Most played paradox game

[p2k]

I was curious about which Paradox grand strategy game is the most played, and according to Steam charts, it's Hearts of Iron IV. I wonder why that is. Is it the setting, or is this game mechanically better than the others?

[HappySack]

I would say it's because the gameplay can be fast-paced and satisfying, and games don't take ages to play through unlike the slower games like Stellaris and CK3

[Ogami]

Originally posted by HappySack:

I would say it's because the gameplay can be fast-paced and satisfying, and games don't take ages to play through unlike the slower games like Stellaris and CK3

Yeah pretty much that. A HOI4 match is generally over in a few hours and depending how well you know the game and the speed you play on may just last 2-3 hours or so.
While Stellaris and Crusader Kings 3 are much more involved affairs, where a single game easily can take dozens of hours.
Plus, i honestly think HOI4 is one of the easier Paradox games to grasp, at least on a surface level.
Sure, there may be mechanics you dont really understand 100% even after a while but none of them stop you from just enjoying and finishing a game.

[00yiggdrasill00]

personally its the mechanics for me. ck2 works but eu4 has too much buried and random stuff for me. ive considered the newer releases but it typically takes time for paradox to build a game up post release

[skshus]

ck3 is great for beginners but looks quite complicated still, and you do more than just warfare and stuff that supports it so boringg (i ran out of points against it ok)
eu4 is old and has a bajillion things and i can never keep track of it idk it's very confusing
vicky 3 just sucks, warfare sucks (yes yes ik it's not the main focus of the game but it can 100% be better), the economy seems pretty simplified despite that being basically the entire game
hoi4 is just build factories research make divisions conquer everything, who doesn't like that?
stellaris? idk never played it

[Malenthas]

It's the sheer depth and complication of HOI4 that keeps me engaged. Even after 1000+ hours, I am still learning how to optimize and play the game better.
Also, the non-historical focus trees option can create a rather endless variation of game challenges and surprising outcomes.