Hearts of Iron 4 (HOI4) – How to Change Game Version

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Hearts of Iron 4 continues to attract new players and offers a wide range of mods to explore. However, some of these mods are only compatible with older versions of the game. So, how can you change the game version in Hearts of Iron 4 to experience these outdated mods? Read on to find out.

Changing the game version can be a bit tricky, especially if you didn’t purchase the game through the right platform. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to change the game version in Hearts of Iron 4.

Table of Contents

Why Change the Game Version?

The main reason to change your game version of HOI4, besides experimenting with an older version of the game, is to use outdated mods that haven’t been updated in years. Hundreds of mods are available for HOI4, and changing the game version allows you to experience these mods as they were originally intended.

How to Change Game Version of HOI4

To change your HOI4 game version on Steam, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Steam Library and right click Hearts of Iron IV.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Open the “Betas” tab.
  4. Select the version you wish to play from the box to the right of “Beta Participation” and wait as Steam updates your game.

Once you open the game, look down in the main menu to check if your game version is the right one. If the game hasn’t changed versions for some reason, exit the game, right-click Properties again, go to the Installed Files tab, and Verify the integrity of the game files. This should make Steam bring you all the necessary files to make this version of the game work. The oldest version of HOI4 you could go back to should be 1.5.4 since there were some problems regarding GDPR in the older version of the game. To change the game version to a version older than 1.5.4 of HOI4, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to Paradox Plaza and log in (or create) your Paradox Account.
  2. Scroll down and find “Access Earlier Versions”.
  3. Click the “Show” button to the right of the “Access Earlier Versions”.
  4. Find the code for Hearts of Iron IV and copy it.
  5. Follow all the steps from above to get back to the “Betas” screen in the Steam Library and paste the code in the box below “Private Betas”.
  6. Press the “Check Code” button.
  7. Press the “ Opt into …” button that appears below.

Now you should find all the older versions of HOI4 if you open the Beta Participation box if you scroll all the way down, allowing you to choose whichever game version you want to play.

Can You Change the Game Version on Xbox Microsoft Store?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to change the game version of HOI4 without Steam on an Xbox/Microsoft platform. The Microsoft Store does not have systems in place to allow players to do that, which means you will never be able to experience older, outdated mods.

There also isn’t any way to move your game from the Microsoft Store to Steam, so you are stuck in this situation unless you buy HOI4 again, but on Steam this time around.

That’s everything you need to know about how to change the game version in Hearts of Iron 4! Have any input or suggestions for this guide? Let us know in the comment section below.