Hearts of Iron II vs Supreme Ruler 2020
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Hearts of Iron II is a grand strategy game that places players in absolute control of one of 175 countries through the turbulent eras of World War II and the ensuing potential clash between the Allies and the Soviet Union. Managing political, economic, diplomatic, and military affairs, players must navigate intricate historical and alternate-history scenarios as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Developed and published by Paradox Interactive, the title offers deep strategic simulation where every decision impacts global supremacy. Whether building up industrial capacity, researching advanced military doctrines, or orchestrating massive multi-front land, air, and naval campaigns, players experience unparalleled historical depth and replayability across single-player and multiplayer modes.
Overnight, the US dollar crashes and the sound echoes across the globe, amplifying global instabilities and regional disputes that tear the world asunder. Nations dissolve, economies collapse, and tensions escalate as anarchy reigns supreme and the world desperately needs a leader. As the head of state, you must manage your nation's military, economic, and diplomatic resources to survive a turbulent future and reunify the shattered globe. Developed by BattleGoat Studios and published by Paradox Interactive, this grand strategy title challenges players with complex simulation mechanics and real-time strategic warfare. Juggle domestic policy, resource allocation, and military combat across a seamless global map. Whether through diplomacy or military conquest, your ultimate goal is to restore order and establish supremacy in a world plunged into chaos.
- Incredible historical depth and scope
- High replay value with 175 playable countries
- Detailed economic and military management systems
- Engaging alternate history possibilities
- In-depth economic and military simulation
- Massive scale featuring global maps
- Challenging AI for strategy veterans
- Detailed technological research tree
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Dated user interface by modern standards
- Can require significant time investment per campaign
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Dated graphics and user interface
- Micromanagement can become overwhelming
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHearts of Iron II offers higher critical acclaim, lower price, and richer historical depth, while Supreme Ruler 2020 provides a sci‑fi setting with broader economic micromanagement at a higher cost.
Key differences
- •Setting: Supreme Ruler 2020 is sci‑fi; Hearts of Iron II is World War II historical.
- •Price: $19.99 vs $9.99, making Hearts of Iron II cheaper.
- •Critic scores: 50/100 for Supreme Ruler 2020 vs 84/100 for Hearts of Iron II.
- •Scope of playable nations: 175+ in Hearts of Iron II; unspecified (implied fewer) in Supreme Ruler 2020.
- •Graphics/UI: Both described as dated, but Supreme Ruler 2020 notes “dated graphics and UI” explicitly.
Pricing & value
Hearts of Iron II costs $9.99, half the price of Supreme Ruler 2020's $19.99.
Gameplay & fun factor
Higher critic score (84 vs 50) suggests more enjoyable gameplay for Hearts of Iron II.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Supreme Ruler 2020 explicitly supports both PvP and co‑op; Hearts of Iron II lists only single‑player and multiplayer without co‑op detail.
Content & replayability
Hearts of Iron II offers 175 playable countries and alternate history scenarios, exceeding Supreme Ruler's unspecified content.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both cite steep learning curves for new players.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as having dated graphics and UI.
Platform availability
Platform information not specified for either product.
Choose Hearts of Iron II if…
Players who want historical WW2 depth, lower cost, higher critical praise, and many nations to play.
Choose Supreme Ruler 2020 if…
Players who prioritize sci‑fi setting, deep economic micromanagement, and co‑op multiplayer.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Hearts of Iron II costs $9.99; Supreme Ruler 2020 costs $19.99.
Which has better reviews?
Hearts of Iron II has a critic score of 84/100, compared to Supreme Ruler 2020's 50/100.
Do both support multiplayer?
Supreme Ruler 2020 supports PvP and co‑op; Hearts of Iron II supports multiplayer but co‑op is not mentioned.




