Old World Blues - A Complete Fallout Overhaul for Hearts of Iron IV

War, war never changes.

Old World Blues (OWB) is an extensive total conversion modification for Hearts of Iron IV that transforms the historical grand strategy game into a post-apocalyptic experience set in the universe of Fallout.

Beginning in 2275, players enter a devastated North America where the remnants of civilization struggle for survival, resources, territory and political influence.

From the New California Republic and technologically advanced military organizations to raider gangs, tribal societies and mutant armies, the Wasteland is filled with competing factions pursuing their own ambitions.

Rather than simply replacing the game's appearance, Old World Blues rebuilds its core systems around the world, technology and atmosphere of Fallout.

A Completely Redesigned North America

The modification introduces an entirely custom map of North America, replacing the historical world of Hearts of Iron IV with a post-nuclear continent.

Major geographical features include:

• A custom continental map filled with Fallout-inspired territories and factions.
• Impassable mountain ranges that influence military planning and expansion.
• Navigable rivers represented using naval terrain mechanics.
• Distinct regional powers competing for control of the Wasteland.
• Iconic Fallout locations represented through custom map artwork and models.

The geography creates strategic challenges that differ significantly from conventional Hearts of Iron IV campaigns.

Controlling river crossings, mountain passes and important settlements can determine the outcome of entire wars.

Fallout Factions and National Focus Trees

Old World Blues features a large collection of national focus trees designed around the politics, conflicts and ambitions of the post-apocalyptic world.

The modification includes:

• 92 unique focus trees for major factions and regional powers.
• 5 generic focus trees representing raiders, tribal societies, Utah tribals, settlers and vault nations.
• 10 themed puppet focus trees reflecting the influence of dominant Wasteland powers.
• Over 4,500 custom national focus icons.
• More than 1,300 custom idea icons.

Players can shape the development of familiar Fallout factions, pursue alternative political outcomes and establish new powers across North America.

The Historical Focuses option provides additional control over how factions develop during a campaign.

Dynamic Warfare and Artificial Intelligence

The modification introduces a dynamic warfare system intended to make AI-controlled factions more independent and responsive.

AI nations can:

• React to military aggression.
• Identify vulnerable opponents.
• Launch attacks when neighboring powers become weak.
• Pursue their own strategic interests.

This helps create an evolving Wasteland where wars and political developments are not entirely dependent on player actions.

New Military Units and 3D Models

Old World Blues replaces conventional twentieth-century warfare with Fallout-inspired military technology.

The modification includes 34 new unit types, alongside custom models and visual assets for various factions.

Military content includes:

• Power Armor formations.
• Combat robots.
• Specialized infantry.
• Wasteland vehicles.
• Custom faction-specific military models.
• Unique unit voices for major nations.

Recognizable factions such as the NCR, super mutants and regional powers receive distinctive visual identities.

Custom 3D models represent iconic Fallout equipment, robots, armored vehicles and other military units.

Fallout Technology and Research

The standard Hearts of Iron IV technology system has been extensively redesigned to reflect the technological diversity of Fallout.

Players can develop their factions through a unique research tree inspired by the setting's weapons, military equipment and advanced technologies.

This system allows technologically sophisticated societies and less-developed Wasteland communities to follow different paths of military and economic development.

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character System

Old World Blues incorporates Fallout's famous S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system into military leadership.

Instead of relying entirely on conventional Hearts of Iron IV commander traits, leaders receive Fallout-inspired attributes and perks.

The system helps distinguish individual commanders and reinforces the role-playing atmosphere of the Wasteland.

Custom portraits and artwork are also provided for leaders and generals.

Caps Economy and Scavenging

The modification introduces economic mechanics inspired by the survival conditions of post-apocalyptic North America.

Caps Economy

A custom economic system uses bottle caps as an important part of Wasteland commerce.

The economy interacts with scavenging and weapons markets, creating additional considerations beyond standard military production.

Scavenging

A dedicated scavenging system allows players to engage with the ruins and resources of the old world.

Together, these mechanics reinforce the importance of resource management and economic development in a devastated environment.

Unique Regional Content

Different regions of North America feature their own political conflicts, societies and gameplay opportunities.

Examples include:

• The West Coast - Conflicts between major factions and dangerous raider powers.
• Broken Coast - Specialized raiding mechanics.
• Mexico - Ancient technological mysteries and a powerful dormant intelligence.
• Texas and Oklahoma - Regional conflicts, new threats and distinctive political developments.

Custom events, national decisions and narrative content help bring these regions to life.

Fallout-Inspired Interface and Atmosphere

Old World Blues features a distinctive visual presentation inspired by the Fallout franchise.

The modification includes:

• A heavily redesigned user interface.
• Thousands of custom focus and idea icons.
• Unique artwork for political and military leaders.
• Custom unit voices.
• Fallout-themed events and descriptions.
• Specialized government laws and political systems.
• Four political ideology categories: Elites, Intellectuals, Ruler and People.

A companion music modification is also recommended for players who want additional Fallout-themed atmosphere.

Compatibility and Recommended Settings

For the intended experience, the recommended configuration is:

• Disable unrelated modifications.
• Enable Old World Blues and any compatible submods.
• Optionally enable the companion OWB Music Mod.
• Set UI scaling to 1.0.
• Use 1920×1080 resolution.
• Disable NATO unit counters.

Because Old World Blues extensively modifies the base game, compatibility with unrelated gameplay overhauls should not be assumed.

Languages

English is supported directly.

Community localization projects are also available for several languages, including:

• Russian.
• French.
• Chinese.
• Japanese.
• Ukrainian.
• Korean.

Translation availability and completeness may vary between versions.

A New Grand Strategy Experience in the Fallout Universe

Old World Blues is more than a collection of Fallout-themed units and textures. It is a comprehensive reconstruction of Hearts of Iron IV, combining post-apocalyptic politics, territorial expansion, military strategy and survival economics.

With its custom map, extensive faction content, unique research system and evolving conflicts, the modification offers an entirely different way to experience grand strategy.

Lead a familiar faction, rebuild civilization or forge a new empire from the ruins of the old world.

The Wasteland is waiting.