Hearts of Iron 4 (HOI4) – How to Put Planes on Carriers

Guides

Introduction

Carriers played a crucial role in World War II, serving as floating airbases for planes to conduct missions in enemy territories. These massive ships were essential for countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan in naval battles and invasions.

How to Put Planes on Carriers in HOI4

In Hearts of Iron 4, putting planes on carriers requires specific steps. You must first research carrier-capable versions of fighters, close air support, and naval bombers. These variants have different stats and names than their land-based counterparts.

When building a new carrier, it comes with a pre-assembled air wing equipped with the latest carrier-capable models you’ve researched. You can adjust the types of planes in the air wing before launching the carrier to align with your strategy.

Once the carrier joins a fleet, its air wing becomes a Carrier Air Group, engaging in naval combat automatically.

How Carriers Work and How to Use Them

  • Carriers serve as floating airbases for carrier-capable aircraft.
  • During combat, carriers deploy their aircraft as a Carrier Air Group, engaging enemy fleets without delay.

Depending on hangar space, carriers can carry various types of planes like naval bombers, fighters, and close air support. This strategic flexibility allows for effective offensive and defensive tactics.

How to Design a Carrier

Designing a carrier is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Focus on increasing hangar space to carry more planes, as carriers are vulnerable and rely on escorts for protection. Match the carrier’s engine speed with the fleet’s speed for optimal performance.

Tips on How to Use Them

  • Consider swapping carrier CAS for naval bombers before engaging enemy fleets for higher damage output.
  • Maintain balance between offense and defense by deploying a mix of fighters and naval bombers.
  • Remember that carriers are vulnerable once their escorts are eliminated.
  • Train carrier wings and manage them carefully for optimum performance.

    • That’s a comprehensive guide on putting planes on carriers in Hearts of Iron 4! Share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments below.