WWII Online News

From XOOM, CEO/President of Playnet, Inc/Cornered Rat Software

We have some minor updates incoming to Campaign 199 which is part of a broader plan to help re-infuse the strategic component of WWII Online (we will provide more details on that before the new year).

Here are some important things you need to know that this article covers:

1. Outlines the changes planned for Campaign 199.
   
2. Community pre-Campaign chat planned for Thursday, November 16th 2023 at 5PM PST (7PM Central, 8PM Eastern).
   
3. Campaign 199 starts Friday, November 17th 2023 at 5PM PST (7PM Central, 8PM Eastern).
   

Please continue reading to learn more about those upcoming changes. We look forward to a strong Campaign and hope you will make an active effort to encourage players to come back as we prepare for a grand 200 campaigns of WWII Online, following this one!

CHANGES PLANNED FOR CAMPAIGN 199 from Tom "TMAN" Martin, Assistant Game Manager

We are making some changes in early-tier armor equipment in response to the continuing issue of too many UK front-line towns (due to manual garrison changes), to adjust for our longer Tiers, and to move us toward a reduction of garrison supply to make it more defensive and not a lot of attack power on its own. Over the next 60 days, and at the start of a new campaign, we will reduce the overall garrison supply. To offset this, we will be beefing up our infantry and armor moveable brigade supply and adding a 4th moveable division to each side. The addition of the 4th division and the need to use these brigades for attacks or for defense will return some of the strategic level back to the game and directly to the high commands.

As always, our changes are not set in stone and we will monitor our changes over the next campaigns to see how it affects gameplay.

To get more into the specifics, we will see the following changes:

• Matilda Mk II, Char1B and Stug III B supply in Garrisons and Infantry Brigades will be reduced.
  
• Matilda, Char1B and Stug III B supply in Armored Brigades will slightly increase.
  
• The Sdkfz 251/10-B 37mm SPAT will be added to Tier 0 in limited supply.
  
• This is the 251 with the Pak36 mounted on top, and falls in line with the historic timeline.
  
• Panzerjager1 and Pak36 supply will slightly decrease in all of #2's implementation areas.
  

***MASTER SUPPLY SHEET FOR CAMPAIGN LOCATED HERE (GOOGLE SHEET)***
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d1yk9b-VOv2joPfl1XQUykrr6myJE10ShSu-7KRRkO8/edit#gid=0


We are committed to making zero modeling changes to the overall effectiveness of the Heavy tanks, they are in a class of their own and their fighting effectiveness will be preserved, this is simply a supply-related issue/solution. We consulted your Commander-in-Chief's on both sides related to these changes before action was taken. Consensus on both sides is clear and this is a logical step to take as we prepare for the next major phases of making moveable brigades more powerful and garrisons defensive forces. Stay tuned for more on this announcement of the total plan.

Note: CRS is currently evaluating why the Matilda Mk II cannot be sapped while in motion as mentioned in the player bug tracker.

COMMUNITY PRE-CAMPAIGN 199 CHAT

Located in "Xoom's Office" in Discord, I will invite members of the community to join me and other CRS / HC leadership to discuss these changes and help answer any specific questions. This will take place at 5PM PST tomorrow, Thursday, November 16th 2023.

Join our Discord server at https://discord.gg/wwiionline (Discord event invitation: https://discord.com/events/109711380180926464/1174491032205938758)


CAMPAIGN 199 START INFO

Campaign 199 will start close 5PM PST (Server Time), 7PM Central, 8PM Eastern, on this Friday November 17th 2023.

Please pass the word and get your fellow community members prepared and ready for an awesome fight ahead!

Our next all-access weekend begins on Friday, 24th of November, and progresses through the entire weekend and culminates with OPERATION TURDUCKEN. Specific details below!

OPERATION: Turducken
WHEN: November 26th at 12PM Server Time / GMT-8
WHERE: Campaign Server for large-scale combined arms battles
DURATION: 3 hours
UNLOCKS: All-Access Weekend

Join us to participate and witness:
• Ground units assaulting across the newest PPO – the Bailey Bridge & Pontoon Bridges
• Dogfights and level bombers dropping payloads
• Massed infantry assaults (maybe an amphibious assault?)
• Tank columns storming through expansive terrain
• Scores of paratroopers dropping over the objective
• Artillery bombardment and smoke

All of the above are accompanied by the "soundtrack" of WWII Online's gunners firing anti-aircraft, light machine guns, and the whistling of artillery. Experience YOUR immersive "WWII Online Moment."

Every soldier is requested to RSVP right away. Doing so encourages more players to participate. Spread the word, let's go! Here is the Discord link to the event . . . https://discord.gg/wwiionline

See you at the Front!

New to the game? Finding the steep learning curve a drag? Veteran players killing you over and over again? Join us on the Training Server as we will get you sorted. Online PvP Combat is brutal so let's get you trained up and shipped off to the front with some knowledge!

You heard it right, this weekend Trainers will be available in the Training Server. The idea is to show you how to navigate the nuances in game and have a little bit of fun.

When you either want to Defend a Town or get on the Attack we are here for you.

Before the event confirm these things:

• Can you access the Training Server
  
• Is your In-game voice communications (IVC) working
  

Got questions?

• You can direct them to the Discord "training-request" channel where we will be glad to answer them.
  

Discord WWII Online - https://discord.gg/wwiionline

Register for the Training Event here - https://discord.gg/wwiionline?event=1171462306958413889


COMMON QUESTIONS

• Not sure how to find battles
  
• how to navigate the clunky User InterfaceI
  
• WWII Online terminology (EI, ET, FB, CP, AB, and more!)
  
• Comms: text & voice
  
• How to make a contact report
  
• The .j command is life-changing
  

This video is EXCELLENT in giving you some quick information that will be helpful during the Training Event.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]










We look forward to seeing you there!

Eddie05
WWII Online Training Corps

Happy Halloween WWII Online Community! Introducing Version 1.37.5.0 which has been released today! It brings in the New HIGGINS BOAT which changes Naval invasions forever, by ferrying troops across the shore and deploying a Higgins Mobile Spawn (PPO) along enemy shorelines. It also includes a new Bailey Bridge and Pontoon Bridge to move vehicles and infantrymen across the water. We have new roadmap deliveries by creating new models for Unreal Engine, usable for WWII Online 1.0 (a couple of light guns). Brand new KILLER sounds for the Spitfire and BF-109/FW-190. Several new towns, props, and bug fixes. Have a read inside for more, thanks for your continued support!

World War II Online
Version 1.37.5.0 - November 2023
Introducing the Higgins Boat, manned by the Navy (from deep water ports) to move troops for more accessible Naval invasions! We've also provided new deployable bailey bridges to give engineers and battlefield commanders to change the landscape of battles.

We've also greatly improved sounds for some aircraft, added more props/PPOs and tons of bug fixes. Finally this update includes several roadmap deliveries aimed at improving our visual upgrades as we work toward the future of WWII Online.

Features:

• Added Aomercy and Mikeaz to the Fallen Soldier Memorial
  
• Updated 3D models and textures (Roadmap Deliveries):
  
• CA mle 1938 AA Gun
  
• ROQF 6 Pounder AT Gun
  
• The Laffly S20 SPAA and Bedford OY SPAA have had their 3D guns updated
  
• Higgins Boats (LCVP) have been added which can deploy Higgins boat Mobile Spawn PPO
  
• Higgins Boat Mobile Spawn PPO can also be deployed from Freighters
  
• Depots have been added to deep water ports to allow for deployment of Higgins boats
  
• Bailey Bridges have been added as new PPOs, deployed by infantry
  
• A new podium PPO has been added to some infantry classes
  
• Bombers that have manually operated bombay doors now have a Bomb Doors status added to their info HUD
  
• Some airfields have had the trees removed from the end of runways
  
• RDP factory buildings have been updated
  

Added new props:

• River barge
  
• Citroen car
  
• Tractor
  
• Outhouse
  

New first and 3rd person engine audio updated for:

• Spitfire MkIX
  
• FW-190s
  
• BF-109s
  
• Removed the mud around lake edges
  
• Horns have been added to Freighters and Trawlers
  

Terrain additions:

• Added 9 new towns - Epe, Ommen, Raalte, Deventer, Nijkerk, Putten, Bresles, Ville-en-Tardenois and Gisors
  
• Added a walkway around some urban river edges
  
• Updated urban bridges
  
• Changed Hellevoetsluis to a starfort
  
• An FB has been added between Givet and Beauraing
  

Fixes:

• Fixed the StuG 3G gunner not deploying when multicrewed
  
• Corrected the issue causing the Churchill 5CS to be immune to satchels and panzerschrecks
  
• Numerous fixes applied to the Wellington, bad textures, broken bombardier's alt/speed gauges, loadout text, etc
  
• Decreased fuzing time on PaK36 APHE
  
• Updated a broken 2lber AI at Ramsgate AF
  
• Corrected an issue with the new Opel's windshield
  
• Fixed rider seats on the new Laffly
  
• The M4A2/3 and Damiler scout car have been updated to fix an issue that allowed them to drive with dead engines
  
• Fixed a few areas that didn't allow for foot step sounds
  
• Corrected an issue not allowing access to the Ju88's bombardier's position sometimes
  
• Found and fixed a visual anomaly on the Sherman Firefly
  
• Updated all Light SPAA damage models
  
• Fixed a floating building at Zerf
  
• Corrected typo in ballistic coefficient of .50 BMG tracer rounds making them abnormally slow
  
• Removed FMBs from being targeted by AI HE firing guns ONLY, MG nests and towers will still engage
  

!S,
Playnet / Cornered Rat Software

In the early annals of our game's history, WWII Online was known for being a realistic flight simulator that encompassed the grand scale of aerial armadas of fighters, bombers, and the scope of massive terrain with incorporated land forces which led to intense battles and morphed into long campaigns of 24/7 warfare. It captivated people's imagination and continues to do so 22+ years later.

Today begins ANOTHER all-access weekend and culminates with OPERATION THRILLER so join in the spills and chills!

Read on because we have done it . . . again!

Our recent development history showcased more growth in assets, features, and capabilities have followed with CRS introducing self-propelled 81mm mortar carriers, and 105mm long-range artillery, and now we are very proud to announce the introduction of the iconic Higgins Boat (or Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel "LCVP") for all factions.

LCVP: French faction

This unique craft is available through the Naval persona and is available only at Deep Water Naval Ports.

MAP ICON: Deepwater Naval Port (anchor with crossed cannons)

The LCVP can transport and disembark infantry ONLY at this time. In addition, the LCVP can set a light mobile spawn on flat or low-inclined beach areas. The mobile spawn rules are the same as if it were a truck or half-track, a linked front-line town, and within 3km of the front-line enemy target objective.


UK faction LCVP deploys light mobile spawn (LMS)

In true combined arms fashion, a new feature has been added to the Freighter (Troop Transport ship). The freighter can now set a light mobile spawn to further support amphibious operations. The freighter can also transport supporting units (tanks, guns, half-tracks) further to aid your planned amphibious operation(s).


UK freighter deploys LMS

Players have the tools and wherewithal to bring this new amphibious capability by mounting and sustaining a full-fledged amphibious operation with multiple LCVP boats, freighters, and deadly AAA-gun boats in the trawlers and fairmiles with fleet protection provided by the destroyers' 5-inch batteries; all covered by an umbrella of friendly aerial protection.

Trawler engaging enemy aircraft with quad-cannons

Amphibious assaults are difficult and require planning, organization/cooperation, and overstocking ALL related units. If you see an opportunity to use these new and existing naval assets, work with your faction High Command to build up the needed supply and be prepared to play YOUR part on the High Seas!

LCVP with destroyer escort

Update 1.37.5: A new era of warfare

It is recommended that all prospective sea captains and coxswains read this brief and informative guide, "The LCVP and You", to better increase the chances of a successful amphibious landing.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XDb9sUW25wBGWWN-zbHEB77T5iTQ27M3


Fair winds and following seas!
The Team from Cornered Rat Software
"Upgrading WWII Online Legacy Engine and WWII Online: Chokepoint to Unreal Engine 5"