The first update of the year is here, and it’s a big one! We wanted to add more distinctiveness to both the squads and sectors in Tannenberg, and that’s what this update is all about. But first, a teaser to get you hyped for the release on the 13th!
https://youtu.be/fhSr9ZMtk6kGet a closer look at the Bulgarians...
Sector types revamp
Every sector will now have a special trait and advantage associated with controlling it! The key sectors will continue to increase the speed of enemy score drain. Ammunition and artillery sectors will reduce the cooldowns of their associated abilities by 10% - you’ll be able to use ammo crates and call in artillery strikes more frequently. Recon sectors will increase how long spotted enemies remain visible on the mini-map by 10%. Finally, reinforcement sectors will reduce respawn times by 10%.
Here you can see the new sector types as applied to Poland. There are recon and artillery sectors next to the HQs, the key sector at the Crossroads, and a reinforcement sector to the north with an ammunition supply sector to the south.
Squads and abilities overhauled
We have made a series of changes to squads, abilities and call-ins in order to make every squad more unique and interesting. To start with, each squad can now be broadly categorized as Infantry, Assault, or Support. NCOs from all squads can call in smoke shells to cover an advance, but artillery, gas and recon missions are now linked to specific squads.
Infantry squads are focused on long range combat, with plentiful long rifles, related role perks, and the ability to call-in artillery strikes. The K.u.K Trupp even have access to the superheavy 305mm Škoda 30.5 cm Mörser M.11!
Assault squads focus on offensive actions, with grenades, melee weapons, and abilities that can negate suppression or increase it in enemies. They also command gas call-ins. Every call-in now has multiple levels, generally along the lines of light / medium / heavy. The heavier call-ins have longer cooldowns, so NCOs have the choice of deploying support more often, or having more powerful support less frequently.
The support squads are capable defenders and can potentially recapture lost sectors faster than other squads - but don’t underestimate their power in an attack, where they can act as mobile grenade and ammo supply points and use recon flights to identify enemy defensive positions or spot counter-attacks.
Note: Right now only the Austro-Hungarian siege mortar is implemented, the other squad abilities are coming soon!
Support roles now each have one placement ability (put down ammo and grenade crates or field telephones anywhere) and act as a mobile source of ammo, grenades, or telephone connection!
We will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all these changes - post your thoughts in the feedback thread on the hub!
Many other improvements and fixes!
This update also brings a collection of other changes and squashed bugs. Read some of the most significant below:
As always, check out the full changelog on the forums… and don’t forget to brace yourselves for the upcoming release on February 13th!
Before we go, take a look at one more little teaser!
Not all of the new weapons coming at release are for the Bulgarians…
Cheers!