Good day!
Not too long ago, we talked about the glorious return of the Destruction mode to Steel Division 2. If you’ve forgotten, check out this previous blog post to get to know the first details.
We are still hard at work getting the mode in tip-top shape. As we can’t tell quite yet when Destruction will become available, we wanted to take the opportunity in today’s post to present you with some more juicy details on how the updated game mode exactly works.
What is Destruction mode?
The central premise of Destruction Mode is that blowing up things is fun, and getting points doing so is even more fun! It’s a fan-favorite game mode, with us since R.U.S.E., and has seen some slight tweaks and balance changes over the intervening years. The variant you’ll be able to encounter in Steel Division 2 has been reworked specifically for this game.
Destruction Mode revisited
Destruction mode plays a bit different compared to a standard Conquest or Breakthrough game. In the new mode, destroying units will net you Victory Points. You’ll get points equal to the purchase cost of the unit. This means that destroying expensive units, such as a heavy tank like an IS-2, will set your opponent back much more than, for instance, obliterating an Avtomatchiki squad. When you destroy a unit, the amount of Victory Points gained (and the enemy loses) will pop up on the screen. The first player to reach the Victory Points’ threshold - set at the start of a match - wins the game!
The way map objectives work, the flags you aim to capture on the battlefield, has also changed. In Destruction mode, the number of flags under your control will determine your income rate. Capture more, and you can deploy additional troops. Each side will control half of the map at the start of a game; this means that capturing even one extra objective will tip the income rate in your favor.
One other game mechanic change we have introduced in Destruction mode is that regardless of the battlegroup you choose, all will feature the mode’s default income rate.
Even more changes!
In Steel Division 2, Destruction mode will be played on updated versions of existing maps. We are putting the finishing touches on ten different maps. These will all be made available as a free Reinforcement Pack.
These updated maps will feature a reduced number of objectives (the flags) that are placed in less aggressive locations on the battlefield. Most of the objectives are situated close to the deployment sector of each side, with a few scattered in the middle of the battlefield. This creates a more balanced match experience, allowing players to have a stable income rate at the start, but still forcing each player to keep on the offensive to gain more objectives (and increase their income). Also, each map will be playable in our two standard deployment modes: Meeting Engagement and Closer Combat (the latter is the variant where each side deploys very close to each other).
Some of the maps will also have slightly different reinforcement paths and entry points. This might bring back sweet memories for you Wargame-fans out there, but we have added - where possible - side reinforcement paths for each side. These are locked to one side, meaning that each entry point can only be used by one player, not both. The reinforcement arrows are always in enemy territory: if you want to make use of them, you’ll have to secure some precious real estate beforehand.
Victory in Destruction mode, aside from sudden death which happens if a player captures all the objectives, is determined by inflicting losses. This means that even a major breakthrough can turn into defeat if paid at too high a cost in casualties. Tread carefully on the battlefield, and be aware when to push the offensive and when to hunker down. Even a weak enemy can wreak havoc on your forces in an unguarded moment, and tip the scales of the battle in their favor.
Destruction Mode Map Guide: Orsha North
Let’s take a look at the Orsha North map as an example. As you can see, compared to the early version seen in our previous Destruction blog post here, the objectives on the map are sparse and mostly placed at the back. They are a means to boost your combat power, not a victory in itself.
Each side features an “aggressive” objective, located on each player’s left flank. These are quicker for enemy units to reach and contest. There is also an entry path for reinforcements close by; this will likely be your opponent’s main focus in many games.
Be aware: these reinforcements will arrive in a cramped area, surrounded by woodlands and buildings, and securing this flank will not be an easy task. On the other hand, pushing through the center of the map, or the right flank, favors an armored approach and might catch your opponent off guard. Some juicy rewards await if you manage to reach an enemy’s second line of flags!
Until next week!
We are finding ourselves in challenging times. The whole Eugen team wishes you the best, lots of strength, and hopes that all of our community stays healthy and safe. Take care of yourself, your family and your loved ones!
If you are in need to talk to someone - or if you want to find a new buddy to play Steel Division 2 with, don’t hesitate to check out our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). You can also join us on our [https://discord.gg/TEeBArm]Discord server[/url] or Reddit page. Discord especially, is a great place to find other Steel Division 2 players to kick off an online or coop match!
See you on the battlefield, commander!