In this Dev Diary, we will show the basic infantry armors in MENACE and explain how the armor system is set up, what variants are, and how armor tiers are implemented. Bear in mind that this is just the baseline, and more armor will be added during development.
Armor Class System Setup
The whole armor system for infantry in Menace is set up to mimic how body armor works in real life and also how body armor is classified. The baseline of armors is a relatively straight progression from armor Class I to armor Class VI, with each class offering more protection, but also increased supply costs to deploy.
The rating of armor classes works like in real life, where the armor has to withstand shots from a certain caliber to rate in its respective class.
The same holds true in MENACE, where, for example, a Class III body armor will reliably stop the first shot from an SMG over five tiles, while a Class IV armor will stop the first shot from an assault rifle over the same distance.
Armor Variants
On top of the basic six armor classes, MENACE will feature variants of certain armors. Variants are basically sidegrades that specialize in certain aspects. This might include versions for assault troops with additional accessory pouches or commando versions that feature improved camouflage and lightweight materials.
Armor Tiers
While armor variants are mostly sidegrades, armor tiers are straight upgrades. Usually, modernized or otherwise enhanced versions of existing armors that offer more protection and other benefits for an increased price. It is also possible to have an additional tier of an armor variant, really opening up the system to add a lot of different armors eventually.
Armor Class I: RMC Fatigues
The standard RMC fatigues are usually worn by the crew on board. They offer no protection and have only limited space to store accessories.
Armor Class II: Soft Armor
A soft armor graded as class II, designed to protect against shrapnel from explosions mainly. It will not stop any bullet fired from short distances.
Armor Class III: Small Arms Protective Plating
A class III-rated Small Arms Protective Plating (SAPP). Trial testing includes ballistic tests from SMG caliber weapons over medium and long distances. These calibers will reliably be stopped as long as the armor is still intact.
Armor Class III Marine Variant: Marine Infantry Bodyarmor
The Marine Infantry Body Armor (MIB) is the standard armor worn by all basic Marine detachments. It is light but durable and easy to maintain. The protection value is limited to an official class III level, but the armor is way better designed and crafted than the widespread SAPP armors.
Armor Class IV: Improved Small Arms Protective Plating
The Improved Small Arms Protective Plating Class IV is rated for stopping assault rifle-sized calibers reliably with a maximum penetration rate of 10% over medium distances. 
Armor Class IV Marine Variant: TCR Marine Tactical Armored Platesuit (MTAP)
The fighting TCR Marines employ standard-issue armor in all environments. Offers good protection against most small arms and explosives while not hindering movement. Very durable but hard to come by in the Wayback.
Note: The Wayback is an isolated frontier system, far from the Core Worlds, where your strike force has been deployed to bring order and reassert control.
Armor Class V: Enhanced Small Arms Protective Plating
Class V and higher-rated body armor will be reserved for specialized assault units that can afford to sacrifice speed, agility, and situational awareness in exchange for superior protection. Enhanced Small Arms Protective Plating (ESAPP) provides reliable defense against the majority of handheld caliber munitions, including those fired from assault and battle rifles.
Armor Class VI: Extreme Small Arms Protective Plating
Extreme Small Arms Protective Plating (XSAPP) is designated as Class VI armor. It significantly restricts mobility, maneuverability, and field of vision. However, it provides protection approaching that of mechanized walker armor, capable of deflecting large-caliber rounds and withstanding most low-powered energy weapons.
Armor Class VI Marine Variant: TCR Navy Breaching Armor Suit - Heavy
Developed for Navy boarding commandos, the Breaching Armor Suit - Heavy (BAS-H) offers extreme protection. Its carapace plating will stop almost all kinetic projectiles, even over short distances. Movement and perception are hindered, though.
That's it for today!
With Gamescom 2025 next week, there is no Dev Diary next Friday; take the chance to catch up on any previous entries you may have missed.
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That's it for now! We'll see you next Friday.
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