Call to Arms: Panzer Elite News

[p][/p][p]Hello Tank Commanders![/p][p][/p][p]Today’s patch is a significant technical milestone for us. While it doesn't contain new playable content just yet, it is the essential foundation for the next content update arriving very, very soon.[/p][p]Custom Engine Integration
Stability has been our top priority. To address a handful of persistent crashes that were beyond the reach of the standard engine tools, we have transitioned the game to a custom-built version of the Unreal Engine. By modifying the engine source code directly, we’ve been able to implement deep-level fixes that improve stability.[/p][p]Vehicle & Armor Optimization
We’ve also overhauled how our vehicles are processed by the engine. Previously, the "countless armor volumes" required for our realistic damage models were putting a heavy strain on CPU performance. We have implemented system improvements that streamline how these volumes are calculated, resulting in smoother frame rates during heavy armored engagements and better overall vehicle performance.[/p][p]What’s Next?
This is the "quiet before the storm." We are putting the finishing touches on our next major content expansion. To give you a better look at what we have planned, we will be releasing an updated Roadmap here shortly.[/p][p]Thank you for your continued support as we push toward this next chapter![/p][p][/p][h2]Important Fixes / Additions[/h2]

• [p]Stutter / Freeze on First GER mission resolved
  - You should no longer encounter microstutters for 2-3 seconds on mission Panzer Lehr.
  - This will require you to start a fresh mission for Panzer Lehr, previous saves on this mission will still have an issue.[/p]
• [p]Dynamic Difficulty
  - Missions will now scale in difficulty with more players in co-op[/p]
• [p]Additional tank destruction SFX
  
  [/p]

[p][/p][h2]General [/h2]

• [p]Proper armor values fixed in hangar
  - Previous armor thickness didn't display [/p]
• [p]Announcement page removed
  - Important announcements are available in the bottom right in the main menu and will take you to the steam news article.[/p]
• [p]Platoon command visual left/right flank fixed
  - Left / Rank flank visually were swapped and have been placed in the proper positions[/p]
• [p]Drive damage effects properly removed after repair
  - In rare circumstances players could repair their tanks and have issues going normal drive speed. [/p]
• [p]Loading screens have been updated with new images[/p]
• [p]Added vehicle selection restrictions for certain missions
  - These are lifted by completing the mission, allowing you to select any vehicle if you have beaten it.[/p]
• [p]Navigation improved on Airfield
  - AI should avoid getting stuck on the wings of planes
  [/p]

[h2]HUD/UI [/h2]

• [p]Ammo HUD sometimes disappeared on reloading mission [/p]
• [p]CO-OP Timer Fix
  - Clients in matches would sometimes have issues with co-op match timers not counting properly.[/p]
• [p]Main Menu Button Hover
  - Hovering over main menu selections now works properly [/p]
• [p]Tier icons properly displayed for tier 0 tanks when spotted[/p]
• [p]Tier icons properly displayed for tier 4 tanks when spotted[/p]
• [p]Interaction with smaller buttons improved[/p]
• [p]Fixed missing tank name in your platoon on checkpoint load[/p]
• [p]Kill reward / medals updated[/p]
• [p]Enemies are highlighted Orange instead of yellow
  [/p]

[h2]Sounds [/h2]

• [p]Cook off sounds
  - Added sound for "cook offs" when vehicle is destroyed via ammo rack or fuel tank[/p]
• [p]Kill reward / Medal sounds updated[/p][p][/p]

[h2]Settings [/h2]

• [p]Keybind functionality for various languages improved
  [/p]

[h2]Tank Gameplay[/h2]

• [p]Drive damage effects properly removed after repair
  - In rare circumstances players could repair their tanks and have issues going normal drive speed. [/p]
• [p]Tank movement  
  - Pivot turning adjustments, should be more reliable on slopes[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p]
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[p][/p][p]Commanders![/p][p]We are back with an update. For this update, we have focused heavily on community feedback, addressing some of the most requested features and frustrations, while also expanding the content with new maps and the legendary Panther tank.[/p][p]Here is what you can expect in the new update:


[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui4cDk1uDTo
[/p]
[p][/p]
[p]We have heard your feedback loud and clear: losing progress deep into a long mission is frustrating. We agree.[/p]
[p]While a comprehensive save system is a complex undertaking, we didn’t want to keep you waiting. We are releasing an early, experimental version of our Checkpoint system.
[/p]
[p]Important details:[/p]

• [p]Single Player Only: Currently, this is limited to SP modes.[/p]
• [p]Enable/Disable in Settings: You can go to Options > Gameplay to enable or disable this feature.[/p]

[p]Please note that as an experimental feature, it is still a work in progress. However, we wanted to get this into your hands as soon as possible to alleviate frustration while we continue to polish it.
[/p][p][/p][p]We’re further expanding our Single-Player and Co-op lineup with the addition of a new campaign mission: St. Vith and crossing of the river Our.
This mission unfolds during the Battle of the Bulge, part of the Ardennes Offensive, the final major German push on the Western Front. Prepare for a gritty winter engagement where positioning is everything.
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The long-awaited Pz.Kpfw. V Panther finally rolls onto the battlefield in this update![/p][p]Get ready to experience the strength, precision, and engineering quality that made the Panther one of Germany’s most iconic tanks. It strikes a deadly balance between mobility and firepower, and we can’t wait to see how you utilize it in combat.[/p][p]
[/p][p]You asked for larger battlefields, and we are delivering.[/p][p]Introducing a new skirmish mission: ALG “A-1.” This map features a larger playable area than previous skirmish maps. It unfolds across a wide, open airfield with long sightlines and minimal cover, creating intense long-range engagements.
Key locations include a seaside camp, fuel depot, HQ, and the airfield itself. This mission also debuts a new 4 Capture Point Mode, giving players additional strategic options and spreading the combat across the map.
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We are launching a new multiplayer initiative called Testing Grounds.
This is a dedicated space for us to experiment with new game modes and for you to shape the future of the game. The first mode we are testing is a pure PvP experience with up to 5 vs 5 players.[/p]

• [p]No AI Platoons.[/p]
• [p]No distractions.[/p]
• [p]Just straightforward, head-to-head combat.[/p]

[p]We need your voice: This mode is in active development. We want to involve the community early to get feedback on what works and what doesn't. Please jump in, play a few rounds, and let us know your thoughts on our Discord server!
[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Any tank with an open-top design now comes to life with visible crew members manning their stations! This enhancement boosts immersion and makes these vehicles feel dynamic and authentic during gameplay.[/p][p]Note: We know many of you are eager to see animations for gunners and internal crew. This requires many unique animations and is a much more complicated system to implement, but it is on our roadmap for the future.[/p][p][/p][p]Another highly requested feature was the ability to quickly configure the HUD for realism versus accessibility.
We have introduced new settings under HUD options (and a selection screen on your first load) so you can pick what suits you best:[/p]

• [p]Immersive: For players who want a gritty, realistic experience with minimal UI clutter.[/p]
• [p]Casual: For players who prefer a more relaxed experience with more on-screen information.[/p]
• [p]Custom: Customize your on-screen experience.[/p]

[p]Note: In the future, this will become a host-side setting, allowing hosts in skirmish mode to enforce realism rules.[/p][p]
V.0.05.02 Full Patch Notes - Available Here[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

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[p][/p][p] For more info on content additions & notable changes please see our news post here. [/p][p]V.0.05.02 Content Update - Checkpoints - Panther - New Missions[/p][h2]Content Additions[/h2]

• [p]Checkpoints/Saves
  - All missions now have saves/checkpoints you can return to if you fail or leave a mission early.
  - This is still experimental and can be toggled on or off in the settings.[/p]
• [p]New Vehicle: Pz. Kpfw. V "Panther"[/p]
• [p]New GER Campaign Mission: St. Vith[/p]
• [p]New Skirmish Game Mode: Testing Grounds
  - No AI Squad (you can still fill empty slots with bots)
  - Up to 10 players[/p]
• [p]New Skirmish Map: ALG "A-1"
  - Up to 4 capture points[/p]
• [p]Visible Crew [/p][p] - Crew is now visible in open cab type tanks[/p]
• [p]HUD Preset Selections
  - On your first launch you will be asked which type of HUD settings you would like (Casual or Immersive)
  - This can be changed any time in Settings -> HUD[/p][p][/p]

[h2]General [/h2]

• [p]Infantry Grenade Limits
  - Infantry will now properly have a limited number of grenades[/p]
• [p]Removed Pixelation On Snow Maps
  - Some users reported pixelation on snow based maps, if you still see this please let us know.[/p]
• [p]Corrected infantry officer model
  - Some missions showed the wrong infantry officer on GER campaign[/p]
• [p]Limited High Tier Tanks
  - Limited the amount of high tier tanks you can field on the battlefield in a single mission.
  - If a limit is present it will tell you on tank selection. [/p]
• [p]Fixed GER Crew Models In Hangar[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]HUD/UI [/h2]

• [p]Fixed Skirmish Lobby Player List
  - Previously the lobby would not extend when a large number of players were in a lobby.[/p]
• [p]Hangar Tank Icon Changes
  - Locked / Unlocked Tank Icons have been updated.[/p]
• [p]Campaign Text
  - Campaign text on mission selection screen have been updated.[/p]
• [p]Hotkey to toggle HUD/UI
  - You can toggle HUD/UI by using the hotkey H (this can be changed in the settings as well) [/p]
• [p]HUD Preset Selections
  - A continuation of the content addition above, you can change this preset anytime in the settings menu under HUD[/p]
• [p]Critical Unit Highlight Color Fix
  - If enabled in the HUD settings, the icon above spotted units will now show the same color as they display on the minimap.
  [/p]

[h2]Sounds [/h2]

• [p]US Hangar Music Added[/p]
• [p]Radio Filter Changes
  - Based on feedback we have made improvements to the filter on crew alerts[/p]
• [p]Global Impact Sound Fixed
  - Players could trigger an impact sound by using HEAT rounds which would play a loud noise all players could hear.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Settings [/h2]

• [p]Key binds Reset to default
  - Resetting key binds will only affect the current page, no longer all settings.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Tank Gameplay[/h2]

• [p]Multiple vehicle adjustments for GER / USA
  - Torque, Turret Turn Rate reduced to be more historically accurate [/p]
• [p]Cannon Recoil Animations Added[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p]

[h3]TALK TO THE TEAM, JOIN OUR DISCORD![/h3]

[p][/p][h2]Content Additions[/h2]

• [p]U.S. Conquest Mission Added
  - Operation Frost Line is the first U.S. single/coop mission to enter the game. [/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]U.S. Hangar added 
  - You can now play U.S. in single player missions
  - Select from a multitude of your favorite U.S. Tanks
  - This is still a work in progress. Additional missions are being worked on for both GER | U.S.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p] New Skirmish Maps Are available in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3
   - Kleinhau
   - Le Mesnil-Tôve [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]General [/h2]

• [p]Vehicle Anti-Stuck improvements
  - We are continuing to improve the automated anti stuck feature. [/p]
• [p]Building Collision Improvements
  - Tanks could drive through certain buildings without collisions, this should be fixed[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]HUD/UI [/h2]

• [p]Campaign Selection
  - GER & USA campaign selection menu has been added[/p]
• [p]HUD displays only active objectives[/p]
• [p]Loading screen artwork added[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Sounds [/h2]

• [p]Crew Voice Lines
  - Default Volume increased 25% [/p]
• [p]Tank Brakes
  - Brake sound effects have been added[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Settings [/h2]

• [p]Key binds Reset to default
  - Resetting key binds will only affect the current page, no longer all settings.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Tank Gameplay[/h2]

• [p]Vehicle Collision
  - Tanks should interact better when colliding with objects and each other.[/p]
• [p]Recoil Animations
  - Animations showing recoil have been added to all vehicles (part 2 of our previous update)[/p]
• [p]STUG43 | STUG44 | STUH42 Armor Fix
  - Driver side plate armor value has been increased to proper values
  - Viewing window is still a weak spot[/p]
• [p]STUG43 | STUG44 | STUH 42 Turret fix
  - Previously allowed the tank to be destroyed by destroying the cover plate [/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

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[p][/p][h2]Update V.0.03.00 [/h2][p]You may have noticed we changed our formatting for patches.
Going forward you will see (release version 0=EA).(patch version).(hotfix version)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]General fixes / Changes: [/h2]

• [p]Vehicle Building Destruction changes
    - Tank Weight & Speed now factor into building destruction. (Heavier & Faster tanks will drive through buildings easier than a tank that is lighter or slower)
  - Tanks are properly slowed upon driving into a building.
  - There are further adjustments needed to this but this is the first iteration[/p]
• [p]Anti Stuck Helper 
  - We have added an anti stuck feature that should automatically kick in if the tank belly is stuck on rubble or debris. You do not need to manually active this just try driving backwards if you are stuck on rubble. [/p]
• [p]Announcements / Updates
  - Updates are now shown on the home page when you open the game in the bottom right. [/p]
• [p]Tank Mantlet Fixes
  - Destroyed Mantlet Parts now properly blocks MG fire, previously if it was broken it would allow MG fire to penetrate the tank internal components.    
  [/p][p][/p]

[h2]Skirmish:[/h2]

• [p]3v3 Skirmish is back!
  - 3v3 is re-enabled on skirmish maps. [/p]
• [p]Skirmish Lobby Max Player Fix
  - Prevents lobbies with excess players from starting the match[/p]
• [p]Skirmish Lobbies Public By Default
  - When creating a lobby skirmish lobbies will now default to online
  [/p]

[h2] Audio:  [/h2]

• [p]Crew Barks/Alerts no longer trigger on friendly fire[/p]

• [p]Radio Static on crew voice lines adjusted[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Missions: [/h2]

• [p]Correct tank recommendation is now shown for Hill 285 [/p]
• [p]Captured US Tank will now show German crewman properly on Battle of St. Lô, La Caplainerie  [/p]

[p][/p][h2]Visual: [/h2]

• [p]Camera Shake / Recoil
  - All playable vehicles have been updated to use enhanced camera shake effects for recoil
  - This is in preparation for actual barrel recoil in a future update.[/p]

• [p]Added Lock Turret Hotkey to HUD
  - (Default ALT Key) is now displayed on HUD at start of missions
  [/p]

[h2]Small adjustments: [/h2]

• [p]Adjusted Hedgehog Collision Model
  - Should help prevent tanks from getting stuck on hedgehogs[/p]
• [p]Fixed Tiger's Turret Netting
  - Tiger netting should now bend with gun movement.[/p]
• [p]Building Model Changes[/p][p] - Fixed floating pieces issue for several buildings[/p]

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