Squad 44 News

[h2]Recruits![/h2][p]Update v2.3 will be available to download on July 29th at 11 AM PT. This update brings further optimization improvements, a new gamemode, two new infantry weapons, two new flamethrower tanks, and several significant bug fixes![/p][p]We have implemented a temporary fix for the HDD loading bug. However, we continue to advise players to install Squad 44 on an SSD instead of an HDD to achieve better performance while we wait for EAC support.[/p][p]Before deploying, remember to clear your cache before joining a server for a smooth operation. Stay sharp out there![/p][p]If you haven't and want to chat with fellow players about Update v2.3 please join the Squad 44 Discord![/p][p][/p]

• [p]New tanks are missing from the Arnhem Range.[/p]
• [p]New tanks have excess flamethrower magazines.[/p]
• [p]Vehicles driven out of bounds don't die in conquest (players do).[/p]

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• [p]Possible FPS bleed fix (Please see wood/concrete shockwave emitter fix in "General Fixes" for more info).[/p]
• [p]Possible memory leak fix related to revive and heal icons.[/p]
• [p]Further work on limb and helmet physics for gore.[/p]
• [p]Added new HLODs to multiple maps.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Added Conquest Game Mode[/p]
  • [p]Five initial maps (Oosterbeek, Arnhem, Grave, Haguenau & St Mere Eglise)[/p]
    • [p]Smaller gameplay arenas pushing you immediately into the heat of battle.[/p]
    • [p]Spawn on SL mechanic and spawn on captured flag mechanic.[/p]
    • [p]Multiple active flags with ticket bleed mechanics.[/p]

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

• [p]Multiple map geometry fixes.[/p]
• [p]Removed vehicle collision on multiple hedges/bushes across various maps.[/p]
• [p]Replaced broken Oosterbeek Frontline Objective.[/p]
• [p]Corrected pre-placed supplies on Oosterbeek Offensive 02.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Deployables can now be rotated using the Q and E keys when placing.[/p]
• [p]Updated 2D floating objective markers (flags and more).[/p]
  • [p]Attack/Defence Information.[/p]
  • [p]Objective timer.[/p]
  • [p]Fade in/out over distance.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Updated the ANZAC medic emblem to be green.[/p]
• [p]Added custom server options configuration for seeding gamemode.[/p]
• [p]Changes to shadow quality to fix flickering.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Added new USMC 1st Raider Battalion Weapons.[/p]
  • [p]M1941 Johnson Rifle.[/p]
  • [p]M1941 Johnson Machine Gun.[/p]

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• [p]Added Flammwagen Pzkfw. B-2 740(f) Flamethrower Tank for the German Army (Chapter 1 maps).[/p]

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• [p]Added Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower Tank for the British Army (Chapter 1 maps).[/p]

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• [p]Both new tanks were added to the Tank School.[/p]

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• [p]Fixed APHE's poor penetration and shatter on impacting the tank crew (APHE is now significantly more lethal).[/p]
• [p]Fixed flamethrowers killing the tank crew inside the turret.[/p]
• [p]Fixed buildable/vehicle-mounted MG/AT Gun jitter.[/p]
• [p]Fixed spawns displaying twice on the spawn menu.[/p]
• [p]Fixed radio bleedout indicator.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with shockwaves against wood and concrete, creating an eternal emitter, resulting in significant FPS degradation over time.[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with Gammon grenade and Gebalte Ladung causing unnecessary shockwave traces upon detonation, causing FPS hitches.[/p]
• [p]Fixed elongated fuel component explosion flames.[/p]
• [p]Fixed markers not getting grayed out if a flag is no longer capturable (top right, minimap, and 2D floating UI).[/p]
• [p]Fixed tanks being flipped by strafing runs.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Guadalcanal water killing players when not submerged.[/p]
• [p]Cromwell Hull mesh rear double armour fixed.[/p]
• [p]Sherman Hull mesh double armour fixed.[/p]

[h2]Recruits! [/h2][p]We're pleased to report that a new game mode is now in active development in addition to our ongoing operations across Squad 44. To sharpen it for frontline duty, we’ll be conducting a public playtest and calling on the community to step forward, take the field, and deliver hard-earned feedback from the front.[/p][p]“While our coders have been focused on optimisation, we gave our blueprinters the challenge of coming up with a new game mode that could bridge the gap for new players, while offering a new challenge for our more competitive veterans. [/p][p]The Conquest gamemode is the product of their hard work. With the action focused in a smaller area and the ability of players to spawn on their Squad Leader established, players can jump straight into the action in a much more focused, high intensity battle, where control of territory constantly shifts back and forth to the benefit or detriment of your team. [/p][p]We hope this gamemode will offer new players a more fun and graduated learning curve as they join the ranks of our community and get used to squad play, while also offering veterans and clans more opportunities to hone their skills; fighting it out in a more competitive, frantic game mode, where small unit tactics really do matter.” - Katz, Project Lead, Mercury Arts[/p][h2]Conquest[/h2][p]The Conquest Gamemode is 64 player smaller-scale, territory control operation in which two opposing factions engage in a tactical struggle to exhaust the enemy’s Reinforcement Tickets. Victory is achieved by capturing and holding key strategic positions designated as flags across the battlefield, while simultaneously neutralizing enemy forces.[/p][p]The match is won by the side that depletes the opposing team's tickets to zero, or by holding the higher ticket count when time runs out. Controlling more flags than the enemy initiates a Ticket Bleed, gradually wearing down their reserves. The rate of this bleed increases based on flag superiority. Holding a single extra flag causes a slow drain, while a three-flag advantage accelerates enemy losses significantly.[/p][p]As an overview, each Conquest map follows roughly the same setup.[/p]

• [p]5-7 neutral flags spread across the map.[/p]
• [p]2 protected main bases (One for each team).[/p]
• [p]600 tickets for each team per map.[/p]
• [p]Default 60-minute matches.[/p]

[h3]Capturing Flags[/h3][p]When a neutral flag is first captured.[/p]

• [p]An Ammo crate is spawned at the flag for the controlling Team.[/p]
• [p]Vehicles may spawn at the flag for the controlling Team.[/p]
• [p]Flags will change depending on who is in possession of the capture point.[/p]

[h3]Spawning[/h3]

• [p]Squad Leader - Squad members can spawn on their Squad Leader in this new gamemode.[/p]
• [p]Flag Spawns - Captured flags can be spawned on if no opposing forces contest the flag.[/p]
• [p]Mainbase Spawn - Available as in the standard game.[/p]

[p]This new game mode delivers a faster-paced experience compared to our existing modes and is still very much a Work-In-Progress and subject to change. That’s why we’ll be conducting our First Public Playtest this weekend from Friday, July 25th at 10:00 AM PT to Monday, July 28th at 10:00 AM PT.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As this is a public playtest. This will be held on the Squad 44 - Public Testing Application and you will not be able to find any Conquest servers on the default game app. Please ensure you download the Public Testing app ahead of time. If you cannot locate it in your library, go to the top of Steam, click on “View”, and then “Hidden Games”.[/p][p]With that we’re calling on the community to jump in, test it out, and help us shape its future. Your feedback will be critical in refining the mode for full deployment. If you haven't yet we also suggest joining the Squad 44 Discord to better aid this public test![/p][p][/p][h2]Free Weekend Incoming![/h2][p]Get ready, soldiers! In addition to all the news coming your way, Squad 44 will be hosting a Free Weekend from Thursday, July 31st, through Sunday, August 3rd. That means full access to the game completely free for the entire weekend![/p][p]If you've got friends who’ve been on the fence or curious about jumping into the action, this is the perfect chance to squad up and show them what they’ve been missing. Whether they're veterans of the genre or totally new recruits, now’s the time to rally your crew, share the word, and enlist together.[/p][p]No strings attached. No better time to join the fight.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]
Mark your calendars and prepare for battle![/h3][p][/p]

[h2]Attention, Recruits![/h2][p]Welcome to the Squad 44 Modding Spotlight, a front-row seat to the creativity, passion, and innovation fueling the incredible Squad 44 Community![/p][p]In this special showcase, we shine a bright light on three of the most impressive and game-changing mods being crafted by our talented community members. [/p][p]What you're about to see is direct from the modders themselves, their updates, screenshots, stories, and visions brought to life. Every piece of content has been crafted with care, and we’re thrilled to present their amazing work to you.[/p][p]So gear up and check out these wonderful projects![/p][hr][/hr][h2]Chapter Red: Bloody Fall - The Redland Collective[/h2][p]This is your moment. Choose your uniform, ready your rifle, and step into the frozen heart of the Eastern Front. Fight through snow-covered steppes, dense forests, and burned-out villages as you take part in the desperate struggle to defend the Soviet capital. [/p][p][/p][p]From the last brutal stages of Germany’s advance to the opening volleys of the Battle of Moscow, experience the chaos, courage, and carnage that defined this pivotal turning point of the Second World War.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

• [p]Coordinate with your logistics squad to deploy powerful support weapons such as the M1902 field gun and the DShK heavy machine gun.[/p]

• [p]Rain destruction from afar with the devastating rocket salvos of the BM-13 "Katyusha".[/p]
• [p]Climb into the steel beasts of the Red Army T-34s, KV-1s, BT-7s, and T-60s and dominate the battlefield.[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p]Chapter Red: Bloody Fall is in their words a complete overhaul of Squad 44 brings the early Eastern Front to life as an entirely new chapter. Featuring over 30 new weapons and equipment, a wide array of gear, more than 25 new vehicles, two immersive maps, and custom environmental props, this update also includes authentic Soviet uniforms and revamped, historically accurate German attire. In total, more than 200 custom assets have been added to enrich the experience. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Redland Collective has shared that they are not done working on this wonderful mod as they have some updates coming as the Collective looks to do a showcase of their next update v1.4 around late September including a major announcement! Tune into their Discord to keep up to date with when their update is to drop![/p][h3]Chapter Red Links: Steam Workshop / Discord[/h3][hr][/hr][h2]Chapter Weserübung - Weserübung Devs[/h2][p]Chapter Weserübung sets out to bring new life to a rarely explored part of World War II. The German invasion of Denmark, also known as The Six Hour War, and the subsequent invasion of Norway under Operation Weserübung.[/p][p][/p][p]The developer's current focus is solely on the Invasion of Denmark, beginning with a detailed recreation of the Battle of Haderslev, with plans for a potential second, yet-to-be-revealed map. These battles were fought between the Danish Jutland Division and Germany’s 170th Infantry Division, offering a diverse array of weapons, vehicles, and equipment that we plan to bring into the mod for an authentic and immersive experience.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]While their attention is solely focused on Denmark for now, Norway is a setting they wish to portray and have not yet ruled out expanding the chapter to include the large variety of aspects the front holds. [/p][p]Chapter Weserübung has completed roughly 20 custom assets so far, ranging from tanks and small arms to detailed uniform pieces. The team currently consists of just three dedicated members; aiming for a release of the Danish theatre and custom faction in early-mid 2026. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We highly suggest joining their Discord below to keep track of their development![/p][h3]Weserübung Links: Steam Workshop / Discord[/h3][hr][/hr][h2]Turning Tides - Rising Sun Studio[/h2][p]In November 1943, while brutal combat raged in the mountains of Italy and across the frozen steppes of Russia, a very different battlefront was coming to life thousands of miles away in the vast, open expanse of the Central Pacific. Scattered like stepping stones across the ocean, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands remote chains of coral atolls and sandy islets were about to become the focus of a daring new campaign aimed at shifting the tide of the Pacific War.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Turning Tides is a community-driven mod project dedicated to bringing the intense, often overlooked battles of the Pacific Theater into Squad 44. Launched in the summer of 2025, the project unites passionate developers and history enthusiasts from around the world, all driven by a shared commitment to authenticity, immersive gameplay, and honoring the legacy of one of World War II’s most grueling and dynamic theaters.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]At the heart of this chapter are meticulously crafted, 1:1 recreations of both Betio and Kwajalein Islands, presented as they were on the exact days of their historic invasions. Every trench line, bunker, and fortification has been researched and rebuilt with painstaking accuracy, offering players an experience that captures the full intensity of close-quarters island warfare.[/p][h3]Turning Tides Links: Steam Workshop / Discord [/h3][hr][/hr][p]The passion, talent, and historical dedication shown by these teams are what keep the Squad 44 community active. [/p][p]Whether you're a seasoned player or just discovering the world of modding, there's never been a better time to dive in, support these incredible creators, and become part of the action. Each project brings something unique to the battlefield. So gear up, join the fight, and help shape the future of Squad 44.[/p][p][/p][p]Until next time, keep your eyes on the horizon... more is always on the way.[/p]

[h2]Recruits![/h2][p]Update v2.2.1 will be available to download at 11AM PT. Work continues behind the scenes to bring out another hotfix for HDD loading. We have determined that the EAC update caused this issue. We will work with EAC to rectify this issue for players as a priority. [/p][p]In the meantime, we highly suggest players install Squad 44 on an SSD instead of an HDD to prevent long loading times and server timeouts.[/p][p]Before deploying, remember to clear your cache before joining a server for a smooth operation. Thank you, recruits![/p][p]If you're looking for other fellow recruits to fight alongside, we suggest joining the Squad 44 Community Discord![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

• [p]Optimized Kaenbin explosion light component.[/p]

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• [p]Added the correct Japanese satchel charge.[/p]
• [p]Set the 2nd Div IJA recruit class to use Type 38 rifles and Type 97 grenades.[/p]
• [p]Tweaked the base non-ads origin position of the M18895 revolver.[/p]
• [p]Updated Type 97 AT gun textures.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Amendments have been made to the damage modifier of vehicles.[/p]
• [p]Refined turn handling on M3 Halftracks.[/p]
• [p]Updated the Pz.38t reticle.[/p]
• [p]Set the Panther cannon sight to a higher zero point by default.[/p]
• [p]Set fuel tanks on light skin vehicles to have a 50/50 chance of damage on health reaching 0.[/p]
• [p]Reduced Flamethrower effectiveness on tank crews. (Work-In-Progress)[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Added a get custom server setting to assist server hosts.[/p]
• [p]The sound menu now includes left (L) and Right (R) for headset audio splitting options.[/p]
• [p]Updated map list for server hosts.[/p]
• [p]Updates made to anti-cheat logging to provide more info.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]Fixed Renault FT tanks causing FPS issues and crashes.[/p]
• [p]Fixed active capzone marker widget to no longer be greyed out when active.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the duplication of spawn points in the respawn menu.[/p]
• [p]Fixed a stutter while running through some bushes on Guadalcanal.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Japanese flamethrower pipe.[/p]
• [p]Fixed tracks not appearing on some mechanized vehicles.[/p]
• [p]Fixed radio bleed-out sound replicating to all players.[/p]
• [p]Fixed missing texture on the Japanese radioman's radio.[/p]
• [p]Fixed always on UI for 2D compass.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Vickers, Pz3, Pz.38t, and Pz.4H tracer offset on MGs.[/p]
• [p]Fixed N-wheel vehicles having the incorrect fuel component destroy FX.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the crashed plane site wreck interior.[/p]
• [p]Fixed wrong display name for some German AT/AA guns.[/p]
• [p]Fixed Heelsum terrain (exception FOV 120).[/p]
• [p]Fixed swamp tree fire not visible on daylight layers.[/p]
• [p]Implementing a potential fix for M3 gun replication on Guadalcanal.[/p]

[h2]Recruits!
[/h2][p]Squad 44 will be on sale during the Steam Summer Sale for 60% OFF! This offer starts June 26th - 10 AM PT (GMT-7) and will run until July 10th - 10 AM PT (GMT-7)! Take part in our newest update that brings Guadalcanal, our newest map, into the Pacific Front theatre. Experience authentic jungle warfare on our latest map alongside new weaponry, vehicles, and more!
[/p][p][/p][p]Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the front lines, now's the perfect time to enlist. Looking for fellow recruits on the field of war? Join the Squad 44 Community Discord.[/p][p]The tide of war has shifted. Guadalcanal has arrived! Time to dive into the Pacific Theater. What are you waiting for, recruit? [/p][p]─── [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]