Nukes ended the World War 2 because the destruction was devastating. Since Hearts of Iron IV is a World War 2 game, nukes can only be developed at late-end game phase. So here is the questions. Does nukes end the war in game? HOI4 what are nukes for? Do nukes kill units in HOI4?
In order to build nukes, player must first research Atomic Research, Nuclear Reactor, and Nuclear Bombs technologies. Then, nuclear reactor buildings must be build. Preferably more than one for faster nuke development. Of course in order to drop a nuke to an enemy country, you need to have air superiority and one strategic bomber plane on the designated location. Then you can drop the nuke.
Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. – J. Robert Oppenheimer
The answer for the question HOI4 do nukes kill units will be yes it does. Nukes indeed kill units. Divisions in the province take a random percentage between 10% and 90% of their current strength and organization as damage. However, nuked units do not lose entrenchment. HOI4 where to nuke? I would use nukes only on chokepoints or bottlenecks to break lines. Of course nuking capital and airports is viable too.
Not only that but also the buildings in the province will take maximum damage, only to be slowly repaired.
But the main damage done by nukes is the war support. Nuked country loses war support and the benefits of it. If war support goes below the %50, mobilization speed, command power gain, and surrender limit suffers tremendously. But the worst part would be the strikes and mutinies. Worker strikes and mutinies during the war would be devastating to a country. That is why, nukes in HOI4 are really strong and nation crippling.
HOI4 Japan Nuke Surrender
In history, USA bombed Hiroshima and Nagazaki with atomic bombs. That lead to the japan surrender 1945. In HOI4, via event, Japan can be forced to surrender via nukes. But HOI4 Japan surrender event has some conditions.
In order to force Japan to surrender with two atomic bombs, first you must hunt down Japanese navy. Because if Japan has more than 40 ships, Japan will never surrender. Even if you drop hundreds of nukes.
You will also get a news pop-up after the first two nukes but they are purely informational. It simply adds a little bit flavor and realism.
So, looks like that’s it. Thanks for reading, maybe we will meet again on another HOI4 guide, who knows. Take care of yourself until then. I will do the same.