Panzer Corps 2 News

Before we begin today, we wanted to just take a quick moment to once thank our incredible community for their overwhelming feedback generated from our Elite – Ghost Division announcement.

Facing the bombardment of hundreds upon hundreds of points of engagement across our various feeds is quite the humbling experience for us; it truly is amazing to really see that so many people have such passion for Panzer Corps. It’s an honor to read so many of your insights, ideas, and yes even criticisms, because it totally demonstrates how much our community really cares. So once again, our deepest thanks to all of our community, we’re absolutely going to continue to do our best to provide you the best Panzer Corps gameplay content we can make.

Now then, on to the Developer Diary!


Welcome to the Elite – Ghost Division Developer Diary and DLC preview.

As Ghost Division swiftly moves towards its May launch date, we wanted to do a little bit of a deeper dive into the upcoming content. We’ve got a whole bunch of cool stuff to showcase, from scenario analysis to revealing our internal thought processes, so let’s begin!

[h2]Something New, Something Familiar[/h2]
One of the biggest internal objectives we have with these Elite campaigns is to bring back more focus on the classic Panzer Corps combat gameplay, while mostly regulating some of the more whacky and wild elements to optional aspects of the campaign.

The best way to explain this will be to look at some of the scenario design within Ghost Division, so let’s take a look at a couple of maps and see what that’s all about.

The first scenario will actually take place in Poland before the formation of the 7th Panzer Division with its predecessor unit that was known as the 2nd Light Division.


As you can see from that screenshot, Ghost Division is immediately starting on healthy sized maps with significant turn limits, so players can anticipate plenty of action through every step of this campaign.



From your starting positions, objectives are spread out before you in many directions, offering the player ample choice on where to focus their forces as the battle unfolds. And since someone is going to inevitably ask about it, we can talk about the various types of objectives because their design philosophy is important for allowing players the option to disable the turn limit, should you so choose.

Victory Objectives are the conditions that directly control your campaign progression:



These are objectives that must be met and they also instant award scenario victory upon completion, so if you’re hunting for bonuses, make sure to save the Victory Objective for last! These objectives are marked with solid outlines around such hexes.

Prestige Objectives are your primary source of prestige resource income, and they are marked with dotted outlines.



In the past, players have frequently struggled with predetermined prestige settings. Some players will find themselves starving of prestige that effectively ends their ability to repair their forces and continue to wage an effective campaign, while others find themselves so flush with prestige that they basically have unlimited resources at their disposal. By removing almost all predetermined prestige settings and instead populating each scenario with an abundance of bonus Prestige Objectives, we’re hoping to increase player agency in terms of economic management. If you’re starving for prestige, there are very specific tasks you can aim for that will provide huge prestige rewards, while players who feel they have enough prestige can instead bypass some of these objectives to give themselves extra time to tackle Special Objectives.

Special objectives are where we’ve put in some of the more complex and advanced DLC mechanics, and also really ratcheted up the difficulty.



These optional tasks will definitely test your mettle to complete, and they will always offer some pretty fantastic rewards, such as access to unpurchaseable equipment or perhaps a chance to custom pick a new hero’s abilities.

That’s just the beginning of your campaign, and as it progresses, you will find even larger maps with more options on how to approach them laid out before you.


[h2]Historical Context[/h2]
Something else we’d like to aim for in the Elite campaigns is to keep the all important focus on history omnipresent without steering too far into heavy narrative or character-centric elements. While some players absolutely adore deep diving into the kind of writing that frequently colored the Axis Operations series, especially the alternate history branch, we definitely recognize that not everyone was a fan of seeing some briefing dialogue-only scenarios.

Instead, Elite campaigns are going to strive for maximum gameplay with minimum friction to get right into historical Panzer combat. The whole concept of this particular campaign design is to showcase the real history of some of the most elite and legendary divisions that fought during World War II, and we want their heroic exploits to really speak for themselves.


Ideally, we’re going to spotlight every major nation of World War II with this treatment, but of course that is highly contingent on producing campaigns our players really want to engage with, so we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves too quickly on talking about distant plans here.

[h2]The Art of Ghost Division[/h2]

You have probably noticed some of the awesome imagery we’ve been embedding throughout the various Ghost Division articles, and we wanted to make special mention of them real quick. They’ve all been drawn by the artist Adrián Rodríguez, and we’re super stoked to have them to enhance the characters and events that populate the Elite – Ghost Division campaign!



Because generative AI artwork is such a hot topic though, we thought we’d better briefly talk about it. While generative AI artwork is an incredible technology that is improving by leaps and bounds at an unbelievable rate, we just didn’t feel comfortable utilizing it for any aspect of Panzer Corps 2, past or present. All of our artwork is human made, and all of our writing is human written. One single person wrote all of the base game briefings, and that same person wrote the entire Axis Operations saga without any AI aid. I know this, because that person is me, Kerensky!

So again, while generative AI is pretty amazing stuff, it’s our official position that it won’t ever be utilized in the creation of official Panzer Corps 2 assets, files, or materials.

Now that said, there is no such restriction placed upon the custom modding scene, so if any aspiring modder out there is wondering, you are fully allowed to create mods of Panzer Corps 2 that invoke things such as AI generated briefing VO. In potential anticipation of that, in part of the Panzer Corps 2 update that accompanies the launch of Ghost Division we’re investigation the possibility for custom player mod campaigns to enable their own sets of VO audio files.


[h2]Conclusion[/h2]
We hope you all enjoyed this sneak preview of the upcoming Elite – Ghost Division campaign. Get ready for its imminent release scheduled for May 29th, and then stay tuned for way more Panzer Corps 2 goodies to start rolling out right afterwards as we march towards July 11th Panzer Corps Day, marking our 14th year of working on the Panzer Corps franchise!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3714230/Panzer_Corps_2_Elite__Ghost_Division/

[h2]Panzer Corps 2: Elite[/h2]


Achtung, Panzer Generals!

We have a surprise announcement to share with you today. Not content to remain resting on our laurels over the recently released dynamic Cyrenaica campaign, Panzer Corps 2 is powering forward with yet another new campaign. Since Panzer Corps 2 is still going strong more than 5 years after our initial launch, we’re looking to add some truly Elite content to our line up of awesome campaigns!

To herald this new campaign, we’ve picked none other than the venerated 7th Panzer Division, perhaps better known as Rommel’s Ghost Division.



[h2]A Potential New Beginning[/h2]
There’s a few goals we’re aiming to achieve with Panzer Corps 2’s Elite campaigns, and since this is our first reveal, we wanted to lay them out for our community right off the bat.

The very first thing we want to say is that Panzer Corps 2 is going to join in the fight against increasing inflation, and therefore we’re working towards actually reducing the price of this campaign compared to the standard Panzer Corps 2 DLC price! Panzer Corps 2 wouldn’t be so active with new content and new updates after all this time without our amazing community, and the last thing we want to do is to just hike prices on our loyal community of awesome gamers.

Secondly, we’re aiming to use the Elite campaigns as a vehicle to more rapidly deploy more playable nations into Panzer Corps 2’s campaigns. Now some players of you might be asking why would we start with a German Division in this case, but we’ve got ‘Panzer’ baked directly into our game title and we really want to lean on our strengths for as strong an opening as possible.

Something else we’re going be to experimenting with is longer gameplay timelines. We haven’t seen a campaign cover all of the technology and unit advancement that comes from a 1939-1945 journey since the stock Panzer Corps 2 campaign, and this focus on the achievements of a single division through the course of the war will finally bring that aspect back.

So while we certainly have our plans, in this particular case we’re actually very curious to hear from the community on which WWII faction you are most interested in seeing as a potential new campaign. Is it time for a Japanese campaign in the spotlight, or perhaps you are itching to take the fight to the Axis in a Soviet campaign? Let us know in the comment section!

[h2]The First Elite Division[/h2]

In all of our research of the enormous amount of Axis and Allied divisions that fought during World War II, one absolutely stood out above the rest in so many ways. From the length of their service stretching all the way from September of 1939 to April of 1945 to some of their extraordinary accomplishments such as the drive to the Channel coast, their feats endure through time in real military analyses of their exploits, in our history books, in inspiring stories we tell, and even in the games we play.

To the Germans, they were designated as the Elite 7th Panzer Division.
To their enemies, they were known as the Ghost Division!

We’ll reveal a lot more information about this new campaign in the days ahead, but for now you can check out this link for some more details and screenshots:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3714230/Panzer_Corps_2_Elite__Ghost_Division/

[h2]Upcoming Panzer Corps Day[/h2]

Did you know that 2024’s Panzer Corps Day was a success way beyond our expectations? On that day, our active population of thousands of players were joined by a surge of over 100,000 viewers watching various Panzer Corps 2 Streams!

Our only regret then was that we didn’t have enough on offer to showcase to so many eyes focused on our game, and so we’re really looking to remedy that this year on July 11th.

In fact, Elite - Ghost Division was originally supposed to come out for Panzer Corps Day, but we put respect on their name and emulated their swiftness with the speed of our development to the point that we’re actually aiming for Ghost Division to launch in May, just this month!

But that also means we’ve got even more, and potentially even bigger, reveals still saved in store to make this year’s Panzer Corps Day celebration way more massive. Stay tuned for an upcoming Elite: Ghost Division Dev Diary and release date announcement, and get ready for a potential multitude of goodies later this year on July 11th Panzer Corps Day!

Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines - Cyrenaica is finally available. This expansion immerses players in the North African Campaign, focusing on the strategic battles for Cyrenaica during Operation E and Operation Compass.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

To celebrate the launch, the DLC is available at a 10% discount for two weeks.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3167270/Panzer_Corps_2_Frontlines__Cyrenaica/

Players can experience two distinct campaigns, leading both Italian and British forces through historically significant scenarios. Each mission is playable from both perspectives, offering diverse strategic opportunities.

The DLC introduces new units, including the Italian Moto Guzzi TriAlce motorcycle and British Gloster Gladiator biplane, enhancing tactical gameplay. Players must navigate harsh desert conditions, manage supplies, and adapt to dynamic weather challenges like sandstorms.

Innovative mechanics, such as diminishing core slots and hero-based gameplay featuring historical generals, add depth to the strategic experience. Decisions made in one scenario influence subsequent missions, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning.

Additionally, the Panzer Corps 2 saga is discounted by up to 50% for a limited time. Don't miss out and check out our Complete and Frontlines bundles:

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/18363/Panzer_Corps_2__Complete_Edition/

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/51307/Panzer_Corps_2__Frontlines/

The wait is almost over. Frontlines: Cyrenaica, the upcoming DLC for Panzer Corps 2 launches next week on Tuesday, March 11th. Get ready to dive into new battles, expanded content, and exciting strategic challenges.

Yesterday, we showcased Cyrenaica for the very first time on our official Twitch channel. Richard Yorke played the first two missions using GB forces, giving viewers a thrilling first look at the gameplay. If you missed the live stream, don't worry, you can re-watch the entire showcase here: TWITCH

In addition, The Historical Gamer has released an exclusive gameplay video featuring the first mission using the Italian forces. Check it out here:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Stay tuned, another video is coming very soon on his channel.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3167270/Panzer_Corps_2_Frontlines__Cyrenaica/

Good morning Generals!

We love the smell of coffee and cigarettes in the morning (yes, that’s our usual breakfast) and here we are with the third and final dev diary, ready to go balls to the walls!

First things first — mark your calendars. Panzer Corps 2: Frontlines - Cyrenaica DLC launches on March 11th. Stay tuned and don't miss it.

So, no more chatter—or as we say in Italian, "bando alle ciance"—let’s jump straight into the major features we’ve introduced in this DLC.

Side note: This diary will tend to be more technical.

[h2]MAJOR FEATURES[/h2]
First of all, let’s take a look at the features that apply to both campaigns.

New weather condition
We’re in the desert, and what’s worse than something unpleasant, tedious, and unavoidable like sand? A storm of sand.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new weather condition: the Sandstorm.
Gameplay-wise, it will do what a sandstorm does: be a pain in the... ahem... reducing visibility, slowing down unit movement, and preventing airplanes from flying.
Of course, it will also come with brand-new and beautiful VFX, with the usual two weather effects options: subtle and strong.

New gameplay dynamics/Custom Objectives
We’ve also managed to introduce new types of gameplay dynamics, such as intercepting enemy units, escaping, and finding lost units, alongside the already familiar ones like deploying mines, protecting or destroying units, and much more. In short, we’ve included a variety of missions that make the gameplay dynamic and never repetitive.
But let’s dive a little bit deeper on the new ones: escape, intercept and find lost units.

Escape
In this type of mission, you’ll need to move specific auxiliary units to designated escape hexes.

Once they reach one of the designated hexes, they will disappear, and a message will update you on the current Objective status. Protecting those units is a key factor to complete the mission.

Intercept
On the other hand, you’ll need to intercept some units that are trying to escape or reach specific hexes.

Their behaviour remains the same as the escape: the unit disappears, and the current Objective status updates. They can be very deceitful.

Find lost units
Last but not least, as we mentioned in the previous dev diary, you’ll need to locate some lost units in the desert.

In both campaigns, you’ll need to find them before the enemy does, or… well, let’s just say it could get worse.

Adaptive AI
What we mean by adaptive AI is that it dynamically adjusts its behavior based on your performance and the evolving situation in the game. For instance, if you're performing exceptionally well and overpowering your opponents, the AI may escalate its response by calling for reinforcements, or switching to more aggressive tactics to regain control of the situation.

Conversely, if the AI finds itself in a losing position, it might prioritize defensive strategies, such as taking cover, retreating to a more secure location, or regrouping with allies to form a stronger front. This type of AI doesn’t just react passively but actively tries to adapt to your style of play, challenging you in new and unpredictable ways.

Integrated Image System
Thanks to the addition of this system in Fall of Poland, we are excited to include the image system in our DLC as well!



We are happy to use it since it enhances the immersion and conveys the events in a more visual and compelling way.

[h2]ITALIAN CAMPAIGN - UNIQUE FEATURES[/h2]
Now let’s land on the Italian perspective and see what are the unique features that characterize this campaign.


New Mechanic: Core Slot Reduction
This is the first time this type of mechanic is used in Panzer Corps 2.
We aim to reflect the struggles of the Italian army and replicate their massive losses. As a result, during the Italian campaign, starting from the Operation Compass (scenario 5), the number of Core Slots will be reduced from one scenario to the next.

Don’t panic! We know you may feel like General Graziani in this portrait, but by completing secondary objectives, you’ll be able to gain bonus Core Slots. Additionally, some hero traits, like Zero-Slot, will help you compensate for these losses.

Hero-Based Gameplay
Since these operations involved many Italian generals, we designed the gameplay, objectives, and rewards based on actual figures who fought or were prominent in these operations, included as Heroes. Therefore, in the Italian campaign, Heroes are a key feature that allow you to create synergy in your army by exploiting their traits, while also helping to manage enemy units. Finally, to stay as historically accurate as possible, the hero traits are primarily based on the characteristics and actions they performed on the battlefield.

For example, General Annibale 'Electric Whiskers' Bergonzoli was partly known, after recognising that the situation in Bardia was hopeless and that it would fall into enemy hands, for having traveled on foot through the desert, retreating toward Tobruk with a few thousand soldiers with him.
As a result, the traits we assigned to him reflect these actions, with Fast Retreat and Phased Movement.


Another example is Enrico Pitassi Mannella, an artillery specialist known among his colleagues as the ‘King of Artillerymen’.
Consequently, the traits we assigned to him are Lethal Attack and Expert Support.

To summarize, in the Italian campaign, you will find many Heroes who will be useful for managing different dynamics, with each one specializing in specific areas, as reflected by their traits.

Retreat and destroy
A general dynamic of the Italian campaign is what we called Retreat and Destroy.

Throughout the Italian campaign, the general feeling will be to retreat toward friendly lines and… destroy. Destroy? While retreating? Well, yes. On some occasions, there were back-and-forth battles where you will be tasked with destroying some enemy units, but also missions that require you to destroy your own supplies, with one of the most notable being the scuttling of the San Giorgio, which we’ve included as a special type of mission.

New bonus mission
As mentioned in the previous Dev Diary, we’ve added a mission specifically for the Italian campaign, that replicates the dynamic of the ship San Giorgio.

Just to refresh your memory, during the attack on Tobruk, the San Giorgio was surrounded by British ships and remained stationary in the port of Tobruk. In order to prevent the resources from falling into British hands, the decision was made to scuttle it.

Therefore, we replicated this dynamic, abstracting it and dividing it into two steps: we assigned a specific truck to collect the materials needed to scuttle the ship—namely explosives—and then deliver them to the area around the ship in the port to sink it.

And then…Kaboom!


[h2]BRITISH CAMPAIGN - UNIQUE FEATURES[/h2]
Landing on the opposite side, let’s see what characterizes the British campaign.


Coordinate multiple factions
To be accurate, instead of talking about the British faction, it is more correct to talk about the British Commonwealth and its colonies and allies, which includes a vast array of nations supporting them. During this period and in the area of conflict we are covering, we can find some of them: Free France (allied), British India (colony), and Australian divisions (part of the Commonwealth).


For this reason, you'll encounter these factions in some scenarios, allowing you to purchase their units as support and include them in your army.

Scenario Consequences
Consequences will stem from your actions in the current scenario and/or the next one, depending on whether or not you completed the Bonus Objectives.

For example, in this case, defeating the unit led by the hero Enrico Pitassi Mannella not only grants a prestige reward but also causes the morale of the other Italian artillery to drop, lowering their strength, reflecting the chaos and sense of disorientation caused by the lack of leadership—as if they didn’t already lack it…

Completing some Bonus Objectives will not only reward you instantly, but also influence future scenarios, creating tactical and strategic advantages. Sometimes, even failing an Objective could have consequences.

Protect and destroy
A general dynamic of the British campaign is what we called Protect and Destroy.
Throughout the British campaign, in addition to the more common objectives related to cities, there will be objectives focused on protecting your units in the early stages of the campaign, gradually shifting more toward the offensive phase, where you'll focus on destroying enemies, as well as supply dumps, ships, minefields, and anything else that might hinder your progress toward your goal. All for a greater good, of course.


Additionally, on a couple of occasions, you'll be tasked through Bonus Objectives to defeat or destroy some Italian Hero units. Sometimes they’ll try to fight you, and sometimes they’ll prefer to escape.

So, unlike the Italian campaign, which is much more focused on defense and retreat, the British campaign is much more centered around invasion, which we've reflected through more attack-focused objectives.

As they say, the best defense is a good offense, right?

[h2]CONCLUSION[/h2]
Thanks again for joining us for this third and last Developer Diary on the latest upcoming Panzer Corps 2 DLC Frontlines - Cyrenaica.
You now have what it takes to enter the fray and guide your army to victory… or almost!

Are you ready to bite the bullet, Generals?

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3167270/Panzer_Corps_2_Frontlines__Cyrenaica/