In Hearts of Iron IV (HOI4), paratroopers offer unique strategic advantages that can turn the tide of war when used correctly. They are the only units that can bypass enemy frontlines and land deep behind enemy territory. However, their success depends heavily on how well they are organized. The best paratrooper template in HOI4 combines mobility, efficiency, and enough combat strength to seize key points quickly. Crafting the right setup can make your airborne assaults deadly and efficient, especially in high-stakes multiplayer or Ironman games.
Understanding the Role of Paratroopers in HOI4
Airborne Tactics and Strategy
Paratroopers are not designed for prolonged frontline engagements. Instead, they excel at capturing airports, ports, and strategic supply hubs. Their main strength lies in surprise and mobility. Players often use them to create chaos behind enemy lines, cut off supply, and cause the enemy to panic and redirect divisions.
Since paratroopers drop from transport planes, the player must maintain air superiority in the targeted region and ensure they have enough air supply capacity. Planning an effective drop takes timing, coordination, and a deep understanding of logistics and combat balance.
Basic Requirements for Paratroopers
Technology and Production
To unlock and effectively deploy paratroopers, you need to:
- Research Paratroopers in the infantry tech tree.
- Research Transport Planes in the air tech tree.
- Produce enough Transport Planes to support your operations.
Additionally, you need to create a division template that specifically uses paratrooper battalions. Regular infantry or other types of support cannot be dropped via transport planes.
Best Paratrooper Template in HOI4
Why Size Matters
The size of your paratrooper divisions directly impacts how many transport planes are needed and how effective the drop will be. Larger divisions are more powerful in combat but also require more transport planes and are harder to deploy. Smaller divisions are easier to deploy but can be weaker in sustained fights. The best paratrooper template strikes a balance between strength and practicality.
Recommended 7-2 Template (20 Width)
One of the most reliable setups for paratroopers is the 7 infantry and 2 artillery battalion model commonly referred to as the 7-2 template. However, this setup must be adjusted since paratroopers can’t use artillery battalions. A good airborne equivalent of the 7-2 would be:
- 9 Paratrooper Battalions
- Engineers Support Company
- Reconnaissance Support Company
- Support Artillery (if allowed)
This setup creates a 20 combat width division, which is optimal for early and mid-game battles. It’s light enough for practical drops while offering decent combat strength. The engineer company improves movement in difficult terrain and gives a bonus to defense and entrenchment. Recon helps with initiative in battle. If support artillery is allowed, it adds much-needed soft attack without increasing transport plane requirements significantly.
Specialized Light Template for Rapid Capture
If your goal is to perform fast, small-scale landings to capture undefended or lightly defended locations, you might consider a lighter setup:
- 6 Paratrooper Battalions
- Engineer Company
This 12-width template reduces transport costs and is perfect for snatching key airfields or ports. It won’t hold out long in combat against regular divisions, but it excels at quick strikes. Great for landing in several locations at once and spreading confusion.
Support Companies That Work Best
Engineer Company
This is almost mandatory. Engineers improve movement across rivers, forests, and urban areas all typical drop zones. They also give small defensive buffs and better entrenchment, which is important when your paratroopers are isolated and holding out for relief.
Reconnaissance Company
Recon helps your divisions gain the initiative during combat, allowing your paratroopers to deal more damage in the first few days of a fight. It also improves movement speed slightly.
Support Artillery
If allowed in your template, support artillery is a good addition for soft attack. Paratroopers typically struggle to deal damage, and this gives them a bit more bite against infantry-based enemies. It doesn’t impact weight or require special tech.
Logistics Company (Optional)
Paratroopers often operate without supply lines, so reducing supply usage can help them survive longer. While not essential, this support company can improve your division’s ability to hold ground until reinforced.
Combat Width and Air Transport
Why 20 Width is Ideal
Combat width determines how much of a division can fight at once in a given battle. In most cases, 20 width is ideal for early and mid-game combat. This allows a single division to engage efficiently without wasting manpower or overloading the battlefield.
Transport Plane Limitations
Each transport plane has a capacity of 2.0 weight. A 20-width paratrooper division generally weighs about 1.62.0, depending on support companies. You need at least one transport plane per division to launch an airborne assault. If you have 6 divisions ready to drop, you need at least 6 transport planes, ideally more for backup. Always build more than you need in case of attrition or poor weather.
Tips for Successful Paratrooper Operations
- Ensure Air Superiority: You can’t launch an airborne assault without control of the air zone.
- Use Radar: Better radar coverage improves your interception and defense capabilities, making your drops safer.
- Target Ports and Airfields: Without supply, your paratroopers will quickly lose organization. Capture infrastructure quickly.
- Support the Drop: Always follow up with a ground invasion or naval support to relieve your paratroopers before they’re overwhelmed.
- Use Diversions: Drop multiple divisions in different regions to distract and confuse your opponent’s defense.
Paratroopers in Multiplayer vs Single Player
Single Player Advantages
In single-player, AI opponents often leave key infrastructure points lightly defended. Paratroopers can exploit this by dropping behind the front and causing disarray. Even a small force can trap divisions, cut supply lines, and win wars faster.
Multiplayer Challenges
Human players rarely make the same mistakes. Air superiority is harder to maintain, and drop zones are often guarded. Paratroopers still have a role, but they must be used more carefully, often as part of coordinated multi-player attacks. Timing, deception, and micromanagement become essential in multiplayer airborne tactics.
Best Paratrooper Template Depends on Your Goal
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the best paratrooper template in HOI4 for most situations is a 20-width division with 9 paratrooper battalions, supported by engineers and recon companies. It balances power and efficiency, can be dropped with a reasonable number of planes, and holds its ground long enough for reinforcements. If you’re aiming for quick grabs rather than prolonged fights, lighter 12-width templates work well too. Ultimately, success with paratroopers relies on preparation, timing, and coordination and having the right template is the foundation of any airborne victory.