Squad 44 News

Hey folks!

Our first update that preps us for the Pacific is out now! Make sure to read the changelog below for complete information, but here are the highlights:

[h3]Please note:[/h3]
Due to significant changes to the graphics settings in this patch, it is essential that players reset their cache in-game. Additionally, due to the vast number of changes in the graphics settings user interface, we strongly recommend that players have a look over this video from Moidawg, which helps give context to the new options. While not all of the squad graphics settings discussed in the video will be relevant to Squad 44, it is a 90% solution while we look to work with other content creators on dedicated graphics settings videos for SQ44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJt6w69Msr8

[h2]Pacific Weapons and Vehicles[/h2]

The new weapons and vehicles for the IJA and USMC have been added, and can be accessed through the Arnhem Range, and new Museum.



[h2]The Museum[/h2]

With this update comes the Museum, a new level to check out all the weapons, uniforms and equipment for each of the factions. This small subway station bunker has lots of little things to explore, so check it out!



[h2]New seeding gamemode[/h2]

Seeding is a tailored game mode similar to a small-scale Advance and Secure match, with all weapons and roles unlocked and available to all. This allows players the opportunity to get to grips with a wider array of faction specific weapons than they would on any other game modes, often in much more closer engagements than they may be used to.

Once 45 players are on the server, the seeding mode will unlock other flags and activate tickets and a game time.

This game mode also features a player kill feed! Seeding layers are available on Arnhem, Best, Carentan, Colmar, Dinant, Doorwerth, Driel, Foy and Maginot.

[h2]New Admin Tools[/h2]
Server admins, while in admin cam, now have the ability to teleport and move faster around the maps, to jump to specific players and to readily access player information in order to manage players in game.

Those with admin camera access can also activate a kill feed and see more in depth game information.

[h2]Improved Game Mechanics[/h2]

• The Stamina system has been reworked to be more forgiving and reduce the player’s dependency on the canteen. Equally, amends to the player's movement have been made to give the player a more realistic movement feel
  
• An MG overheating and barrel change feature has been added to the game to increase the levels of immersion for MG players
  
• New full-screen map allowing use of mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out
  
• New faction-specific sfx have been added to tanks to simulate loader drills
  
• New faction-specific sfx have been added for death and wounded calls
  
• New weapon-specific sfx have been added to various grenades
  
• A fresh animation pass has taken place to improve the animations on a number of weapons in-game
  

As always, check out the full changelog down below for complete update information! And, please let us know your feedback!



[h3]Please clear the cache before entering a server![/h3]

Level Design

• Added new level: Subway Range
  
• Expanded Arnhem Range slightly
  
• Added Japanese weapons and vehicles to Arnhem Range
  
• Removed Virtual Range
  
• Added 9 new seeding levels (Arnhem, Best, Carentan, Colmar, Dinant, Doorwerth, Driel, Foy and Maginot)
  
• Fixed collision on building on Grave
  
• Fixed small Arnhem Range bug
  
• Fixed broken spawners on Utah
  
• Fixed repair bugged into spawner on Driel
  
• Fixed empty supplies on Carenten, Fox, Hagenau and Doorwerth
  
• Fixed pre-spawned gun stuck in building on St. Mere Eglise
  
• Multiple small level bug fixes
  
• Aligned first objective fixed spawn to staging time on all layers
  

Gamemodes

• Added gamemode legend on spawn menu
  
• Added new gamemode: Seeding
  
• Removed specialized redzone placement and redzone MSP check for non redzone dynamic gamemodes
  
• Added radio/deployments/MSP rule to not be usable inside OutOfBounds or Protection-Zone
  
• Added damage to all ambient mortar/artillery FX
  

Weapons

• Added new Imperial Japanese Army Weapons
  
• Type 100/40 SMG
  
• Type 100/44 SMG
  
• Type 11 6.5mm LMG
  
• Type 96 6.5mm LMG
  
• Type 99 7.7mm LMG
  
• Type 2 7.7mm TERA Paratrooper Arisaka Rifle
  
• Type 38 6.5mm Arisaka Rifle
  
• Type 38 6.5mm Arisaka Carbine
  
• Type 44 6.5mm Arisaka Carbine
  
• Type 97 7.7mm Arisaka Sniper Rifle
  
• Type 99 7.7mm Arisaka Rifle
  
• Type 99 7.7mm Arisaka Rifle (Last Ditch)
  
• Type 99 7.7mm Arisaka Sniper Rifle
  
• Type 14 Nambu Pistol
  
• Type 94 Nambu Pistol
  
• Shin Gunto Sword
  
• Type 30 Bayonet (Early, Mid and Late war variants)
  
• Type 89 “Knee Mortar” Grenade Discharger (4x Shell Variants)
  
• Type 2 Rifle Grenade Launcher (2x Grenade variants)
  
• Type 91 Spigot Grenade Launcher (3x Grenade variants)
  
• Type 100 Grenade Launcher (2x Grenade variants)
  
• Shitotsubakurai "Lunge Mine"
  
• Type 99 (Hako-Baku-Rai)
  
• Type 97 Frag Grenade
  
• Frangible Smoke Grenade
  
• Kaenbin Petrol Bomb
  
• Type 4 Ceramic Grenade
  
• Type 98 Stick Grenade
  
• Incendiary Stick Grenade
  
• Japanese Satchel Charge
  
• Type 3 Beehive, 3A and 3B AP Mines
  
• Type 93 AT Mine
  
• Type 93 Binoculars
  
• Sho-5 Japanese Water Canteen
  

Added new United States Marine Corps Weapons

• Ka-Bar Fighting Knife
  
• Corpsman Bolo Knife
  
• M50 Reising
  
• M55 Reising
  
• M1903A1 Springfield Unertl Optic Scope
  
• Winchester M1912 Shotgun
  

Added new Imperial Japanese Army Field Guns

• Type 92 “Woodpecker” Heavy Machine Gun
  
• Type 96 25mm AA Gun (Single)
  
• Type 96 25mm AA Gun (Dual)
  
• Type 1 47mm AT Gun
  
• Type 90 75mm Field Gun
  
• Type 10 120mm Naval Gun
  
• Type 88 75mm AA Gun
  

Added new weapons from Beyond the Wire

• Winchester M1897 Trench Gun
  
• M1903A1 Springfield
  
• M1903A1 Springfield VB Grenade Launcher
  
• Lebel VB Grenade Launcher
  
• Karabiner 88
  
• Gewehr 88
  
• Gewehr 98
  
• Karabiner 98AZ
  
• MP18
  
• Madsen M1902 MG
  
• Reichsrevolver
  
• Lange Pistol Luger 08
  
• Mauser C96 Broomhandle
  

• Added Grenadier role for 1940 French Faction using the Lebel VG Grenade Launcher
  
• Added barrel overheating mechanic to all fixed/emplaced MGs and infantry MGs where the barrel will smoke and glow depending on how hot it is.
  
• Added barrel smoking visual to all SMGs and Automatic Weapons.
  
• Added barrel change feature for the MG34, MG42, ZB26 and Bren MK III (Default Key: Period)
  
• Replaced Chauchat with the Chauchat from Beyond the Wire
  
• Name tweaks to some frag grenades
  
• Set all FJ kits to use M39 Egg Grenade
  
• Set all 1940s Wehrmacht to use stick grenades on non SL kits
  
• Set MG, Radiomen, Light Mortar and SL kits on other German factions to use M39 grenades
  
• Added smoke puff and hissing sound to M39 Egg and M24 Stick grenades
  
• Added pop sounds to F1 and MKII grenades.
  
• Tweaked blend time for grenade throwing animations to make smoother
  
• Added early war PzB39 AT Gun, without the dust cover for 1940 era German factions
  
• Added new icons for HUD inventory group icons
  
• Added HUD inventory group icons for semi-auto rifles, shotgun and revolvers
  
• Slowed MG42 fire rate to 1200rpm (from 1300rpm) to match firing audio
  
• Set FG42 to have useable, permanently deployed bayonet
  
• Set handheld mortar rounds to arm immediately on leaving the barrel (Be careful firing these indoors!)
  
• Increased rearm time for the deployable mortar, to avoid misuse on the vehicle repair
  
• Changed ammo indicator to be a stripper clip (from single bullet)
  
• Fixed 3p lowered animations for Luger
  
• Updated G43 animation and base pose to load the weapon using stripper clips
  
• Updated Springfield A3/A4 animations from Beyond the Wire
  
• Added faction appropriate reticles and dirt to all faction binoculars
  
• Removed automatic zoom on all pistols
  
• Added new FG42 bipod reload animations
  
• Added fixable bayonet to the MP34 and Berthier M16 Carbine
  
• Added new Browning M1919A6 reload animations
  

Vehicles

• Added new Imperial Japanese Army Vehicles:
  
• Isuzu 94 Truck (Logistics, Transport, MSP)
  
• Type 95 Ha-Go Tank (Early)
  
• Type 95 Ha-Go Tank (Late)
  
• Type 97 Chi-Ha Tank (Early)
  
• Type 97 Chi-Ha Tank (Late)
  
• Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai Tank (Early)
  
• Type 97 Chi-Ha Kai Tank (Late)
  

Added new USMC vehicles and variants:

• LVT-2
  
• LVT-4
  
• LVT(A)-4
  
• Sherman M4A2
  
• Sherman M4A3 (USMC version)
  
• M3 Halftrack and M3 75mm GMC
  
• Willys Jeeps
  
• Chevrolet Trucks
  

• Added Tank Crew Voice Over for the Gunner when firing and switching ammo types (faction specific)
  
• Added new Master Material to improve vehicle textures
  
• Fixed fuse settings and impact damage on 128mm PzGr39 ammo for Jagdtiger
  
• Reduced HE ammo count and added more AP to Jagdpanzer IV short barrel variants
  
• Replaced M72 AP with the M61 unfused APCBC ammo on Sherman V, reducing AP ammo and distributing to other ammo types
  
• Increased 57mm, 77mm APDC damage on Cromwell, Churchill and Comet tanks to 750
  
• Reduced APHV damage on the 40mm Daimler
  
• Fixed HI38C HEAT projectile penetration values
  
• Added correct turret ammo racks for Panzer IV D and H, Matilda, Char B1 and Sherman M4A3E8
  
• Improved driving of Valentine, Matilda, Cromwell, Churchill and Challenger tanks
  
• Updated M18 Hellcat gunner sight
  
• Set Sherman commander periscopes to be 360 degrees
  
• Set Jagdtigergunner and commander periscopes to be 360 degrees
  
• Increased rearm time for the Panzerwerfer 42
  
• Increased rate of fire on KWK30 and Flak38
  
• Added camo version of Kettenkrad and fixed various rig and track issues on original
  
• Standardised damage resistance settings for all Wheeled vehicles
  
• Fixed the feeling like driving on ice for some vehicles
  
• Fixed SDKFZ 222's driver not being able to be shot out
  
• Fixed SDKFZ 222's gunner and commander not being able to be shot out
  
• Set SDKFZ 232 to have openable driver's hatch for the driver to peek through
  

Game Mechanics

• Updated stamina system by reducing Canteen amount from 7 to 1 and increasing overall stamina regeneration rate. Drinking the Canteen will increase stamina for approximately 3 mins.
  
• Updated movement system to give the player more weight by slow down on hard movement changes
  
• Updated jump movement to reduce bunny hop
  
• Set Radio+Deployables to be not placeable inside protection zones (30m nearby check)
  
• Reduced the health of the FL bunkers to reduce the TNT needed from 4 to maybe 2-3
  
• Ambient artillery and mortar does damage to the player
  
• On all layer staging and forward spawns unified
  
• Increased damage potential on the Hawkins Mine, Type 99 Magnetic Mine, Lunge Mine and Hafthohlladung
  
• Set all mines to also detonate on old Tracked Vehicles (LVT2, LVT4 and Bren Carrier)
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed broken minimap UI on C47 DummyPlanes
  
• Fixed missing or double head mesh + missing LODs on multiple soldiers
  
• Fixed 101st Radioman has in winter no coat
  
• Fixed SME pre-spawned gun bugs into building
  
• Fixed Carentan, Foy, Hagenau, Doorwerth pre-spawned supplies are empty
  
• Fixed Driel offensive repair bugged into the vehicle spawner
  
• Fixed broken spawners on the Utah layers
  
• Fixed on the ticket legend the FOB radio cost
  
• Fixed broken camera on the Kubelwagen
  
• Fixed broken camera on the Sdkfz7
  
• Fixed main menu music player
  
• Fixed flag capture status bugs out of everyone leaves the cap + gray out uncappable flags again
  
• Fixed wrong French logi rifleman class name
  
• Fixed wrong enemy forward spawn on Oosterbeek Offensive S03
  
• Fixed stutter on new player joining a server
  
• Fixed tanks being unable to repair on repair cranes
  
• Fixed Bren LODs
  
• Fixed Challenger Turret Armour interior mesh
  
• Fixed C47 interior material
  
• Possible fix that redzones stay wrongly after mapswitch
  
• Fixed that inactive flags are shown greyed out again
  
• Fixed broken driver camera on Sdkfz7
  
• Fixed broken driver camera on Kubelwagen
  
• Fixed wrong ticket costs on the info legend
  
• Fixed wrong FR rifleman class name
  
• Fixed piano endscreen music doesn’t react to music volume setting
  
• Fixed offset map UI bug for emplaced MGs
  
• Fixed no spawn and stay dead bug on local play for the training levels
  
• Fixed MG bipod teleportation bug on sq44 pontoon
  
• Fixed arnhem range targets not respawn in killhouse
  
• Fixed arnhem range targets can’t be destroyed with small arms
  
• Removed suppression from Melee weapons
  
• Fixed magnetic mines having body disappearing after placement
  
• Set Hawkins Mines, Type 99 Magnetic Mines and Hafthohlladung to kill infantry within its explosion radius
  
• Added a SSGI performance impact warning
  
• Fixed MP34 Bayonet 3p Charge animation looking broken
  
• Renamed Garand Frag Grenade Launcher to M1 grenade projection adapter
  
• Fixed teleporting/lag bug on emplaced weapons/mounted MGs
  
• Fix for unlimited “Hold Breath” focus aim status
  

Optimisation

• Optimised hard references from 16GB to 5GB
  
• Updated graphics settings
  
• Removed multiple old unused crashing game code
  
• Multiple fixes for vehicle replications
  
• Updated LOD components for tank tracks
  
• Optimised multiple overlap checks
  
• Optimised server-log on high player count by joining the server
  

Other

• Increased amount of variety of death sounds and sounds when going incapacitated
  
• Added a bayonet charge sound when sprinting and winding up a bayonet stab.
  
• New main menu UI
  
• Added new Pacific theme song
  
• Updated various minimaps
  
• Added new gamemode legends
  Updated localisation support for multiple languages
  
• Chinese Simplified
  
• Chinese Traditional
  
• French
  
• German
  
• Italian
  
• Spanish
  
  
• Added new localisation support for Japanese
  
• Updated Spawn menu UI
  
• New Graphics Options
  
• Added mod support for the layer table of vehicle spawners + support manager
  
• Added kill feed, usable for modders
  
• Improved admin cam functionality (first pass)
  
• Updated splash image
  
• Updated Credits
  
• New main menu backgrounds (teasing for Pacific release)
  
• Reduced main menu soundtrack volume
  
• Updated loading screens
  
• Updated Chinese font
  

Known Bugs:

• The below bugs occur due to corrupt cache - players are advised to clear their cache after each update and prior to playing to remove these bugs
  
• Lower than expected FPS
  
• Newly added admin controls not working
  
• Bayonet charge scream is too loud
  
• Destroyed training targets still have collision
  
• Graphics setting presets switching to custom (but saving the correct preset)
  
• On changing audio/general settings the graphic saturation can switch to a different value, requiring adjustment back to 1
  
• Mouse sensitivity shows a wrong value
  
• Hold breath focus time is too short
  

What a year, recruits!

As we move closer to the release of the Pacific, we wanted to update you on the current plan for its release. We’ve had to pivot a bit, but you’ll still be able to storm the beaches of Iwo Jima before the year ends.

The Iwo Jima map is complete; however, it requires much more extensive testing before our major release. With winter holidays right around the corner, we decided to use this period of time for public playtesting rather than releasing the map too early in an unoptimised state. This way, you’ll still be able to check out Iwo Jima before the end of the year and assist with the map development. The amount of work that has gone into this map is staggering, and we want to give it proper justice.

So, with all that being said, here’s the current plan for the Iwo Jima release:

[h2]Phase 1 - Prepping for the Pacific[/h2]

An update will be released this week. It will include a lot of Pacific content, such as the new weapons, vehicles, new faction uniforms, etc., but it will not include the Iwo Jima map. You’ll be able to check out this new content on the Arnhem Range, shooting range, and now our brand new subway Museum, which we showed off during our last livestream.



This update will also include general bug fixes and new admin tools to help with server administration. Changelog coming soon.

[h2]Phase 2 - Public Playtests for Iwo Jima[/h2]

Public playtesting for Iwo Jima will start Dec 15th to 16th. This will be done on the Squad 44 - Public Testing app. If you own Squad 44 and do not see this app in your Steam library, click on “View” at the top left and then on “Hidden Games”. You should now be able to download the Squad 44 - Public Testing app. This will be where all public playtests will happen.



There are also discussions about another playtest before the end of December, but this still needs to be confirmed. Once I have more information, I will make an announcement!

[h2]Phase 3 - Iwo Jima gets released to Squad 44[/h2]

Once the map has been tested extensively and deemed to be in a good place performance-wise, it will be released to the main Squad 44 app, likely in early 2025. Please join us if you’re available during the public playtests, as data from these tests will help us immensely. Even if you’re AFK during the test, sitting on the server allows us to get important information about server load, so please come along if you’re available!

—

Thank you so much for all your support this year. We plan to continue to be open and transparent with you as we develop Squad 44 going forward. With your support, we can ensure that SQ44 takes its place as the best WW2 tactical FPS out there in 2025.

And for those who missed it, here’s the trailer for the Pacific Front!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

With the Steam Autumn Sale kicking off today, nominations for the 2024 Steam Awards are now underway. We hope you'll consider nominating Squad 44 for the Labor of Love Award.

Squad 44 has truly been a labor of love.


From the people who have developed Squad 44 over the years, to the players who have been with us since the very beginning, Squad 44 is a game that just won’t quit. With the upcoming release of the Pacific Chapter, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Over the past year, we announced our plans with the release of the 6-month roadmap, setting the framework for the changes and improvements the team was ready to take on.

In the middle of the year, we released the Reign of Steel update, our largest update to date. This update included massive vehicle updates, with around 40 new vehicles joining the Squad 44 arsenal. We also introduced a brand new gamemode, Frontline, which has been receiving great feedback from the community.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
As the year moved forward, we updated our roadmap and officially announced that we’re introducing the Pacific as the newest theatre for Squad 44 , with the first update coming before the end of this year. So much hard work and dedication has gone into the making of the first map, Iwo Jima, and we can’t wait to get this update into your hands.

We wouldn’t be here without the incredible support from this community, and for that, we are truly grateful. Being nominated for the Labor of Love Award would mean so much to us, so please consider choosing Squad 44 for this year's Steam Awards.

If you haven't already, you can pick up Squad 44 for 50% off until the end of the Steam Autumn Sale. We'll see you on the Pacific Front, soon enough!

[h2]Offworld out.[/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/736220/Squad_44/

[h2]Ready up, Recruits! [/h2]

Squad 44 will be on sale during Steam Autumn Sale for 50% OFF! This offer lasts from November 27th until the Autumn Sale ends on December 4th, so grab a discounted copy for you or your friends during this limited time!

Watch the latest live stream showcasing our upcoming Pacific Update here. Now is a great time to pick up the game at a discounted price!

[h2]Offworld out.[/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/736220/Squad_44/

Hey folks! We have a small hotfix coming your way! Check out the full changelog below:

[h2]Changelog - Hotfix 30 October 2024[/h2]
Bugfixes

• Multiple optimization changes to improve game stability and performance:
  
• Disabled multiple unused vehicle overlaps
  
• Fixed that ragdoll was still active after the dead player doesn't move at all anymore
  
• Fixed that animations still play while the client can't see them
  
• Improved some animations tick
  
• Improved that some wires is always ticking for players while doing nothing
  
• Fixed a server crashing bug
  
• And some other small things
  
• Fix of a possible client/server crash with the external tank seats
  
• Fix that the game is not fully closing/shutdown after exit
  
• Possible fix for the GeForce NOW problem
  
• Possible fix that tanks disable Spawn tents
  
• Fixed that the cap status info UI shows wrong flag or neutral flag on first cap
  
• Possible first fix for problems with the key settings menu
  
• Fixed some buildings you can shot through
  
• Add a fail state to remove redzones before switching maps, to avoid a wrong redzone on next map
  
• Removed internal browser in main menu that created some problems (wrong mouse positions and cursor, etc.)
  

Level design

• Fixed on Colmar to have a damage zone in the middle of the map
  
• Fixed wrong underwater FX on Utah
  
• Fixed false underwater damages on Utah
  
• Fixed false underwater damages on Stonne
  
• Fixed false underwater damages on Doorwerth
  

Newly added

• Add a new system to show the cap status directly on minimap
  
• Updated Colmar minimap
  
• Updated Foy minimap
  
• Updated Hagenau minimap