View game page
A few days ago, we hosted a live event on our Twitch channel to share an update on development progress of the upcoming Panzer Corps 2 DLC. If you missed it, you can re-watch it here.
Below, you’ll find a recap of what was discussed.
As a final note before the questions, we are happy to remind you that Panzer Corps 2: Allied Operations - Italy: Vol.1 will be available on April 29th for $14,99.
What are you guys working on now?
Currently, we are working on an Allied trilogy called Allied Operations: Italy. It’s a three-part campaign covering the entire Allied invasion of Italy, from the landings in Sicily all the way to the north and the final liberation of the country.
The idea is to create a continuous experience across three separate DLCs. Each installment focuses on a different phase of the campaign, but your core army carries over, making it feel like one long campaign rather than three disconnected ones.
In Volume One, what part of the Italian campaign are you focusing on?
In the first DLC, we focus entirely on the Sicily campaign. It follows the Allied landings on the southern coast through to the capture of the island and the beginning of the invasion of mainland Italy.
This represents the first major turning point of the Italian campaign.
Do you play as the British, the Americans, or both? How does it work?
You play as both. In this first DLC, you command the British Commonwealth and the United States, fighting against Italian and German forces.
In later DLCs, additional Allied forces will be introduced, including units from Poland, New Zealand, and Indian Gurkhas. On the Axis side, the Italian faction becomes more fragmented, reflecting the creation of the Italian Social Republic and the rise of the partisan movement, while Germany remains the main opponent.
How many missions does Volume One include?
The DLC features 12 scenarios: five for the British, five for the Americans and two with a combined army.
Can you explain how the campaign structure works, especially the converging paths?
The campaign is built around two distinct operational paths, reflecting historical developments.
Each path has its own pacing, challenges and narrative. You start by choosing one faction and building your core army. You then switch to the other faction and build a second core army from scratch.
At the beginning of the 11th scenario, the two armies merge into a single force for the final missions. By the end of the DLC, you have a unified core army composed of both British and American units, which carries over into the second DLC.
This is the first time Panzer Corps 2 has implemented a system where separate paths converge into a single campaign.
Can you import a core army from the Cyrenaica DLC?
No, this is not possible.
From a historical perspective, it wouldn’t make sense. Cyrenaica takes place in 1941, while the invasion of Sicily occurs in 1943, with the entire North African campaign in between.
From a gameplay standpoint, importing highly experienced units would also disrupt balance. For example, older equipment like the Matilda II would feel out of place in Sicily.
Additionally, it would be difficult to reconcile this for American forces, which are not present in Cyrenaica.
What can you tell us about new units?
We haven’t introduced entirely new combat units, as the base game and previous DLCs already offers strong variety. However, we have expanded Axis defensive options with two new structures:
Wooden pillboxes, used as light fortifications in dense defensive networks
Machine gun nests, highly effective against infantry and positioned to cover roads, passes and beaches
More new units such as partisans and international Allied forces will be introduced in later DLCs.
How do the British and American paths differ from a strategic point of view?
The differences are based on historical operations.
The British advance along the eastern coast, where defenses are denser and terrain is more restrictive. The Americans push through the western part of the island, where terrain is more open and easier to traverse.
In gameplay terms:
American scenarios are larger and more maneuverable
British scenarios are tighter with more chokepoints and fortified positions
What gameplay mechanics did you introduce, and which ones return from previous DLCs?
We brought back the commendation points system from earlier DLCs. These are earned through secondary objectives and can be spent on powerful rewards such as prototype equipment or upgrades.
We also introduced narrative events. These are historically inspired moments that provide context, choices and consequences throughout the campaign.
Some of these are tied to optional historical objectives, which add both gameplay rewards and narrative depth.
How do these narrative events impact gameplay?
Narrative events can influence future scenarios.
For example, capturing an enemy general may trigger a decision chain that affects intelligence or conditions in later missions. These choices allow players to shape aspects of the campaign and create a more dynamic experience.
How rooted in history are these events?
They are strongly grounded in real history. All narrative elements are inspired by real events, ranging from heroic actions to tactical engagements and lesser-known episodes of the campaign.
What can you tell us about heroes in Allied Operations: Italy?
We expanded the hero system introduced in Cyrenaica.
Instead of many static heroes, we now have upgradable heroes. These can evolve based on player choices, allowing specialization paths that reflect individual playstyles.
For example, a tank-focused hero can gain traits that improve effectiveness in armored warfare.
Are these heroes historical or fictional?
They are mostly fictional, but often inspired by real individuals. Some are directly based on historical figures who performed notable actions during the Sicilian campaign.
What are hidden caches?
Hidden caches are optional rewards placed off the main path.
Players who explore beyond primary objectives can find valuable resources such as prototype parts or captured equipment. These rewards can significantly impact progression and allow access to powerful units earlier than expected.
Do you have a favorite scenario?
Two stand out:
Gela (American path), a defensive mission that also requires offensive action, creating constant pressure
The late-game Etna scenarios, which feature difficult terrain and heavily entrenched Axis defenses
What is the current status of development?
The DLC is currently in the polishing phase. The team is reviewing beta feedback, adjusting scenario difficulty, balancing forces and economy, and refining the overall experience.
Can players save before choosing routes?
Yes, but it’s not strictly necessary. You will play both paths before they merge.
What references did you use for historical accuracy?
We relied on a wide range of sources, from general references like Wikipedia to specialized materials focused on specific units and operations.
For terrain accuracy, we combined modern tools such as Google Earth with historical maps to recreate environments that are both authentic and playable.
Is there anything else worth mentioning?
Yes, each scenario includes three types of objectives:
Primary objectives required to complete the mission
Secondary objectives that reward commendation points
Historical objectives tied to real events and narrative developments
Player actions can carry over between scenarios. For example, securing a bridge in one mission may affect the starting conditions of the next.
Will later DLCs use the combined core army?
Yes. After Volume One, your core army is unified. Future DLCs will primarily use this combined force, although some scenarios will include additional factions such as partisans or Italian units.
How did Cyrenaica influence this DLC?
It had a major impact. The team retained what worked, improved what didn’t, and expanded on existing systems (particularly scripting) to introduce new features like narrative events.
When is the DLC releasing?
Allied Operations: Italy – Volume One will release on April 29, priced at $14.99.