# Hearts of Iron II

> 2005 grand strategy video game

**Wikidata**: [Q1061361](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1061361)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearts_of_Iron_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hearts-of-iron-ii

## Summary
Hearts of Iron II is a grand strategy wargame released on January 4, 2005, that focuses on historical military simulation. Developed by the Swedish company Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, it serves as the sequel to the original Hearts of Iron and the predecessor to Hearts of Iron III.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** January 4, 2005
- **Developer:** Development Studio (Sweden-based, founded 1995)
- **Publisher:** Paradox Interactive (Sweden-based, founded 1999)
- **Software Engine:** Europa Engine
- **Platforms:** Microsoft Windows and macOS
- **Genres:** Grand strategy wargame, real-time strategy, and historical video game
- **Game Modes:** Single-player and multiplayer
- **Latest Version:** 1.3b
- **Distribution Formats:** CD-ROM, digital download, and Steam (App ID: 22130)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary gameplay genre of Hearts of Iron II?
A: It is classified as a grand strategy wargame and real-time strategy title with a focus on historical simulation. It allows for both single-player and multiplayer experiences.

### Q: Which company developed and published Hearts of Iron II?
A: The game was developed by the Swedish firm Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, which is also based in Stockholm, Sweden.

### Q: What platforms is Hearts of Iron II available on?
A: The game was developed for Microsoft Windows and macOS. It has been distributed through physical CD-ROMs and digital platforms including Steam and GOG.

### Q: Where does the game fit within its series?
A: Hearts of Iron II is the second installment in the Hearts of Iron series; it follows the first Hearts of Iron game and is followed by Hearts of Iron III.

## Why It Matters
Hearts of Iron II is a foundational title in the grand strategy wargame genre, specifically within the historical video game category. Developed by the Swedish firm Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, the game serves as a critical bridge in its series, following the original Hearts of Iron and preceding Hearts of Iron III. Its 2005 release introduced players to a complex simulation powered by the Europa Engine, a hallmark of early Paradox strategy titles. 

The game's significance is reflected in its broad platform support, operating on both Microsoft Windows and macOS, and its diverse distribution methods ranging from physical CD-ROMs to modern digital storefronts like Steam and GOG. With a critical review score of 8/10 from Canard PC and a presence across dozens of international gaming databases, it solidified the reputation of Swedish game development in the global market. The title's reach is further evidenced by its documentation in ten different languages on Wikipedia and its inclusion in major industry repositories such as Metacritic, Giant Bomb, and the Internet Game Database. By offering both single-player and multiplayer modes, it provided a versatile platform for historical simulation that remains a point of reference for the grand strategy community.

## Notable For
- **Europa Engine:** Utilizes the proprietary Europa Engine for its complex real-time strategy calculations.
- **Series Continuity:** Acts as the central link in the Hearts of Iron trilogy, succeeding the 2002 original and leading to the 2009 sequel.
- **Critical Reception:** Earned a high review score of 8/10 from publications such as Canard PC upon its release in 2005.
- **Global Reach:** Features documentation and community support in at least ten languages, including Arabic, German, Spanish, and Finnish.

## Body

### Development and Publishing
Hearts of Iron II was developed by **Development Studio**, a Swedish video game developer established in 1995 and headquartered in Stockholm. The project was published by **Paradox Interactive**, another Stockholm-based entity founded in 1999. The game was officially released on January 4, 2005.

### Technical Specifications
The game was built using the **Europa Engine**. It supports two primary operating systems:
*   **Microsoft Windows:** Compatible with the family of systems released since 1985.
*   **macOS:** Compatible with Apple's operating system launched in 2001.

The software reached version **1.3b** during its primary support cycle. It is identified in various databases by specific IDs, such as **IMDb ID tt0819894** and **Steam Application ID 22130**.

### Gameplay and Distribution
Hearts of Iron II is categorized under several genres:
*   Grand strategy wargame
*   Real-time strategy (RTS)
*   Historical video game
*   Computer wargame

The game includes a narrative location in **Estonia** and supports both single-player and multiplayer modes. Distribution was handled through multiple formats, including physical **CD-ROM** and digital distribution via **Steam**, **GOG**, and other digital download services.

### Series and Legacy
The game is a core part of the **Hearts of Iron** series. Its chronological position in the franchise is as follows:
1.  **Preceded by:** Hearts of Iron
2.  **Succeeded by:** Hearts of Iron III

It is recognized across numerous gaming platforms and databases, including **Metacritic** (where it is listed for PC), **IGN**, **Giant Bomb**, and **MobyGames**. The title is also known by several aliases, including **HoI2**, **Hearts of Iron 2**, and translated titles such as **钢铁雄心2**.

## References

1. Steam
2. Mod DB
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GOG.com
5. [Source](https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M722209)
6. [Source](https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C34940)
7. Giant Bomb
8. GamesMeter.nl
9. Source