Hearts Of Iron 4: Best Marine Templates (2024)

Among specialized units under the Infantry in Hearts of Iron 4, it's perhaps the Marines that offer some of the more diverse gameplay options at a player's disposal. Their natural training in amphibious settings makes them viable in engagements across rivers, marshes, and amphibious landings, making them rather versatile in more unique setups.

While the Marines in Hearts of Iron 4 only offer three (3) tiers of upgrades, Marine Divisions comprised of different setups and even support elements such as Engineer Companies can transform them into even more specialized formations. However, for players who want to enjoy the full offerings of the Marines in Hearts of Iron4, just how exactly should they set them up?

1 Mixed Roles

Capitalize On Strength In Mixed Numbers

Fans who want to upgrade their warfare methods with Marines could consider mixing and matching via the Mixed Roles template. This starts with six (6) Marines and expands into 10 Infantry, with four (4) Artillery and one Anti-Air for backup, forming a Combat Width 45 setup. This should provide players with ample firepower to accommodate different angles, while their Support Companies supplement them with attack bonuses.

By the time players get more specialized upgrades, they can replace Infantry with Mountaineers to accommodate a more diversified kit. This should theoretically allow players to begin a more aggressive frontline approach while leaving enough room to receive backup from smaller Combat Width 15 to 18 or even larger Combat Width 20 setups.

2 Amtrac Marine Balance

Upgrade For More Value

While unlocking Marines can provide players with more specialized firepower in their Hearts of Iron 4 experience, they may be able to capitalize on their potential even further once players unlock the Amtrac in the World War 2 sim. In this Amtrac Marine Balance template, players can tinker with a Combat Width 30 setup to accommodate most Terrain types with manageable attack penalties in Urban, Jungle, and Forest settings.

However, despite these attack penalties, the main priority of this 6/9 Build is to supplement the base strength of Marines with the more balanced firepower of the Amtrac upgrade. Their more solid defense, especially when assisted by Artillery and Engineer Support Companies, should help players provide additional firepower regardless if they're pursuing aggressive plays or defensive pursuits.

3 Strategic Marine Assault

Plug And Play Into Multiple Setups

Players who want an alternative take on the flexible army in their Hearts of Iron 4 gameplay should consider going for the Strategic Marine Assault template. This particular Combat Width 20 setup takes advantage of the multi-terrain perks of smaller numbers, even with the slight penalties for the presence of an Amtrac Battalion.

This setup aims to highlight the capabilities of the Marines to accommodate not just amphibious warfare but also multi-directional attacks. Instead of having one large Marine division pushing into enemy territory, this template encourages positioning them into many chokepoints. When aiming for a theoretical port, this means stationing one head-on and then deploying two more on either side to secure the flank. The flexibility of this template's Combat Width also has room to place other Support Companies like the Field Hospital or Logistics Company for additional support.

4 Standard Marine Artillery

An All-Around Marine With Artillery Option

Players who want to use their Marines for more standard Hearts of Iron 4 plays should consider a more traditional Standard Marine Artillery setup. This Combat Width 24 template emphasizes a 9/2 composition with Marines and Artillery at the forefront, suffering some penalties in Forests and Jungles but with quite a lot of boosts in terms of defense.

This build is a more traditional take on the Marine template, with Anti-Air Support Companies specifically focusing on Armor and Piercing to secure both offense and defense. While not the most powerful template in terms of sheer firepower, their innate bonuses could be enough to push multi-directional assaults with opportunities to flank and plug defenses.

5 All-Rounder Marines

Can Theoretically Be Used In Any Terrain

Players who want a more flexible take on their Marine templates in their Hearts of Iron 4 playthrough should consider trying All-Rounder Marines. This Combat Width 18 template aims to follow through attacks with nine (9) Marine Battalions, relying heavily on Support Engineers and Artillery for bonuses on Naval Attack and Soft Attack while specializing further with Recon and Medium Flame Tanks.

Theoretically, Combat Width 18 should be able to help Marines accommodate most Terrain types. This should let them support other divisions from the backlines or become more forward units.

6 Early-Game Play Safe

Make More Divisions For Added Versatility

Players who want to experiment with their Marine setups should consider trying the Early-Game Play Safe setup. This Combat Width 30 9/4 build incentivizes giving players access to multiple divisions in the early parts of the game, enabling them to cement their frontlines on the offense or fill defensive gaps when receiving push-back.

While not necessarily the strongest deployment of Marines, the all-around nature of this setup allows players to use this as a branching-off point when expanding their builds to accommodate certain combat situations. This way, players don't get as punished in the early game when their experiments go wrong, as it's easy to revert to a more manageable division template.

7 Adaptable Marines

Manageable Firepower For Its Size And Components

Players enjoying their Hearts of Iron 4 experience should consider using the Adaptable Marines for a more flexible Combat Width 30 template. At its core, the 9/4 setup should give players enough firepower to create a sizable frontline or defend locations with ease. Flexibility is where the build shines, as Anti-Air could be replaced with a Logistics Company or a Signal Company should players already possess supply problems or if they already possess Air Supremacy.

In turn, the setup can accommodate more Terrain locations and even have manageable penalties in unideal locations. Width 30 should pack enough punch to lead the vanguard, with some Combat Width 15 to 18 divisions supporting the flank or plugging defensive holes.

8 Marine Numbers Supremacy

Take Advantage Of Sheer Numbers

Sometimes, an ideal strategy for creating a template for more aggressive Hearts of Iron 4 plays would be going for the direct approach. This Marine Numbers Supremacy template tries to do exactly that, as its Combat Width 30 setup takes advantage of pure Marines aided by the sizable attack boosts of Engineers and the defensive support from Rocket Artillery and Signal Companies.

The ideal principle for such a setup has to do with how many Ports and Islands in the game are often Plains, making it quite advantageous for Combat Width 30 units to dominate in the Soft Attack department. With the right flank and support from other divisions, Marine Numbers Supremacy should pave the way for an efficient landing that doesn't add too much risk on the part of players.

Hearts of Iron 4

Platform(s)

PC

Released

June 6, 2016

Developer(s)

Paradox Development Studio

Genre(s)

Grand Strategy