Crossfire: Legion News

DevBlog 29: New Units & Commanders

Greetings Commanders,

Firstly, a huge thanks to everyone who joined us with such excitement last week when we announced that:

Of course, one of the main highlights of releasing the game into 1.0 are the new units that you’ll be able to command. Supplement your rosters, experiment with new tactics, and find those unit combinations that work best for you. Each unit will also come with their own abilities for those surprise battlefield maneuvers that can so easily change the tide of battle.

Let’s take a look at the 4 new units reinforcing the ranks of our 3 factions.

Paladin, slot 4: Medical vehicle that heals infantry and acts as a detector. Can be upgraded to heal in an area of effect radius.
Jester, slot 5: Support vehicle that repairs allied vehicles and aircraft while also serving as a detector. Can be upgraded to quickly repair a large amount of damage.
Centurion, slot 6: Rocket platform that deals high damage over a long range. Highly fragile and slow-moving, they require protection and support.
Hightower, slot 8: Support aircraft that detects units in stealth. Can scan a distant area to unveil the fog of war. Once upgraded it can create a barrier that reduces the damage of enemy attacks.

Silverfish, slot 5: Light vehicle that can launch explosive drones from a long range. Drones draw enemy fire and can be upgraded to be more resilient.
Scarab, slot 4: Support vehicle that grants increased rate of fire to nearby friendly infantry, while also acting as a detector. Can shield allies with an explosive barrier and can be upgraded to increase allies movement speed.
Wasp, slot 7: Air superiority helicopter that weakens enemy defenses with Thermite Rounds. Can be upgraded with a stealth field.
Stingray, slot 8: Speciality support vehicle that can project a cloaking field over nearby friendly units. Can be upgraded with the ability to damage and temporarily disarm enemy units in a target area.

Helios, slot 4: Support vehicle equipped with advanced technology. Can make enemies take more damage or stun them with crushing gravity. Upgrade with an ability to increase sight range.
Harpy, slot 7: Medium aircraft with twin beam cannons. Can be upgraded with a passive stealth ability that activates when not in combat.
Icarus, slot 7: Heavy aircraft equipped with advanced rockets. Can be upgraded so that its rockets have a cone shaped blast radius.
Behemoth, slot 8: Cutting edge mech with dual energy cannons. Able to teleport itself and nearby allies as well as regenerate their energy and shields. Can be upgraded to unleash an energy blast that damages neary enemies.

To supplement and lead your armies into battle, each faction will have access to another commander that gives you access to unique global abilities and battlefield opportunities.

New Commanders:

Warden: A defensive specialist who can quickly deploy fortification to protect his troops. When it is time to counter attack, Warden can call in a massive artillery building that also deploys weapons on nearby fortifications.
Stalker: He is able to deploy mercenaries to any location, but they leave the battlefield soon after the fighting is done. He can also drop a Shadow Operative behind enemy lines, whose lightning fast attacks can damage all enemies in the target area.
Cipher: Controls all of New Horizon’s orbital satellites. She can use her surveillance satellites to track enemies or orbital lasers to fire massive energy beams at enemy targets.

Remember we’ll be releasing with a Free weekend, giving everyone a chance to get to grips with the new content.

Here is a recap of the complete package that will be available at launch:

66 total units
9 commanders each with 2 distinct abilities
Campaign Acts I - IV, 15 missions in total.
Modes and maps
5 PvP and PvE Classic Skirmish maps: Predator (3vs3), Mountainside(1vs1), Typhoon(2v2), Frostbite (1v1), Labyrinth (3v3)
7 PvP and PvE Payload mode maps: Tongren Facility (3v3), Snowbase (2v2), Refinery (3v3), Badland (2v2), Blacksite (3v3), Domination(3v3), Railyard (2v2)
Co-op Defense v AI mode: Operation Thunderstrike
Co-op Attack vs AI mode: Operation Northside
Arcade Mode: Brawl and Battlelines
Map Maker Tools

To help you celebrate launch with us, we have put together a Fan Kit for all your content creator needs - incl. artworks, unit cards, logos etc. here: https://static.kochmedia.com/yac_sites/crossfire/cfl_fankit.zip

We also have some dedicated assets for streamers like overlays etc. here:
https://landingpages.deepsilver.com/crossfirelegion/cfl_influencer_pack.7z

Get the latest intel by following us here:

We look forward to seeing you on the battlefield, and discovering the tactics and battlefield maneuvers you're sure to devise using these new units and commanders. Tune in next week as we detail the new game modes which will also be coming with the 1.0 release.
- The Crossfire: Legion team

DevBlog 28: Release Announcement

Greetings Commanders,
Today, with great excitement and after much work from the team on player feedback, we can formally announce that:

To celebrate, and give everyone and their friends a chance to experience how the game has improved, we will also hold a free weekend and sale around launch.

The game has grown a lot since the early days of May 2022. The Early Access phase was immensely valuable to help us get a better grasp of what today's fans of classic RTS want to see, and how to shape the game accordingly.

However, there is no denying that we did start on the wrong foot. The original meta-progression system - involving soft currency to unlock units and commanders in a confusingly presented “store” - not only had some players fear we might introduce micro-transactions for gameplay-affecting items. It also went against the immediacy of experience that has kept players coming back to classic games, where the whole toolbox is accessible from the start, without necessarily much gradual onboarding. Content was also a bit of a weak point in the early days, with players clearly looking for something meatier to chew on.

We took those lessons at heart - ditching the progression system, doubling down on adding content through Early Access, introducing countless balance tweaks etc. The game has come a long way with now plenty of game modes, maps, units - and a map-making tool - which we hope can live up to the generous content offering of the classic RTS of yore.

To those who have stuck with us for the ride: thank you so much for your patience and support. To those who haven't or have been patiently waiting by the sideline: we hope you and your friends will give the game another chance with the upcoming 1.0 release and associated free weekend. If you like the changes you see, please consider leaving us a review or updating your old one!

Here is a recap of the complete package that will be available at launch:

66 total units
9 commanders each with 2 distinct abilities
Campaign Acts I - IV, 15 missions in total.
Modes and maps
5 PvP and PvE Classic Skirmish maps: Predator (3vs3), Mountainside(1vs1), Typhoon(2v2), Frostbite (1v1), Labyrinth (3v3)
7 PvP and PvE Payload mode maps: Tongren Facility (3v3), Snowbase (2v2), Refinery (3v3), Badland (2v2), Blacksite (3v3), Domination(3v3), Railyard (2v2)
Co-op Defense v AI mode: Operation Thunderstrike
Co-op Attack vs AI mode: Operation Northside
Arcade Mode: Brawl and Battlelines
Map Maker Tools

Stay tuned for additional news regarding our planned post-launch updates.

We look forward to seeing you on the battlefield - and hope you are as excited as our team to see Crossfire: Legion enter this new chapter of its history! Make sure to tune in next week as we detail the new units and commanders coming with the 1.0 release.
- The Crossfire: Legion team

DevBlog 27: Update 1.5

Greetings Commanders,

We’ve another exciting update for you today which will bring you to a new battlefield and aid you in assessing your battle performance. As always, we’ve also implemented some community top-rated bug fixes.

This new 2v2 Payload map sees you battle for control of an abandoned snow-base. Tread carefully however, and be aware of enemy movements, because one of your bases is more vulnerable to attack.

We love data and you told us you do too. So now you can analyze how the battle truly unfolded with our new post-battle stats screen. Learn from and adapt your strategies according to the evidence before your eyes.

A new Corebase prefab has been added to the Editor.
Fixed an issue where the Condors drones were sometimes causing the client to become unresponsive.
Fixed multiple UI issues in the Army & Roster menus.
Fixed multiple truncations/overlaps in all menus in the localized clients.

We also have a Fan Kit available with artwork, unit cards, logos and all your content creators need here: https://static.kochmedia.com/yac_sites/crossfire/cfl_fankit.zip

And for Streamers there is all the tools you need here:
https://landingpages.deepsilver.com/crossfirelegion/cfl_influencer_pack.7z

As always, make sure you get the latest intel by following us here:

Enjoy these updates and analyze your battle performance. Next week we hope to make a big announcement so stay tuned as we give more details of what's to come.
- Your Crossfire: Legion team

DevBlog 26: Update 1.4

Greetings Commanders,

This mamonth update consists of new tanks and assault vehicles for the fourth slot in your roster. We've also made a host of balance changes and improvements which will reinvigorate the battlefield and stratagies.

Each faction now has a new assault vehicle available, bringing additional firepower and support capabilities so you can tweak your battlefield tactics.

Overlord (Global Risk): A heavy tank that is capable of shredding enemy infantry with its dual miniguns. Upgraded with armor-piercing shells, it can also deal significant damage to vehicles and aircraft.

Leopard (Black List): An assault vehicle that fires heavy corrosive rounds that will damage enemy targets over time. Once upgraded, it gains stealth abilities enabling you to launch surprise assaults.

Vulcan (New Horizon): A support vehicle that deploys pods to regenerate the shields of allies. If upgraded, it can also replenish health and teleport allies to its position.

[h3]Steam Cards are now available for you to collect and trade.[/h3]

[h3]The Campaign front end screens have been updated.[/h3]

The tier 2 infantry buildings upgrade now no longer cost any minerals.

Armor value is a new mechanic available to Global Risk vehicles and tanks. This value works like a shield mechanic in that it absorbs damage. Unlike shields, armor will reduce the amount of damage taken based on a ratio we set to tanks and vehicles. Like shields, damage will lower the armor value and once zero is reached, damage will be applied to the target's Health. As with all new features, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this and will balance it according to players feedback in subsequent patches.

Commander Eclipse: Mobilize ability duration shortened to 15 from 30 seconds. Suppressive Bombardment damage increased from 120 to 140, cooldown from 30 to 60 seconds & cost lowered from 45 to 35 command points.

Trooper: Building time increased from 7 to 10 seconds.

Shield Trooper: Building time decreased from 15 to 10 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 3 to 2. Speed increased from 6 to 6.9 seconds

Rocket Trooper: Building time decreased from 20 to 15 seconds.

Grenadier: Building time decreased from 25 to 20 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 4 to 3.

Sniper: Building time decreased from 25 to 20 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 4 to 3. Sniper Assassinate upgrade bonus damage changed from +800% to +700%.

Gladiator: Range increased from 14 to 20.

Herald: Supply cost decreased from 6 to 5. EMP Burst ability cooldown is now 10. Sonic shield damage reduction is now 50%, up from 25%.

Marshal: Building time increased from 25 to 30 seconds.

Phalanx: Building time increased from 35 to 45 seconds. Supply cost increased from 14 to 15.

Imperator: Building time increased from 25 to 35 seconds.

Rapier: Building time increased from 15 to 25 seconds.

Broadsword: Building time increased from 20 to 30 seconds.

Scepter: Supply cost increased from 4 to 5.

Javelin: Building time increased from 20 to 25 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 8 to 5.

Halberd: Building time decreased from 55 to 40 seconds.

Morningstar: Building time decreased from 55 to 45 seconds . Supply cost decreased from 16 to 15.

All Black List units now have a passive chance for critical damage and a passive speed boost when out of combat.

Commander Freefall: Ghost Zone ability cooldown increased from 30 to 45 seconds.

Lion: Supply cost decreased from 3 to 2.

Mamba: Building time increased from 15 to 20 seconds.

Cheetah: Supply cost increased from 4 to 5.

Centipede: Supply cost increased from 4 to 5. The Centipede can now target airborne units.

Scorpion: Supply cost increased from 4 to 5.

Chameleon: Building time increased from 25 to 30 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 6 to 5. EMP Burst ability now costs 45 energy and its stun duration has been reduced from 4 to 2 seconds.

Beetle: Building time increased from 20 to 25 seconds. Supply cost increased from 4 to 5. Range decreased from 30 to 20.

Dragonfly: Building time increased from 15 to 20 seconds. Supply cost increased from 4 to 5.

Locust: Building time increased from 3 to 5 seconds. Decreased damage output by 25%. Speed decreased from 12 to 10.

Albatross: Supply cost decreased from 7 to 5. Health increased from 600 to 800. Capacity increased from 8 to 12.

Falcon: Building time decreased from 35 to 30 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 6 to 5.

Prion: Building time increased from 20 to 35 seconds. Supply cost increased from 9 to 10.

Condor: Building time decreased from 45 to 35 seconds. Mass drones ability shots per burst decreased from 12 to 10.

All New Horizon units' shields now prevent the application of status effects when absorbing damage.

Commander Viper: Support drone ability initial cooldown is 60 seconds.

Minotaur: Building time decreased from 20 to 12 seconds. Bonus damage to air units increased from 50% to 75%.

Vampire: Building time decreased from 20 to 12 seconds. Supply cost increased from 2 to 3.

Lycan: Building time decreased from 20 to 18 seconds.

Satyr: Building time decreased from 20 to 15 seconds. Energy cost of Deterioration and Enhancement decreased from 50 to 35. Energy cost of Protective Barriers decreased from 35 to 25.

Orion: Building time decreased from 30 to 20 seconds.

Manticore: Building time decreased from 30 to 20 seconds. Range increased from 33 to 35.

Cerberus: Building time decreased from 30 to 20 seconds. Phase ability range increased by 50%.

Hades: Building time increased from 30 to 35 seconds.

Hyperion: Building time decreased from 60 to 50 seconds.

Pegasus: Increased ability cooldowns from 1 to 12 seconds.

Griffin: Building time increased from 25 to 30 seconds. Supply cost increased from 9 to 10.

Charon: Building time decreased from 25 to 20 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 9 to 5. Shield and health increased from 250 to 500.

Siren: Building time decreased from 30 to 25 seconds. Supply cost decreased from 11 to 9. Singularity duration increased from 5 to 8.

Typhon: Build time decreased from 50 to 45 seconds.

The Black List watch tower will now attack normally even if the upgrade is canceled.
Correction of an issue where all Black List players will get a cooldown on Ghost Nation if one player used it.
Multiple localization and sound issues resolved.
Multiple issues fixed in the level editor based on players feedback.

[h3]Quality of life improvements:[/h3]
Various performance and stability improvements. If you have had an issue previously, do try again and let us know.

We're looking forward to seeing how you incorporate these new tanks and assault vehicles into your battlefield strategies. Good luck!
- Your Crossfire: Legion team

DevBlog 25: Update 1.3

Greetings Commanders,
Today we release a highly significant update to Crossfire: Legion which introduces the much anticipated Map Maker as well as new air units, Campaign Act III, a payload map and multiplayer changes.

[previewyoutube] [/previewyoutube]

The Map Maker is a massive tool that allows you to create fully functional multiplayer and skirmish maps and publish them on our Steam Workshop. Build any manner of battlefield to test your strategies and tactics, then share them with your fellow commanders.
It’s all contained in-game, creating your own map doesn't require any additional tools or special skills,
The only limit is your imagination. For example, you can toy with:

Map size
Playable area, buildable and pathable areas
Camera bounds
Map themes and lighting
Ramps and levels
Many many decals
Unit stats
Resource nodes
Power-up drop locations
Player spawn-point locations
Buildings
Fog and Wind
Audio cues
Abysses
And too many other things to list….

Before you get stuck in, we highly recommend reading through the User Manual here for all the details.
Share your creations by uploading directly to our Steam Workshop, which can be done directly in the tool.

Sounds good? Well to celebrate all this new content during our Early Access period, Crossfire: Legion will be on sale for -34% starting today at 19:00 CEST until August 29th. There hasn’t been a better time to enter the fray. Continue reading to see what else arrives in todays update.

Three more aircraft are now here to help you refine your aerial strategy and swoop in on your foes. These are sure to bolster your mid-late game strategies and here is the intel on how they fit into your roster.

Broadsword (Global Risk): A gunship that can launch effective attacks against stationary targets. When upgraded Broadsword gets a temporary speed boost for hit-and-run attacks.

Locust (Black List): An unmanned drone that seeks aerial targets, Locust self-destructs on impact. It's capable of bringing down groups of heavy aircraft within explosion radius.

Griffin (New Horizon): A light aircraft specializing in air-to-air combat, Griffin's attacks deal high damage to a single target but suffer from a low rate of fire. Upgraded, Griffin's weapon range increases.

Here at Blackbird Interactive we have a rich history when it comes to creating engaging single-player campaigns as well as loving this more multiplayer-focused game. We're therefore excited to add the next layer to the narrative-driven campaign with the release of Campaign Act III.

It consists of four missions (approx. 3 hours in total) that focus on New Horizon's role in the ongoing conflict between Global Risk and Black List. As well as casting light on the mysterious New Horizon faction, and its commanders, these missions will help you refine your battlefield skills.

Combining each New Horizon commander’s AI-augmented abilities with their durable weaponry, you can adapt your tactics and strategies for methodically storming and clearing enemy positions, even when heavily outnumbered.

Using land and aerial assets to their full potential while under time pressure, you'll find Act III to be a true test of your offensive and defensive capabilities as you explore new battlefronts for example on deck of a naval fleet.

There's a new map area that will bring extra volatility to your custom games and skirmishes in Payload mode. In Refinery, players fight to secure each payload amongst the hazards of a fuel refinery — using the strategic high ground is key in this explosive environment.

As always, we’ve been closely monitoring your feedback since the last update and based on it we are pleased to make the following changes and improvements:

Players can share replay files and load them in their own game client.
Internal tool upgrade for performance & stability improvement

Fixed an issue preventing players to rebuild units if they salvaged them in Battle Lines.
Fixed an issue in Payload mode where the payload could be teleported via Ghost Recall.
The Black List Workshop is now available at Tier 1 Corebase, similar to other factions.
Fixed an issue where the Crocodile range was reverted to 30 after the Scorch upgrade.
Fixed an issue where the Imperator were double dipping in damage when in Artillery mode.
Removed the EMP ability from the Prion unit card.
The Typhoon map now has a description and a dedicated loading screen.
Fixed multiple truncations/overlaps in all menus in the localized clients.

The possibilities are endless and we’re excited to see what you do with these tools and the maps you’ll create. We’ll be watching closely and starting to put together next month's update. Stay tuned weekly as we give more details of what's to come. Until then, happy gaming!
- Your Crossfire: Legion team