Niels and Batya release the sixth Open Beta update for the Anniversary patch (v1.18.2.0.9c2d / checksum fbec). Community survey on achievements: mods disable achievements, but ironman may no longer be required for all. Nationalist China balancing, slower submarine escape, naval AI improvements and 11 bugfixes. Release planned for June 6.
The Hearts of Iron IV Anniversary patch releases on June 6, 2026. Open Beta VI (version 1.18.2.0.9c2d, checksum fbec) is the last update before this release. It includes Nationalist China balancing (22 focuses reduced from 70 to 35 days), submarine and naval AI adjustments, and 11 bugfixes. Summarized by La Meute QC.
In Hearts of Iron IV Open Beta VI, naval AI reserves more dockyards for repairs (addressing forum feedback) and repairs ships until critical damage is fixed. Naval templates for the USA, UK and generic nations have been updated. British AI also builds up North Africa ports more aggressively to push toward Tobruk when needed.
Following a community survey released during Hearts of Iron IV Open Beta VI, most players feel ironman should not be required for all achievements, and mods should always disable them. Paradox's planned approach: some achievements will require ironman, others won't — decided case by case. Multiplayer achievements remain an open question.
