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Army General Tutorials and More!

Hello all,

We hope you are well. Let’s get cracking with today’s DevBlog. It will feature an assortment of tidbits about a variety of things, including a sneak peek at Army General tutorials, an update on Destruction mode maps and an Abrams unit model rework.

Let’s get to it.

[h2]Army General Tutorials[/h2]
First things first: Army General. Yes, we know you are all passionately waiting for this major new mode - just hold on a bit longer!

What we can share in today’s DevBlog are more details on the Army General tutorials. Much like the current tutorials in WARNO, the Army General tutorials will be four fully scripted missions.



These missions will cover the first hours of our World War III scenario as it unfolds around the Fulda Gap, much like the game tutorials that are already present. The Army General tutorials will showcase operational strategy as experienced through the eyes of 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment based in Fulda.



Roger Dodger, over and under!
All the tutorials’ dialogues will be translated and dubbed in various languages for easy understanding. The different Army General mechanics will be explained and illustrated in detail, from simple to complex. These include such things as the interface, attacking and defending, formation composition (the pawns), combat and auxiliary battalions, unit fatigue, terrain modifiers, air attacks and interception, encirclement strategy, and so on.



We felt that delivering the Army General in your lap with no explanation might overwhelm players. Army General works on a strategic level, with the new mode combining that with the tactical battles we all know and love by heart. We made an additional effort to make the interface between the two fun and engaging, and while complex, not incomprehensible. Hence the new tutorials!



Now, some delays encountered with Army General have to do with production. Everything needs to be designed, voiced, tested, balanced, and written. Any major update to overall balance or game mechanics along the way have an effect on the mission (and the dialogue), meaning more changes. There is no ill will behind it, just the realities of game development for a small, independent studio.



[h2]An Update on Destruction[/h2]
Leading us to Destruction mode and upcoming maps. During WARNO’s Early Access, we have noted that the Skirmish and Conquest modes have been particularly well-liked by the community. This is why we decided to prioritize the development of this mode, including new map delivery.



However, we understand that many of you eagerly await more Destruction versions of existing maps. And the time has come to refocus our efforts on the swift production and delivery of new Destruction variants of existing maps. So, for all you Destruction fans out there, get ready!

[h2]Abrams Rework[/h2]
The Abrams main battle tank resulted from decades of middling programs by the United States combined with the threat of high-tech armored Soviet doomstacks in East Germany. After the catastrophic failure of the MBT-70 and XM803 programs, with some conceptual wandering through the M60A2 Starship, the United States decided to pull out all the stops and create a new tank “to end all tanks.”



Technology was pushed to the limits of what was possible in the era and used to design a main battle tank with unparalleled mobility, excellent protection, and a cutting-edge fire control system. Room for future modifications and upgrades was built in, allowing the Abrams to really get stronger and stronger with each new iteration.



This takes us to the M1(A0) Abrams, one of the earliest variants of this American main battle tank.

The visual highlights for the uninitiated include the 105mm M68 gun, mantlet peculiarities, and “shorter” turret compared to later variants (the M1IP and M1A1). Furthermore, 105mm-armed M1s had an unusual three-piece blow-out cover over the bustle. Early M1s lacked the turret basket as well. Finally, the sprockets were also different.



Camouflage
Camouflage of U.S. vehicles stationed in Europe entered a tumultuous period in 1989. Tanks could be seen in MERDC Forest Green single-color, MERDC Winter Verdant pattern, or, more popular, three-color CARC camouflage patterns. We opted for Forest Green for the M1(A0).

The historical markings on U.S. tanks were kept relatively simple. Let’s take the following as an example:



As you can see, we are dealing with a vehicle of the 8th Division, 5th Battalion of the 77th Armored Regiment, Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, 3rd tank. Not too tricky, right?

Another marking is the military load classification in Europe. Many quaint and rickety bridges on the old continent do not handle the latest generation of armored vehicles well, not to speak of an entire armored division equipped with heavy tanks rolling over one. NATO implemented the Military Load Classification system to avoid collapsing bridges left and right. Each vehicle had to present its combat weight, but to avoid confusing the average American servicemen, this weight was in imperial short tons. No wonder France almost left NATO in disgust.



[h2]Until next week[/h2]
That’s all for this week’s DevBlog. Let us know what you think.

Join the passionate WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.

See you on the battlefield, commander.

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TENSION Map Preview

Hello commanders,

We hope you are well. On the heels of last week’s map-centric GOUVION milestone, we bring a fresh sneak preview of a new battlefield coming to WARNO: the 2vs2 TENSION.

Keep reading to find out more!

[h2]Urban Warfare Continued[/h2]
Let’s introduce our latest creation: TENSION, the second of three new urban maps (the previous being TEUFELSMOOR, read more about it here). This new series of built-up environments will all launch before WARNO’s official release out of Early Access.



So, what’s the deal with TENSION, and what sets it apart from TEUFELSMOOR, for instance? As its predecessor shows a relatively intact city, TENSION does the opposite, plunging you head-first into a metropolis ravaged by days of intense and devastating modern conflict. The atmosphere of fierce combat should be felt in every corner of the map; we were gunning for an unprecedented immersive experience with this one!



TENSION is designed for 2vs2 battles, but we want to accommodate the map for more players. We are also working on a 1vs1 version!

The layout of TENSION has been created to offer different strategies and tactics compared to TEUFELSMOOR. We have accommodated the map to both infantry combat and mechanized combined arms fights, with lots of variety and challenge - even for seasoned veterans.



[h2]A New Immersive Experience[/h2]
With TENSION, we wanted to increase the danger of sneak attacks through a ruined city. This means when fighting on this map, you should constantly look out for ambushes as you navigate the devastated streets and ruins.

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Furthermore, to really pimp up the new urban environment, we introduced updated smoke effects (FX) and ground textures, as well as a host of new ruined buildings (who doesn’t want to have more ruins?).



Let us know what you think. TENSION is slowly making its way to WARNO, but we are keen to hear your thoughts!



[h2]Until next week[/h2]
That’s all for this week’s DevBlog. And yes, before you ask, we always check and listen to all of your suggestions. There is no need to complain or spam, though. We have a clear vision for WARNO in both Early Access and the official launch. We are taking the time to get it right. We know how we want it to look, play, the authenticity and levels of realism, and most of all, how much fun it should be (lots!). All feedback is taken on board, but not all ideas will be applicable or work. Keep it calm, cool, and collected, commanders!

Furthermore, we are still on track with Army General (as a matter of fact, very busy developing it). Patience is a virtue, and we hope to share more news with you soon!



Join the passionate WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.

See you on the battlefield.

v.110048: GOUVION Patch notes

[h3]Maps[/h3]
  • New map available : TEUFESMOOR
  • A new 10vs10 variant of VOLCANO destruction mode
[h3]Code fixes[/h3]
  • Improved AI planes selection for an attack, depending on the threat
  • Added some randomness for target selection in districts, no more meatshields
  • Fixed some bombs damage in districts
  • Fixed an issue with splash damage being applied at max value in district
[h3]Data fixes[/h3]
  • Fixed an issue preventing us so far to give CHAPARRAL its proper number of salvos (see below). IRL, the vehicle stored spare missiles under the platform's deck. The issue has been circumvented, but now missiles will remained displayed even after being fired, until the last salvo which will displayed the missing ones correctly.
  • Increased CHAPARRAL's number of salvo from 1 to 3 (hence missile loadout from 4 to 12).
  • Decreased CHAPPARAL's range from 3175/3700m to 2825/3525m
  • Standardized prices in AGL / RCL jeeps prices at 40 pts. (then, +5 pts per trait)
[h3]Nato forces[/h3]
  • Fixed an issue with FV 721 FOX being unable to fire its MG when the Autocanon was deactivated
[h3]Pact forces[/h3]
  • Fixed BMD-2's MGs & Missile ammo
  • Fixed URAL 4320 (transport) lacking fuel capacity and autonomy
  • Fixed command BTR-80 and SAXON's optics to normal, on par with their counterparts
  • BMD-1P & BMD-2 now use its chassis PKT, damage dealt accordingly (coaxial PKT will be add later)

Milestone GOUVION Out Now!

Hello commanders,

Get ready! A new milestone to WARNO has just dropped. Let’s look at the map-centric GOUVION update.

GOUVION will not only bring a new map - TEUFELSMOOR - but also a new 10vs10 variant of VOLCANO map.

Let’s go!

[h2]GOUVION’s Historical Namesake[/h2]
All right, you know the drill. If you don’t want a brief military history lesson on the milestone’s historical namesake, please skip ahead. If, like Eugen, you love your Napoleonic Wars, please keep reading.

This milestone’s military leader is Gouvion Saint-Cyr, known to be equal parts brilliant and an asshole. He was one of Napoleon’s best marshals, a good strategist (more so than some of his colleagues) and a master tactician with a particular eye for defensive operations. With a tough childhood, Gouvion grew up a lonely and taciturn man, but talented in many other, artistic, aspects, including drawing & playing the violin.
Joining the army first as a volunteer in 1792, his talents assured his meteoritic rise, becoming général de division as early as 1794.



A Difficult Man Gouvion distinguished himself campaigning in Germany and Italy, but his difficult reputation travelled with him. As a stoic Republican, he was opposed to Napoleon for many years. As such, he was confined to secondary theaters. While being a corps commander (one of the few in such position not being a marshal) during the invasion of Russia, he gained command of an independent army after Oudinot was wounded. He rallied his failing formation and counter-attacked the next day, soundly beating the Russians. When Napoléon learned that, he had no choice but to grant him the marshal's baton which had so long evaded him.

His continued success on the battlefield included a brilliant delaying action against the main Coalition army in 1813 near Dresden. With no love lost between Napoleon and Gouvion, our commander welcomed the return of the monarchy and so sided with King Louis XVIII during the Hundred Days campaign. This netted him the post of Minister of War, in which, without remorse, he took down former colleagues and followers of Napoleon.



Gouvion is also known for the Loi Gouvion Saint-Cyr, which organized French mandatory conscription from 1818 to 1872. This would serve as a basis for all future laws until President Jacques Chirac abolished military service in 1990.

[h2]Milestone GOUVION[/h2]
So, what can you expect from milestone GOUVION? This one is short and sweet, focused squarely on getting more battlefields in your hands.


  • A new map, 2vs2 TEUFELSMOOR.
  • A new 10vs10 variant of VOLCANO.


TEUFELSMOOR TEUFELSMOOR is the new battlefield focusing on urban warfare, playable in 2vs2.



You can read more about the new TEUFELSMOOR map in this dedicated DevBlog.

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Note that TEUFELSMOOR will be the first in a new series of urban maps planned to be released before the official launch of WARNO out of Early Access. More details on the next two maps will come in the near future ... but you can have a teaser below!



[h2]Army General Units Tease[/h2]
With the GOUVION milestone out of the way, here's a little tease of what’s coming.

As you might know, some units or variants of units will only be available in Army General. We realized we could move some of these originally Army General specific units to our Divisions. In certain cases, enough could be gathered to shine in brand-new battlegroups (looking at you, U.S. 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the Soviet 27-ya Gv. Motostrelk. Div.).

We can lift the tip of the veil on some Army General units that will remain in our soon-to-be mode. For instance, in the upcoming BRUDERKRIEG campaign, the East-German 4. Mot.-Schützen-Division can be supported in the air by strike MiG-23BN with load-outs and models you haven’t seen so far.



For example, some major guest stars in one of our Army General campaigns will be the appearance of a nation only briefly featured in a current Division.



You’ll discover plenty of Army General units, including updated models and other polishing. Not long now!

[h2]Until next week[/h2]
That’s all for milestone GOUVION! Let us know what you think.

Join the passionate WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.

As always, see you on the battlefield, commander!

A Variety of Updates

Hello, hello!

We hope you are well. We have a bunch of smaller updates cooking in Eugen’s kitchen.

In today’s DevBlog, let’s look at several of these improvements coming WARNO’s way!

[h2]Veterancy Rework[/h2] Veterancy is what we call the experience level of units. We currently feature GREEN, TRAINED, VETERAN, and ELITE units. Higher experience levels decrease aiming time, for instance, improving a unit’s ability to withstand suppression. This is going to change a bit for some units (see Updated Experience System further below).

But first: our aim is to improve the Veterancy system in WARNO to better reflect the distribution of experience levels among divisions. Better said: we want to better emphasize the nuanced differences in the four existing Veterancy levels.



Our objective is to make ELITE units rarer, but give them a real edge in-game. To make this work, we will update how the Veterancy system works, including how many units you can find at each experience level.

Interestingly enough, GREEN units are relatively rare. They monopolize a specific Veterancy level just for them (“second-rate” units, reservists, etc.), which doesn’t really fit our vision. That’s why we will introduce a new Militia trait to characterize these in-experienced units better.



This means that all of WARNO’s units will have their experience distributed between GREEN and VETERAN. Only a select few specialized units will be deployable with the highest Veterancy level, ELITE.

A particular advantage of making this highest Veterancy level even rarer is to increase the value of Command units. They will be much more relevant as they will boost more VETERAN units to ELITE status.

[h2]Updated Experience System For Specific Units[/h2]
We are tinkering a bit more with how experience works. We are keeping the current Veterancy system in place but will update it for a specific set of units. Some unit categories will remain the same: infantry, tanks, recon, AA, and helicopters.



Airplanes, logistics, and artillery units will be updated on how experience influences their performance. The revised experience system underpinning these unit types will better reflect their specific capabilities. For instance, the new Veterancy levels for Command units lets them take control of Command Zones faster or, with logistical supply units, increase the rate at which they can repair or resupply. Their area of effect will also be improved.
In the case of artillery units, the updated Veterancy bonus will reduce a unit’s aim and reloading times.
For planes, they will gain improved flight abilities with the updated Veterancy system.

[h2]New Traits[/h2]
We have been developing two new Traits. They should come to WARNO soon.

JAMMER
This Trait will affect enemy radar recon, drastically reducing their efficiency within the area of effect. Any unit with Excellent optics being jammed will see its optics degraded.



This Trait will be sported by dedicated recon helicopters, such as the American EH-60A QUICK FIX II and Soviet Mi-8 PPA. These new units will be introduced into WARNO as soon as their in-game models are finished!



FALSE FLAG
This will be a rare Trait. It will cover units fighting without uniforms or (even worse) fighting using enemy uniforms (“illegally” according to laws of war) in covert operations. In case of capture, this means a direct ticket to the firing squad. Think of Skorzeny’s Operation Greif during the Battle of the Bulge.



In WARNO, this new Trait will lower a unit’s “menace level.” This means that enemy units will target a unit featuring the False Flag trait last if found within a group of units. This represents the confusion on the battlefield induced by friendly “ruse” or neutral uniforms.

The False Flag trait will be granted to both East German “false flag” paratroopers (Fs-EINSATZGRUPPE and Fs-SPRENGTAUCHER) dressed in American uniforms. The American PSSE-B special forces (from Berlin Command), which operated in civilian clothes, will also get this Trait. Plus, this unit will also gain brand-new civilian models! And we have made them as German 80's vibes as possible!



[h2]New Models[/h2]
Talking about new models, next to the new civilian models, our 3D modeling team has also delivered brand-new models for the Soviet T-80BK and T-80BVK command variants of the T-80B and T-80BV series.



[h2]Until next week[/h2]
Our first Army General campaign, BRUDERKRIEG, is being tested by the Strike Team with positive initial feedback. We’ll keep you updated!

That’s it for this week!

Join the passionate WARNO community. Check the latest news on the Steam News page or visit the Steam Forums. Get together with other players on either the excellent Discord server, Reddit page, YouTube or our Instagram.

As always, see you on the battlefield, commander!