Men of Steel Gameplay Showcase #4
Hello commander,
Back again with another Steel Division 2: Men of Steel gameplay deep dive! This will be the last DevBlog to focus on a pair of divisions and their arsenal of the new expansion.
A slight change of theme, but today we’ll focus on two “exotic” armored divisions: the Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada for the Allies; the Hungarian 1. Páncélos Hadosztály on the Axis side.
Let’s go!
[h2]Bronirana Brigada[/h2]
The Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada will appear as a Soviet-influenced, Allied armored division with a unique mix of German armored vehicles and pre-war weaponry. As a former Axis division turned Allied, the Bronirana Brigada’s saw action during the fighting in the Yugoslavian theatre of operations, precisely the Niš operation. The formation was bigger than an actual brigade and bolstered by an entire infantry regiment. The Bronirana Brigada’s might not have fielded the most modern tanks, but could hold its own on the Balkan battlefields.
[h2]Bronirana Brigada in Steel Division 2[/h2]
Due to the distinct lack of combat experience, none of the ground units in the Bronirana Brigada can be called up with more than Veterancy level 1. On the other, except for two units, all the rest of Bronirana Brigada’s arsenal is Combat Phase free, meaning you can deploy your forces whenever possible.
(Please note that Bulgarian unit names aren't final yet)
RECON
A rather average category for this armored division. You’ll get two “1” slots, the same amount in “2” cost, and one “3” slot.
INFANTRY
You have an average number of slots, though pretty cheap. While this category might have a lot of variety, the actual number of infantry cards deployable is lacking. In direct comparison to other armored divisions, regular German Panzerdivision often ran out of motorized infantry early into a campaign, and they had more than the Bronirana Brigada’s had.
TANK
As expected, a pretty good category. Many slots, although they get a bit more expensive at the end, offer a healthy variety of armored options. Because of the formation being a brigade rather than a division, fewer tanks are available.
SUPPORT
This category is average, with limited availability and pricey slots.
ANTI-TANK
Likewise, an average category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” slots, two “2” slots, and one “3” slot.
ANTI-AIR
Likewise, a mediocre category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” openings, two “2”, and one “3” slot.
ARTILLERY
A somewhat decent category. Bulgaria hasn’t forgotten the lessons of World War I. What are the artillery pieces on offer?
AIR
A pretty good category, with lots of slots (including three “1s”, three “2s”, one “3,” and even one “4”). Options include:
The Bronirana Brigada is a pretty potent battlegroup with no clear-cut flaws or strong points. The battlegroup always has a counter for any kind of battlefield situation, even if the solution is a bit outdated. While lacking in heavy infantry and tanks, it makes up for this deficiency with sumptuous artillery and air power.
[h2]1. Páncélos Hadosztály[/h2]
Next is the Axis armor of the Hungarian 1st Armored division, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály.
Much like Groupement Dody, the division as depicted in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel covers a month of operations, with detachments coming and going. While the formation’s organic forces, plus the 7th Assault Gun battalion, remained a fixture through all the battles, other smaller groups are phase-locked to represent the period they deployed (or left) the battlefield.
RECON
An average category with only a limited amount of slots, but balanced in price and with plenty of choices.
INF
A pretty good category, considering that 1. Páncélos Hadosztály is an armored division. A fair number of slots, none being too expensive.
TANK
As expected, a pretty good category, though not as impressive as some other, larger armored divisions. You’ll get five “1” slots, three “2” openings, and one “3” slot.
SUPPORT
The next category is standard in all aspects, from availability to cost.
ANTI-TANK
The AT category is pretty mediocre, with only five slots, two each for “1” and “2” costs, and a “3” one.
ANTI-AIR
In comparison with the previous category, AA is more than decent, with a good amount of slots.
ART
Artillery is not one of the strong suits of this division, but a commander still has access to a series of powerful guns.
AIR
Not very good… at all. Only a few openings, with two “1”, one “2”, and two “3” slots. Air cover is almost non-existent in Combat Phase A!
The 1. Páncélos Hadosztály relies more on sheer numbers than quality to overwhelm an opponent. It is an armored division with lots of light tanks and infantry to match. However, going toe-to-toe with enemy tanks, especially in the early part of a game, will require skills to make the kills with the light Hungarian armored fighting vehicles.
[h2]Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus[/h2] Versus
Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.
[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
And we are done with the fourth and last Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. We’ll be back soon!
Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commander.
Back again with another Steel Division 2: Men of Steel gameplay deep dive! This will be the last DevBlog to focus on a pair of divisions and their arsenal of the new expansion.
A slight change of theme, but today we’ll focus on two “exotic” armored divisions: the Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada for the Allies; the Hungarian 1. Páncélos Hadosztály on the Axis side.
Let’s go!
[h2]Bronirana Brigada[/h2]
The Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada will appear as a Soviet-influenced, Allied armored division with a unique mix of German armored vehicles and pre-war weaponry. As a former Axis division turned Allied, the Bronirana Brigada’s saw action during the fighting in the Yugoslavian theatre of operations, precisely the Niš operation. The formation was bigger than an actual brigade and bolstered by an entire infantry regiment. The Bronirana Brigada’s might not have fielded the most modern tanks, but could hold its own on the Balkan battlefields.
[h2]Bronirana Brigada in Steel Division 2[/h2]
Due to the distinct lack of combat experience, none of the ground units in the Bronirana Brigada can be called up with more than Veterancy level 1. On the other, except for two units, all the rest of Bronirana Brigada’s arsenal is Combat Phase free, meaning you can deploy your forces whenever possible.
(Please note that Bulgarian unit names aren't final yet)
RECON
A rather average category for this armored division. You’ll get two “1” slots, the same amount in “2” cost, and one “3” slot.
- Recon forces include a dozen or so SdKfz. 222 (M-222 in Bulgarian service) armored cars, and some RAZUZNAVACHI scouts, KUBELWAGEN or BMW-75 motorcycles, which are all new units.
- As an Allied battlegroup, the Bulgarians get some help from Tito’s partisans in the form of a detachment of KONJIČKI IZVIĐAČI (mounted scouts).
INFANTRY
You have an average number of slots, though pretty cheap. While this category might have a lot of variety, the actual number of infantry cards deployable is lacking. In direct comparison to other armored divisions, regular German Panzerdivision often ran out of motorized infantry early into a campaign, and they had more than the Bronirana Brigada’s had.
- First up are the Bulgarian infantry brought by the brigade itself.
- Bulgarian MOTO.STRELTSI are organized as 10-man squads, much like the German counterparts, but fielding older small arms, with 2x ZK-383 SMGs, 7x Mannlicher rifles, and 1x MG-34. And no AT weapons!
- In one of the few Phase-locked units, this lack of anti-tank capability is remedied in Combat Phase B with the MOTO.STRELTSI (FAUST) becoming available. These represent Bulgarian soldiers equipping themselves in the field with discarded German weapons, including Panzerfaust and Panzerschrecks.
- MOTO.STRELTSI KOM. are 5-man command squads with 2x MP-40, 3x Mannlicher, smoke grenades, and radio.
- PIONERI and PIONERI KOM. go to battle much like their direct German counterparts.
- Bulgarian MOTO.STRELTSI are organized as 10-man squads, much like the German counterparts, but fielding older small arms, with 2x ZK-383 SMGs, 7x Mannlicher rifles, and 1x MG-34. And no AT weapons!
- Having identified the overall lack of infantry, the Bulgarian 32nd Infantry Regiment was attached. They bring:
- STRELTSI squads organized much as they appeared at the end of World War I, with 15-man strong units equipped with 1x ZK-383, 13x Mannlicher, and 1x ZB-30 automatic rifle (and not AT weapons, once again).
- STRELTSI KOM. being 7-strong command squads with 1x MP-40, 6x Mannlicher, and a very precious PzB 39 anti-tank rifle, which was the only anti-tank weapon available to a Bulgarian infantry company in the closing days of World War II. Plus smoke grenades, but no radio.
- STRELTSI squads organized much as they appeared at the end of World War I, with 15-man strong units equipped with 1x ZK-383, 13x Mannlicher, and 1x ZB-30 automatic rifle (and not AT weapons, once again).
- Again, Allied Yugoslavian partisans provide some additional support, with units such as
LOVCI TENKOVA, BORCI, and KOMANDIR.
TANK
As expected, a pretty good category. Many slots, although they get a bit more expensive at the end, offer a healthy variety of armored options. Because of the formation being a brigade rather than a division, fewer tanks are available.
- The tanks of Bronirana Brigada come in three different varieties:
- The lighter Panzer 35(t), known in Bulgarian service as the SHKODA S-35, featured as both a regular tank and a command one.
- Plus the SHKODA T-11, which is a version built for Afghanistan but shipped to Bulgaria instead, after the German takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1938. It is a Panzer 35(t) but featuring the better gun of its successor, the Panzer 38(t).
- This leads us, of course, to the last variant of this type: the Panzer 38(t), known as the PRAGA P-38 with the battlegroup.
- The lighter Panzer 35(t), known in Bulgarian service as the SHKODA S-35, featured as both a regular tank and a command one.
- The next tank model on offer is the Panzer IV, used by the Bulgarians as the T-IV. It can be deployed in the Panzer IV G, H, and command.
- And last, two independent StuG III G battalions operated with the brigade during the Yugoslavian campaign. They are known as the T-III and come in regular and command versions.
SUPPORT
This category is average, with limited availability and pricey slots.
- The usual complement of support units can be found, from MGs teams to SUPPLY vehicles, 50mm infantry mortars, and COMMANDERS.
- The infantry regiment’s outdated PTO. SHKODA 37 37mm (Czech. KPUV 37 37mm) guns were reused as fire support guns. Unlike the contemporary German PaK 36s, these weapons are equipped with HE rounds.
ANTI-TANK
Likewise, an average category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” slots, two “2” slots, and one “3” slot.
- The only anti-tank team on offer in Combat Phase A is the SOLOTHURN. PANZERSHRECKS become available in Phase B.
- Towed anti-tank guns are all of German manufacture: BI. REINMETAL 36 37mm, PTO. REINMETAL 38 50mm (the most numerous), and a handful of heavier PTO. REINMETAL 40 75mm.
ANTI-AIR
Likewise, a mediocre category with a medium amount of slots. You’ll get three “1” openings, two “2”, and one “3” slot.
- Some additional AA units are on offer, including German PVO. REINMETAL 38 20mm, PVO. REINMETAL 36 37mm, and heavier PVO. KRUP 41 88mm.
- Some new PVO. SHKODA 37 80mm pre-war Czech. 80mm AA guns can also be found.
ARTILLERY
A somewhat decent category. Bulgaria hasn’t forgotten the lessons of World War I. What are the artillery pieces on offer?
- Of course 81mm mortars, but nothing heavier.
- Artillery units are the brigade’s own, featuring German-supplied GAUB. REINMETEAL 18M 105mm and GAUB. KRUP 150mm, both with radio.
- Or artillery is sourced from regimental artillery or corps support (for the heaviest of guns), meaning Swedish GAUB. BOFORS 36 75mm and older French heavy GAUB. SHNAIDER 220mm TR are available.
- Heavy off-map support is provided by the brigade’s VIKERS-ARMSTRONG observation tank. These were actually Bulgaria’s first armor fielded but were later repurposed in a 150mm support role. The KB-11-II FAZAN observation plane with 220mm batteries is also on call.
AIR
A pretty good category, with lots of slots (including three “1s”, three “2s”, one “3,” and even one “4”). Options include:
- Recon:
- Do-17P URAGAN
- FW 189 TSIKLOP
- VRANA which is a pre-war Czech. Letov S-328 biplane.
- Fighters:
- B-534 DROGAN (Czech. pre-war Avia B.534 biplane).
- DEVOATIN (French 1940 D.520).
- STRELA E-4, G-2 1, and G-6 (Bulgarian designations for variants of the venerable Me 109).
- B-534 DROGAN (Czech. pre-war Avia B.534 biplane).
- Bombers:
- CHAIKA, which is a pre-war Polish PZL-43.
- SHTUKA D-5. Guess the name. You guessed right! It’s a German Ju-87.
- Do-17 URAGAN with two distinct weapon loadouts.
- B-71 ZHERAV (a pre-war Czech. bomber).
- CHAIKA, which is a pre-war Polish PZL-43.
The Bronirana Brigada is a pretty potent battlegroup with no clear-cut flaws or strong points. The battlegroup always has a counter for any kind of battlefield situation, even if the solution is a bit outdated. While lacking in heavy infantry and tanks, it makes up for this deficiency with sumptuous artillery and air power.
[h2]1. Páncélos Hadosztály[/h2]
Next is the Axis armor of the Hungarian 1st Armored division, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály.
Much like Groupement Dody, the division as depicted in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel covers a month of operations, with detachments coming and going. While the formation’s organic forces, plus the 7th Assault Gun battalion, remained a fixture through all the battles, other smaller groups are phase-locked to represent the period they deployed (or left) the battlefield.
- Elements from 6th Replacement Division, fighting with the division at Păuliș and Arad, which are only available in Phases A and B.
- Forces from the German 22. SS-Freiwilligen Kavallerie-Division can be encountered from B onwards.
- Air support is very (very) scarce in Combat Phase A, as was the case at Păuliș, but gets stronger with each subsequent phase.
RECON
An average category with only a limited amount of slots, but balanced in price and with plenty of choices.
- Known Hungarian units will find their way into the battlegroup, including:
- BMW 750 side-cars.
- CSABA armored car.
- TOLDI IIA tank.
- FELDERÍTŐ JÁRŐR and LOVAS FELDERÍTŐK scouts.
- BMW 750 side-cars.
- The German SS reinforcements bring their recon troops, featuring the SS-REIT. AUFKLÄRER from Phase B, equipped with 2x MP-40, 3x MP-44 and 4x Kar. 98.
INF
A pretty good category, considering that 1. Páncélos Hadosztály is an armored division. A fair number of slots, none being too expensive.
- The armored division brings its own selection of Hungarian combat soldiers.
- KERÉKPÁROSOK.
- ROHAMÁRKÁSZOK.
- MOT. LÖVÉSZ, both in rifles and command variants. The former is equipped with an MG-42 machine gun and Panzerfaust.
- MOT. ÁRKÁSZOK, command and pioneers versions.
- KERÉKPÁROSOK.
- During Combat Phases A and B only, the 6th Replacement Division allows for the deployment of some additional units, some of them inexperienced.
- LÖVÉSZTISZT.
- TÁRTALEK LÖVÉSZ which carry the Disheartened trait.
- TÁRTALEK ÁRKÁSZOK also with the Disheartened trait.
- LÖVÉSZTISZT.
- From Combat Phase B only, the German SS brings a number of reinforcements.
- SS-REIT. JÄGER, with 2x Danuvia SMG, 8x Kar. 98, 1x MG-42, plus a Panzerfaust.
- A command version, the SS-REIT. FÜHRER with 2x Danuvi and 2x MP-44, plus smoke grenades and radio.
- SS-REIT. PIONIER comes equipped with 4x MP-40, 4x Kar. 98 and 2x flamethrowers.
- SS-REIT. JÄGER, with 2x Danuvia SMG, 8x Kar. 98, 1x MG-42, plus a Panzerfaust.
TANK
As expected, a pretty good category, though not as impressive as some other, larger armored divisions. You’ll get five “1” slots, three “2” openings, and one “3” slot.
- Except for a card of command StuG III G (which also includes the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel’s Axis Ace Barnabás Kőszeghy) all the other vehicles will be Hungarian designs.
- TOLDI II, including a command variant.
- TURAN I, with a command variant.
- TURAN II, plus command variant.
- TOLDI II, including a command variant.
SUPPORT
The next category is standard in all aspects, from availability to cost.
- Your usual gamut of FLAMETHROWERS, MG teams, SUPPLY vehicles and COMMANDERS.
- CSENDŐR, being military police with the Fanatical trait, to keep the green recruits in line.
- German IG-18 infantry support guns also make their appearance from Phase B onwards.
ANTI-TANK
The AT category is pretty mediocre, with only five slots, two each for “1” and “2” costs, and a “3” one.
- Hungarian units include:
- Replacement Solothurn ATR (hence the Disheartened trait) and PANZERSHRECK teams.
- The 40M 40mm and 97/38M 75mm towed guns.
- At least two cards of StuG III G in an AT role.
- Replacement Solothurn ATR (hence the Disheartened trait) and PANZERSHRECK teams.
- The Germans bring the PaK 40, but only Combat Phase B onward.
ANTI-AIR
In comparison with the previous category, AA is more than decent, with a good amount of slots.
- Plenty of good Hungarian anti-air options.
- Get ready to deploy lots and lots of NIMRÓD anti-air (and even anti-tank) self-propelled guns. This unit is available in two versions, one with the 42M heavy anti-tank round and one without. In real life, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály had over 40 of these excellent vehicles.
- Quite a few 36M 40mm (Hungarian designation for Bofors towed guns).
- Hungarian-operated FLAK 36 88mm in Combat Phase A and B.
- From B onwards, the German 22. SS-Freiwilligen provides a handful of SDKFZ. 7/1, being self-propelled half-tracks mounting a quad 20mm.
- Get ready to deploy lots and lots of NIMRÓD anti-air (and even anti-tank) self-propelled guns. This unit is available in two versions, one with the 42M heavy anti-tank round and one without. In real life, the 1. Páncélos Hadosztály had over 40 of these excellent vehicles.
ART
Artillery is not one of the strong suits of this division, but a commander still has access to a series of powerful guns.
- The usual complement of 81mm and 120mm mortars.
- The 97M 75mm, 37M 105mm and 31M 149mm howitzers.
- No off-map artillery, but one novelty: the RAKÉTAVETŐ 150mm, which are Hungarian-served Nebelwerfer 41.
AIR
Not very good… at all. Only a few openings, with two “1”, one “2”, and two “3” slots. Air cover is almost non-existent in Combat Phase A!
- In Phase A, only Fw 189 A-2 recon and an A-only card of Me 210Ca-1/R5 heavy fighter are available.
- The division covered the Hungarian Army’s retreat from the Soviet offensive. This is reflected in Phase B, with an influx of dive bombers.
- German recon, close air support, and cluster versions of the venerable JU-87 D-5.
- Hungarian-operated JU-87 D-5 bombers and the new Me 109 G-14/U-4 fighter.
- German recon, close air support, and cluster versions of the venerable JU-87 D-5.
- Additional Luftwaffe forces deploy from Combat Phase C, providing a bit more firepower in the air.
- Hs 129 B-2/R4 cluster bomber.
- Hs 129 B-3 tank buster with a 75mm gun.
- Hs 129 B-2/R4 cluster bomber.
The 1. Páncélos Hadosztály relies more on sheer numbers than quality to overwhelm an opponent. It is an armored division with lots of light tanks and infantry to match. However, going toe-to-toe with enemy tanks, especially in the early part of a game, will require skills to make the kills with the light Hungarian armored fighting vehicles.
[h2]Steel Division 2: Men of Steel Versus[/h2] Versus
- The Wehrmacht reservist of the 715. Infanterie-Division and the paratroopers of the Allied 1st Airborne Task Force receive their highlight in our Versus #1DevBlog.
- The Allied commandos of the 1st Special Force Brigade against the Market Garden-active Axis Kampfgruppe von Tettau in Versus #2 DevBlog.
- The Finish-Swedish Axis 17. Divisioona and the partisan-infused and mixed Allied Groupement Dody in the Versus #3 DevBlog.
- The Axis-Hungarian armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály and the Soviet-allied Bulgarian Bronirana Brigada get their spotlight in Versus #4 DevBlog.
Aces
And if you want to read more about the two new Aces - Allied Sergeant Tommy Prince and Hungarian tank commander Barnabás Kőszeghy - you’ll encounter in Steel Division 2: Men of Steel, look no further and check out this dedicated DevBlog here.
[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
And we are done with the fourth and last Steel Division 2: Men of Steel showcase. We’ll be back soon!
Be sure to join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commander.