrade the standard Light Cruiser kit with two Level 1 Anti-Air turrets, three Level 2 Heavy Cruiser Batteries, a Secondary Battery, and an Improved Floatplane Catapult. While it is possible to install a Catapult on a Light Cruiser, the limited range of the Light Cruiser renders it ineffective. Conversely, adding a Catapult to the Heavy Cruiser significantly enhances its surface detection capability, allowing for optimal deployment at maximum range.

Battlecruiser Class: Battlecruiser Surfing

By focusing on lower armor and production costs, Battlecruisers can be built with speed as a priority. The Battlecruiser Surfing build utilizes the Heavy Ship Hull and equips it with a Battlecruiser Armor I, along with the player's preferred kit. Often referred to as the "faster Battleship," Battlecruisers can be optimized through Battlecruiser Surfing by adding components like a Secondary Battery, Level 3 Anti-Air cannon, and six Super Heavy Batteries. This results in a ship with increased Heavy Attack capabilities, giving it an advantage in battle.

Submarine Class: Submarine Efficiency

Submarines provide a stealthy approach for players who want to infiltrate enemy lines undetected underwater. To fully utilize this ship class's potential, players can rely on the Submarine Efficiency build. This build utilizes the 1936 Submarine Hull, along with Level 2 Submarine Engine and a pair of Level 2 Torpedo Tubes.

The Submarine Efficiency build is particularly effective for minelayering and convoy raiding in naval warfare due to the submarine's high top speed and attack potential. While choosing Level 1 could lower the overall production cost of the Submarine, it would also result in a reduction of one kilometer of Max Speed and a decrease in Torpedo Attack, compromising the submarine's performance.

Superheavy Battleship Class: Superheavy Optimization

To maximize the effectiveness of a Superheavy Battleship in Hearts of Iron 4, it's important to employ Superheavy Optimization tactics. This involves equipping the ship with five Level 2 Anti-Air cannons and a Level 2 Improved Floatline Catapult for reconnaissance, while also ensuring the ship has upgraded forms of weapons to take out most threats. Additionally, a Level 2 Secondary Battery and three Super Heavy Batteries can help the ship outlast most other vessels. However, due to its high cost, sustaining a Superheavy Battleship can be a challenge.

Hearts of Iron 4 is available on the PC.