Feb 8, 2024

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, hello!

Commanders, it is good to be back. We entered a bit of a “quiet time” when it comes to Steel Division 2, but that doesn’t mean we have some nice things to show.

Keep reading to find out more!

A brief update on Steel Division’s development

One reason for the temporary slowdown is that most of the EUGEN team working on Steel Division 2’s Cold War cousin WARNO. The major milestone for this game - GROUCHY - is nearing completion, and as they say in the industry, it’s all “hands on deck” to get it out of the door. Business as usual will return after this!

While things are moving slower, content for Steel Division 2 is progressing nicely. For instance, don’t forget that we have revealed the new Valley of Death map, thematically linked to the next Steel Division 2 Army General expansion, the Dukla Pass. This map will be released for free to all owners of Steel Division 2.

However, we can show the good art progress and tweaked visuals related to the next “divisional expansion,” Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44.

All art for infantry cards is done and integrated.

All the new models and variants are finished as well.

Most of the model reskins have been done, including some airplanes that came out quite nicely!

We added a Belgian Spitfire after we detailed British 7th Armoured Division. One way to differentiate this division from other British battlegroups was to make its airforce multinational. The British Mitchell II bombers were escorted by Spitfires from the Allied Belgian RAF 349 Squadron, as they did in real life during the bombing of Caen in the 7th Armoured Division’s sector. Close support, for instance, will be provided by New Zealand Tempest fighter-bombers. Both planes have been reskinned to show proper squadron markings and national emblems and use correct dialogue acknowledgments.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to catch up on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post linking to all previous Versus posts detailing new Aces, and much more.

Be sure to check it out by following it here.

It also details all the good stuff you’ll be able to play with in Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, including 14 new divisions, new Aces, new units, and other goodies!

See you on the battlefield

As you know, Steel Division 2 blogs will now be published every two weeks. Until the next time!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Jan 26, 2024

Preview of New Valley of Death Map

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, commanders!

We are back again. You might have noticed a bit of radio silence, but rest assured, the Eugen team is hard at work on all things Steel Division 2.

We have some exciting details to share with you in today’s post - the preview of a new upcoming map for Steel Division 2, Valley of Death!

Let’s dig in.

The Valley of Death

The new Valley of Death will be the first of two new maps delivered for Steel Division 2. This was promised in our post-summer roadmap, which you can read here. Both maps will be free and released as soon as they are ready. The maps will act as a precursor to the next Army General expansion, the Dukla Pass (check out the details here).

You might think that the Valley of Death is a catchy name thought of by us, but as a matter of fact, it was a real nickname given to a small valley on the border between Poland and Czechoslovakia in the autumn of 1944. The Slovak National Uprising (talked about in this post here) was characterized by one big issue. When sprung, its inability to seize the Dukla Pass, to allow Soviet reinforcements to pour into Slovakia, doomed the uprising from the start. This pass, very narrow and heavily fortified by the Axis, allowed a few determined troops to hold out against many (like a Thermopylae of old).

With the Dukla Pass firmly in German hands, the Soviet plans to reach the Prešov and Košice basin - prime tank country - within five days turned instead into a bloody fifty-day meat grinder. The advance was barely half the way of the original plan. By then, although the Axis forces withdrew, the Slovak National Uprising had been crushed, with Soviet casualties being terribly high.

Forcing the narrow pass wasn’t the only issue. When Soviet units finally reached the end, thinking the worst was behind them, they brought up their armor for a breakthrough operation. However, instead, they faced fortified anti-tank defenses between Dobroslava and Svidnik (the location of our map) and local counter-attacks by Panzer forces.

The once pleasant valley was so littered with Soviet burning and destroyed tank hulls it got the nickname “Valley of Death.” Still to this day, as a reminder, T-34/85 watch over the old battlefield…

The Valley of Death’s Gameplay

The Valley of Death relies on the Svidnik’s real-life terrain height variations. A river splits the area. The actual plain follows the river’s path, creating enough space in its center for a village. You might imagine that most of the inhabitants work in the factory situated on a cultivated plateau on the opposite bank. Nearby farms benefit from rich soil, ideal for livestock farming. Forests are thick, with clear viewing lines.

The other side of the combat zone is defined by very large forests on small hills. Navigating through them is possible but carries risks. It’s easy to ambush a tank column with some well-aimed Panzerfaust shots of infantry hiding behind the trees. The four hills in this sector are on high plateaus, separated by a geological rift. Taking advantage of the rocky edges will give your units excellent sight lines, plus there are some patches of wood to find cover. It might be a vulnerable place, as it is one of the places to get to the enemy flags.

The clear lines of sight and the lightly forested areas are ideal for AA and anti-tank guns to be enplaced. Watch out, as heavy tanks can easily fall prey to well-camouflaged ambushes.

See you on the battlefield

Before we leave you, a short housekeeping note. To better accommodate our workload, we need a bit more time for each blog post. From now on, we’ll be moving to a Steel Division 2 DevBlog, every other week.

Don’t be shy, 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!

As always, see you on the battlefield, commander!

Dec 21, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Unit Showcase #2

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, commanders!

Welcome back to the last Steel Division 2 DevBlog of the year! We’ll leave you for the Christmas break, meaning no DevBlogs for two weeks. We’ll be back in full force in the new year, with new posts starting in the second week of January.

Before we leave, we wanted to share the latest work of our upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion. In today’s showcase, we’ll look at some of the new infantry models coming to Steel Division 2.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 New Infantry

The new expansion will bring several new soldier models. What can you expect?

Axis

MILICE

Originally, we planned to only add one unit of the French collaborationist MILICE to the Axis [url]Festungs Gross-Paris[/url]. They are all dressed as civilians to represent the “rooftop shooters” who harassed the liberating Allied troops after they had entered Paris and secured most of the city. These Miliciens were die-hard collaborators, ready to go out in flames, knowing that the fate that awaited them once captured… was not pretty. In-game, we intended the MILICE to be medium-sized sniper recon squads.

After extra research, it seems that more Milice units remained in the city and fought attached to German units. How many is hard to tell, but there were a handful. That’s why we modeled additional uniformed Miliciens (using a variation of the Chasseurs Alpins outfits), adding two more Combat Phase A-only squads. Our “rooftop” snipers will only be available in Phase B.

The three variants of MILICE units will be featured with Festungs Gross-Paris.

LSSAH

SS soldiers from the 1. SS-Panzerdivision “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler” wore a distinctive camouflage pattern. This is the same pattern used by the “Wiking” models currently in-game, called Eichenlaub Muster (or “Oak Leaf”), but with a twist. While the Wiking camouflage models the “Spring” variant, the LSSAH uniform features the “Autumn” version. It is the same pattern but using different colors, the “LSSAH” variant being more brown and orange.

In-game, the new camouflage uniforms will be found on all the LSSAH infantry units.

Allied

FILTHY THIRTEEN

A famous infantry unit from the D-Day preparations, with pictures of Mohawk-styled American paratroopers frequently found in history books. However, the origin of the unit is rather obscure. The Filthy Thirteen was a single demolition squad with special training, tasked with infiltrating behind enemy lines on D-Day. They were to destroy key infrastructure.

The FILTHY THIRTEEN will be featured as an elite recon squad acting as infiltrators and explosive experts with the US 101st Airborne Division.

SAS

Making their return from the original Steel Division: Normandy ‘44, the French SAS are wearing British airborne fatigues. They bring their own black berets, brightened in true French flamboyance with some more fashionable bandanas for snipers and scouts and Marine Nationale caps for officers.

Ingame, those models will be found within DBSAS with all SAS squads.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post linking to all previous Versus[b/] posts, detailing new Aces, and much more.

Be sure to check it out by following it here.

It also details all the good stuff you’ll be able to play with in Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, including 14 new divisions, new Aces, new units, and more.

See you on the battlefield

That’s all for this DevBlog, and this year! From the whole Eugen Systems team: we wish you happy holidays and all the best for 2024. We will be back in the second week of January.

Don’t be shy, 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!

As always, see you on the battlefield, commander!

Dec 14, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Unit Showcase #1

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello, commander.

You might think we’d slow down detailing our upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion. Guess again!

While our Versus DevBlogs might have finished - the last featuring the brand-new 4th Canadian Armoured Division - we switch our attention to showcasing the new (and some old) units featured in our next Steel Division 2 expansion.

Let’s go!

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 New Models

You can expect several completely new vehicle models. Such as?

Axis

FLAK 41 88mm

This is a late-war improvement over the ubiquitous Flak 88mm anti-air and anti-tank gun, though more complex than its predecessor and only produced in limited numbers. It offered a lower gun shield and profile, a better rate of fire, and improved shell penetration.

The FLAK 41 88mm will be featured with the 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division.

MARDER I H-39

The MARDER series of tank destroyers featured an array of different tank chassis’ and guns, first pioneered by Baukommando Becker. In the early war years, obsolete, older, or captured tank hulls could be mated to whatever anti-tank gun (or field gun with good enough penetration). Some more uncommon versions of these interim tank destroyers include the MARDER I H-39, which features a 75mm PaK 40 gun mounted on a sturdy but older French H-39 hull.

This unit will be featured with the 716. Infanterie-Division.

MARDER III F-22

In the same vein as the previous unit, but this time using a captured Soviet F-22 field gun on an obsolete but still capable Panzer 38(t) tank hull. As attested by the series’ name, the MARDER III was a later variant produced in the middle war years.

The MARDER III F-22 will be part of the 9. Panzerdivision, which brought these tank destroyers from the Eastern Front to France. This unit will also replace some of the MARDER currently featured with the 116. Panzerdivision.

Allied

CRUSADER TRACTOR

This particular vehicle is a former Crusader tank (a significant contributor to the British victory in the sands of the North African terrain) with the turret and top armor removed. By the time of the Normandy campaign, these older tanks had been converted into heavy tractors and supply carriers. They were in each of the British armored division’s TO&E.

As such, the CRUSADER TRACTOR will be featured as a supply unit and artillery prime mover in both the British Guards Armoured Division, the 7th Armoured Division and the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

OTTER LIGHT RECONNAISSANCE ARMORED CAR

This Canadian-made armored car was based on the ubiquitous C15 CMP truck (already in-game) just like the C15TA armored truck. The Otter Mk.1 is actually more closely related to the latter, being an enclosed version with a forward-facing Boys anti-tank rifle and a Bren LMG mounted in a turret. The Otter was used in the same role as the Humber armored cars in other Commonwealth divisions. The crew disliked the Otter. The vehicle’s armament was considered way outdated, and many vehicles had it entirely removed to be used as an unarmed scout APC under the name Otter Mk.2.

Both variants will be found in the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

RAM KANGAROO

The original Kangaroo vehicle, a battlefield conversion, proved its worth when thrown into combat during Operation Totalize in early August 1944. It introduced the seed that would lead to the modern Armored Personnel Carrier concept. However, the M7 Priests it was based on were only being lent by the U.S. Army and had to be returned in their original state.

Therefore, British and Canadian engineers looked for an alternative source of unused equipment in their own arsenals. This was found with the hundreds of Canadian Ram II tanks remaining idle in the United Kingdom. Only a handful were kept in service as training tanks. In the 4th Canadian Armoured Division’s case, the formation remained equipped with the Ram II tank until six months before D-Day and even shipped a few to Normandy. The unused Ram IIs were selected to form the base of the heavier armored carrier, the RAM KANGAROO.

The unit will be used by 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

A-20G-20-DO

While we already featured a Soviet (lend-lease) A-20G, its American namesake wasn’t entirely the same vehicle. To accurately represent this, a new model and dedicated D-Day livery were required.

This bomber will come in two roles (with three variants in total): a classic bomber version and a rarer close support model featuring underwing T-30 rocket launchers. The latter variant was seldom used during the fighting in Normandy and rather quickly discarded in the rocket strike role for lighter airframes.

The A-20G-20-DO bomber and rocket version will be featured with the US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", while the bomber variant only will be deployable in the French DBSAS.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Returning Models

We are also bringing back some older unused models (but, of course, updated for Steel Division 2) in the new expansion. These include:

RENAULT FT TANKS
Right, although hopelessly outdated by 1939, let alone 1944, the FT-17 was a revolution when it first appeared on the World War I battlefields in 1917. It can be considered the ancestor of all modern turreted tanks.

In our original Steel Division: Normandy ‘44, the FT-17 with a 37mm gun and FT-31 with a heavy machine gun, were found in the 16. Luftwaffe battlegroup. Though, to be honest, this inclusion was quite the stretch. We attached these old tanks because the Luftwaffe’s field security historically used them to stand overwatch on Normandy airfields, but far behind the front (and our combat divisions). This is one reason we didn’t add them in Steel Division 2.

However, a new lease on life has been found for the FT-17, thanks to the Festungs Gross-Paris (they were even featured on film reels of the Battle of Paris). These golden oldies have been added to this division, not as tanks, not even support ones, but as mobile pillboxes! The updated FT-17 will be deployable from the DEFENSE tab when playing [/i]Breakthrough[/i] mode. This way, these units can be deployed in a forward position, where these poor, slow, and geriatric tanks might make themselves useful for one last battlefield hoorah!

Other returning models include:

FLAKPANZER BREN

PANZER IC

BEUTE R-40

ROSIE THE ROCKETEER

FFI TANKS

....

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
The Axis 2. Panzerdivision in the first part of Versus #6, which can be checked here while its Allied counterpart, the French commandos of the DBSAS are detailed here.
Finally, the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” is featured in the Versus 7#A, which you can find here, while the brand-new Allied division, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division can is featured in Versus #7B.

We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44

Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand new.
- On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.

See you on the battlefield

That’s all for today’s showcase. Let us know what you think!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Dec 8, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #7B - 4th Canadian Armoured Division

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello!

Welcome to the second part of Versus #7, and, with it, the introduction of a brand-new division coming to Steel Division 2! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

This follows last week’s Versus, which detailed the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH”. This also means we have reached the end of our Versus run for Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

4th Canadian Armoured Division’s Combat History

The 4th Canadian Armoured Division can trace its origins to World War I, formed as an infantry division and seeing action on the Western Front. By World War II, in 1942, it was reformed into an armored formation. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division was quickly shipped to the United Kingdom, spending almost two years training on the Home Isles.

Transported to Normandy in July 1944, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division’s hour of glory came during the climax of the Battle of Falaise in mid-August 1944. A Canadian mixed-force detachment led by Major David Currie captured Saint-Lambert-sur-Dives. This town was smack in the middle of the retreating German forces.

Currie and his men held their positions long enough for Americans from the 90th Infantry Division to link up, coming from opposite Chambois. This sealed the trap. With the pocket closed, tens of thousands of Germans were captured. Major Currie was later awarded the Victoria Cross for this action.

The 4th Canadian Armoured Division would continue to service in Western Europe, fighting in Belgium, passing the winter in the southern Netherlands before taking part in the final advance across the northern plains of Germany in 1945.

A Missing Link

In terms of organization, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division can be considered the “missing link” between an American and British armored division. It will have a distinct flavor, setting it apart from the “heavy” cavalry Guards Armoured Division and the “light” cavalry 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats”.

The Canadian formation will be organized along British TO&E lines.
The divisional recon regiment (the South Alberta Regiment, or SAR) doesn’t get its usual Cromwells but is equipped with Shermans instead.
Though mounted on American half-tracks and armored cars, Canadian infantry were earmarked to transition towards lighter, more mobile Canadian-built C15TA armored trucks.
Recon armored cars were Canadian-built Otters instead of the Humber.

Next to the above changes, and to set it apart further from other Commonwealth divisions in Steel Division 2, we have decided to represent the historical link-up with American troops in closing the Falaise pocket by adding elements of the U.S. 90th Infantry Division in Combat Phase C.

4th Armoured Division’s Strengths and Weaknesses

What can you expect from the 4th Canadian Armoured Division?

RECON
Above average, with a fair number of slots and decent prices. There is quite a bit of choice, including new units.

Expect to deploy a lot of SHERMAN V S.A.R.!
In terms of armored cards, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division relies mainly on OTTER Mk.1. This vehicle is basically an enclosed and armored C15TA with a forward-fixed Boys anti-tank rifle and Bren machine gun in a turret. An unarmed OTTER Mk.2 is also available as a scout transport, equipped with a Radio. This force is rounded out by a handful of A-only STAGHOUND, historically part of divisional HQ.
Infantry scout squads deploy in smaller numbers than other divisions. The new SCOUT S.A.R. are “heavy scouts” with the Tank Rider trait. They share this trait with the before-mentioned SHERMAN V S.A.R.. These troops represent the tank-riding forces Major Currie brought with him to capture Saint-Lambert.
From Combat Phase C, commanders can deploy American recon units: SCOUTS, JEEPS, M8 and M20 armored cars.

INF
A good number of slots and ditto prices.

The division features the usual Commonwealth RIFLES, ENGINEERS and MOTOR RIFLES squads and their Command variants.
To represent the transition to C15TA-mounted infantry, a new MOTOR RIFLES (late) squad (plus Command version) has been created. This infantry squad can only deploy from Combat Phase B onwards but features additional veterancy, different small arms loadout, and access to the C15TA.
From C onwards, American infantry can deploy in half-tracks.
And joining Yanks are Canadian KANGAROO RIFLES with not the standard KANGAROO as a transport option but also its later variant, the RAM KANGAROO built from the much sturdier (and unused) RAM II tank.

TANK
A good number of slots. Prices are reasonable across the board.

A few STUART VI (and Command variant) are featured, most of them being jalopied (deturreted).
Lots of SHERMAN V (and Command models), plus some FIREFLY Vc and Ic. The latter two units weren’t deployed fully, as the division started receiving them just before shipping them to France. The division only received its full complement by September.
From Combat Phase C onward, the American M4 (and Command version).

SUPPORT
Rather average.

The typical arsenal of 2-IN. MORTAR, VICKERS machine guns, SUPPLY units, and a few flamethrowing WASP Mk.II.
Commanders can deploy in the standard infantry squad, RAM II, and SHERMAN V.
From C onwards, the American M2HB and M4(75) will become available.

ANTI-TANK
Once again, a pretty standard category for the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.

A classic assortment of choice, from PIAT teams to 6-PDR and heavier 17-PDR towed guns, and the M10c ACHILLES tank destroyer.

ANTI-AIR
Below average with only a few slots.

Unit options include towed and self-propelled BOFORS, plus CRUSADER Mk.1 and Mk.2.

ARTILLERY
The division can count a good number of slots, fairly priced.

These include the standard units: 3-INCH and 4,2-INCH MORTAR, 25-PDR and the self-propelled SEXTON.
The Americans bring their M2A1 and M1A1 LONG TOM howitzers, available from Combat Phase C.

AIR
A standard category for this division.

The division relies mostly on the “new” Canadian TYPHOON in fighter, rocket, and fighter-bomber roles.
Added to that, a few Canadian MOSQUITO fighter bombers and AUSTER recon planes.
From Combat Phase B onwards (not Phase C like the land-based Americans), the P-38J-15 fighters and B-26B4-MA MARAUDER can deploy.

The 4th Canadian Armoured Division is a solid armored division emphasizing recon, tank, and infantry forces. While supporting arms and air forces might be average, enough flexibility and firepower give this formation enough flexibility in offensive or defensive battles.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
The Axis 2. Panzerdivision in the first part of Versus #6, which can be checked here while its Allied counterpart, the French commandos of the DBSAS are detailed here.
Finally, the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” is featured in the Versus 7#A[[/b] which you can check out here. [/list]

We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44

Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand new.
On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.

See you on the battlefield

That’s all for Versus posts for the[ b]Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44. We will be back soon with more details, but in the meantime, we are keen to hear what you think!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Nov 30, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #7A - 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH”

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello!

We are back with Versus #7! To be exact, the first part which details the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH”. This new division will be part of the upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion.

Let’s go!

LSSAH’s Combat History

Arguably one of the most infamous Axis divisions, the 1. SS-Panzerdivision “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler”, shortened to the “LSSAH”, saw action in pretty much every major theatre of the war. By 1944, the once dreaded armored formation was past its prime, but still a formidable force to be reckoned with.

With its origin as Adolf Hitler’s personal bodyguard unit, the LSSAH was initially the size of a regiment. At the start of World War II, it participated in the invasion of Poland, as well as the Netherlands and France. Refitted and transferred to the Balkans, the division took part in Operation Barbarossa, fighting on the southern flank in 1941.

The LSSAH was refitted as a panzergrenadier division with the other SS elite formations, Das Reich and Totenkopf. A sizable difference was the inclusion of a whole regiment of tanks rather than a panzer grenadier’s typical battalion, which meant it was closer to a full-strength Panzer division in all but name.

Taking part in Operation Citadel, next to drastic combat losses, the LSSAH haemorrhaged a substantial amount of senior personnel to create the 12. SS Panzer Division. After a brief sojourn in Italy, back to Russia, and then France, the division was placed in strategic reserve, ready to respond to any Allied landing on the northern French coast. Crucially, it lacked a substantial amount of personnel and materiel.

Action in Normandy
As expected, the LSSAH moved toward the Allied forces in Normandy with a substantial delay. After fighting against the British in the Caen sector using small ad-hoc Kampfgruppes, the American outbreak during Operation Cobra saw it being used in a bogged-down counter-attack against the new threat. Like many other German formations, the LSSAH was later trapped in the Falaise pocket. It maintained enough discipline to be used as the core of the breakout attempt from the cauldron but suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment.

After the fighting in France, the LSSAH was involved in the Battle of The Bulge, including the infamous exploits of Kampfgruppe Peiper. Fittingly to the division’s origins, the remaining part finished the war fighting in the ruins of the Third Reich’s capital during the Battle of Berlin.

The 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” was featured in the First Blood expansion for Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

A declining force

Just like the British Guards Armoured Division, the LSSAH is well equipped, above most other divisions. It doesn’t really have any real organic disadvantages, but as a formation it was becoming a shadow of its former self.

One of the SS’s “poster boys,” the division had suffered too many losses on the Eastern Front. Not only that, it had to part with some of its best officers and NCOs to create the 12. SS-Panzer, which were replaced with lesser soldiers (draftees instead of volunteers, or even Volksdeutschen pressed into service against their will).

LSSAH’'s Strengths and Weaknesses

Let’s dive in. What can you expect of LSSAH’s arsenal in Steel Division 2?

Note that all the panzer grenadier infantry squads are specific to the division, including machine gun and mortar teams. They are new and come with the “LSSAH” label and feature correct divisional camouflage.

Furthermore, the “old breed” veterans (the recon AUFKL. PZ.GREN. and infantry PZ.GRENADIER LSSAH (gep.)) come with a veterancy level plus the Fanatical trait.

RECON
Not that good, maybe barely hitting average levels.

The division’s recon battalion was incomplete, lacking an entire company. It was missing all of its light armored cars and most of its half-tracks.
It could count on several PUMA, AUFKL. PANZER IV and AUFK. PANTHER.
Aside from the usual AUFKLÄRER and SPÄHTRUPP, it can also field veteran AUFKL. PZ.GREN. squads. These are heavy 6-man recon squads with G-43, 2x l.MG-42 plus Panzerfaust, riding to scout the battlefield on an SDKFZ. 250/1. These soldiers represent some of the last veteran survivors from the original SS division.

INF
A pretty good category, especially for a Panzerdivision, since SS formations had one extra infantry regiment.

The Panzergrenadier infantry in this division is organized along different lines versus comparable divisions in Steel Division 2.
- PZ.GRENADIER LSSAH (gep.) squads represent the Panzergrenadier soldiers riding to battle on the few half-tracks still serviceable to the division (call them the mechanized variant). They are veterans of countless battles since the beginning of the war. These are 8-man squads with 1x MP-40, 5x G-43, 2x l.MG-42 and Panzerfausts, which can only be deployed with SDKFZ. 251/1.
- PZ.GRENADIER LSSAH (mot.) are Panzergrenadier squads deployable in trucks (the motorized variant), including many fresh recruits. This results in 11-man squads with 4x Kar.98K, 5x G-43, 2x l.MG-42 and Panzerfausts.
- PZ.STURMPIONIER LSSAH are 9-man squads with 4x MP-44, 2x G-43, 2x l.MG-42 plus a flamethrower, and come exclusively in the SDKFZ. 251/1.
- PZ.PIONIER LSSAH, PZ.GREN. FÜH. LSSAH and PIONIER FÜH. LSSAH are equipped in the same way as their regular counterparts. The leader squads all have the Discipline trait.
On top of these squads, the division fields a large number of rather unwilling VOLKSDEUTSCHE, plus a few STURMGRENADIER squads with MP-44 and l.MG42.

TANK
A good category with a wide range of choice.

PANZER IV J and H, and the command variant of the later model.
PANTHER A plus G, with both units available in a command variants.
STUG III G and command variant.

SUPPORT
A good category with all the options you can expect of a Panzerdivision.

This includes the usual supporting arms, ranging from machine guns, including the new s.MG 42 LSSAH,GRILLE, IG 33 infantry guns, supply units, and more.
Command units include KOMMANDANT, BEF. PANZER IV H, BEF. PANTHER A.

AT
An average category, limited in the number of slots and quickly getting more expensive.

The only choices will be PANZERSCHRECK, PAK 38 50mm, and PAK 40 75mm.

AA
Anti-air defenses are pretty decent, with an average amount of slots, but quite the options, from light, heavy, self-propelled, and towed.

Units include the FLAK 38 20mm, GEPARD, FLAKVIERLING 20mm, and heavier SDKFZ. 7/1, amongst others.

ARTILLERY
Artillery is another decent category, with a good ratio between the number of slots and choice.

Towed units include le. FH 18M 105mm and s.FH 18 150mm howitzers, plus sK 18 105mm and NEBELWERFER 42 rocket launchers.
Self-propelled ones are SDKFZ. 250/7 81mm mortar carriers, WESPE 105mm and HUMMEL 150mm.

AIR
Rather bad with few slots, all being quite expensive.

A paltry Luftwaffe tries to deploy to the sky but can only muster a token force.
This includes a recon Ju 88 D-1 and Ju 88 A-4 bombers, and some Fw-190 fighters.

The 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” is a well-rounded division, lacking nothing in terms of equipment except for a few light armored recon vehicles. While powerful units can be found in every category, letting it switch easily from attack to defense and back again, the division’s real let-down is its weak air cover.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
The Axis 2. Panzerdivision in the first part of Versus #6, which can be checked here while its Allied counterpart, the French commandos of the DBSAS are detailed here.

That’s not all, though. We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44

Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand new.
- On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.

See you on the battlefield

That’s it for this week’s Versus post. Keen to hear what you think!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Nov 24, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #6b - DBSAS

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello!

Welcome back to the second part of Versus #6. As we are actively testing the divisions in the upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion, our pace to show them off will be slightly slower.

Each Versus will now highlight only one division. In today’s DevBlog, we will turn to the Allied French commandos and resistance fighters of DBSAS.

The previous installment, detailing the Axis German 2. Panzerdivision can be found here.

DBSAS’s Combat History

The Demi-Brigade SAS has a rather interesting role to play during D-Day and the subsequent liberation of France. Mostly unknown to the outside world, composed of Free French elite SAS commandos, the Demi-Brigade SAS was vital in harassing the German occupiers in Brittany in the opening stages of the Allied campaign in Normandy. They did this in concert with local FFI fighters on the ground.

The term demi-brigade signifies “half brigade” and is mostly used in a more modern context to determine provisional formations, such as our World War II commando-centric battlegroup. The French SAS can trace their origins to the illustrious British counterparts fighting in North Africa. Separate but part of the same group of commandos, they gained valuable experience in raiding and harassing the enemy. After Tunisia, the French special forces were reinforced and earmarked to play a vital role in securing the Brittany flank during Operation Overlord.

Jumping into the rear of the Germans during the Allied invasion, with frequent reinforcement waves of small SAS squads, including Allied Jegdburh teams, the French commandos set out to cause as much havoc as possible. They even established two major bases in the region. The call-up for resistance was also answered en masse by the local French FFI. Regular weapon drops resulted in a mix of well-armed resistance and elite special forces tying down German local troops and French auxiliary collaborationists in Brittany.

The Germans, first taken aback, began combat operations and tried to weed out the demi-brigade during the Battle of Saint-Marcel on June 18th. The lightly armed French forces managed to beat off repeated attacks by the Germans, with some much-needed aerial help from American fighter bombers operating at the very end of their range. Having dispersed after the battle, the French commandos welcomed the first American tanks of Patton’s Third Army. The rapidly advancing tankmen found most of the countryside already in French hands, with the Germans holed up in the bigger towns and cities.

A much feared opponent

The DBSAS was featured in the Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s expansion Back to Hell.

The Demi-Brigade SAS in the original Steel Division was one of the first divisions to feature the unlocking of units to represent the passing of time. We used this concept much more in Steel Division 2.

For the French formation, this means three phases:

Combat Phase A will focus on the actions between June 5th and June 18th. It will represent the SAS jumping over Brittany and linking up with FFI groups on the ground. The guerilla campaign against local German troops is in full swing. This culminates with the battle of Saint-Marcel. Most of the elite SAS and other very light troops will be available in this Phase.
Combat Phase B will represent the FFI uprising spreading across Brittany. More volunteers, bringing heavier hidden or captured materiel, join the fight. The first of General Patton’s lead (meaning light) elements become available.
Combat Phase C will feature Patton’s heavier equipment joining the fight in Brittany.

The above-mentioned French SAS troops will all feature the Commando trait and include (all of them new units):

SAS CMDT
SAS CHASSEURS-PARA.
SAS GROUPE FM
SAS SCOUT
SAS SNIPER
SAS PIAT
SAS MORT. 2-in.
SAS MORT. 3-in.
SAS JEEP (the famous jeep with two twin-Vickers K).

The SAS units are very lightly armed, with lots of Stens, M1 Carbines, and Bren LMGs, but only a few AT weapons.

DBSAS’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Let’s dive in. What can you expect of DBSAS arsenal in Steel Division 2?

RECON
Good, with plenty of cheap slots and lots of options.

In Combat Phase A, SAS (including SAS JEEPS) and FFI featuring (hidden/(re)captured) PANHARD 178.
From B, these light recon units are reinforced by the 4th U.S. Armored Division’s vanguard bringing CAVALRY SCOUTS, M5A1 RECON and M8 GREYHOUNDS.

INF
Clearly one of the strong points of the DBSAS with many cheap slots and a large variety of options.

The new SAS CMDT, CHASSEURS-PARAS. and GROUPE FM can deploy in Combat Phase A, as do the French resistance with their (already existing in-game) FFI CMDT, MAQUISARDS and RALLIES. Other new units include:
- FFI FRANC-TIREURS PARTISANS. The FTP, although part of the FFI, was the French communist party’s military branch. They joined the French resistance to get their share of weapons clandestinely dropped by the Allies but kept up their separate identity. Looked upon with suspicion by de Gaulle, the FTP always complained they were at the bottom of the priority list for weapon drops. As such, they field a mix of (new) MAS-38 SMGs, Kar. 98K and MAS-36 plus Molotov cocktails.
- FFI GROUPE FM. A large fire support squad with FM 24/29 and Bren LMGs.
From Combat Phase C onwards, U.S. ARM. LEADER, ARM. RIFLES, ARM. RIFLES (BAR) and ENGINEERS join the fight.

TANK
A rather special category, much like the Axis Korück. The FFI had hidden or captured a great variety of vehicles but each in very limited numbers. This category is tailor made to reflect that.

This category has a decent number of slots, all costing just one point.
But the tank card’s availability is limited to one-third or half of their usual complement.
The FFI armor is only available from Combat Phase B and includes a few of the following new FFI-operated units:
- H-39
- PANZER III H
- B1 BIS
- PANZER IV H
- JAGDPANZER IV (classified as a tank)
From C onwards, the American armor arrives. These are unaffected by any restrictions but each vehicle model is only featured with one card.

SUPPORT
Pretty good with lots of slots, reasonably priced.

The usual classical composition of light mortars, MG teams, supply units, and commanders (in FFI TRACTION, the new JEDBURGH, and American M20 armored cars).
From C onwards, U.S. M4A3(105)W provide some heavier firepower.

ANTI-TANK
An average category for the DBSAS, with a limited number of open slots.

In Combat Phase A, only very light AT units are available. These include PIAT teams, CANON AC 25MM SA-L and the new CANON 47mm Mle. 1937 (the Romanian Schneider 47mm).
In B, some heavier captured gun pieces can be brought to bear: PAK 38 50mm and PAK 40 75mm.
In C, American M1 57mm and M18 HELLCAT become available.

ANTI-AIR
Not a very promising category. Slots are limited and expensive.

Only French CANON CA 25mm and CITRON HOTCHKISS in Phase A.
From B, American self-propelled M15 and M16.

ART
A decent category with a medium amount of slots and ditto prices, but with only a few light units (including off-map).

The only artillery unit available in Phase A is the new SAS MORT. 3-in.
From Combat Phase B onward, captured le.FH 18M 105mm and off-map JEEP FAO (155mm), representing SAS troops directing artillery from the arriving American vanguard, plus a JEEP FAO (381mm) representing the Navy’s formidable offshore support.
From C, the American M7 105mm self-propelled gun and M21 81mm mortar carrier can be found.

AIR
A pretty good category.

The DBSAS is restricted in Combat Phase A to the LYSANDER (the Résistance’s liaison plane with London) as a recon/light bomber and a few American P-47D-23-RA fighters. These represent the four planes operating at maximum range, which played a crucial role in holding the Germans at bay during the Battle of Saint-Marcel.
From B, the USAAF arrives in force. This means plenty more P-47 in fighter-bomber roles, as well as A-20G-20-DO bombers and the F-6C recon fighter.
From Phase C, P-61A-5 heavy fighter and the P-61A-10 bomber variant of the BLACK WIDOW can deploy.

The DBSAS is a division with a very very light presence in Combat Phase A, literally fighting for survival. Infiltration, harassing the enemy, and lightning-fast raids are all keywords. The French need to build up their troops and take the fight to the enemy, with heavier units becoming available in B and C.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
The Axis 2. Panzerdivision in the first part of Versus #6, which can be checked here.

It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand new.
- On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.

See you on the battlefield

That’s the second part of Versus #6 done. We’ll be back next week!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Nov 17, 2023

Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #6A - 2. Panzerdivision

Steel Division 2 - [EUG] Gal Marcel Bigeard

Hello!

We are back again with a new Versus of our upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion. The format from now on will be slightly different: we will only highlight one division in each Versus DevBlog.

Why? The main reason is that we started to test each division and modify them. This means the presentation of the remaining battlegroups will be a tad slower.

So, for the first “half” Versus, let’s go take a look at the Axis German 2. Panzerdivision.

2. Panzerdivision’s Combat History

The 2. Panzerdivision was one of the three original tank divisions created by the Wehrmacht in the mid-30s. With a long and illustrious combat history, it fought in almost all the war's major campaigns. Its first act was under the command of blitzkrieg pioneer and “Papa Panzer” Heinz Guderian, where the tanks took part in the annexation of Austria in 1938.

With the start of World War II, the 2. Panzer took part in the invasion of Poland, and later France. In 1941, it was used during the invasion of Greece. Like many other German divisions, 2. Panzer ended up on the Eastern Front, driving first to Moscow in the winter of 1941 and after being beaten back, participating in the Battle of Kursk in 1943. After heavy losses in the USSR, it was sent to France to be refitted.

The 2. Panzer was one of the armored divisions kept in reserve between Normandy and Pas-de-Calais, to be released only on the direct orders of the German high command. After D-Day, it took two days for von Rundstedt to convince the OKH to move the division to Normandy. And chaos erupted!
With Allied fighters and bombers reigning free in the skies above and French Resistance groups cutting communications and sabotaging railways, it lasted three days before the leading elements of the 2. Panzer arrived on the battlefield. These were only the lighter advanced units that went into battle; the heavier armor were delayed further by more than a week!

Fighting was heavy, as were the 2. Panzer’s losses. Shuttling between the British and U.S. sectors, most of the division was mauled during Normandy’s combat. Later on, with the German army being encircled, it managed to break out of the Falaise pocket but suffered grievously.

A shadow of its former self, 2. Panzer took part in the Battle of the Bulge. Interestingly, its commander, von Lüttwitz, will unintentionally go down in history as the recipient of the famous “Nuts!” reply by the 101st Airborne Division’s trapped in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.

Forced to retreat, the rest of the war saw 2. Panzer operate at extremely reduced efficiency in Germany itself, with one of the final battles being near Fulda (a place familiar to our WARNO fans!).

The 2.Panzerdivision was featured in Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s Back to Hell expansion.

A much feared opponent

The 2. Panzerdivision was one of the most feared divisions on the Western Front, with every movement watched by the Allies. By the time of the Normandy invasion, the division was rested, well-trained, and - importantly - at full strength. It even had a few hundred spare soldiers and a dozen extra Panzer IVs. In an unusual situation at this time, this Wehrmacht division lacked nothing and had access to all the latest toys a Panzerdivision was supposed to have!

Being fully up to strength, much like the British Guards Armoured Division, the 2. Panzer will have the bare minimum of extra forces attached to it on the battlefield. To be exact, just one extra outside company was part of the division during the Normandy campaign. A distinct feature is the division’s very restricted access to AIR support.

A specific mechanic it will borrow from another Allied division is the US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", namely its free veterancy. Throughout its arsenal of units, there will be an extra level of veterancy without any availability penalty. This reflects that the 2. Panzerdivision was the paragon of the Panzerwaffe.

However, not everything comes for free with the 2. Panzer. As the entry into combat for this division was seriously delayed by Allied airpower and local French sabotage attacks, the formation will fight without its heavy equipment in Combat Phase A. This means it will lack Panzer IV, Panther, armored artillery, Flakpanzer, etc., basically everything fully tracked, in the opening stages of a battle.

2. Panzerdivision’s Strengths and Weaknesses

So, let’s go into detail. Keep note that all of 2. Panzer’s units will have a +1 experience veterancy level.

RECON
A good amount of slots and unit availability, plus reasonable costs. It will allow the player to fight a “cavalry” action in Combat Phase A while the big guns are still waiting to be unleashed on the battlefield.

Players can make good use of the 2. Panzer’s excellent recon battalion, including 25x PUMA and all the armored cars and light half-tracks in a panzerdivision’s Table of Organisation & Equipment. This is only one out of two divisions with a full-strength PUMA complement.

INF
An average category. While there are a good number of slots for a Panzerdivision, they quickly become more expensive.

You can find a full complement of all the regular infantry squads in a German tank formation.
Plus a few VOLKSDEUTSCHEN. They were reported to be the main share of deserters once the division was in combat, but regardless, quite a few of these troops were found with the division.

TANK
A good category - of course - but the arrival of units is staggered! And the major drawback: no unit is available in Combat Phase A!

The 2. Panzer has a full complement of Panzer IV J and H variants, as well as Panther A and G variants.
You can also deploy the STUG III G, drawn from the Funklenk-Abteilung 301. A company of the battalion was permanently attached to the division; the rest was sent to the Eastern Front just prior to D-Day. The single company fought together with 2. Panzer for the entire campaign in Normandy.

SUPP
A standard category which includes:

No less than three cards (so 36x individual units all together) of BORGWARD IV remotely controlled demolition vehicles. These are courtesy of the above-mentioned Funklenk-Abteilung 301.

AT
Pretty average but does feature:

A full complement of JAGDPANZER IV from Combat Phase B (as other tanks). This unit replaces the older Marder or StuG III F.

AA
Once again, pretty non-descript except for:

Towed or half-track self-propelled anti-air pieces are available from Combat Phase A, but the GEPARD only from B onward.

ART
A standard category for a Panzerdivision.

Except that HUMMEL and WESPE arrive in Combat Phase B only.

AIR
One of the more distinct worse categories for the 2.Panzer.

Only a few Fw-180 in fighter and fighter-bomber roles. Some JU-88 heavy fighters and bombers will also be present.

The 2. Panzerdivision is a full-strength tank formation featuring a full complement of heavy-hitting armored units. The division’s drawbacks are the late deployment of some of the heavier units and its serious deficiency in air cover.

Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.

It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
- On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.

See you on the battlefield

That’s all for this half-sized Versus. Next up: the Allied French Demi-Brigade SAS. See you next week!

Don’t be shy, 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!