Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness : System Requirements
System Requirements
Windows
minimum Specs
- CPU: Intel Pentium IV 2.4 GHz or AMD 3500+
- RAM: 2 GB RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 or ATI Radeon X1900
- Storage: 2 GB available space
- OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
recommended Specs
- CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD 64 X2 4400+
- RAM: 2 GB RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 or ATI Radeon X1900
- Storage: 2 GB available space
- OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
About This Game
NOTICE: Requires both the base game Victoria II and Victoria II A House Divided in order to play. ABOUT THE GAME Victoria II: Heart of Darkness is the second expansion for the grand strategy and political simulator Victoria II. This expansion focuses on the Scramble for Africa. Compete with other colonial powers and experience international crises which require Great Power mediation if the world is to avoid war in this experience crafted by Paradox Development Studio.KEY FEATURES Experience a brand new colonization system: Use your navy to expand your empire, compete against other colonial powers and struggle to maintain your overseas control. Colonial conflicts can spiral out of control and become international crises. They will have to be decided by diplomatic negotiations or risk costly wars Battle your enemies in the new naval combat system: Together with the new colonization system, your navies are more important than ever. A new system of gun ranges brings more depth and strategy to warfare on the high seas. Powerful new battleships also join the other classes of ships to bridge the gap to Dreadnoughts Prepare for International Crises: Around the world international crises continually call on the Great Powers to mediate and compromise, with war always being the last resort. As one of the lesser powers, use your influence to stir up local flash points so you can use fleet footed diplomacy to get the Great Powers to right the wrongs that have been committed against your nation! Follow the global events with the new newspaper system: Attain a greater sense of immersion by receiving local and global reports on world events. Over 60 newspapers, both historic and otherwise, periodically present you with the latest news reports of war, major events, royal gossip and other matters of interestSYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Operating system: XP/Vista/Windows7/Windows8 Processor: Intel® Pentium® IV 2.4 GHz or AMD 3500+ Memory: 2 Gb RAM Hard disk space: 2 GB Available HDD Space Video: NVIDIA® GeForce 8800 or ATI Radeon® X1900 Resolution at least: 1024*768 Sound: Direct X-compatible sound card DirectX®: DirectX 9 Controller support: 3-button mouse, keyboard and speakers Special multiplayer requirements: Internet Connection for multiplayer Requires base game Victoria II and A House Divided Expansion
Screenshots
User Reviews (20)
Write Your Review
GrandStrategist
May 20, 2025
4.3
The late-game micro can be a bit much, but the journey is epic. Still amazing.
NoobSlayer
Mar 24, 2025
5.0
My favorite Paradox game. The historical immersion is unreal. Colonialism galore!
EconMaster
Jan 30, 2025
4.9
It's a niche game, but if you like economics and history, this is your jam. 😊
VicFanatic
Dec 15, 2024
5.0
Victoria 2 with HoD is peak grand strategy. Nothing else compares. Absolute gem.
MapPainter
Jul 28, 2024
4.5
AI can be quirky sometimes, but the modding scene keeps it fresh. Solid 4.5.
RetroGamer
Mar 26, 2023
5.0
The best DLC for an already amazing game. 10/10 for strategy lovers.
DiplomatElite
May 31, 2021
4.7
Started playing again after years. Still holds up! The economy simulation is brilliant.
GamerGuru
May 5, 2019
4.5
Took me ages to learn, but the payoff is immense. Don't expect easy. 🎮
EmpireBuilder
Mar 17, 2019
4.8
The learning curve is insane, but once it clicks, it's pure addiction. So good!
IronWill
Mar 19, 2018
4.9
Broken at launch, but HoD fixed so much. Now it's essential. A true classic.
ColonizerGod
May 18, 2017
2.5
Too many spreadsheets for me. Wanted more action. Not my cup of tea.
PixelPusher
Nov 12, 2016
4.7
Graphics are dated, but gameplay is king! This game is a timeless masterpiece. 👍
PolicyPro
Apr 3, 2016
4.2
Wish the UI was more modern. But the gameplay loop is unmatched. Great stuff!
TimeSink
Mar 10, 2016
4.0
Lag in late game gets annoying. Otherwise, a perfect strategy title.
ModderX
Oct 21, 2015
4.6
Hard to get into, but once you do, prepare to lose hundreds of hours. Highly recommend.
NationCrafter
Jan 16, 2015
4.7
Updates stopped years ago, but the community keeps it alive. Still gold!
WarMonger
Aug 9, 2013
4.9
HoD fixes so many base game issues. Makes Vic2 truly shine. Worth every penny. 🔥
HistoryBuff
Aug 6, 2013
4.8
Love expanding my empire and managing the population. So complex, yet rewarding.
StrategyKing
Aug 3, 2013
5.0
Still the best grand strategy out there! HoD adds so much depth. A must-buy! 💯
DataCruncher
May 18, 2013
5.0
Hundreds of hours in and still finding new strategies. Unparalleled depth. 5/5!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Heart of Darkness" and what key features does it introduce to Victoria 2?
Heart of Darkness (HoD) is the second and final expansion for Victoria 2. It significantly revamps the colonial system, introduces the international crisis system, improves naval warfare, and adds new national decisions and historical events, particularly focusing on the "Scramble for Africa" and late-game diplomacy.
How does the new colonial system function in Heart of Darkness compared to previous versions?
HoD completely overhauls colonization. Instead of simply building a single colonial building, players now compete for colonial points to establish control over regions. This involves building naval bases and declaring protectorates, which then slowly turn into full colonies, adding a more strategic and competitive element to the Scramble for Africa.
What are some good starting nations for beginners in Victoria 2: Heart of Darkness?
For beginners, recommended nations often include: Sweden (a smaller, industrialized power), Brazil (a New World power for regional expansion), and the USA (a strong late-game power with massive potential).
Explain the 'Crisis' system in Heart of Darkness and its impact on diplomacy.
The Crisis system in HoD introduces flashpoints for international conflict over disputed territories or oppressed minorities. When a crisis erupts, Great Powers can take sides, escalating tensions and potentially leading to a World War if not resolved diplomatically. It adds a dynamic layer of late-game diplomacy and war.
Victoria 2 is known for its complexity. Does Heart of Darkness make it easier or harder for new players?
Heart of Darkness generally makes the game deeper and more complex due to the new systems like colonization and crises. While the added mechanics can be daunting for new players, the overall gameplay experience is considered more complete and refined. It doesn't necessarily make it "easier," but it significantly enhances the strategic options and historical flavor.