Jul 7, 2023

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello commander,

In today’s DevBlog, we’ll put our ears to the ground to get the latest on the new dialogue coming with Steel Division 2: Men of Steel.

We are smack dab in the middle of recording for our new expansion, meaning that some nations are already done while others are still busy belting out lines in the studio.

So, what’s in store?

A little bit of talk

As you might remember, one reason we encountered delays on previous expansions and DLCs was the troublesome translation and recording of dialogues (the acknowledgment lines heard in-game when selecting a unit). With our aim for authenticity and immersion, having the dialogue in a new nation’s language can be challenging, especially when the pool of translators and voice actors is smaller.

To avoid this, with Bulgaria being a new minor nation in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, we put the recording of the new dialogue at the front of our production pipeline. The task was launched as soon as possible, but it still took time to translate and proofread. Regardless, recordings have been done (yah!), and the voice-overs are being integrated as we speak.

What can you expect?

We have quite a few nations, including new ones, that will appear in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel. Let’s go over each interesting language.

Bulgaria
One of the expansion’s big newcomers is Bulgaria. Right now, several voice actors had their turn and recorded their dialogue for the expansion, including almost all the new units.

Bulgarian Infantry 1
Bulgarian Infantry 2

U.S. and Canadian
We are recording some new lines for U.S. and Canadian special forces, specifically those of the infamous Devil’s Brigade of the 1st Airborne Task Force division. The American dialogue will also be “retrofitted” to the existing U.S. Rangers already in-game (found with the U.S. 2nd Infantry “Indianhead” division).

Canadian special forces
US special forces

French-Morrocan
The 4e Division Marocaine de Montagne can be found as one of the many historical formations of the Groupement Dody battlegroup. Although focused on mountain warfare, this historical formation consisted of the usual Tirailleurs regiments. This means that about thirty percent of the manpower was actually French, not Moroccan.

Most of the time, these Frenchmen were born in the colonies and called “Pied Noirs” or “Black Feet” in North Africa. Why is this important? Orders in these regiments were usually given in French, as in any other French Army unit. Therefore, our new Montagnards will speak French but with a heavy Morrocan accent.

Montagnard

The Gourmiers series of units will be different. These fearsome warriors were originally formed as auxiliaries in the French colonies and used more as police troops than anything else. They officially didn’t enlist in the French Army but were “recruited” with a specific officer in charge, much like a mercenary band of old. Therefore, only the best French officers were posted to Goumier outfits; they had to know the men’s habits and customs, speak Arab (even in local dialects), and be especially charismatic and brave. More a warband than an official unit, orders were given and received in Arabic. As such, within Steel Division: Men of Steel, our Goumiers units will say their acknowledgments in Arabic only.

Gourmier

Dutch
The Dutch will be present for both sides in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel. Although they are not featured under their own flag in the Armory, several new Dutch units can be found in the expansion. These include:

For the Axis as the second-rate SS-Landstorm as part of Kampfgruppe von Tettau. These were local Dutch collaborators serving the Germans. Distributed across the Netherlands, during Operation Market Garden, they were one of the first to go into battle against the British paratroopers. These rear-area troops were equipped with (mostly) scavenged British weapons, either those left behind after Dunkirk in 1940, intercepted airdrops for the Dutch resistance, or during the Battle for Arnhem itself.

Dutch collaborator 1

Another collaborationist Dutch Axis unit is the SS-Wache. These are pretty nefarious troopers, being concentration camp guards retreating from the Allied advance. Regrouped into combat units, most of them lacked any serious training. Mostly criminals, these particular soldiers were noted for their looting and violence against civilians. Used against the British paratroopers, the SS-Wache suffered heavy casualties and stopped being a cohesive fighting unit when the second wave of Allied airborne troops dropped right on top of them. To be authentic, only some of the SS-Wache will speak Dutch; others will speak Russians. Almost half of these guards were actually Soviet POWs, now pressed to serve the German Reich.

Dutch collaborator 2

Not all Dutchmen were chummy with Axis, far from it. Some Dutch fighter pilots are on the Allied side, found with our new British 1st Special Service Brigade. Aside from the ground troops, including the Prinses Irene infantry brigade, the Dutch entirely crewed two RAF fighter squadrons. These include the No. 320 and No. 322 Squadrons. The latter was among the first to receive the new Spitfire Mk.XIV with Rolls-Royce Griffon engines, bringing them to Normandy. While sporting the Union Jack and classified as a British unit, don’t be surprised to hear some Dutch up in the air.

Dutch fighter pilot

Italian
The Italians are back! We have rerecorded voice lines for the sole new Italian unit in this expansion, the Partigiani found with Groupement Dody. These were Italian Alpine partisans who sought refuge in France after Operation Dragoon, filling the ranks of the FFI. In real life, they were reinforced with Russian and Polish volunteers. More on that below.

Not only the Partigiani will be speaking Italian, though. Another unit, this time French, will also have Italian dialogue: the FFI le.FH 18M, a German artillery unit, was captured by the French but manned by Italian crew. Many of these gun pieces were taken, and the French lacked the expertise to use them, POW camps were toured to see if any volunteers would take up arms, serve for the Allies, including as artillery crews. Many came forward, including the above-mentioned Russian and Polish troops, first drafted by the Germans, captured, and now fighting for the Allies. The same happened with the Italians, who manned the German artillery pieces for the French Army.

Join the Bulgarian Army

Once more, you’ll get the opportunity to leave your (name) mark in Steel Division 2. As a long-running Eugen tradition, we will allow our players and community feature their names on our platoon and tank leader’s list. It is time for Bulgaria to be featured with the Bronirana Brigada. This is how it works:

Only family or surnames, not first or given names, are allowed.
Only one name per poster.
Name must fit the nation (in this case, Bulgarian).
Please look at previous names to check if yours hasn’t been suggested already.
Don’t comment on other people’s names.
All names will be reviewed at the end before we include them in the expansion. Don’t be a silly billy, sneaking in jokes or insults into a language will not work.

To make it crystal clear: all names will be picked randomly from a nation’s list. We CANNOT attribute a name to a specific unit. Follow the link and get your name on the list!

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

In case you missed the last batch of unit insights of Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, be sure to check out our Gameplay showcases:

In Showcase #1 we highlighted the arsenals of the 1st Special Force Brigade and Kampfgruppe von Tettau.
In Showcase #2 it was time to put the spotlight on the 1st Airborne Task Force and 715. Infanterie-Division.
In the third one, aptly named Showcase #3, the units of the Groupement Dody and the 17. Divisioona were detailed.
And finally, in Showcase #4, we shared how the Bronirana Brigada and 1. Páncélos Hadosztály would look like in our new expansion.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

That’s not all. For more detailed historical backgrounds, read all about the new divisions (in pairs) in our Versus DevBlogs.

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Task Force receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you on the battlefield

That’s it. Let us know what you think!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Jun 23, 2023

Men of Steel Gameplay Showcase #4

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello commander,

Back again with another Steel Division 2: Men of Steel gameplay deep dive! This will be the last DevBlog to focus on a pair of divisions and their arsenal of the new expansion.

A slight change of theme, but today we’ll focus on two “exotic” armored divisions: the Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada for the Allies; the Hungarian 1. Páncélos Hadosztály on the Axis side.

Let’s go!

Bronirana Brigada

The Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada will appear as a Soviet-influenced, Allied armored division with a unique mix of German armored vehicles and pre-war weaponry. As a former Axis division turned Allied, the Bronirana Brigada’s saw action during the fighting in the Yugoslavian theatre of operations, precisely the Niš operation. The formation was bigger than an actual brigade and bolstered by an entire infantry regiment. The Bronirana Brigada’s might not have fielded the most modern tanks, but could hold its own on the Balkan battlefields.

Bronirana Brigada in Steel Division 2

Due to the distinct lack of combat experience, none of the ground units in the Bronirana Brigada can be called up with more than Veterancy level 1. On the other, except for two units, all the rest of Bronirana Brigada’s arsenal is Combat Phase free, meaning you can deploy your forces whenever possible.
(Please note that Bulgarian unit names aren't final yet)

RECON
A rather average category for this armored division. You’ll get two “1” slots, the same amount in “2” cost, and one “3” slot.

Recon forces include a dozen or so SdKfz. 222 (M-222 in Bulgarian service) armored cars, and some RAZUZNAVACHI scouts, KUBELWAGEN or BMW-75 motorcycles, which are all new units.
As an Allied battlegroup, the Bulgarians get some help from Tito’s partisans in the form of a detachment of KONJIČKI IZVIĐAČI (mounted scouts).

INFANTRY
You have an average number of slots, though pretty cheap. While this category might have a lot of variety, the actual number of infantry cards deployable is lacking. In direct comparison to other armored divisions, regular German Panzerdivision often ran out of motorized infantry early into a campaign, and they had more than the Bronirana Brigada’s had.

First up are the Bulgarian infantry brought by the brigade itself.
- Bulgarian MOTO.STRELTSI are organized as 10-man squads, much like the German counterparts, but fielding older small arms, with 2x ZK-383 SMGs, 7x Mannlicher rifles, and 1x MG-34. And no AT weapons!
- In one of the few Phase-locked units, this lack of anti-tank capability is remedied in Combat Phase B with the MOTO.STRELTSI (FAUST) becoming available. These represent Bulgarian soldiers equipping themselves in the field with discarded German weapons, including Panzerfaust and Panzerschrecks.
- MOTO.STRELTSI KOM. are 5-man command squads with 2x MP-40, 3x Mannlicher, smoke grenades, and radio.
- PIONERI and PIONERI KOM. go to battle much like their direct German counterparts.
Having identified the overall lack of infantry, the Bulgarian 32nd Infantry Regiment was attached. They bring:
- STRELTSI squads organized much as they appeared at the end of World War I, with 15-man strong units equipped with 1x ZK-383, 13x Mannlicher, and 1x ZB-30 automatic rifle (and not AT weapons, once again).
- STRELTSI KOM. being 7-strong command squads with 1x MP-40, 6x Mannlicher, and a very precious PzB 39 anti-tank rifle, which was the only anti-tank weapon available to a Bulgarian infantry company in the closing days of World War II. Plus smoke grenades, but no radio.
Again, Allied Yugoslavian partisans provide some additional support, with units such as
LOVCI TENKOVA, BORCI, and KOMANDIR.

TANK
As expected, a pretty good category. Many slots, although they get a bit more expensive at the end, offer a healthy variety of armored options. Because of the formation being a brigade rather than a division, fewer tanks are available.

The tanks of Bronirana Brigada come in three different varieties:
- The lighter Panzer 35(t), known in Bulgarian service as the SHKODA S-35, featured as both a regular tank and a command one.
- Plus the SHKODA T-11, which is a version built for Afghanistan but shipped to Bulgaria instead, after the German takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1938. It is a Panzer 35(t) but featuring the better gun of its successor, the Panzer 38(t).
- This leads us, of course, to the last variant of this type: the Panzer 38(t), known as the PRAGA P-38 with the battlegroup.
The next tank model on offer is the Panzer IV, used by the Bulgarians as the T-IV. It can be deployed in the Panzer IV G, H, and command.
And last, two independent StuG III G battalions operated with the brigade during the Yugoslavian campaign. They are known as the T-III and come in regular and command versions.

SUPPORT
This category is average, with limited availability and pricey slots.

The usual complement of support units can be found, from MGs teams to SUPPLY vehicles, 50mm infantry mortars, and COMMANDERS.
The infantry regiment’s outdated PTO. SHKODA 37 37mm (Czech. KPUV 37 37mm) guns were reused as fire support guns. Unlike the contemporary German PaK 36s, these weapons are equipped with HE rounds.

ANTI-TANK
Likewise, an average category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” slots, two “2” slots, and one “3” slot.

The only anti-tank team on offer in Combat Phase A is the SOLOTHURN. PANZERSHRECKS become available in Phase B.
Towed anti-tank guns are all of German manufacture: BI. REINMETAL 36 37mm, PTO. REINMETAL 38 50mm (the most numerous), and a handful of heavier PTO. REINMETAL 40 75mm.

ANTI-AIR
Likewise, a mediocre category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” openings, two “2”, and one “3” slot.

Some additional AA units are on offer, including German PVO. REINMETAL 38 20mm, PVO. REINMETAL 36 37mm, and heavier PVO. KRUP 41 88mm.
Some new PVO. SHKODA 37 80mm pre-war Czech. 80mm AA guns can also be found.

ARTILLERY
A somewhat decent category. Bulgaria hasn’t forgotten the lessons of World War I. What are the artillery pieces on offer?

Of course 81mm mortars, but nothing heavier.
Artillery units are the brigade’s own, featuring German-supplied GAUB. REINMETEAL 18M 105mm and GAUB. KRUP 150mm, both with radio.
Or artillery is sourced from regimental artillery or corps support (for the heaviest of guns), meaning Swedish GAUB. BOFORS 36 75mm and older French heavy GAUB. SHNAIDER 220mm TR are available.
Heavy off-map support is provided by the brigade’s VIKERS-ARMSTRONG observation tank. These were actually Bulgaria’s first armor fielded but were later repurposed in a 150mm support role. The KB-11-II FAZAN observation plane with 220mm batteries is also on call.

AIR
A pretty good category, with lots of slots (including three “1s”, three “2s”, one “3,” and even one “4”). Options include:

Recon:
- Do-17P URAGAN
- FW 189 TSIKLOP
- VRANA which is a pre-war Czech. Letov S-328 biplane.
Fighters:
- B-534 DROGAN (Czech. pre-war Avia B.534 biplane).
- DEVOATIN (French 1940 D.520).
- STRELA E-4, G-2 1, and G-6 (Bulgarian designations for variants of the venerable Me 109).
Bombers:
- CHAIKA, which is a pre-war Polish PZL-43.
- SHTUKA D-5. Guess the name. You guessed right! It’s a German Ju-87.
- Do-17 URAGAN with two distinct weapon loadouts.
- B-71 ZHERAV (a pre-war Czech. bomber).

The Bronirana Brigada is a pretty potent battlegroup with no clear-cut flaws or strong points. The battlegroup always has a counter for any kind of battlefield situation, even if the solution is a bit outdated. While lacking in heavy infantry and tanks, it makes up for this deficiency with sumptuous artillery and air power.

1. Páncélos Hadosztály

Next is the Axis armor of the Hungarian 1st Armored division, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály.

Much like Groupement Dody, the division as depicted in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel covers a month of operations, with detachments coming and going. While the formation’s organic forces, plus the 7th Assault Gun battalion, remained a fixture through all the battles, other smaller groups are phase-locked to represent the period they deployed (or left) the battlefield.

Elements from 6th Replacement Division, fighting with the division at Păuliș and Arad, which are only available in Phases A and B.
Forces from the German 22. SS-Freiwilligen Kavallerie-Division can be encountered from B onwards.
Air support is very (very) scarce in Combat Phase A, as was the case at Păuliș, but gets stronger with each subsequent phase.

RECON
An average category with only a limited amount of slots, but balanced in price and with plenty of choices.

Known Hungarian units will find their way into the battlegroup, including:
- BMW 750 side-cars.
- CSABA armored car.
- TOLDI IIA tank.
- FELDERÍTŐ JÁRŐR and LOVAS FELDERÍTŐK scouts.
The German SS reinforcements bring their recon troops, featuring the SS-REIT. AUFKLÄRER from Phase B, equipped with 2x MP-40, 3x MP-44 and 4x Kar. 98.

INF
A pretty good category, considering that 1. Páncélos Hadosztály is an armored division. A fair number of slots, none being too expensive.

The armored division brings its own selection of Hungarian combat soldiers.
- KERÉKPÁROSOK.
- ROHAMÁRKÁSZOK.
- MOT. LÖVÉSZ, both in rifles and command variants. The former is equipped with an MG-42 machine gun and Panzerfaust.
- MOT. ÁRKÁSZOK, command and pioneers versions.
During Combat Phases A and B only, the 6th Replacement Division allows for the deployment of some additional units, some of them inexperienced.
- LÖVÉSZTISZT.
- TÁRTALEK LÖVÉSZ which carry the Disheartened trait.
- TÁRTALEK ÁRKÁSZOK also with the Disheartened trait.
From Combat Phase B only, the German SS brings a number of reinforcements.
- SS-REIT. JÄGER, with 2x Danuvia SMG, 8x Kar. 98, 1x MG-42, plus a Panzerfaust.
- A command version, the SS-REIT. FÜHRER with 2x Danuvi and 2x MP-44, plus smoke grenades and radio.
- SS-REIT. PIONIER comes equipped with 4x MP-40, 4x Kar. 98 and 2x flamethrowers.

TANK
As expected, a pretty good category, though not as impressive as some other, larger armored divisions. You’ll get five “1” slots, three “2” openings, and one “3” slot.

Except for a card of command StuG III G (which also includes the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel’s Axis Ace Barnabás Kőszeghy) all the other vehicles will be Hungarian designs.
- TOLDI II, including a command variant.
- TURAN I, with a command variant.
- TURAN II, plus command variant.

SUPPORT
The next category is standard in all aspects, from availability to cost.

Your usual gamut of FLAMETHROWERS, MG teams, SUPPLY vehicles and COMMANDERS.
CSENDŐR, being military police with the Fanatical trait, to keep the green recruits in line.
German IG-18 infantry support guns also make their appearance from Phase B onwards.

ANTI-TANK
The AT category is pretty mediocre, with only five slots, two each for “1” and “2” costs, and a “3” one.

Hungarian units include:
- Replacement Solothurn ATR (hence the Disheartened trait) and PANZERSHRECK teams.
- The 40M 40mm and 97/38M 75mm towed guns.
- At least two cards of StuG III G in an AT role.
The Germans bring the PaK 40, but only Combat Phase B onward.

ANTI-AIR
In comparison with the previous category, AA is more than decent, with a good amount of slots.

Plenty of good Hungarian anti-air options.
- Get ready to deploy lots and lots of NIMRÓD anti-air (and even anti-tank) self-propelled guns. This unit is available in two versions, one with the 42M heavy anti-tank round and one without. In real life, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály had over 40 of these excellent vehicles.
- Quite a few 36M 40mm (Hungarian designation for Bofors towed guns).
- Hungarian-operated FLAK 36 88mm in Combat Phase A and B.
- From B onwards, the German 22. SS-Freiwilligen provides a handful of SDKFZ. 7/1, being self-propelled half-tracks mounting a quad 20mm.

ART
Artillery is not one of the strong suits of this division, but a commander still has access to a series of powerful guns.

The usual complement of 81mm and 120mm mortars.
The 97M 75mm, 37M 105mm and 31M 149mm howitzers.
No off-map artillery, but one novelty: the RAKÉTAVETŐ 150mm, which are Hungarian-served Nebelwerfer 41.

AIR
Not very good… at all. Only a few openings, with two “1”, one “2”, and two “3” slots. Air cover is almost non-existent in Combat Phase A!

In Phase A, only Fw 189 A-2 recon and an A-only card of Me 210Ca-1/R5 heavy fighter are available.
The division covered the Hungarian Army’s retreat from the Soviet offensive. This is reflected in Phase B, with an influx of dive bombers.
- German recon, close air support, and cluster versions of the venerable JU-87 D-5.
- Hungarian-operated JU-87 D-5 bombers and the new Me 109 G-14/U-4 fighter.
Additional Luftwaffe forces deploy from Combat Phase C, providing a bit more firepower in the air.
- Hs 129 B-2/R4 cluster bomber.
- Hs 129 B-3 tank buster with a 75mm gun.

The 1. Páncélos Hadosztály relies more on sheer numbers than quality to overwhelm an opponent. It is an armored division with lots of light tanks and infantry to match. However, going toe-to-toe with enemy tanks, especially in the early part of a game, will require skills to make the kills with the light Hungarian armored fighting vehicles.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Task Force receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you on the battlefield

And we are done with the fourth and last Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. We’ll be back soon!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Jun 16, 2023

Men of Steel Gameplay Showcase #3

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, hello.

Once more unto the breach, commander! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll detail the arsenals of the next set of divisions coming with the new Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.

We previously covered the historical aspects of the Allied Groupement Dody and the Axis 17. Divisioona in a dedicated Versus post, which you can check here.

As always, note that the following is still work in progress and is subject to change.

Groupement Dody

We start with the partisan-bolstered French-led Groupement Dody. Not an actual division as such, this Steel Division 2 battlegroup covers a variety of formations operating in the French Alps from mid-August (after Operation Dragoon) to late September 1944.

The mix of different soldiers, from FFI to American paratroopers and Morrocan mountaineers and Goumiers, can be found in the Groupement Dody. As composition changed over time, formations coming and going, we have corresponded each group to a specific Combat Phase.
Phase A

FFI partisans were very active in the Alps, and with the start of Operation Dragoon, they rose en masse.
some American paratroopers, already featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force, quickly joined them.
But the core of the battlegroup was a detachment from French General Dody’s 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division, as well as some (also Moroccan) Goumiers light mountain troops.

Phase B

In the next phase, a regiment from the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division brings even more specialized mountain soldiers.
At the same time, many local FFI were reorganized into regular infantry. Former Chasseurs Alpins in ranks were reformed into scout and light troops, and trained to use captured German guns.
Heavy artillery was also brought forward from general reserve.

Phase C

In the last phase, the American airborne troops, the Goumiers, heavy artillery, and Dody’s forces are all gone.
Instead, further mountaineers of the reformed 27th Alpinee Division, France’s traditional mountain forces, can be deployed.

Groupement Dody in Steel Division 2

Let’s check out the phase-locked Groupement Dody, category by category.

RECON
A decent category with plenty of choices. You’ll get two “1” cost slots before moving to three “2” slots and two “3” slots.

The following units are only available in Phase A and B, before becoming unavailable in Phase C.
- The ever-present FFI SIDE-CAR, and FFI SABOTEURS.
- SPAHIS in all shapes and variants, from 2-man and 4-man recon squads, plus M3A3 (Stuart) and AM-M8 (Greyhound) armored recon cars.
- The new GOUMIERS ECLAIREURS, a large 11-man recon squad with 9x MAS-36 rifles, 1x FM 24/29 automatic rifle, and 1x scoped Lee-Enfield. As all knife-wielding Goumiers, they feature one Veterancy level and the Shock trait.
The following units become available in Combat Phase B and C. These are professional light Alpine troops.
- CORPS FRANCS. The term is most analogous to the English use of commando. From World War I onwards, these soldiers were hand-picked and grouped into small, highly motivated, well-armed squads. They would infiltrate enemy positions at night, either for recon duties or in raids. Among the Chasseurs Alpins, they would operate ahead of the main body of troops, creating ambushes or trying to block enemy surprise attacks. In Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion, the CORPS FRANCS come as experienced (with one Veterancy level) 6-man assault recon squads fielding 2x Sten, 3x MAS-36 rifles, 1x FM 24/29 and TNT.
- ECLAIREURS-SKIEURS. These were the crème de la crème of the Chasseurs Alpins. As deep penetration recon squads, they were able to cross any terrain, however steep, icy, or rugged, and were supposed to stay hidden behind enemy lines for weeks at a time. These are the French counterparts to the Italian ALPINI ESPLORANTE. The ECLAIREURS-SKIEURS are 12-man squads with 3x Sten, 6x MAS-36, 1x FM 24/29, and 1x scope Kar-98, as well as the Radio trait.

INFANTRY
A solid category, with the vast majority of the slots being cheap, with only the last three becoming more expensive. A battlegroup’s commander will have plenty to choose from.

The following units will only become available in Phase A and B, before being removed in Phase C.
- American AB LEADER, AB RIFLES, and GLIDER RIFLES.
- The French Résistance provides CMDT FFI and FFI MAQUISARDS.
- The 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division deploys as TIRAILLEURS, CMDT TIRAILLEURS, TIR. PIONIERS and SAPEURS. These units are the same as found in the 1e Division Française Libre (featured Nemesis: Storming Toulon), but we remodeled some of the infantry to feature more appropriate headgear.
- Groupement Dody’s special units comes as Morrocan Goumiers. These are auxiliary mountain troops, with only a limited amount of French officers and NCOs in a battalion. These soldiers were organized in large groups, more like warbands than typical military squads. The GOUMIERS come in three variants, all featuring the Raider and Shock traits.
  - CMDT GOUMIERS. An elite 3-man leader squad with 2x carbines, 1x FM 24/29, a Bazooka, smoke grenades, and Radio.
  - GOUMIERS. A 19-man squad with 1x Thompson, 17x P17 rifles, and 1x FM 24/29. If you think that’s large, wait for …
  - GOUMIERS (PM). These assault “squads” concentrated most of the automatic firepower available. This squad is 22-man strong with 5x Thompson, 17x P17 rifles, and a “Rocket Gun.” The latter is the name given to a plain bazooka, which the Morrocan forces exclusively (and gleefully) used as bunker busters (hence HE rounds only), so rarely did they come across an enemy tank on top of mountains.
- The following units can be mustered from Combat Phase B onward.
  - The 4e Moroccan Mountain Division makes its appearance. Units include TIRAILLEURS, SAPEURS and PIONIERS, all featuring the Raider trait.
  - Aside from the Raider trait, the main difference from the 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division is the greater allowance in automatic rifles (BAR replacing FM 24/49) and sniper rifles, but the lesser number of anti-tank weapons.
  - The SAPEURS MONT. field a flamethrower, coming in pretty handy when clearing mountain caves.
  - PARTIGIANI are Italian partisans (and as such, will fight under their own flag) who fled German and RSI harassment in Northern Italy. They sought refuge in the newly liberated French Alps. These resistance fighters formed at least an entire battalion in the FFI. They are 12-man squads with 2x Beretta SMG, 8x Carcano rifles, 1x Breda 30 and 1x Carcano M91 sniper rifle.
- In Combat Phase C:
  - The FFI have now turned regular and provide Chasseurs Alpins, mountain troops fielding whatever equipment the newly liberated French government could scrounge.
    - CHASSEURS ALPINS. These 12-man squads are only available in basic Veterancy 0 and 1, bringing 2x Sten, 9x MAS-36, and 1x FM 24/29 - no anti-tank weapons.
    - CMDT CHASSEURS ALPINS are 6-man command squads with 3x Sten, 3x Carbines and 1x MG-34, plus smoke grenades and a radio.

TANK
As one can expect from a light formation aimed at mountain warfare, tank allocation to this battlegroup is minimal. There are only three slots, which swiftly become expensive.

Only units in Combat Phase A and B are available, with only one card each!

CHAR CMD M3A3 and CHAR M5A2, meaning Stuart light tanks.
CHAR M10A1 RCA (which are TD M10 “Wolverines”) used as cavalry tanks in the truest sense of the word by the Chasseurs d’Afrique - which always considered themselves light cavalry despite the vehicles under their command.

SUPPORT
The Groupement Dody’s has plenty of SUPPORT slots, including three “1” cost, three “2” cost, and two “3” costs. There are quite a few options on offer.

The usual machine gun teams in many varieties. These include TIRAILLEURS, MONTAGNARD, FFI, and ALPINS, including heavy 13,2mm Hotchkiss guns.
The 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division brings M8 SCOTT and M3 HOW. 105mm as direct fire support in Combat Phase A and B only.
Commanders, either in fast FFI TRACTION, on foot or deployable in a AM-M20 command car.

ANTI-TANK
This category is decent in the number of slots available and their price, with two “1” slots, two “2” slots, and one “3” slot. Options are average.

BAZOOKA teams (either American airborne or French).
FFI PARTISANS with Panzerfaust.
2nd Moroccan Infantry Division brings M3 GUN 37mm and TD M10A1 tank destroyers in Phase A and B.
Towed CANON 57mm, available in all Combat Phases.
Captured FFI PAK 40 deployable from Phase B and C. This particular towed gun was the second-most widespread captured gun in the French army in late ‘44 and ‘45.

ANTI-AIR
One of the most limited categories of this division. Not many choices nor availability, and slots feature a high price.

FFI CANON CA 25mm recaptured from the Germans, available in all Combat Phases.
The 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division deploy BOFORS towed guns in Phase A and B.
Additional American BOFORS, from general reserve, become available in Combat Phase B and C.

ARTILLERY
A pretty decent category with two “1” cost slots, three “2” slots, and three “3” slots. A well-rounded selection of artillery units can be deployed.

The 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division bring 60mm and 81mm mortars, as well as OBUSIER HM2 105mm howitzers in Phase A and B.
A handful of OBUSIER HM1 155mm (which are Long Tom guns) were briefly deployed, meaning they are only available in Combat Phase B.
The 4e Moroccan Mountain Division fields another batch of 60mm and 81mm mortars, but also brings the M1 HOWZ. 75mm, which is the M1A1 Pack howitzer.
A FFI battery of captured German le.FH 18M 105mm howitzers become deployable in Phase B and C. In-game, they will feature Italian dialogue as they were historically crewed by former Italian POWs, volunteering to finish the war fighting for the Free French.
Only in Phase C, the Chasseurs Alpins manage to unearth and field some of their pre-war CANON 75MM DE MONTAGNE MLE 1928.

AIR
A pretty good category with four “1” slots, and two “2” and “3” slots, and plenty of choice. Most of the aircraft flown were Free French, as by this time, France operated more and more squadrons from homegrown soil, with some explicitly dedicated to assisting its Alpine formations.

Carpet bombing wasn’t very effective in the mountains; hence instead, a healthy allocation of fighters and fighter bombers from Groupement Dody.

Fighter cover is provided by P-39Q-15-BE (Airacobra) and a few P-47D-22-RE.
The remaining P-47s are mainly operating as fighter bombers, with various load-outs: napalm, bombs, and rockets.
Recon is provided in Phase A only by an SOE-FFI liaison LYSANDER, a light recon aircraft carrying 12x 9kg bomblets. Across all Phases, a fast F-6 (unarmed recon P-38) can be called in.

The cherry on the cake comes from American air power. Having relocated to France, near the Alps, they deployed one of their P-61 “Black Widow” squadrons. Unlike those featured in the 1st Special Force Brigade, also to be found in the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion, these were P-61B-10, able to carry heavy load-outs on top of the quad 20mm.

Two variants exist, but these are only available in Phase C: one with 6x AT rockets and one with 4x 454kg bombs.

Groupement Dody is a layered division, with various forces coming and going depending on the Combat Phase. Mostly made up of infantry with the Raider trait, congested battlefields or urban warfare is the preferred terrain for this battlegroup, but they might struggle in long-range combat. Its strong air cover, especially its fighter bombers, should provide a potent answer to more serious threats in the late game.

17. Divisioona

Next up is the Finnish-Swedish mixed 17. Divisioona. The version of the Axis division featured in the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion represents how it existed around and after the fall of Vyborg (in Finnish Viipuri) to the Soviets in the summer of 1944.

It includes not only the 17. Divisioona (17th Division) but also elements from the green (and rather shaky) 20th Infantry Brigade, who were routed from the city, as well as detachments from the anti-air defenses ringing Vyborg and artillery support.

Unlike some of the other Steel Division 2: Men of Steel divisions, the 17. Divisioona is not phase-locked, with all units being available from the start!

17. Divisioona in Steel Division 2

Let’s check out the battlegroup, category by category.

RECON
There is a distinct lack of units and availability in 17. Divisioona reconnaissance category, with only a few slots that quickly rise in price.

The division didn’t have extensive recon forces as they were locked in combat, with the Soviets almost on top of the Finnish positions.
Limited options include WLA (KK) side-cars, KEV.OS and TARKKA-AMPUJA divisional scouts.

INFANTRY
Combat soldiers are one of the strong suits of this battlegroup, with plenty of infantry units to choose from. This shouldn’t come as a surprise with the expansion’s focus on the fighting men of World War II, especially not if we also consider that this is a Finnish infantry-focused division we are talking about. Commanders will have eight “1” slots and one “two” and “three” slots each.

We’ll begin with all the regular choices, including:
- KIVÄÄRI, rifles and command squads.
- PIONEERI, combat engineers and command squads
- LÄHITORJUNTA, close defense squads.
Followed by a bunch of new units!
- PRIKAATILAINEN. The green recruits from the 20th Infantry Brigade, who abandoned their positions at Vyborg. They come as a 9-man strong rifle squad, with 1x Suomi SMG, 7x M/39 rifles, 1x DP-28 LMG, anti-tank grenades, and - no surprise there - the Disheartened trait.
- SEXTIETTAN (meaning “61st” in Swedish). This unit represents members from Infantry Regiment 61, the Swedo-Finn formation that saved the day at Tienhaara just after the Fall of Vyborg. These soldiers prevented the Soviets from breaking through. In-game, they are represented as a 9-man rifle squad with 2x Suomi, 6x M/39 rifles, 1x DT LMG, Panzerfaust, and the Fanatical trait.
- SEXTIETTAN (KPÄÄL) are 4-man command squad with 1x Suomi, 3x M/39 and Satchel AT grenades, plus the Radio and Fanatical trait.
- SEXT. ISKURYHMÄ are 9-man assault squads equipped with a mix of Suomi and PPSh SMG, 2x M/26 automatic rifles, and anti-tank grenades. They also carry the Fanatical and Shock traits.
- All the experienced SEXTIETTAN units come deployed with one Veterancy level, plus Swedish dialogue and acknowledgments.

TANK
Next up is a category very limited in scope, with only two slots (though both are cheap at “1” price).

Both armor options are only available during Combat Phase A.
One card of T-26E.
And one card of STURMI, forward deployed from the Finnish armored Panssaridivisioona formation.

SUPPORT
A good category for 17. Divisioona with a healthy balance between the number of slots, unit options, and price.

Standard choices include Commanders on foot, side-car, or in the VIDAL TEMPO command car, as well as FORD AA HUOLTO supply trucks.
New units are:
- A choice between Disheartened RECRUITS KK M32-33, which is a Maxim heavy machine gun team, or Fanatical SEXT. KK M/14, being a Schwarloze HMG.
- SOTILASPOLIISI military police, to keep all those unwilling PRIKAATILAINEN in line.
While not new, the BT-42 makes another appearance, with an availability of two cards in Combat Phase A and B. In real life, the whole company was detached from the armored Panssaridivisioona to rush to rescue Vyborg’s defenders, only to be almost completely wiped out due to their inability to engage Soviet tanks.
Much like the Royal Marines’ CENTAUR IV in the upcoming 1st Special Service Brigade being reworked to provide indirect fire, the BT-42 was capable of the same feat, even proposed to be used this way (though denied by military high command). Therefore, we added the indirect fire ability to this assault gun as a battlefield modification, though the vehicle lacks any radio. This will also affect the BT-42 in the Panssaridivisioona (featured in our major expansion Steel Division 2: The Fate of Finland).

ANTI-TANK
A decent category with two “1” slots, three “2” slots, and one “3”. While choices are plenty, most of them are light anti-tank teams.

PANSSARIKAUHU (Panzerschreck) in either RECRUITS (with Disheartened trait) or “vanilla” flavor.
LAHTI L-39 (anti-tank rifle) in either SEXTIETTAN (Fanatical) or plain variant.
TANKINTORJUNTA (tank hunters) in either SEXTIETTAN (with Fanatical) or “vanilla” flavor.
The remaining units are the 17. Divisioona divisional guns, including one card of 45 PstK/39 45mm and one card (only in Phase A or B) of 75 K/40 75mm towed anti-tank guns.

ANTI-AIR
A pretty strong category, primarily thanks to the historical presence of the anti-air defenses surrounding Vyborg and Tienhaara. This means quite a few slots, eight in total, all being cheap.

Lots of anti-air units to choose from. These include standard choices:
- FORD AA URK-ITKK, being self-propelled quad Maxim machine guns.
- FORD AA 20 ItK, self-propeled single 20mm gun.
- VEKOTIN, which is a towed twin 20mm.
- 40 ItK/35-39 B 40mm (Bofors).
A new unit is the 76 ItK/34V 75mm (a Vickers M/34), also capable of firing AP rounds, allowing it to be turned into a makeshift anti-tank gun.

[/list]

ART
And we got another powerful category for this battlegroup, being stronger than even Anti-Air. It features the same amount of slots, but cheaper overall.

Artillery forces include the ton of mortars to be expected in a Finnish unit (even to this day).
Plenty of howitzers, several featuring the secondary capability of firing anti-tank rounds.
- 84 K/18 83,8mm which is a British QF 18-pdr.
- 76 K/36 76,2mm, a captured Soviet F-22.
- 105 H/33 105mm being a German le.FH 18M.
- 150 H/40 150mm, a German s.FH 18.
- 152 H/37 152mm, which is a captured Soviet ML-20.
- 203 H/17 203mm, a new unit, British BL 8 pouces howitzer Mk. VII.

AIR
A decent AIR category can be found with the 17. Divisioona. Air support comprises a mix of the Finnish Air Force and German Luftwaffe.

The Finns provide most of the airplanes
- GAUNTLET Mk.II and BF 109 G-8 in recon roles.
- Bf 109 G-6 as fighter and fighter-bombers.
- BLENHEIM Mk.I, the new DB-3F and Ju-88 A-4 bombers.
The Luftwaffe, represented in Finland by Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey, provides specialized (and much-needed) anti-tank planes.
- Ju-87 D-5 with AB-250-3 cluster bombs.
- Fw 190 F-8 with Panzerblitz 1 AT rockets.

The 17. Divisioona is a battlegroup heavily focused on infantry and artillery, with the Finnish-Swedish forces being able to grind any opponent to a halt or even launch their own attacks in built-up spaces. However, pushing across open terrain or against long-range opponents will prove difficult, with the division relying on its air force to make a fist against enemy armor.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Task Force receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you on the battlefield

And we are done with the third Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. Let us know what you think.

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Jun 9, 2023

Men of Steel Gameplay Showcase #2

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello commander,

We are back again with a meaty new DevBlog. Get ready for our second gameplay showcase of the upcoming Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.

In today’s post, we’ll be detailing both the 1st Airborne Task Force and the 715. Infanterie-Division. This Axis and Allied battlegroup duo was first detailed in a Versus post, which you can find here. If you want to read more about the historical backgrounds of each division, be sure to check it out.

Note that the allocation of units and their make-up is not set in stone. These divisions and the others coming to Steel Division 2: Men of Steel are still being worked on as we speak.

1st Airborne Task Force

Let’s begin with the 1st Airborne Task Force. What can you expect of these Allied paratroopers in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel?

While most of the division will be available from the start, some specific units will be Combat Phase locked. Historically, this represents the mechanized forces taking some time to contact the airborne troops after the amphibious landings during Operation Dragoon in Southern France in the summer of 1944.

Let’s check out 1st Airborne Task Force, category by category.

RECON
The reconnaissance category has a good amount of open slots, most of them being cheap. Furthermore, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

There are quite a variety of scouts on offer, the majority being infantry:
- These include British AB SCOUTS, AB SNIPER and PATHFINDERS, identical to those found in the 6th Airborne Division. FFI SABOTEURS from the 1e Division Française Libre (featured in our fourth Nemesis: Storming Toulon mini-expansion) can also be found.
- The new American AB SCOUTS and PATHFINDERS, as well as Canadian FORCEMEN SCOUTS. The latter are 7-man squads with the Commando trait, scoped rifle, and Willy Pete phosphorus grenades. Our new Ace Tommy Prince will be featured with this unit.
The sole reconnaissance vehicles available in Phase A are American JEEP .50 and French-captured FFI SIDE-CAR.
Deployable from Phase B are some heavier mechanized units as SCOUTS with a M20 transport, as well as M8 GREYHOUND.

INFANTRY
This category is pretty good, with numerous cheap slots and many options.

Get ready to play with British AB PARAS, AB PARAS (PIAT), AB ENGINEERS, and AB LEADERS, as well as French FFI MAQUISARDS and CMDT FFI.
- Note that the British AB PARAS units have been reworked to better follow their actual TO&E. As such, they lose the Gammon bombs and 1x Sten in favor of a scoped Lee Enfield. Their price will change accordingly, which will also affect 6th Airborne upon the expansion’s release.
The American paratroopers drop in with lots of variety:
- AB LEADER. A 5-man command squad with a mix of Thompson, M1 Carbine, Garand rifles, and smoke grenades.
- AB RIFLES. Strong 12-man squads with 2x Thompson, 1x M1919A6 LMG, 9x Garand, and a Bazooka.
- AB ENGINEER LEADER. A 5-man squad with Thompson and Garand, as well as TNT explosives.
- AB ENGINEERS. An 11-man squad with Thompson SMGs, Garand, and Flamethrower.
- GLIDER RIFLES. A 12-man squad with one Thompson, 10x Garand, and 1x BAR, plus Bazooka.
- AB ASSAULT GROUP. This unit represents the small 509th PIB. They come as a 12-man assault squad with 5x Thompson, 6x Garand, 1x BAR, and Willy Pete grenades. Furthermore, they have an increased Veterancy level, plus the Shock trait.
- AB DEMOLITION GROUP. A 12-man squad with 10x Carbine, 2x Garand, TNT, and smoke grenades. Historically, with only one platoon in the entire division, they come as a single card of three Combat Phase A-only Elite squads.
The Canadian-American 1st Special Service Force (the Devil’s Brigade) will find its way into the battlegroup as follows:
- FORCEMEN LEADER. A 3-man Special Forces team with Carbines, Bazooka, and smoke grenades.
- FORCEMEN. A 13-man veteran Special Forces squad with 3x Thompson, 8x Garand, 2x Johnson LMG (roughly equivalent to an FG-42), and TNT.
- FORCEMEN (BAR). Another 13-man veteran Special Forces squad with 1x Grease Gun, 10x Garand, 2x BAR, and a Bazooka. This is the sole American Forcemen squad, all the others being Canadian.
- Each FORCEMEN unit comes as a single card only and features the Commando trait.
Aside from the FFI already waiting for the 1st Airborne Task Force on the ground, the fighting forces of France are also represented by a single Combat Phase A and B-only card of CHASSEURS-PARAS. These are from the 1er Régiment de Chasseurs-Parachutistes and come as a 12-man squad with 2x Thompson, 3x Carbine, 6x Garand, and a M1919A6 LMG.
Finally, after having taken too much sun on the Riviera, arrive the RIFLES (late) and RIFLES LEADER in Combat Phase C.

TANK
The armored forces of the 1st Airborne Task Force are rather limited. Though cheap, you won’t have much to choose from.

Only one card of M5A1 (Stuart) from Combat Phase B onwards.
Only one card of M4A1 and CMD M4A1 in Combat Phase C only.

SUPPORT
A decent category with a good number of slots, not being too expensive. The units featured are all relatively light, however.

Plenty of HMG teams are at your disposal, from British AB VICKERS, French FFI MG-34, and American AB M1919 and AB M2HB teams.
Supply units are featured as the British AB JEEP SUPPLY in Combat Phase A and the American GMC SUPPLY (the latter only from Combat Phase B onwards).
Some fire support units can be deployed, including the British AB 2-INCH MORTAR in A and the American M4(105) from Combat Phase C.
Commander units include those deployable on foot or with a jeep in Combat Phase A or with the M20 armored car in C.

ANTI-TANK
You’ll only have a medium amount of slot availability in this category, with choices being rather restricted and light.

AB PIAT and AB BAZOOK teams.
All variants of 6-pdr and 57mm towed anti-tank guns, ranging with either APCR rounds (British airborne variant), without (U.S. paratrooper variant) and elite Fanatical (courtesy of the Japanese-American Nisei from the 442nd Infantry Regiment anti-tank company).
From Combat Phase B onwards, some additional M10A1 tank destroyers are available.

ANTI-AIR
Not one of the best categories for the 1st Airborne Task Force, with options few and far between.

There are no AA defenses in Combat Phase A - at all!
A single card of M16 AA in B.
Some BOFORS towed units can be deployed starting in Combat Phase C.

ARTILLERY
The division can count on some decent artillery units, but again, most of the choices are light.

A variety of different mortars are in play, from British British 3-inch, American 60mm, 81mm, and 107mm.
You’ll also get to deploy the Airborne (either British or American) M1 PACK HOWITZER.
And lastly, in Combat Phase C, the American M21 self-propelled mortar carrier.

AIR
The 1st Airborne Task Force can count on some pretty good air cover, with a sizable amount of affordable options. Commanders can choose between American & British Air Forces’ planes.

The Americans provide a good part of the air support, including:
- the ground-pounding aircrafts with the B-26B-10-MA MAURAUDER and B-25J-25 MITCHELL in close air support and heavy bomber roles, respectively.
- carrier-borne fighters (from the USS Tulagi) coming as the F-6F-5 HELLCAT in their U.S. Navy dark blue livery.
- some recon capacity in the form of the unarmed F-5A (recon P-38).
- a number of escort P-51, either P-51B-10-NA fighter and P-51D-5 fighter-bombers.
The British feature:
- the SEAFIRE in fighter and recon roles.
- the BEAUFIGHTER Mk. X in both AT and HE rocket payloads.

The 1st Airborne Task Force, like most paratrooper battlegroups, has the necessary tools to take the fight up close and personal, with a wide variety of infantry and recon forces. However, the division will fare less well across open terrain or in prolonged battles, especially against tanks. Not all is lost. In these cases, the battlegroup’s powerful air support can tip the tide of the battle in 1st Airborne Task Force’s favor.

715. Infanterie-Division

Next up is the Axis 715. Infanterie-Division, active on the Italian front during the fighting for the Anzio beachhead. This particular battlegroup is Combat Phase locked. In Phase A, this represents the division's organic troops and attached forces used in the initial counter-attacks against the Allies at Anzio. And in Phase B, those fascist Italian reinforcements from Decima Mas and SS.

RECON
A good category with even-priced options and a large arsenal of units to choose from.

The standard complement of BMW, AUFKLÄRER and FUSILIERS.
Beute French Panhard 25mm armored cars as the SPW-204(f).
Veteran AUFKL.PANZER II F, the armored recon element from the STURMPANZER IV battalion.
And from Combat Phase B onwards, the RSI (Repubblica Sociale Italiana) veteran AS.42 20mm heavy jeep and DECIMA ESPLORATORI.

INFANTRY
The 715. Infanterie-Division can count on lots of infantry, which is no surprise for a battlegroup like this. Lots of choices, with quite a few new units.

We start off the list with the usual suspects, all command squads: PIONIER FÜHRER, GRENADIER FÜHRER, and PZ. GRENADIER FÜHRER.
Before moving to the new units:
- The battlegroup’s core cadre of combat soldiers comes as GRENADIER (15W) and PIONIER (15W). The 15W stands for “15. Welle”, or the 15th recruitment wave. These recruits were all too sick, too old, or too scrawny for active service and were regrouped in static defense divisions. These squads carry the Disheartened trait for both the Grenadier and Pionier variants. We also ensured that the 3D models reflect these aged and sickly warriors!
- Lw-JÄGER z.b.V. are Luftwaffe penal troops stationed on the Eastern Front before being hastily airlifted to counter the Anzio landings. That’s why they are equipped with Soviet-captured small arms. A 15-man squad fielding 4x MP-40, 10x SVT, and 1x MG-34 plus AT grenades … and the Fanatical trait.
- To make up for its initial losses, the 715. Infanterie-Division amalgamated a Panzergrenadier regiment from general reserve, meaning motorized (truck-borne), not half-track infantry. This particular formation was organized according to the old 1941 TO&E, resulting in larger squads but lesser equipment. These units are brought in two distinct flavors, with the PZ.GRENADIER ’41 holding 12 men with 1x MP-40, 9x Kar rifles, and 2x MG-34 plus a Panzerfaust, while the PZ.GRENADIER ’41 (PzB) substitutes the latter with a Panzerbüsche 41 anti-tank rifle.
From Combat Phase B onwards, the Italians come to the rescue!
- The SS-LEGIONARI make a comeback, having previously only been featured in the 17. SS-Panzergrenadier “Götz von Berlichingen” found in our Steel Division 2: Tribute to D-Day expansion.
- The Decima Mas can be deployed in three versions, all entirely equipped with automatic weapons. All these squads are veterans with the Commando trait.
- The DECIMA is an 8-man strong squad with 7x Beretta SMG, 1x MG-42, and AT grenades.
- The DECIMA ARDITI is the same size but features 6x Beretta SMG, 2x Bredal 30 LMG, and a Panzerfaust.
- The DECIMA CMDO is a 3-man command squad with 3x MP-40, Panzerfaust, smoke grenades, and radio.

TANK
A reasonable category with only a few slots, but quite affordable.

Armor at your disposal include veteran TIGER E, including FÜH. command version.
STUG III G plus FÜH. command variant.
The PANZER P40 737(i) in Combat Phase A only. This is the first domestically produced Italian “heavy” tank, the P26, which was captured by the Germans and immediately put into action at Anzio.

SUPPORT
The division can count on a good SUPPORT category, with lots of choices for a decent price.

This includes Disheartened MG-34 MG teams, as well as regular MG-42, IG.18 and IG.33 infantry guns, and 50mm mortars.
Plus BORGWARD IV and STURMPANZER IV assault vehicles.
From Phase B onwards, the Italians bring OBICE 65/13 and BRIXIA mortars.

ANTI-TANK
A medium amount of open slots and average prices can be found in this category.

Commanders get to deploy the usual PAK 38 and PAK 40 anti-tank guns, as well as PANZERSCHRECK teams and some MARDER III.
Heavy firepower is brought to bear by the ELEFANT tank destroyer. This company-sized formation was actually “missing” from the s. Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653i, which was attached to 20. Panzergrenadier (from our Nemesis: Lvov Offensive mini-expansion)!
And, as expected, the Italians bring their CANNONE 47/32 in Phase B! It’s the thought that counts…

ANTI-AIR
Not the best of categories, with only three open slots, quickly turning expensive.

The 715. Infanterie-Division barely had any organic anti-air forces, relying on a few units scrounged from neighboring formations or brought by reinforcements.
And all options are pretty light, as only the FLAK 20mm and 37mm, as well as the self-propelled SDKFZ. 7/1 20mm quad are deployable.

ARTILLERY
A good number of slots, average price, and a large amount of choice - including new ones - make this a solid category. The division had few artillery pieces of its own at the start, but during the Anzio fighting gained control over several independent artillery battalions.

The usual classic array of 81mm and 120mm mortars.
The “new” K.390(r) 122mm howitzer, which is a captured Soviet A-19 gun, turned into a more-than-decent AT gun. This unit is not new to Steel Division 2 but is making its first appearance as a German Beute weapon.
The s.FH 404 149mm, an Italian M19, already used as a Beute weapon.
MÖRSER 531(f) 220mm which are old WW1 French super-heavy artillery guns.
A few SDKFZ. 135/1 150mmm, a self-propelled 150mm gun on a Lorraine 37L chassis, courtesy of Major Becker’s workshop while stationed in France.

From Phase B onwards, the Italians bring their own guns.

The OBICE 75/27 75mm howitzer.
The new OBICE 105/32 105mm howitzer.

AIR
Nothing fancy up in the air for the 715. Infanterie-Division. Average slots and ditto prices.

RSI SM.79-II SPARVIERO bombers were among the first to attack the Allied fleet at Anzio, the Italians acting on their own initiative. These planes will be available from Phase A.
Further aircraft will be Luftwaffe, including JU-88 bombers and heavy recon, FW 190 fighters and fighter-bombers, DO-217 K-1 bombers and older BF-109 G-6 fighters.

The 715. Infanterie-Division is a versatile battlegroup, with a range of average troops backed up by excellent, heavy-hitting units across all categories. Still, care should be taken as some are time-locked, expensive, or available in small numbers.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

If you want to do some background reading on Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, be sure to check out our historical highlights, our so-called Versus DevBlogs.

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Task Force receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you on the battlefield

And we are done with the second Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Jun 2, 2023

Men of Steel Gameplay Showcase #1

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, hello!

Strap in, commander - this DevBlog will be a meaty one! We are kicking off today’s post with an in-depth showcase of two upcoming divisions of the new Steel Division: Men of Steel expansion.

We will highlight all the units per category of the Allied 1st Special Service Brigade and the Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau. These battlegroups were previously featured in the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus, which you can find here. Yet, keep in mind that until Men of Steel is shipped, those are subjected to changes.

Let’s dig in!

1st Special Service Brigade

First up on the list is the 1st Special Service Brigade, with its in-game arsenal inspired by D-Day and subsequent fighting in Normandy. Although the core of this battlegroup is, of course, made up of the British commandos, they only account for some forces available (or else, it would only be infantry, right?). As such, we have included several other historical formations from the same period, including:

Tanks from the 13th/18th Royal Hussars.
Support armor and vehicles from 79th Armoured Division “Hobart’s Funnies”.
AA units from the 80th Anti-Aircraft Brigade.
Additional commandos from the Naval Intelligence 30 Assault Unit.

The 1st Special Service Brigade will be a Combat Phase-locked one, meaning that not all units can be deployed from the start, with some only becoming available during the later phases.

Phase A will see:

All the “core” commandos of the 1st Special Service Brigade, as well as smaller Royal Navy attachments.
Royal Navy units, including Fleet Air Arm aircraft but excluding the 30 Assault Unit.
Amphibious units from the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, with the rest following in Phase B.
The most mobile units from the 80th Anti-Aircraft Brigade. Historically, these rushed to support the 6th Airborne Brigade alongside the commandos. The rest can be deployed from Phase B onwards.
The 30 Assault Unit and 79th Armoured Division will be available from Phase B.
Other, non-Fleet Air Arm, planes will only unlock from Phase B or C.

Let’s look at 1st Special Service Brigade’s arsenal in each of Steel Division 2’s categories.

Recon
An average category with a medium amount of slots, but not too pricey.

The Phase A choices for the battlegroup are nothing to write home about, with only regular SCOUTS (PIAT) and the Royal Navy’s lightly armed and armored MORRIS LRC.
Phase B introduces Ian Fleming’s (of Bond fame) ”Red Indians”), official designation 30 Assault Unit, a new unit. These are effective (and experienced) Royal Navy Intelligence commandos, coming in two variants: the RECON GROUP 30AU and FIELD TEAM 30AU. The former is a 5-man squad with radio and smoke grenades, as well as a Vickers K LMG; the latter is an 8-man assault group with a Bren LMG and the rest fielding a variety of SMGs (Sten, Lancaster, Thompson).
As a bonus, the 30 Assault Unit was considered to be one of the most motorized units… of the entire war. It had a greater vehicle-to-soldier ratio than many other formations, harking back to their wartime mission of speeding out, on the forward edge of the battle, to grab any and every document, high-value object, or secret technology as quickly as possible. We have reflected this in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel with the STAGHOUND recon armored car or the C15TA armored wheeled APC or jeeps as squad transports.

Infantry
This category is pretty good. However, the division doesn’t feature the full ten slots like other infantry-heavy battlegroups, as the 1st Special Service Brigade focuses more on elite, special forces. This means fewer slots, but with higher-quality units.

Phase A features a card each of a distinct flavor of commandos. These soldier units had a loose Table of Organisation and Equipment, often supplemented with extra weapons or other small arms “acquired” by more dubious means.
- COMMANDO (N°3): a 13-man squad with 2x Sten SMGs, 8x Len Enfield rifles, and 2x Bren LMGs, but also a few older Boys anti-tank rifles.
- COMMANDO (N°6): likewise a 13-man squad but this time with 2x Sten, 1x Bren, 1x scoped Lee Enfield, and 10x Garand semi-automatic rifles. This was a rare but not completely unheard of happening among British forces. In this case, the American small arms had been lent to the British for the Allied landings in Algeria but never given back!
- COMMANDO (N°10): another 13-man squad, with 3x Sten and 9x Lee Enfield but having traded their Bren for 2x Vickers K LMGs. These are French commandos, but since they only account for two troops, this unit is restricted to Phase A and B.
- COMMANDO (N°45): The Royal Marines commandos had a different organization, only featuring 11-man squads. They fielded 3x Sten, 7x Lee Enfields, 1x Bren, and 1x PIAT anti-tank weapon.
- You might wonder about Commando (N°4). As we couldn’t find specific information on this group, we split it into smaller task-oriented assault groups: the 7-man COMMANDO DEMO. with Sten, Lee Enfield, Flamethrower and TNT, and the 7-man COMMANDO ASSAULT with Sten, Thompson plus Willy Pete phosphorus grenades.
- Rounding out the list is the COMMANDO LEADER unit, a 4-man command squad with Sten, PIAT, and smoke grenades.
All the commando squads will carry the new Commando trait.
Phase B also brings a series of combat engineers which made up the 79th Armoured Division’s infantry.
- Regular FIELD ENGINEERS.
- Regular ENGINEER LEADER.
- New ASSAULT ENGINEERS, a 12-man assault group squad with 10x Lee Enfield rifles, 1x Bren LMG, 1x Flamethrower and 1x PIAT.

Tank
The battlegroup features an average Tank category, with a medium number of slots and ditto prices.

In Phase A, players get only one card each of amphibious SHERMAN V DD (from the 13th/18th Royal Hussars) and experienced RM SHERMAN II (Royal Marines).
Phase B features the rest of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, deploying one card each of SHERMAN V, SHERMAN V CMD and the long-awaited FIREFLY Vc. Now, at last in Steel Division 2, after Polish, Canadian, South African, and New Zealand, the British too, finally can have their hands on this potent and (British-designed) armored vehicle.

Support
A decent category in the 1st Special Service Brigade with many cheap slots.

There will be the classic assortment of COMMANDERS, 2-INCH MORTARS, VICKERS HMGs, etc.
Players will also be able to deploy CROCODILE and AVRE heavy support tanks, available from Phase B.

Anti-Tank
Aie, not the strongest suit of this division, with this category only containing a minimal amount of choice and availability.

In real life, the only choices would have been small squads of PIAT man-portable anti-tank weapons.
To give the battlegroup a bit more punch, we added one card of M10 ACHILLES, from the 245 Battery RA, available from Phase B.

Anti-Air
A much more rounded category, with quite a few options, all being pretty cheap.

From Phase A onwards, you’ll get POLSTEN and BOFORS AA guns, truck mounted portee (being rushed by the commandos to 6th Airborne’s rescue).
Afterwards, many more units become available, including TRI-POLSTEN, BOFORS 40mm, and QF 3,7-inch 94mm AA guns, plus some CRUSADER self-propelled AA tanks.

Artillery
Not very balanced for 1st Special Service Brigade with only a medium amount of openings, with few, and pricey, choices.

Once again, we didn’t go for the real-life avenue as this would have netted only 3-INCH MORTARS.
We’ve added two Phase A-only cards, being very powerful off-map units, representing fleet support during D-Day:
- MORRIS LRC OP (127mm), a Steel Division: Normandy 44 favorite makes its return, with this unit being an MRLS barge sporting a whooping 960 127mm rockets. Only one card of a single unit and only in the early stages of battle will be available, so use this firepower wisely!
- A WILLYS OP (381mm), which is featured as one of the many Allied battleships’ naval guns lending their critical support to ground troops in Normandy. Can also only be deployed as a single unit.
Another “new” unit is the RM CENTAUR IV, available from Phase A. This is an existing Centaur IV from the 6th Airborne being refurbished from a direct fire support unit to a short-range self-propelled artillery unit with indirect fire capabilities (hence all the artillery correction markings on its turret). This change will also affect the 6th Airborne division upon Steel Division 2: Men of Steel’s release.

Air
A pretty decent category with many options, all being cheap.

All Phase A planes are brought to bear thanks to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. These include:
- Carrier-based HELLCAT I from the HMS Emperor, in a fighter-bomber role with a variety of different load-outs of bombs and rockets.
- Carrier-based WILDCAT V from HMS Tracker, as fighters.
- Several variants of SEAFIRE in recon and fighter roles.
From Phase B onwards, the new SPITFIRE Mk. XIV from the N°322 (Dutch) RAF Squadron, only one out of two squadrons equipped with this latest variant in June 1944. Faster and more agile, it should provide excellent air cover to the division. Although being RAF and sporting the British flag, the pilots were Dutch, and as such, this unit will feature new Dutch-voiced acknowledgments and dialogue.
And from Phase C, the new American P-61A-5 BLACK WIDOW becomes available. One of the first deployments of this particular type to France in the summer of 1944, this powerful twin-boom heavy fighter mounted four 20mm guns and carried LOTS of ammo. It is the perfect aircraft to bring down heavy bombers or strafe ground units!

The 1st Special Service Brigade is an elite infantry-focused battlegroup, with a rich variety of soldiers it can deploy on the battlefield. Armor, air, and other support units are also pretty decent, allowing this division to hold its own in offensive and defensive roles.

Kampfgruppe von Tettau

We turn our attention to the Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau, as seen during the Operation Market Garden. Much like the preceding British commandos, Kampfgruppe von Tettau will be a phase-locked division. This represents the succession of units added to the battlegroup during the Battle of Arnhem.

Phase A units represent the “first responders” of troops that were in close vicinity of the British drop zones to the west of Arnhem. These engaged the paratroopers in the opening 48 hours (September 17th and 18th).
Phase B units are those that find their origin in the rushed battalion and ad-hoc formations reinforcing Kampfgruppe von Tettau in the subsequent days (September 19th to the 22nd).
Phase C features mechanized units available after the conclusion of combat at the bridge of Arnhem, and the surrender of the 2 Para. These represent the newly bolstered Axis troops attacking the British 1st Airborne Division’s perimeter (September 23rd to the 25th).

Let’s look at Kampfgruppe von Tettau category by category.

Recon
A rather mediocre category with a limited amount of availability, pricey, and few choices.

Some BMW side-cars and KFz.4 vehicles in Phase A, as well as the local Dutch collaborationist (and new unit) SS-LANDSTORM AUFK., equipped with scavenged British Sten, Lee Enfield, and one MG-34.
From Phase B onwards, SCHARFSCHÜTZE can be deployed, reflecting how the Battle of Arnhem devolved more and more into street fighting in the city’s western suburbs.

Infantry
One of the battlegroup’s strongest categories, with maxed-out availability, all cheap, and lots of choices. Some units are better than others, with most of the units only available as a single card.

Infantry in Phase A comes from four different sources:
- SS-WACHE. A new unit. These are former Dutch and Soviet concentration camp guards who are Disheartened and rather badly equipped with captured Bren, Sten, and Lee Enfield in paltry 6-man half squads. No secret these units are… subpar, but at least they are cheap and come plenty, with a veterancy restriction to the lowest level. There are two variants (either a Bren or an MG-34 LMG), plus a “command” version with the dubious honor of being the first Disheartened leaders. Go figure!
- ERSATZ. A hotchpotch of second-line “non-combatant” combat soldiers such as clerks, drivers, cooks, etc. These form regular ERSATZTRUPPEN, as well as the new ERSATZ-PIONIER and ERSATZ-MG units (the latter to be found in the Support category).
- SS-LANDSTORM. A new unit. These are Dutch SS recruits, organized as regular 9-man rifle squads, fielding captured British Sten SMGs, as well as old Dutch Army Geweer M.95 rifles (actually Mannlicher, known as G211(h) in German service) and a 6.3mm Vickers LMG (designation l.MG 100(h) in German). Though not Disheartened, they are restricted to the lowest veterancy level.
- The last source of troops thrown into immediate combat came from Arnhem’s SS NCO School. Few, they were some of the best soldiers under von Tettau’s command. Highly motivated, all being Eastern Front veterans, they were well-equipped and led. In-game, they come in three versions: the new SS-JUNKER and SS-JUNKER (PzF) squads, the former brimming with MP-40s and MP-44s, and a l.MG-42; the latter fielding a few FG-42, two l.MG-42, rifles and Panzerfausts. Lastly, their instructors come as 12-man command squads, the new SS-AUSBILDER, deploying with SMGs, rifles, l.MG-42, and a Flamethrower! All these infantry squads come with an extra veterancy level (Veteran for troops, Elite for instructors), and the Shock trait.
In Phase B a bunch of new units become available:
- FESTUNGS.
- A new unit, FESTUNGS-GREN. FÜH. is a 12-man squad with Bergman SMG, Lebel, two l.MG-42 and a Panzerschreck.
- SICHERUNGS.
- KM INFANTERIE. These are the only units that are available in two cards.
- KM FÜHRER.
- SS-SCHUPO.
- SS-SCHUPO FÜH.
In Phase C, the last reinforcements arrive, all restricted to the lowest veterancy level.
- PZ.GRENADIER “HG” (PzF). These soldiers originate from a local “Hermann Göring” Panzerdivision training school. They are motorized but not in half-tracks. In real life, they would deploy to the Arnhem battlefield by bicycle!
- A new unit, the BEGLEITTRUPPEN. The first German attempts to use (French Beute) armor against the paratroopers resulted in dismal failure by letting the vehicles advance down the Arnhem streets without infantry support. Von Tettau ordered the formation of dedicated soldier teams to work closely with the tanks and protect them at close range. These 6-man squads are entirely equipped with automatic weapons, from MP-40s and captured Sten and Bren guns, as well as Molotov cocktails. This unit features the new Tank Rider trait.

Tank
A mediocre category until Phase C. Several slots are moderately priced, but the biggest drawback is the total lack of units in Phase A.

In Phase B, only French-captured tanks can be used, including a card of PANZER 35R(f) and PANZER B2(f) FÜH.
Heavy tank support, at last, arrives in the final combat phase, thanks to one card each of KÖNIGSTIGER (P) and KÖNIGSTIGER (H).

Support
Kampfgruppe von Tettau features a good Support category.

MG units are plentiful, from ERSATZ-MG, KM MG 08, Lw-s.MG 271(f), MG-37(t), and s.MG-42, deployable during various combat phases. Some carry the Disheartened trait and are only available as a single card.
Other support weapons include IG 290(r) and Flamethrower teams, as well as a FLAMMPZ. B2(f) available in Phase B.
Two cards of (very necessary) FELDGENDARMERIE and one card of FELDJÄGER to keep those Disheartened troops in line!
Commanders include a BEF.PANZER 35S(t).

Anti-Tank
An average category with a medium of slots and prices to match. All of the units are only available as a single card.

In Phase A, only light anti-tank guns can be deployed. These range from PANZERSCHRECK, PAK 184(r) 45mm, PAK 36 37mm, to a few PANZERJÄGER 35R(f).
From Phase B, more guns are available, such as PAK 40 75mm and even a handful of PAK 43 88mm.

Anti-Air
A decent category. A fair number of slots are available, all being relatively cheap.

As with the Anti-Tank category, only light guns can be deployed in Phase A. These are 20mm towed or truck-mounted, as well as a few 37mm guns. A few 20mm in a quad configuration on an SDKFZ. 7/1 are also featured.
Phase B sees heavier units, such as the FLAK M.31(r) 88mm (rebored captured Soviet 85mm AA guns) and FLAK M17/34(f) 75mm (captured French Schneider 75mm, without AP rounds).

Artillery
A decent artillery arsenal can be found in the battlegroup, but the open slots are limited. Quite a few light guns are available, with some rocket launchers providing additional firepower.

Lots of mortars, including captured French 60mm and 81mm pieces.
A single card of le.FH18M 105mm.
PANZERWERFER 150mm multiple rocket launcher, available in Phase A.
NEBELWERFER 42 300mm, but only deployable from Phase B.

Air
This close to Germany means that Kampfgruppe von Tettau can call on local Luftwaffe support. A good number of slots, all being evenly priced.

While heavy bombers might be scarce, the battlegroup can count on a reasonable amount of heavy fighters and fighter-bombers.
These include two new units, the latest Bf-109G-14 fighter and the heavy night fighter He 219 A-0 “Uhu”.

Kampfgruppe von Tettau is an infantry-centric battlegroup that slowly builds up its power. Several powerful units can be deployed in Phase C, and while it suffers in Phase A, it will have to hold ground with cheap units before counter-punching at the end of the battle, when the enemy tires.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

If you want to do some background reading on Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, be sure to check out our historical highlights, our so-called Versus DevBlogs.

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Taskforce receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you soon

That’s it for this detailed Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. Let us know what you think!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

May 26, 2023

Work in Progress

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello!

We hope all is well, commander. We’ll keep it brief in today’s round-up post, but many good things are coming to Steel Division 2, including the upcoming Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.

So what are we working on?

Work in Progress

Quite a few features are cooking in the Eugen’s kitchen. The following ones we are actively working on in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel.

Dialogue and Translations
We are recording the acknowledgments for the expansion, while some are already being done, such as the new U.S. and Canadian special forces dialogues. Others still need to go through the voice-acting pipeline.

As a matter of fact, we are checking suitable voice actors for French-Moroccan and “full” Moroccan (for Groupement Dody Montagnards and Goumiers troops specifically), as well as Dutch voice actors (both Axis Landstorm collaborators and Allied fighter pilots).

The following goes out to our players, but we need some help with Bulgarian dialogue due to the lack of a military-versed translator. We have a Bulgarian translation of the script, but we are looking for someone knowledgeable enough to proofread it. We want to ensure it’s 100% a-okay before we record it. If, by any chance, within the Steel Division 2 community, there is a Bulgarian native-speaker who would like to step up to give us a hand… the Eugen team would be most appreciative!

Models and Infantry
All the 3D models have been done and integrated (except for one unannounced unit, which we managed to add at the last minute). In the meantime, our artists are occupied with the painstaking job of reskinning all the existing models used by the Bulgaria battlegroup.

On top of this is another lengthy task: creating infantry profile pictures. This one is also ongoing, with much to be done still.

Traits
All the new Traits coming to Steel Division 2: Men of Steel are finished and being implemented as we speak. Traits will apply to all units, when and where applicable (so not only those brought new by the expansion).

The icons for Traits are also being completed, following the same format as those found in WARNO. A few of them are newly designed. This means there is more commonality, making it easier for players of either game to jump into the other title! The Traits themselves are being tested, fine-tuning their effects where needed (such as AoE range, optics values, etc.)

Action Against Hunger Charity Event

Don’t forget, the Action Against Hunger charity event is happening this weekend! By playing Steel Division 2 and WARNO in a competitive setting, you’ll be able to support the funraise effort for the Action Against Hunger charity.

The charity tournament event will take place on the 27th and 28th of May. The first day, the 27th, will be dedicated to Steel Division 2, while the 28th of May will be all about WARNO.

You can sign up for the tournament by following this link: https://playsdl.com/tournament/4th-SDL-charity-tourney.

More information about the fundraising can be found by following this link:
https://actionfundraisers.funraise.org/fundraiser/sdl.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

If you want to do some background reading on Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, be sure to check out our historical highlights, our so-called Versus DevBlogs.

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Taskforce receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you soon

Let us know what you think!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield, commander.

May 11, 2023

Men of Steel: New and Updated Traits

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, commander!

Ready for another peek at the next expansion, Steel Division 2: Men of Steel? Today is not a showcase of new models, but an expanded system directly affecting a host of units in-game: new and updated Traits.

Let’s dig in.

Traits

We have come full circle. One feature of Steel Division 2 was how certain units would have specific Traits that would set them apart and provide bonuses (or drawbacks) on the battlefield. Little details like this dig not only into realistic (and historical) reasons but also influence the way you deploy and order your units around.

Over time, we expanded this list, but you might recognize the Disheartened trait, Radio, or the Tank Buster one. Some traits would just explain the innate abilities of a unit, while others would provide a specific function or characteristic, such as the experience boost of Leader unit or the Disciple trait (to keep those cowardly Disheartened units in line).

With the new Cold War cousin of Steel Division 2, WARNO, we took the Trait system a step further, to differentiate each unit and their role on the battlefield even more. Some of these Traits will find their way back into Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, together with several new ones.

Please note that the following list is not complete and final. We might change certain traits, add or remove unit types, or tweak their mechanics as we see fit.

Traits adapted

We begin with traits that have already been introduced WARNO. These have all been adapted to World War II’s battle conditions in Steel Division 2.

SHOCK
This trait will be given to units dedicated and drilled for close combat. They are soldiers excelling in using SMGs, pistols, grenades, explosives, knives, and even entrenching tools if they have to. Units with the Shock trait will inflict more physical damage at very close range, meaning inside city blocks or in forests.

The following units will receive the Shock trait:

Almost all the current SMG squads, such as the Soviet Avtomatchiki, Tankodesantniki, U.S. Assault Groups, various German Stosstruppen, etc.
Assault engineers, such as German Sturmpioniers, Commonwealth Assault Pioneers, Soviet Shturmoviki.
Other units, although not equipped with SMGs or flame-throwing weapons, but still marked for an assault role. This includes Romanian Asalt squads. Formations famous for their hand-to-hand combat skills will also gain this trait, such as the Allied Gurkhas, Maoris, and Goumiers.

SECURITY
This particular trait will grant the Good recon optics to regular infantry units, but only when they are stationary. The Security trait is given to typical rear-area security forces whose mission was usually focused on patrolling in quieter sectors. As Steel Division 2 takes place during the summer and early autumn of 1944, this trait will mostly find its way to Axis security units forced to fight on the actual front line more often than not.

Units with the Securit trait:

German Sicherungs, Schupo, Schuma units.
Italian fascist RSI GNR units.
More to come.

TANK RIDERS
This trait can also be found in Steel Division 2 more modern cousin, WARNO, where it is known as IFV Infantry. Tank Riders works in pretty much the same way. As a so-called “mirror trait”, to be active, it requires both an infantry unit and vehicle to feature the trait AND stay close to each other. When this condition is met, both units will receive an extra “shield” boost against suppression.

In Steel Division 2, the trait will differentiate those units trained to fight in close cooperation with armor. This includes:

Soviet (and assimilated nations) Tankodesantniki, the most famous of mounted tank riders.
German Begleit units.
A new Western Allied unit, created specifically to use this trait. This is the Canadian Kangaroo Rifles unit from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. This large infantry unit will be the only one available to be transported by the Kangaroo armored personnel carrier. Both the unit and the transport will feature the Tank Rider trait.

New Traits

The following traits have been newly created for Steel Division 2.

COMMANDO
The Commando trait will combine the Shock and Raider traits, but as the cherry on the cake, it will also include a “shield” bonus against suppression. This is much like the new Tank Riders trait, but without needing a vehicle. The Commando trait will only be gifted to a nation’s elite special forces. This ensures they are different enough from more regular paratroopers or light infantry.

A list of those units getting the Commando trait:

Of course, the various British Commando units will be the most obvious recipient.
German Brandenburger and MEK special forces.
American Rangers and O.S.S. troops.
Canadian-American Forcemen units (from the upcoming Devil’s Brigade of the 1st Airborne Task Force).
The Soviet OSNAZ unit.
Polish Cichociemni.
Fascist Italian RSI Decima Mas, part of the upcoming 715. Infanterie-Division.
The Finish Sissi unit.

ARTILLERY LEADER
This trait will apply to all existing artillery leader units. It will give artillery pieces the Radio trait when close by, even to those artillery pieces lack one. Artillery Leader will also gain more accuracy within their radio net, reducing suppression.

Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus

If you want to do some background reading on Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, be sure to check out our historical highlights, our so-called Versus DevBlogs.

Versus

The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Taskforce receive their highlight in our Versus #1 DevBlog.
The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.

Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.

See you on the battlefield

That’s it. We’ll be back with a Steel Division 2 new DevBlog soon!

Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.

Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!

See you on the battlefield.