Hearts of Iron IV vs Hollow Knight: Silksong

A full spec-by-spec comparison of Hearts of Iron IV vs Hollow Knight: Silksong — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.

Specification Hearts of Iron IV Paradox Interactive Hollow Knight: Silksong Team Cherry
Overview
Release Date June 6, 2016 September 4, 2025
Availability Released Released
Developer Paradox Development Studio Team Cherry
Publisher Paradox Interactive Team Cherry
Official Site http://www.heartsofiron4.com/ http://hollowknightsilksong.com/
Gameplay
Genre Strategy, Simulation Action, Adventure, Indie, Platformer
Game Modes Single-player, Multiplayer, Co-op Single-player
Average Playtime 8 hours 24 hours
Perspective 2D
Platforms & Pricing
Platforms PC, Apple Macintosh, Linux PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Macintosh, Linux, Nintendo
Available On Steam Steam, GOG
PC Requirements
Minimum Requirements OS: Windows 7 64-bit or newer Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 @ 2.66 GHz / AMD Athlon II X4 650 @ 3.20 GHz Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 5850 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX470 with 1GB VRAM DirectX: Version 9.0c Storage: 2 GB available space Sound Card: Direct X- compatible soundcard. Additional Notes: Mouse and keyboard are required. / Latest available WHQL drivers from both manufacturers/ Internet Connection or LAN for multiplayer, Up to 32 other players in multiplayer mode. OS: Windows 7 Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce 9800GTX+ (1GB) DirectX: Version 10 Storage: 9 GB available space Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended
Recommended Requirements OS: Windows 7 64-bit or newer Processor: Intel Core i5 750 @ 2.66 GHz / AMD Phenom II X4 955 @ 3.20 GHz Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 6950 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX570 with 2GB VRAM DirectX: Version 9.0c Storage: 2 GB available space Sound Card: Direct X- compatible soundcard. Additional Notes: Mouse and keyboard are required. / Latest available WHQL drivers from both manufacturers. / Internet Connection or LAN for multiplayer, Up to 32 other players in multiplayer mode. OS: Windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i5 Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GTX 560+ DirectX: Version 10 Storage: 9 GB available space Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended
Critic & Community Scores
Metacritic 83 / 100
Community Rating 4.1 / 5 (382 ratings) 4.4 / 5 (237 ratings)

Hearts of Iron IV vs Hollow Knight: Silksong: which should you buy?

For Filipino buyers, the choice between Hearts of Iron IV and Hollow Knight: Silksong boils down to genre preference. Hearts of Iron IV (HoI4) is a deep grand strategy WWII simulator with a Metacritic score of 83 and a community rating of 4.1/5. It offers single-player, multiplayer, and co-op modes, averaging 8 hours of playtime. It runs on PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam, with modest specs (e.g., GeForce GTX 470). Silksong, released in 2025, is a 2D action-adventure platformer with a 4.4/5 community rating. It averages 24 hours, supports single-player only, and launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo platforms via Steam and GOG. Its minimum specs are similar to HoI4 but require DirectX 10. For Filipino gamers, Silksong's availability on Nintendo Switch (a popular console in the Philippines) and longer playtime may be more appealing for casual play. HoI4's multiplayer and co-op are better for those who enjoy strategy with friends. Neither game's price is listed, but HoI4 is older and may see steeper discounts. Choose HoI4 if you love detailed strategy and multiplayer; choose Silksong if you prefer immersive platforming and longer solo campaigns on multiple platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Which game has longer average playtime?

Hollow Knight: Silksong averages 24 hours, while Hearts of Iron IV averages 8 hours, based on the data provided.

Which game supports multiplayer?

Hearts of Iron IV supports both multiplayer and co-op modes, whereas Hollow Knight: Silksong is single-player only.

Which game is available on more platforms?

Hollow Knight: Silksong is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mac, Linux, and Nintendo platforms, while Hearts of Iron IV is only on PC, Mac, and Linux.

Which game has a higher community rating?

Hollow Knight: Silksong has a community rating of 4.4/5, slightly higher than Hearts of Iron IV's 4.1/5.