GHPC Early Access has been updated to version 20240806.
This is a regular update, introducing new features, adjustments, and bug fixes.
We've got plenty more in the works for GHPC! As always, you can get additional info by visiting our Discord server and YouTube channel. Links are on the GHPC website.
NEW VEHICLES
KPz T-72
This is the base model T-72 (sometimes called "T-72 Ural") in East German service. Unlike its immediate descendants, it lacks a laser rangefinder and instead uses the same TPD-2-49 coincidence rangefinder sight found on the T-64A. This tank is available in the customizer and the campaign mode.
To avoid confusion, the existing KPz T-72 with laser rangefinder has been renamed to "KPz T-72 LEM", using the German abbreviation for laser rangefinder systems.
KPz T-72 LEM mod
Some T-72 tanks in East German service were modified to bring them up to the T-72M standard, with the familiar equipment set and laser rangefinder sight of that model. However, since they were built with the old T-72 turret layout, they had visible remnants of their old life: a blanked-off coincidence rangefinder aperture on the right side of the turret roof and a double-cut gunner's sight trough with a visible "step" where the wider clearance for the TPD-K1 sight was carved in. This tank is available in the customizer and the campaign mode.
With these new T-72 variants, an updated chart of East German KPz T-72 equipment is needed (you may need to open the image in a new tab to see it at full size):
M60A1
Long before the M60A1/A3 series had advanced fire control systems, the original M60A1 was a rather primitive beast, with an unstabilized gun, active IR night sight, and little extra equipment. Though it would be deep in reserve storage in GHPC's timeline, we have made this variant available in the customizer for players looking for an extra challenge. Our rendition sports the classic MASSTER camouflage pattern.
M60A1 AOS
The introduction of the Add-On Stabilizer system (AOS) to the M60A1 produced a new variant designation. This single change makes the vehicle significantly faster at acquiring and engaging targets. In GHPC, this tank is relegated to deep reserve status, available in the customizer and at extremely low logistics state in the campaign.
M60A1 RISE (Passive) '77
The RISE and RISE (Passive) upgrade packages inched the M60A1 platform ahead in capabilities, with notable changes including a new passive IR night sight (hence the name) and thickened armor on the lower front flanks of the turret casting. The original RISE (Passive) variant lacked some of the equipment that was later added under the same name, so we have designated it with the 1977 service date to distinguish it from the upgraded examples. This specific configuration would have been extinct in 1985, having been converted to a newer standard, but we've added it to the customizer for fun. Our version sports the blocky DUALTEX camouflage pattern, which saw limited adoption by some armored units in this era.
M60A3
This variant introduced a new fire control system designed to modernize the M60 platform, with a laser rangefinder, new optics, and a wind sensor. It standardized the M240 coaxial machine gun, which was also being retrofitted to M60A1 RISE (Passive) tanks around the same time. The imminent rollout of the M1 Abrams would make this tank obsolete almost immediately, and on top of that, very few examples were left in this configuration. The majority of M60A3 tanks were given the Tank Thermal Sight (TTS) and designated M60A3 TTS. Nevertheless, we've included this transitional variant as a rare spawn in the campaign mode, as well as an available option in the customizer.
With so many variants of the M60 series now in play, a chart seems useful:
T-64R
Before the T-64A made its debut, the missing link from the T-62 appeared in the form of the "Object 432" design. This tank, with its never-before-seen "MZ" carousel autoloader and unique two-piece 115mm ammunition, formed the proof of concept for all 125mm autoloaded Soviet tanks to follow. Hundreds were produced, and once upgraded to the equipment set of the T-64A, they were designated "T-64R". These tanks then sat ready in Soviet reserve fleets. We represent that status by placing the tank in the campaign mode as a rare spawn for low logistics and late campaign progress. It is of course available in the customizer as well.
An interesting feature of the T-64R is its early turret armor design inherited from the Object 432: massive "cheek" pockets with cast aluminum filler. This was the design selected after the experimental corundum (aluminum oxide) cylinder arrays proved unsuitable. The corundum concept was revisited and improved later, debuting as the "ultraporcelain ball" armor lattice used in the turrets of virtually all T-64 tanks produced.
In GHPC, the T-64R features a set of ammunition not shared by any other tank in the game: two-piece 115mm cartridges which serve as the clear inspiration for the 125mm ammunition that came afterward. The main anti-armor tool for this tank is the rare 3BM5 APFSDS-T round. In 1985, this is not a high-performing dart by any stretch, but it will do the job against homogeneous armor like that of the M60A1/A3.
T-64A obr.1974
This is an early model T-64A, with basic equipment that was supplanted in later models. In GHPC, it's available in the customizer.
T-64A obr.1979
This tank advances the T-64 timeline with an updated gun, smoke grenade launchers, and revised equipment, while still holding onto the old "gill armor" anti-HEAT panels. It's available in the customizer.
T-64A obr.1981
With the introduction of rubber side skirts, the T-64A finally approached a more modern standard. This variant is available in the customizer and the campaign mode.
The addition of this tank is paired with an additional change: the "T-64A" already in the game is now designated "T-64A obr.1983". It's been updated with a high-hardness steel plate welded onto the upper glacis, for added protection against emerging Western kinetic dart threats.
T-64A obr.1984
A limited number of T-64A tanks were retrofitted with the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder sight system. Much like the KPz T-72 LEM modification, this produced a telltale visual signature, with a blanked-off rangefinder aperture and a double-cut trough in front of the now wider gunner's sight housing. This variant is available in both the customizer and the campaign mode.
Naturally, a variant list this long comes with a chart:
NEW MISSIONS
Our mission designers have been cooking up some new scenarios, and four of them are ready to debut in this update.
Eastern Hills:
- Late to the Party
- Rolling the Flank
- Cheap Tricks
North Fields:
- Pronged Pursuit
ENTRENCHED POSITIONS
New to this update, our mission designers now have the ability to place dug-in positions for entrenched defending vehicles. These trenches serve to conceal the hull of the vehicle, minimizing the exposed area and maximizing the average armor rating of the visible surfaces. Our trenches automatically scale to suit the vehicles using them, so if you customize a mission with an especially tall or short tank, you can still be assured that everything will operate as expected.
Missions updated with entrenchments:
- Pragmatic Payment Part 3
- Bolder Limit
- Hillside Havoc Part 2
- Crossroads Screen
- Marketable Mayhem
- Meditative Malediction
- Momentous Maniac
- Obscene Odyssey
- Pushing Tin Part 2
NEW AMMO OPTIONS
Not content to simply add a bunch of older vehicle variants, we've also included some new (old) ammunition options in this update. The 105mm armed tanks can now carry M392A2 or M728 APDS using the customizer. We've also updated the visual model for the M735 APFSDS dart so it doesn't look exactly like the M774.
The APDS rounds will not be effective against the first-line Pact forces of 1985. They were designed in an era when homogeneous cast or rolled steel was the mainstay of tank armor, and their utility against any other kind of defense is marginal. Still, we know many of you like a challenge, and this is a new chance to prove your mettle.
With all of that out of the way, we can finally get to the list of changes for this version!
CHANGE LOG
NEW CONTENT
- Added KPz T-72 to customizer and campaign
- Added KPz T-72 LEM mod to customizer and campaign
- Added M60A1 to customizer
- Added M60A1 AOS to customizer and campaign
- Added M60A1 RISE (Passive) '77 to customizer
- Updated M60A1 RISE (Passive) model, including new active IR searchlight
- Added M60A3 to customizer and campaign
- Updated M60A3 TTS model
- Added T-64R to customizer and campaign
- Added T-64A obr.1974 to customizer
- Added T-64A obr.1979 to customizer
- Added T-64A obr.1981 to customizer and campaign
- Updated previous default T-64A to T-64A obr.1983
- Added T-64A obr.1984 to customizer and campaign
- Added mission "Late to the Party" in Eastern Hills
- Added mission "Rolling the Flank" in Eastern Hills
- Added mission "Cheap Tricks" in Eastern Hills
- Added mission "Pronged Pursuit" in North Fields
- Added dug-in vehicle positions (entrenchments) to several missions
- Added 105mm APDS M728 to customizer
- Added 105mm APDS M392A2 to customizer
- Updated model for 105mm APFSDS M735
FEATURES AND ADJUSTMENTS
- Renamed existing KPz T-72 to "KPz T-72 LEM" to distinguish it from the new KPz T-72 with no laser rangefinder
- Improved optimization of visual effects
- Improved optimization of some terrain textures
- Reduced nutation penalty for close range hits from kinetic penetrators
- Made vehicle scorching more linear in progression
- Revised scorching times and amounts to be more consistent across vehicles
- Added hollow pocket in M60 gun mantlet, reducing its overall protection level
- Updated camo textures for M60A1/A3
- Reduced protection level of fuel tanks against CE threats (HEAT warheads)
- Revised and normalized all vehicles' day and night vision ranges for AI crews, based on onboard optics
- Added several of the new tank variants to the Showcase mission
- Slightly adjusted T-64 and T-80 glacis armor arrays for more consistent performance
FIXES
- Fixed BMP-2 having too much gun depression
- Fixed M901 optic components being too resilient to shock damage
- Fixed some M901 optic/control components not being destroyable
- Fixed layout and event issues in several missions
- Fixed T-64 glacis composite armor shape
- Fixed visual issues on M60A1/A3 models
- Fixed issues with M60A3 armor model (possible crash fix)
- Fixed MZ type ammo carousels being able to rotate in both directions
- Fixed "warhead detonated" message appearing in damage log when a warhead did not detonate due to impacting within minimum arming distance
- Fixed convoy number issues in spooky T-64 main menu scene
- Fixed T-34-85M having no turret traverse audio
- Fixed T-34-85M not using commander view as default
Thanks for playing!