Isonzo News

[p]November is here (what even is time?) and the Movember 'Handlebar' DLC is available once again! Many of you have requested the return of this magnificent moustache, so here it is once again.[/p][h3]The Movember Handlebar DLC is available for purchase until January 5th, 2026. Proceeds will be donated to the not-for-profit Movember Organization.[/h3][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]The Handlebar Moustache remains accessible in game after January 5th once bought. It's only available on Steam.[/p][p][/p][h2]Spot the Handlebar, win a prize![/h2][p]See someone in Isonzo rocking the Handlebar Moustache? Snag a picture and send it through on Discord for a chance to win some limited-edition merch! Do be sure to keep the lad alive for the picture.*[/p][p]*We are not responsible for what may or may not happen after the picture is taken.[/p][p][/p][h3]How to participate[/h3]

1. [p]Hop on Isonzo.[/p]
2. [p]Keep an eye out for anyone (that isn't yourself) with the Handlebar Moustache. He may be friend, or foe.[/p]
3. [p]Take a screenshot of his pretty Handlebar Moustache-adorned mug! [/p]
4. [p]Submit the screenshot in the dedicated channel on our Discord Server.[/p]

[p]It doesn't matter how the screenshot is taken. You could of course walk up to him and ask if you can take a picture. You could also take a picture without him noticing, maybe even from far away through your binoculars! However, he must be alive in the picture.[/p][p]Are you the proud owner of the Handlebar Moustache yourself? Be sure to equip it! We'll leave it up to you to decide how to deal with the paparazzi. You're of course allowed to join the contest yourself, but you'll need to find someone else with the moustache.[/p][p]The submissions deadline is Monday, November 17th.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]What's on offer[/h3][p]We're giving away 3 sets of limited-edition WW1 Game Series Anniversary Pins (each including Verdun, Tannenberg & Isonzo) and 6 custom-made Jam tin Grenades filled not with explosives, but with mints! Winners will be randomly selected from the valid submissions in the dedicated Discord channel.[/p][p]Currently, we're only able to ship within Europe. If you're from outside of Europe, you can still participate in the contest if you'd like to send the prize to a European friend. Do make sure you have permission from that friend to send us their address![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Movember Organization[/h2][p] [/p][p]Mental stress plays a big factor in war. Being able to kill on command, keep charging under artillery fire and live under inhuman circumstances all take a serious toll on one's mind. Many of the soldiers lucky enough to make it home alive would bring the war with them as PTSD or shell shock.[/p][p]Even though WW1 isn't even remotely close to being the first war, it is the first time post-war trauma was formally recognized by doctors and society. And even that faced skepticism, as many simply assumed soldiers were faking it to not be sent back to the front lines.[/p][p]We understand a lot more about mental health and healthcare in general now, but stigmas remain. Many choose to avoid healthcare, either because it'll blow over, it can't be that bad, or they're expected to be a man and bottle it all up. This is where the Movember Organization comes in![/p][p][/p]

[p]Movember continues to shake up men’s health research, and transform the way that health services reach and support men, taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention with unwavering determination.

They have raised millions for men’s health, thanks to a passionate network of global Movember supporters. These critical funds have delivered more than 1,320 men’s health projects around the world. Funding hundreds of biomedical research projects and developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries in the world, based on the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of men. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has emphasised the importance of better social connections, early recognition of what men’s poor mental health looks like, and how clinicians can better respond to men in distress. They want to make sure more men know what to do when mental health issues appear, and that their supporters are better prepared to step in when they need it.

Movember will continue championing new research, cutting-edge treatments and healthy behaviours. Advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare systems that are tailored to the unique needs of men, women and LGBTQI+ people, from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. In doing so, Movember hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long healthy life. By improving men's health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society. Because healthier men mean a healthier world.

This moustache is a symbol of solidarity, plus it’s hard not to respect someone sporting such an impressive upper lip accessory. We hope the moustache adds a little bit of fun, whilst doing good![/p][p]- Daniel Cooper, Global Innovation Director at Movember[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p] [/p][p]Last year, we ended up raising €2,849.53 for the Movember Organization through the DLC here on Steam. This year, we're again donating all proceeds on the Movember Handlebar DLC to the organization. Support the cause![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]Today we’re exploring another map coming to Gallipoli, and the map that probably comes to mind first when you think of ‘Gallipoli’: Anzac Cove.[/p][p][/p][h2]Landing at Anzac Cove[/h2][p]Following the failure to force a naval passage through the Dardanelles Straits in March 1915, the Entente allies decided that they would need to change their strategy. If they were to achieve their goal of capturing Constantinople and knocking the Ottoman Empire out of the war, they needed to land infantry on the Gallipoli peninsula to capture or destroy the Ottoman fortresses that guarded the straits. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Landing at Anzac Cove, source: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C53771[/p][p][/p][p]In the early hours of the 25th April 1915 soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) approached the shore. They were aiming to land on Z Beach but had drifted a mile further north. Their plan was to take the beaches and then move on to capture various key ridges beyond. The Ottoman defenders detected their approach whilst the boats were still offshore and opened fire. The attack was on. Upon reaching the beach, the Australian soldiers fought uphill to capture their first objective: Plugge’s Plateau. However, the landscape beyond proved hugely difficult to traverse. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Steep hills of Anzac Cove, source: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1000859[/p][p][/p][p]The defending Ottomans were hard-pressed. Whilst awaiting reinforcements, the commanding officer, Mustafa Kemal (later Kemal Atatürk, founding father of modern day Turkïye) issued his famous ‘I order you to die’ command to his men as he launched counter attacks. The Anzacs struggled to hold out against determined Ottoman attempts to force them back to the beaches. Their commanders decided to abandon the plan of capturing further ridges and instead dig in at Russell’s Top and hold the little territory they had gained. They would not progress much further for the rest of the campaign.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Mustafa Kemal (Kemal Atatürk, fourth from the left), source: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C196601[/p][p][/p][h2]Anzac Cove in Gallipoli[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Steep hills, sharp ridges and enough shrubberies to make someone shout “Ni!” characterize Anzac Cove. There’s not much in terms of visual cover when you’re running around, but you can make use of plant cover if you lay down in the right spots. As for the battle itself, well, it starts off with a grand entry of the British Empire… by boat.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The battle starts with the British forces divided across multiple boats. Soldiers will then row you towards the beach. In the meantime, you can focus on providing covering fire with your weapon of choice. This continues until the first sector is captured, halfway up Plugge’s Plateau.[/p][p]On the Ottoman side, you’re sitting relatively comfortably at the objectives. While the British forces are splashing about, they’re a sitting duck with a complete lack of cover. These early stages of the battle are the best time for the Ottomans to really hack away at the attackers’ momentum. Be sure to bring some rifles![/p][p]The objectives themselves provide plenty of cover, but more worryingly perhaps, Krupp 75mm and HMG positions that can be used to send the attackers on a quick one-way trip to the bottom of the Aegean Sea.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]It’s an uphill battle for the British forces, both literally and figuratively. Once the first sector is captured however, they’ll be able to use it as their forward base and continue over Plugge’s Plateau and head for the Sphinx.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]After running down the other side of Plugge’s Plateau, the climb back up begins. Along the ridge sits one of the two objectives, one that doesn’t have much in the way of cover. Aside from some sandbags and the odd shrubbery, this steep objective is sure to get chaotic. [/p][p]The other objective sits right on the shoulders of the Sphinx – or Yuksek Tepe amongst the Ottomans, an eye-catching geographical outcrop – and is likely easier to defend. Not only does it feature an underground cabin, some shooting nests, and plenty of foliage, it’s also one of the highest points on the map. You can spot people all the way back on Plugge’s Plateau, and even the beach in some places.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Running towards the third sector at Russell’s Top, the terrain evens out a bit. On the attackers’ left side, it’s only a slight incline. The right side sits lower, but leads to the same objective at the very end.[/p][p]The final Headquarters is a series of trenches complete with tunnels, shooting nests and a nice view. Everything you need for a final Ottoman stand![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Arsenal[/h2][p]Let’s have a look at two more weapons commonly used on the Ottoman Front! This time, two standard issue sidearms you would’ve seen during the Landing at Anzac Cove.[/p][p][/p][h3]Webley Mk.VI[/h3][p]The Webley Revolvers are a series of top-break revolvers adopted in 1887, where it became the standard issue service revolver of the British Empire. It fires the .455 Webley cartridge, making it amongst the most powerful revolvers of its type. [/p][p]Compared to its prior models, the Mark VI had its barrel extended from 100mm to 150mm for better effectiveness at range – though its typical engagement range was quite short.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]FN M1903[/h3][p]The FN M1903 is a Browning-design semi-automatic pistol firing the 9mm Browning Long cartridge, comparable to the 9x19mm Parabellum of the German Luger. The design was popular for its ease of use, reliability and accuracy.[/p][p]8,000 FN M1903 pistols were ordered by the Ottoman Empire for police use prior to WW1, but ended up in the hands of Officers and specialized units during the war. More were produced for the Ottomans after the FN factory was captured by the Germans. [/p][p]It is one of many famous foreign-made semi-automatic pistols fielded by the Ottoman army.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Got all that? Great. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Ctesiphon blog as well to learn more about the battles in Mesopotamia and the ancient Arch of Ctesiphon. You can expect more information from us again soon, so be sure to add Gallipoli to your wishlist![/p]

[p]We released a small patch fixing the Unity vulnerability issue, CVE-2025-59489.[/p]

• [p]Unity Editor update to 2022.3.67f2,[/p]
• [p]Security patch[/p]

[p]Download is expected to be around 900 MB.[/p]

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]Now that you have an idea how the Expedition game mode works, it’s time to explore one of the maps of Gallipoli: Ctesiphon! We’ll also be taking a look at two of your standard rifle options. But first, let’s dive into the Battle of Ctesiphon![/p][p][/p][h2]Battle of Ctesiphon[/h2][p]British forces landed in Mesopotamia in November 1914 to capture the valuable port of Basra and secure ongoing access to the oil fields. The following year, having been reinforced, Major-General Charles Townshend commanding the 6th (Poona) Indian Division resolved to march inland, following the River Tigris. Having captured the city of Kut Al Amra in September 1915, Baghdad now seemed to lay within reach. However, Townshend’s supply lines were becoming stretched and his single division was a long way into Ottoman territory.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]© National Portrait Gallery, London, NPG x81092, [/p][p]https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/use-this-image.php?mkey=mw73623[/p][p][/p][p]Despite this, Townshend was determined to push on. It was whilst moving towards Baghdad that his forces encountered a well-prepared Ottoman defensive position in the ruins of the ancient city of Ctesiphon on 21st November 1915. A strong defensive redoubt, known as the Vital Point secured one flank of the Ottoman line. Capturing this became Townshend’s prime objective and he ordered a dawn attack to begin on the 22nd November. However, although attacking forces – heavily composed of Indian and Gurkha soldiers – were able to seize part of the front line, they could not break through. Furthermore, the battlefield was proving to be deceptive – the Ottomans were able to flood various hidden irrigation ditches to make reaching the trenches much more difficult. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Source[/p][p][/p][p]Casualties at the end of the first day were heavy and after trading attacks and counter-attacks on the 23rd, both the British and Ottoman forces were nearly at breaking point. The Ottoman general in command – Nureddin Pasha – decided to withdraw his forces rather than risk them being overrun. However, upon realising that the British were also retreating, he changed his mind and took up the pursuit. The remnants of Townshend’s forces retreated back to the city of Kut where they were soon besieged.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Ctesiphon in Gallipoli[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Ctesiphon is an open map set on the ruins of the ancient city of its namesake. The Arch of Ctesiphon, or Tāq Kasrā, is most of what remains to this day, close to the current course of the river Tigris. It has three sectors to control, with a Headquarters each and an Optional Objective for the first two. Be sure to check out the Game Mode blog if you haven’t already![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]The first sector features a small section of the wall that once protected the ancient city of Ctesiphon. It doesn’t stand as tall as it once did, but still provides great cover to whoever’s dug in here. The other objective is the Vital Point and allows you to spot anyone who dares go over the top.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Sector 2 has you battle under the Arch of Ctesiphon itself. It provides great cover to those who control the objective and funnels the engagement into a few chokepoints. The other side of the sector sits on top of the Gurkha Mound, providing a view over most of Ctesiphon.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The third sector sits right by the banks of the Tigris. Sand makes way for more fertile soil and crops as we close in on the final Headquarters objective. This large HQ is a series of supply and artillery pits, split in two by an offshoot of the river.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As the battle progresses, a sandstorm rolls in and changes the battlefield completely. Not only does the sand get everywhere, it also decreases your vision to just a couple meters ahead of you.[/p][p]It’s not all bad news though, as limited vision also brings new opportunities. No man’s land is now a lot less dangerous than before, so a lot more engagements will take place on and around the objectives. Maybe ditch your sniper rifle for something with a little less magnification.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Arsenal[/h2][p]Now, if you’re heading to the front, you’re going to need something to fight with. Let’s take a look at two staples of the British and Ottoman armies![/p][p][/p][h3]Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk.III[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Commonly known as the SMLE Mk.III, or “Smelly”, this is the quintessential Lee-Enfield rifle used by forces of the British Empire on the Ottoman Front. Over 5 million SMLE Mk.III rifles and variants thereof were produced during WW1.[/p][p]The SMLE Mk.III has a 10-round box magazine to be loaded with two 5-round charger clips. It comes equipped with a rear sight arrangement, fixed charger guide, a magazine cut-off system and a handy field cleaning kit stored in the buttstock. Got to keep it in mint condition![/p][p][/p][h3]Mauser 1903[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Mauser 1903, or Ottoman Mauser, is a Gewehr 98 modified for use by the Ottoman Army, produced in Germany. The bolt arm had been curved to block the stripper clip when inserting rounds, the receiver, cocking cam and firing pin were made larger and longer and the rifle could be fitted with older Ottoman bayonets, to name a few of the changes made.[/p][p]Around 200,000 rifles were received by the Ottomans by 1905 and distributed across the empire, remaining in Turkish service until the 60s. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s it for today! Hope you like this first (proper) look at Ctesiphon and two of the weapons coming to Gallipoli. Stay tuned for more information coming soon, and please double check if Gallipoli is on your wishlist![/p]

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]We know you’ve been eagerly waiting for more information about Gallipoli, and here it is! Today, we’ll walk you through the game mode of Gallipoli: Expedition.[/p][p]With the war spread over huge distances, combatant nations moved their troops in expeditionary forces by sea and rail to fight on new fronts. These forces were specialized in mobility and self-sustainability, capable of heading deep into enemy territory and taking key positions. [/p][p]The Expedition Game Mode seeks to reflect the faster-paced combat, rewarding attackers who adapt on the fly and book results efficiently.[/p][p]We would like to preface this blog with a disclaimer: everything mentioned and shown is work in progress and subject to change![/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Introducing: Expedition[/h2][p]A battlefield is split into several sectors, laid out horizontally between the attacker and defender spawn points. Each sector has two objectives to control in order to take it. Sectors need to be taken in order towards the defenders’ spawn area. [/p][p]The defenders, of course, need to give everything in order to stop any of this from happening. If the attackers manage to capture every sector with the time and resources they have, they win. Otherwise, the defenders claim victory.[/p][p]So far, those of you who’ve played Isonzo may think all this sounds a little familiar. Don’t worry: this is where all the differences come in.[/p][p][/p][h2]Momentum[/h2][p]While capturing objectives and pushing towards the next sector, the attackers have to manage their Momentum. In essence, this resource represents how well the Expedition is proceeding. The attack starts with 100 Momentum, one of which is lost whenever an attacking soldier perishes. In the simplest terms, 1 Momentum = 1 attacker life.[/p][p]Of course, you’re not expected to complete every single objective with just 100 men. There’s a multitude of ways to regain your Momentum. [/p]

• [p]Kill Threshold: A portion of Momentum is regained once 50 defenders are taken out. The amount regained depends on how long it took to reach this threshold.[/p]
• [p]Capture an objective: A small amount of Momentum is regained when an objective is captured for the first time.[/p]
• [p]Secure an objective: A large amount of Momentum is regained when an objective is secured.[/p]

[p]Defenders don’t have Momentum. Instead, it’s their goal to either drain the attackers’ Momentum by killing them without taking casualties, or holding on to their Headquarters by any means necessary.[/p][p][/p][h2]Objectives[/h2][p]Both teams can capture an objective. Once captured, the objective will be supplied with static weapons to aid the defense. However, that’s not the end: the other team can recapture the objective if not secured![/p][p][/p][h3]Objective types[/h3][p]Each sector has two objectives: the Headquarters and a Support Objective.[/p][p]The Headquarters is the primary objective you need to secure in order to advance. Securing is something only the attackers can do after capturing the objective. Once secured, it can never be recaptured by the defenders, and the attackers may proceed to the next sector.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Support Objective is different. This objective isn’t required to advance, but the attackers can target the Support Objective to regain Momentum if running low. Additionally, it acts as a forward spawn point for the team that controls it and it’s equipped with mortars, as well as a field gun, to support the battle for the Headquarters. Since it cannot be secured, the enemy can always try to recapture it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Randomized Objectives[/h3][p]No two battles are the same; not in history, not in Gallipoli either. The spawn location of the Headquarters is randomly picked between two possible locations per sector. The Support Objective will be at the other of the two locations.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]But wait, there’s more! The Headquarters also has two types it will randomly select: Build to secure and Detonate to secure.[/p][p]Build to secure requires you to build 3 buildable structures on the objective, randomly placed in 5 possible locations. Multiple people can work on a single structure at a time to speed up progress, but you’ll also want some people to deal with the enemy! Build progress is never lost, not even when the objective changes hands. Finish building to secure![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Can't see the gif? Click here![/p][p][/p][p]Detonate to secure may be a bit more familiar: plant a bomb on the objective in order to destroy it. Once destroyed, it’s secured. However, the defenders can disarm the bomb at any time![/p][p]With 11 different possible layouts per Headquarters, 2 layouts per sector and up to 5 sectors per map, this means that a large map can have up to 5,153,632 different layouts! However, you’ll only get to see what the layout of the next sector is once you secure the preceding sector.
[/p][h3]Foothold[/h3][p]Not overloaded with information yet? Good, because here’s Foothold.[/p][p]Foothold is an overtime system that triggers upon Momentum reaching 0. Foothold counts down unless the attackers are contesting an objective that can still give them Momentum.[/p][p]Any actions that would normally give Momentum now extends Foothold instead. However, there’s no way to remove Foothold; once in effect, it will remain until the end of the battle.[/p][p]As long as they have allies fighting on the Headquarters objective or keep extending the timer, attackers can still defeat the defenders. It is even possible for the attackers to activate Foothold in the first sector and still win the battle – if they lock in.[/p][p]If Foothold reaches 0 and none of the attackers reach an objective within 3 seconds, the battle ends in favor of the defenders![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That sure is a whole lot of information, so here’s your TL;DR:[/p]

• [p]Attackers need to be fast and efficient to maintain their Momentum while securing objectives.[/p]
• [p]Defenders need to dig in and stop the attackers in their path by wasting their Momentum.[/p]
• [p]Capturing Headquarters is required to proceed, Support Objectives give more Momentum, weapons and a spawn point. Objectives are randomized per sector.[/p]
• [p]Foothold is a last ditch effort for the attackers after they run out of Momentum.[/p]

[p]Hope you enjoyed that first look into the Expedition game mode! We’re ramping up our communication, so expect a lot more information to follow in the upcoming months. See you next time![/p]