Steel Division 2 News

Hello!

We are back again with a new Versus of our upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion. The format from now on will be slightly different: we will only highlight one division in each Versus DevBlog.

Why? The main reason is that we started to test each division and modify them. This means the presentation of the remaining battlegroups will be a tad slower.

So, for the first “half” Versus, let’s go take a look at the Axis German 2. Panzerdivision.

[h2]2. Panzerdivision’s Combat History[/h2]
The 2. Panzerdivision was one of the three original tank divisions created by the Wehrmacht in the mid-30s. With a long and illustrious combat history, it fought in almost all the war's major campaigns. Its first act was under the command of blitzkrieg pioneer and “Papa Panzer” Heinz Guderian, where the tanks took part in the annexation of Austria in 1938.



With the start of World War II, the 2. Panzer took part in the invasion of Poland, and later France. In 1941, it was used during the invasion of Greece. Like many other German divisions, 2. Panzer ended up on the Eastern Front, driving first to Moscow in the winter of 1941 and after being beaten back, participating in the Battle of Kursk in 1943. After heavy losses in the USSR, it was sent to France to be refitted.

The 2. Panzer was one of the armored divisions kept in reserve between Normandy and Pas-de-Calais, to be released only on the direct orders of the German high command. After D-Day, it took two days for von Rundstedt to convince the OKH to move the division to Normandy. And chaos erupted!
With Allied fighters and bombers reigning free in the skies above and French Resistance groups cutting communications and sabotaging railways, it lasted three days before the leading elements of the 2. Panzer arrived on the battlefield. These were only the lighter advanced units that went into battle; the heavier armor were delayed further by more than a week!



Fighting was heavy, as were the 2. Panzer’s losses. Shuttling between the British and U.S. sectors, most of the division was mauled during Normandy’s combat. Later on, with the German army being encircled, it managed to break out of the Falaise pocket but suffered grievously.

A shadow of its former self, 2. Panzer took part in the Battle of the Bulge. Interestingly, its commander, von Lüttwitz, will unintentionally go down in history as the recipient of the famous “Nuts!” reply by the 101st Airborne Division’s trapped in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.



Forced to retreat, the rest of the war saw 2. Panzer operate at extremely reduced efficiency in Germany itself, with one of the final battles being near Fulda (a place familiar to our WARNO fans!).

The 2.Panzerdivision was featured in Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s Back to Hell expansion.

[h2]A much feared opponent[/h2]
The 2. Panzerdivision was one of the most feared divisions on the Western Front, with every movement watched by the Allies. By the time of the Normandy invasion, the division was rested, well-trained, and - importantly - at full strength. It even had a few hundred spare soldiers and a dozen extra Panzer IVs. In an unusual situation at this time, this Wehrmacht division lacked nothing and had access to all the latest toys a Panzerdivision was supposed to have!



Being fully up to strength, much like the British Guards Armoured Division, the 2. Panzer will have the bare minimum of extra forces attached to it on the battlefield. To be exact, just one extra outside company was part of the division during the Normandy campaign. A distinct feature is the division’s very restricted access to AIR support.

A specific mechanic it will borrow from another Allied division is the US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", namely its free veterancy. Throughout its arsenal of units, there will be an extra level of veterancy without any availability penalty. This reflects that the 2. Panzerdivision was the paragon of the Panzerwaffe.

However, not everything comes for free with the 2. Panzer. As the entry into combat for this division was seriously delayed by Allied airpower and local French sabotage attacks, the formation will fight without its heavy equipment in Combat Phase A. This means it will lack Panzer IV, Panther, armored artillery, Flakpanzer, etc., basically everything fully tracked, in the opening stages of a battle.



[h2]2. Panzerdivision’s Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
So, let’s go into detail. Keep note that all of 2. Panzer’s units will have a +1 experience veterancy level.

RECON
A good amount of slots and unit availability, plus reasonable costs. It will allow the player to fight a “cavalry” action in Combat Phase A while the big guns are still waiting to be unleashed on the battlefield.

• Players can make good use of the 2. Panzer’s excellent recon battalion, including 25x PUMA and all the armored cars and light half-tracks in a panzerdivision’s Table of Organisation & Equipment. This is only one out of two divisions with a full-strength PUMA complement.

INF
An average category. While there are a good number of slots for a Panzerdivision, they quickly become more expensive.

• You can find a full complement of all the regular infantry squads in a German tank formation.
  
• Plus a few VOLKSDEUTSCHEN. They were reported to be the main share of deserters once the division was in combat, but regardless, quite a few of these troops were found with the division.
  

TANK
A good category - of course - but the arrival of units is staggered! And the major drawback: no unit is available in Combat Phase A!

• The 2. Panzer has a full complement of Panzer IV J and H variants, as well as Panther A and G variants.
  
• You can also deploy the STUG III G, drawn from the Funklenk-Abteilung 301. A company of the battalion was permanently attached to the division; the rest was sent to the Eastern Front just prior to D-Day. The single company fought together with 2. Panzer for the entire campaign in Normandy.

SUPP
A standard category which includes:

• No less than three cards (so 36x individual units all together) of BORGWARD IV remotely controlled demolition vehicles. These are courtesy of the above-mentioned Funklenk-Abteilung 301.

AT
Pretty average but does feature:

• A full complement of JAGDPANZER IV from Combat Phase B (as other tanks). This unit replaces the older Marder or StuG III F.

AA
Once again, pretty non-descript except for:

• Towed or half-track self-propelled anti-air pieces are available from Combat Phase A, but the GEPARD only from B onward.

ART
A standard category for a Panzerdivision.

• Except that HUMMEL and WESPE arrive in Combat Phase B only.

AIR
One of the more distinct worse categories for the 2.Panzer.

• Only a few Fw-180 in fighter and fighter-bomber roles. Some JU-88 heavy fighters and bombers will also be present.

The 2. Panzerdivision is a full-strength tank formation featuring a full complement of heavy-hitting armored units. The division’s drawbacks are the late deployment of some of the heavier units and its serious deficiency in air cover.

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

• The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
  
• The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
  
• The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
  
• The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
  
• The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
  

That’s not all, though. We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

• It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
  
• This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
  
  • Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
    
  • On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
    
• This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
  
• It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
  
• The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
  

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this half-sized Versus. Next up: the Allied French Demi-Brigade SAS. See you next week!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Hello commander!

It’s good to be back. We will take the opportunity in today’s DevBlog to pause our regular Versus series and take a shining light on the new Aces that the upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion will feature.

Don’t worry, we’ll be return with more Versus divisions in the next DevBlogs. The reasoning behind this slow-down: as the first divisions of the expansion are currently being tested, we have started to compile the feedback and modify the new formations as we go. This means that we will move a little bit slower on the presentation of the final sets of divisions.

With that out of the way, let’s look at the new Aces!

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Allied Aces[/h2]
Our new Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 will bring back some of the original game’s Aces - six, to be exact!

Let’s go over them in turn. First up, the Allies.

[h3]Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams[/h3]
The U.S. 4th Armoured Division will feature Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, commander of 37th Tank Battalion. In the new expansion, he will be deployable on a M4(75) CO nicknamed “Thunderbolt V”.



A famous American tank commander, though few really knew the man behind the legend. Modern audiences should know him better as giving the name to the iconic M1 Abrams main battle tank. In World War II, Lt. Colonel Creighton Abrams was known to be an aggressive commander, able to exploit the slightest advantage to win a battle, and was much respected by General Patton. During the war, he spearheaded Patton’s Third Army. Twice decorated, Abrams was one of the leaders of the relief effort that broke up the German encirclement of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.



He survived the war, kept on serving in the U.S. Army, and saw continued action during the Korean War and Vietnam, where he played a major role as a commander in chief.

[h3]1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters[/h3]
The U.S. 101st Airborne Division will feature, who else, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, acting commander of Easy Company, 506th PIR. If you have watched the classic Band of Brothers mini-series, you should know who we are talking about. He will be featured as an AB LEADER command squad in the new expansion.



1st Lieutenant Winters jumped into Normandy and quickly became the highest-ranking surviving officer on the ground. Field promoted to company commander and later captain, Winters fought from France to the liberation of the Netherlands and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he stayed in the U.S. Army and left the service as a major just before the start of the Korean War.

[h3]Sgt. Wilfried “Spit” Harris[/h3]
Next up is the Guards Armoured Division with their Ace: Sgt. Wilfried “Spit” Harris, tank commander in the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards. In the expansion, he will be deployed in a FIREFLY.

During Operation Perch, in the early stages of the fighting in Normandy, Sgt. Harris demonstrated the tremendous firepower of the FIREFLY’s 17-pdr gun. In the village of Lingèvres, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, he ambushed five Panthers from a concealed position. He disabled each tank in quick succession with one accurate hit. Though combat would continue for some very hard weeks, Harris singlehandedly made this local British attack a success.

                                         (two of Harris' victims)

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Axis Aces[/h2]
It’s time we turn to the Axis Aces.

[h3]Major Horst Ramsch[/h3]
The German 2. Panzerdivision will feature Major Horst Ramsch, commander of the II,/Panzerregiment 33. He will deploy in the expansion as a Bef.Panzer IV H command tank. A tank commander, Ramsch had been fighting in World War II since the very beginning, seeing action in Poland and France before fighting in Greece.



Service on the Eastern Front is unknown, but we next see Ramsch in Normandy. Here he was likely in command for the duration of the campaign. Fighting for the 2. Panzer was tough (more on that later) but included surviving the annihilation of the Falaise Pocket. Our Ace kept on fighting after France before ultimately being injured in the Ardennes at the end of 1944. Ramsch survived the war, receiving the Knight’s Cross for his contribution in capturing Clerf in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge.

[h3]Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig[/h3]
The 91. Luftlande-Division contains the Oberfeldwebel (Sergeant-Major) Alexander Ulhig, acting commander of 16,/Fallschirm-Rgt. 6.. This Ace will deploy as a Fs-Führer leader squad in the expansion.

(ulhig, bare-headed and wearing his medals, giving his orders before the attack that will make him famous)

Ulhig was not officially from the small 91. Luftlande-Division itself, but from the elite 6. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment attached to the division during the Normandy fighting. He led the remaining (32 men) of the 16,/FJR 6 during the battle of Saint-Germain-en-Seves against the 358th Infantry Regiment. Ulhig not only held his ground but attacked two American battalions with such skill that 250 were taken prisoner, the rest forced to retreat. For his actions, he received the Knight’s Cross, but our Ace was captured by the same regiment he so successfully trumped during Operation Cobra. Ulhig survived the war.

[h3]Oberstleutnant Josef “Pips” Priller[/h3]
The 716. Infanterie-Division will feature Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant-Colonel) Josef “Pips” Priller, commander of III,/Jagdgeschwaer 26. He will take to the skies in a Fw-190A-8 fighter.



Josef “Pips” Priller is a rather famous Ace, partially because his exploits were featured in the “Longest Day” film. A fighter Ace with 101 victories, having served during the Battle of Britain, Priller became known as the (allegedly) sole Luftwaffe intervention on the Normandy beaches during D-Day. He made a single strafing attack on Sword Beach. History shows a few others, but let it be said that Priller and his wingman remind the most famous of that day. Priller kept flying to the end, surviving the war.



[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

• The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
  
• The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
  
• The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
  
• The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are detailed in Versus #4 which you can read here.
  
• The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
  

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

• It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
  
• This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
  
  • Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
    
  • On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
    
• This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
  
• It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
  
• The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
  

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That is for today’s highlight into the Aces coming with Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44. Let us know what you think!

Don’t be shy, 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!

Hello commander!

We are back again with the fifth(!) Versus of the next Tribute expansion making its way to Steel Division 2.

Taking the stage in today’s “tank-heavy” DevBlog, the famous Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision.

Let’s go!

[h2]7th Armoured Division’s Steel Division 2 Flavor[/h2]



With its origins being a cavalry brigade founded in Egypt in the mid-30s, the 7th Armoured Divison (including its iconic Jerboa mouse insignia) became known as such from 1940 onwards. What followed were several years of hard fighting in the North African desert sands, from Tobruk to El Alamein. Under Montgomery’s command, the Desert Rats fought all the way to Tunisia and, after a brief spell in Italy, returned to the United Kingdom to be reformed and refitted.

The 7th Armoured Division, from the start, was envisioned to be a breakthrough division. It intended to exploit any weakness in the enemy’s front and get through, wreaking havoc in the rear. To reflect this purpose, the 7 Armoured has entirely been equipped with new CROMWELL tanks. Usually restricted to recon regiments, this vehicle sports the same gun as the 75mm Churchill but with very thin armor. What it loses in protection, it gains in speed.



As we mentioned in the previous Versus DevBlog, the 7th Armoured will be styled closer to a “light” cavalry division (while the Guards Armoured Division will be a “heavy” cavalry tank formation).

In the 7 Armoured, Cromwell variants were used in a whole gamut of combat roles: combat, recon, command, close support, artillery observation. It wasn’t the only tank type in the division. The formation also received FIREFLY (as the 17-pdr Challenger was not deemed ready yet for action). Furthermore, the division used “jalopied” (deturreted) STUART V in a recon role.

Being a breakthrough division, we have emphasized mobility for the 7th Armoured. It receives more and cheaper RECON slots, self-propelled AA, and strong AIR support. Meanwhile, SUPPORT and ARTILLERY slots will be more limited or expensive.

Veteran Firepower
Another divisional feature was the number of veterans in 7th Armoured ranks. Just like American BRO counterparts, the famous Desert Rats were, by D-Day, likely one of the most battle-experienced British divisions. But while the Americans had been whipped back into shape, the 7th Armoured was left to calcify on its combat reputation, with barely any fresh blood injected into the formation. This meant that when the 7th Armoured landed in Normandy, most of its soldiers suffered from battle weariness and were less willing to put themselves in harm’s way.

Therefore, all infantry units, as well as some of the older combat vehicles (Stuarts, 75mm-armed half-tracks, etc.), will receive one veterancy level with no penalty on availability. This doesn’t come for free: all these units will feature the Battle Weary trait, meaning they will take more suppression than regular troops. Not as much as the Disheartened trait, but still… Units with newer equipment, including Cromwells, Fireflies, Sexton, etc., will not have this trait but will also lack the veterancy level.

And lastly, a cosmetic feature. The divisional recon elements comprised the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars, which will receive their own Northern Irish dialogue acknowledgments.

The 7th Armoured Division was featured in the Back to Hell expansion for Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

[h2]7th Armoured’s Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
What will the Desert Rats have in store for the expansion?

RECO
A good category with a decent amount of slots and units.

• These include the usual array of RECCE, SCOUT and SCOUT (PIAT) in either JEEP, CARRIER and STUART RECCE units.
  
• There will also be STAGHOUND armored cars, plus STUART and CROMWELL recon tanks.
  
  
  
  
• Lastly, some of the last 75mm SP AUTOCAR M3 (American half-tracks sporting a French 75mm Mle 1897 gun) soldiered on in the 7th Armoured.
  

INF
An average tab with good choices but limited in the number of slots (as any other Commonwealth armored division).

• All the infantry come with one level of veterancy and no availability penalty but with the Battle Weary trait.
  
• A unit special to the division: the elite DESERT RATS squad represents the most experienced combat soldiers in the formation. They carry an entire arsenal of automatic weapons, either gained as extras or Thompson SMGs kept from the fighting in the desert days.
  

TANK
A pretty good category (did we expect anything less from the Desert Rats)? Slot costs are decent but less generous than the Guards Armoured Division.

• Aside from some STUART and FIREFLIES, the division fields mostly (and lots of them) CROMWELL V, with a few Combat Phase C-only CROMWELL VII tanks.
  

SUPP
A solid category.

• You’ll find the usual units, from machine guns to light mortars, supply units, and commanders.
  
• Additionally, the division will feature CROMWELL VI 95mm-armed close support tanks, as well as WASP Mk.2 flamethrower vehicles.
  

[h2]7th Armoured’s Anti-Tank, AA, Artillery, and Air forces[/h2] AT
A good category featuring the same equipment as the Guards Armoured Division but with cheaper options.

AA
An average category, though slightly better than the Guards counterpart.

• The main difference is that the 7th Armoured has no towed AA guns, with all the units being self-propelled: CRUSADER Mk. 1 and Mk.2, as well as BOFORS PORTEE. This means that the anti-air forces are more mobile but also more fragile.
  

ART
Average category with fewer slots and more expensive compared to the Guards tab.

• Sharing the same default units: the 3-INCH, 4,2-INCH MORTAR, 25-PDR in both towed and SEXTON configurations. The 7th Armoured doesn’t get as many heavy units as its sister unit.
  
• Still, its “mobile” role is emphasized by the American M12 GMC 155mm self-propelled guns attached in Phases A and B. These stem from the 987th FA Battalion, which supported XXXth Corps during the battle for Caen.
  

AIR
An average category, but still way better than the Guards.

• Though not new to Steel Division 2, the 7th Armoured will welcome a new flying nation to the Normandy theater: New Zealand. The flying Kiwis from the 486 Squadron RNZAF will make their appearance.
  
  
  
  
• The New Zealanders flew Hawker TEMPEST and provided air support in fighter and fighter bomber roles, with various bomb and rocket loadouts. The division will also receive British MITCHELL II (B-25) bombers, as well as the American B-26.
  

The 7th Armoured Division will be a very mobile division in the field, with numerous very fast tanks and self-propelled vehicles (including “portee” ones). Veteran infantry backs these armored light cavalry forces. The downside is a greater fragility, making the division able to deal heavy damage when attacking first but not being very resilient when fired upon.


[h2]9. Panzerdivision’s Combat History[/h2]



The 9. Panzerdivision traces its origins to January 1940, when the parent 4th Light Division was reorganized. Raised from Austrian forces, this tank formation took part in the invasion of the Netherlands in 1940 before pursuing retreating Belgian and French troops, ending the Battle of France close to Lyon. In the spring of 1941, the panzers fought in the Balkans before moving to Romania ahead of Operation Barbarossa. The 9. Panzer took part in various important battles on the Eastern Front, from Kyiv to Case Blue and Operation Citadel at Kursk. After the failure of the strategic offensive, after months of very heavy fighting, in January 1944, the division was pulled off the line with just 13 tanks remaining.

The 9. Panzerdivision was only brought to the Normandy battlefields quite late into the campaign. The Allies had already achieved their breakout from hedgerow country. The German panzers of the formation had been refitting in Eastern France since the beginning of 1944, but elements of its infantry were still fighting on the Eastern Front. These would only be able to join the tanks straight in Normandy. Due to orders, counter-orders, and lots of confusion, the division’s Panther battalion never made it. This left the 9. Panzerdivision with only half its complement of tanks, all Panzer IVs.

Confused movements
Its belated and chaotic move to Normandy spared the formation from ending up in the Failaise pocket. It meant that the moment it arrived, the panzers had to retreat immediately in the face of the Allied’s rapid advance. The French 2e Division Blindée were so used to encounter the German division on the battlefield that the Free French officers came to ask for news about it as “notre 9e Panzer” (“our 9. Panzer”) as if it was a relative lost, dazed and confused.



Not all things look dire for the 9. Panzerdivision. The formation was one of the few divisions to receive a full complement of the 1944-style armored recon battalion, featuring Luchs, SdKfz. 243/1 and 243/3. It took under its wing various scattered formations such as the Schnelle-Abteilung 512 or elements from 709. Infanterie-Division (another 15 Welle division) bolstering its infantry.



The 9. Panzerdivision was featured in the Second Wave expansion for Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

[h2]9. Panzerdivision’s Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
Let’s go through each of 9. Panzer’s categories.

RECON
One of the division’s strong points with lots of slots, options, and cheap-to-boot.

• The usual units are represented, including BMW R.75, AUFKLÄRER, and SPÄHTRUPP with their KUBELWAGEN or SDKFZ. 250 transports.
  
• The division had an unusually high complement of scoped rifles. This means quite a few cards of SCHARSCHÜTZE can be deployed.
  
• A solid amount of SDKFZ. 234/1 and 234/3 are available.
  
• Heavier recon vehicles include the standard AUFK.PANZER IV J, as well as the new AUFK.PANZER II LUCHS. Since there are a lot of the latter units, we split them between regular PANZER II LUCHS (found in TANK, which is an already existing unit) and the new recon variant (which is brand-new).
  
• A rare unit will also be deployable with 9. Panzer: the AUFK.PANZER I C. This was a prototype tank tested but then discarded in favor of the LUCHS. Over 30 examples had already been built and were sent to France. There, they found their way to LVIII. Panzer-Reserve-Korps’ recon battalion, the same formation that commanded 9. Panzer in Normandy. The AUFK.PANZER I C is a Panzer I with extra armor, a new motor, and fitted with an experimental anti-tank rifle next to a standard machine gun.
  

INF
A good one, especially considering it being a panzerdivision.

• The usual arsenal of infantry squads and transports plus:
  
  • Regular GRENADIER and GREN. FÜHRER from Schnelle-Abteilung 512.
    
  • Disheartened GRENADIER (15W) from 709. Infanterie-Division.
    
  • KOSAKEN-PIONIER as about a third of 709. Infanterie-Division‘s infantry was composed of Cossacks.
    

TANK
Pretty average for a Panzerdivision, being close to a mechanized division in terms of slots, units, and costs.

• Only has access to PANZER IV G and H, both normal variants and command ones.
  
• A single card of 2x veteran TIGER E is available in Phase B. These represent the two lone Tigers fighting with the 9. Panzer, which held off the vanguard of the French 2e Division Blindée for almost a day in the Ecouves forest.
  

SUPP
Average category, with the usual supporting units like other Panzerdivisionen.

• The formation moved so often that most of its service units never caught up. This means that certain SUPP units normally found will have been nerfed.
  

[h2]9.Panzer’s Anti-Tank, AA, Artillery, and Air forces[/h2]
We continue the list.


Anti-Tank
A good category with plenty of slots and costs.

• Left with only 2x older STUG III F/8 and a handful of MARDER, the 9. Panzer did receive a full complement of JAGDPANZER IV (represented by 2x complete cards).
  
• You’ll also be able to deploy PANZERSCHRECK and PAK 40, plus a few PANZERJÄGER 35R(f) from 709. Infanterie-Division.
  

AA
Pretty average.

• The usual arsenal of FLAK 20mm (both single and quad variants), MÖBELWAGEN, and FLAK 88mm.
  

ART
Standard in terms of unit availability and costs.

• Similar to any other Panzerdivision, but including FK 288/1(r) 76,2mm, which are repurposed Soviet ZiS-3, from 709. Infanterie-Division.
  

AIR
Once again, pretty average.

• Luftwaffe assets deployable include Me-109, Fw-190 and Stukas.
  

9. Panzer is more like a Panzergrenadier division than a Panzer one, with a more balanced ratio between tanks and infantry. When it comes to armor, it lacks Panther tanks but gains in the variety of its combat soldiers. The division’s strong suit is its RECON tab, which is large with lots of choices. Supporting arms, including AA, ART, and SUP, are more limited in availability.

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

• The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
  
• The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
  
• The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division is featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
  
• The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are featured in Versus #4 which you can read here.
  

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

• It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
  
• This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
  
  • Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
    
  • On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
    
• This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
  
• It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
  
• The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
  

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this fifth Versus. We are keen to hear what you think.


Don’t be shy, 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!

Hello commander,

Welcome back to our fourth Versus of our upcoming Tribute-style expansion, coming in the near future to Steel Division 2.

In today’s DevBlog, we’ll shine a light on the Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis German 91. Luftlande-Division.

Keep on reading to find out more!

[h2]Guards Armoured Division’s Combat History[/h2]



There is no big surprise to the origin of the British Guards Armoured Division. Founded in 1941, it drew its battalions and other elements from other “Guards” units, such as Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, Scots Guards, Household Cavalry, etc. These senior formations form part of the Household Division, tasked with public duties and… what else… the guarding of the Royal Family. Befitting for such an elite and esteemed division, the Guards Armoured Division received some of the best equipment available in the British Army.



Some battalions already had seen combat, but the Guards Armoured Division as a whole got its baptism of fire when landing in the middle of June in Normandy. In the subsequent fighting, the Guards saw action east of Caen, including fighting against the schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 with its Königstiger during Operation Goodwood.

After the lack of success in these hard-fought battles, Guards Armoured Division saw continued combat in France, though pulled off the line for rest and refit during the closing of the Falaise pocket. After the break-out of Normandy, the division took part in the liberation of Brussels and, later on, became one of the main armored battlegroups to rush north to relieve the Allied paratroopers in Operation Market Garden. The Guards experienced further fighting in the Netherlands, as well as during the Battle of the Bulge and subsequent combat in Germany itself.

The Guards Armoured Division was featured in the base version of Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

[h2]Guards Armoured Division in game[/h2]
There is no denying it, the Guards Armoured Division are Great Britain’s poster boys, lavishly equipped and at full combat strength.



As we will feature two additional Commonwealth armored divisions, the 7th Armoured “Desert Rats” and the new 4th Canadian Armored, we decided to give each of the tank formations a unique flavor.

In the Guards Armoured Division case, it will be a “heavy cavalry” division, acting as a steamroller on the battlefield. The formation will focus on grinding the enemy down with overwhelming tank firepower and heavy artillery. The Guards Armoured Division doesn’t lack in core combat units, be it armor or supporting arms. That’s why air support for this formation will be minimal and one of the division’s major drawbacks.



[h2]Guards Armoured Division Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
So, what does that mean for the Guards Armoured Division in-game?

• As expected, the TANK category will be very good.
  
• Likewise, AT and ART tabs will feature plenty of hard-hitting units.
  
• RECON, SUPPORT and AA will be decent at worst, but most will be above average in number of slots, units on offer, and costs.
  
• INF, the Achille’s Heel of any CW armored division, will be average at best..
  
• As mentioned before, AIR will be sorely lacking in planes and punching power!
  

While not featuring many new units, the Guards Armoured Division regroups some of the more noteworthy British ones in not-before-seen numbers, and finally all in a British battlegroup!

• FIREFLIES. We’ve heard your comments about British divisions not fielding the British FIREFLY tank. They were the only Commonwealth nation not to feature them until the recent 1st Special Service Brigade got a token few. But now you can rejoice! The Guards Armoured Division contained a whopping 36 of these tanks!
  
• There is more: next to the FIREFLIES, the division will also feature ACHILLES and 17-PDR towed anti-tank guns. This will mean a commander will be able to field some of the largest amounts of 17-pdr guns in-game.
  
• There are more iconic British units coming, previously only available to other Allied nations. These include the SEXTON self-propelled artillery and some CROMWELL variants.
  
• The division’s artillery will be supplemented by heavy guns such as BL 7,2-inch 182,9mm and US-supplied M1A1 'LONG TOM' 155mm.
  

The Guards Armoured Division is the flaming sword of the British Army with a serious amount of firepower (though lacking in air cover).

[h2]91. Luftlande-Division Combat History[/h2]



The 91. Luftlande-Division was formed late in the war in 1944, intended as an air-transportable division. The formation was originally created to partake in an aborted airborne operation aimed at seizing the Finnish island Suursaari in the Gulf of Finland. Despite its name, it was a regular Heer division, used as a follow-up unit to be airlifted into the combat zone after a first wave had cleared the way.



The 91. Luftlande-Division never served its intended role (not very surprising) and instead ended up as a stationary occupation formation in northern France. Very small, it had two-thirds the theoretical strength of an infantry division, with no tanks, no Flak guns, no trucks, and very light artillery. Not the most promising deck of cards for the 91. Luftlande-Division.

The 91. Luftlande-Division was part of the base version of Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

[h2]A Little Bit of Help for the 91. Luftlande-Division[/h2]
Over the course of the Battle of Normandy, the 91. Luftlande-Division found itself trapped in the ever-shrinking Cherbourg pocket. Here it ended up amalgamating a lot of smaller units, scattered or disbanded formations, and other detachments. By August 10th, despite the many ad-hoc reinforcements, the division was severely depleted. The combat history of the 91. Luftlande-Division ends there, as its surviving troops were used to fill up the other Axis divisions. At this point, the casualties suffered amounted to over two-thirds of its original strength.

The main units attached to the 91. Luftlande-Division were:

• The elite 6. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment, led by the legendary colonel von der Heydte. Detached from its parent 2. Fallschirm-Division, the regiment joined 91. Luftlande-Division on D-Day before being moved to the 17. SS. This results in Fallschirmjäger units becoming available in Combat Phases A and B.
  
• The convolutedly named Panzer–Ausbildungs-und-Ersatz–Abteilung 100 (PzAuE 100). This was an armored training battalion operating in 91. Luftlande-Division’s sector, entirely equipped with old French Beute tanks. These were encountered by the American paratroopers on the Merderet River (not the Tigers as depicted in Saving Private Ryan; old French tanks might not have been sexy enough for Hollywood).
  
• StuG-Abteilung 902 with its self-propelled assault guns.
  
• Several independent or former divisional artillery, AA, or AT battalions stemming from disbanded units.

                                                  (Myth vs. reality)

[h2]91. Luftlande-Division Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
So what can we expect of the 91. Luftlande-Division in Steel Division 2.

RECON

• Only a few slots, so below average. In real life, the 91. Luftlande-Division only had a bicycle recon battalion, though supplemented by some veteran paratrooper scouts.

INFANTRY

• Pretty good, with lots of options and cheap slots (as can be expected from a light infantry division).
  
• The default infantry is made up of the new LL-SCHÜTZEN squads. While the division could not field much heavy equipment, it could count on a larger amount of light machine guns than usual. That’s why:
  
  • LL-SCHÜTZEN squads will be similar to GRENADIER, but fielding two l.MG-34s.
    
  • LL-SCHÜTZEN (PzF) which are like the GRENADIER (PzF) squads.
    
  • LL-SCHÜTZEN FÜHRER which are comparable to GRENADIER FÜHRER, but featuring a l.MG-34.
    
  • In Combat Phase A and B, you’ll also be able to deploy Fs.-JÄGER (FG-42), Fs.-JÄGER (ZF), Fs.-JÄGER FÜHRER and Fs.-PIONIER.

TANK

• Pretty average with a mix of Beute Panzer (older French tanks) including R-35, H-39, and B2 FÜHRER, plus some STUG III G assault guns.

SUPPORT

• Decent with a mix of regular infantry and Fallschirmjäger-linked (Combat Phase A and B) units. Expect plenty of machine guns, such as s.MG-34, Fs.s.-MG-42, LG 42, and so forth.

ANTI-TANK

• A good amount of units, once again divided between regular and Fallschirmjäger ones (Combat Phase A and B). You can deploy PaK Gerlich 42mm, PaK 40 75mm, and PaK 43 88mm.

ANTI-AIR

• An average category for the 91. Luftlande-Division with only very light anti-air guns available in Combat Phase A, these being either towed or truck-mounted GEB.FLAK 38 20mm.
  
• Things look up in Phase B, with a few guns sourced from disbanded coastal batteries, such as FLAK 36 37mm and FLAK M.31(r) 88mm (rebored Soviet 85mm).

ARTILLERY

• A pretty good tab. While the division only had light guns in its original form, a host of units were added once in the field.
  
• The organic GEBH. 40 105mm, which were soon discarded due to a lack of ammunition. That’s why they will only be available in Combat Phases A and B.
  
• Plus 81mm and 120mm mortars, including Fs-GrW.120mm examples with Radio.
  
• These will be augmented by heavier guns from a variety of sources:
  
  • Soviet-made K.390(r) 122mm (meaning A-19 guns) and KH.433/1(r) 152mm howitzers (being ML-20).
    
  • From Phase B onwards, NEBELWERFER 42 300mm and self-propelled WURFRAHMEN UE6305(f) 280mm.
    
  • Off-map 152mm artillery.

AIR

• You wouldn’t have thought so, but the 91. Luftlande-Division doesn’t have the best air cover available.
  
• Only a mix of BF-109 G-2 and G-3 in fighter and fighter bomber roles.
  
• A handful of JU-88 S-1 bombers.
  
• Rounded out by a few ground support FW-190 G-3.

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
In our Versus DevBlogs, we highlight a pair of new divisions coming to Steel Division 2. We take a look not only at their historical background and combat history but also at new units and weapons and how the formation would operate on the Steel Division 2 battlefield.

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

• The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
  
• The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2, which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
  
• The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division is featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
  

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

• It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
  
• This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
  
  • Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
    
  • On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
    
• This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
  
• It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
  
• The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
  

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this fourth Versus. We are keen to hear what you think.

Don’t be shy, 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!

Hello commander,

Welcome back to the third Versus of our upcoming Tribute-style expansion, hitting the Steel Division 2 shores in the near future.

In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the famous Allied “Screaming Eagles” of Band of Brothers fame, the 101st Airborne Division, and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division.

Keep in mind that all the following is still actively being worked on!

[h2]101st Airborne Division’s Combat History[/h2]
Much has been written about the illustrious 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” Established in World War I, the original infantry division was reformed as an airborne unit in 1942. In comparison to the 82n Airborne, the 101st didn’t have any combat experience prior to D-Day.



It took part in some of the most noteworthy airborne assaults during World War II, including Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. During the landings in Normandy, the 101st seized the exit causeways of Utah Beach while simultaneously securing the left flank anchored on the Cotentin Peninsula.

[h2]101st Airborne Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 101st Airborne Division was featured in the base game of Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.

Let’s look at the “Screaming Eagles” as they would appear in the Steel Division 2. As a (very) light infantry division, more so than other nation’s airborne formations, it has no organic tanks nor anti-air defenses. Only light anti-tank guns and artillery pieces are to be found, with its firepower resting almost entirely on its infantry and lighter support weapons such as machine guns and mortars.



The 101st Airborne Division can count on various detachments joining the division on the battlefield during the Normandy campaign, some from D-Day itself. This offsets the lack of heavier units somewhat.

[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 101st Airborne Division and see its arsenal of units and weapons.

RECON
A good amount of slots and unit availability, including their costs.

• The ubiquitous JEEP .50, as well as AB SCOUTS and PATHFINDERS (already featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force from Steel Division 2: Men of Steel). The latter unit will be reworked (benefitting both divisions) as 9-men squads with a Radio.
  
• A new unit to be added to this division in Steel Division 2 is the FILTHY THIRTHEEN. Check out this Wikipedia page for more information. This unique unit will be featured as a single elite heavy demolition squad with Recon and Shock traits and sporting the trademark Mohawk haircut and war face paint. The Filthy Thirteen, although not penal troops in real life, were the actual inspiration for the Dirty Dozen movie.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, the 101st Airborne Division can count on the 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron for some support. These bring some M8, as well as SCOUTS in M20 armored cars.
  

INFANTRY
Likewise, a good combination of the number of slots and their costs. Many US airborne squads featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force will reappear.

• There are a number of new units. This includes the AB RIFLES (LMG), which is a new squad featuring an extra M1919A6. Every airborne rifle platoon only had one bazooka per two squads. This means our current AB RIFLES loadout is only true for half of them. This new squad will also have their Thompson SMG replaced by M1 Carbines.
  
• Another new unit is the GLIDER RIFLE LDR., which are large 10-man command squads delivered in trucks or DUKW (also featured with GLIDER RIFLES).
  
• The new AB CONV. GUNNERS. The 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion lost 11 out of its 12 M1A1 75mm howitzers during the landing. The artillerymen had to fight on foot as infantry. While vet-locked, they proved quite able and are not hampered by the Disheartened trait.

TANKS
An average amount of choice, with limited availability and high prices.

• The 101st Airborne Division had a battalion of Sherman DD allocated to it from D-Day. It was to fight from the beach and link up with the airborne troops. Throughout the campaign, several tank battalions rotated in and out, the last one containing Stuart light tanks.
  
  • The division will have M4 DD only in Combat Phase A.
    
  • In Phase B there will be M4A1 (including command).
    
  • And in Phase B and C, M5A1 (Stuarts) can be deployed.
    
• In Steel Division: Normandy 44, the division featured the M22 Locust. We were always under the impression that these armored vehicles were left in the UK, ready but unused until later in the war. As a matter of fact, the Locust stayed in the US, with only a handful shipped in early 1945, so the British could use them. That’s why they have been left out in Steel Division 2.

[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]

SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and choices.

• Includes the usual arsenal of machine guns, supplies, commanders (on foot, jeep, and from B onwards, in a M20 Command Car), as well as a Combat Phase A-only elite direct-fire AB M1A1 PACK 75mm (which represents the one piece that wasn’t lost on D-Day) plus M4(105) tanks.

ANTI-TANK
Not very stellar, with a less than average allocation of slots and unit availability.

• Unlike other airborne troops, the Americans didn’t have a glider big enough to carry 75mm anti-tank guns. This means the 101st Airborne Division is restricted to AB BAZOOKA teams and the AB M1 57mm.
  
• One new unit is the AB M3 37mm, a light AT gun usually attached to the Glider regiment, but historically, left behind on D-Day.

ANTI-AIR
Again, a not very impressive category.

• In real life, the 101st Airborne Division only had .50 cal HMGs as AA defenses. By chance, a self-propelled AA battalion was attached to the airborne troops as soon as American ground forces exited Utah Beach.
  
• This means a complement of M16 and M15 AA halftracks can be used in this division.

ARTILLERY
Artillery is pretty decent, with a good amount of slots.

• The core of the paratrooper’s long-range fire support comes from the ubiquitous AB Mortar 60mm and 81mm variant.
  
• As explained previously, most M1A1 75mm howitzers were lost during the landing. This left the division with only a handful (which have been moved to SUPPORT category) in Combat Phase A. More were delivered by sea later and thus the indiirect fire variant will be available from B.
  
• It doesn’t mean that the division is left entirely without howitzers in the opening stages of combat. The airborne soldiers managed to capture from the Germans some Beute Soviet ZiS-3 76,2mm guns, which were put to good use.
  
• From Phase B onwards, the division also gets heavier fire support as M7 105mm (Priest) and M1 155 towed howitzers.

AIR
Air support is pretty good - enough said!

• The 101st Airborne Division can count on massive P-51 support, either in fighter or fighter-bomber roles.
  
• Heavier air support comes in the form of B-26 Marauder bombers and P-47D-23-RA rocket-carrying close air support planes.

The 101st Airborne Division is a light infantry division with excellent infantry and a bit of (but just a bit) of everything to help push the airborne troops forward.

[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s Combat History[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division is another “700” division, meaning more 15. Welle Warriors much like the 715. Infanterie-Division from the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.



That means men too old, too sick, too crippled for campaign service. Instead, they were restricted to coastal defense duties in static formations (meaning with hardly any organic transport), also known as the “700” series.

Therefore, the squads and models of these divisions will be the same as those forming the core of the 715. Infanterie-Division. They are inexperienced troops featuring the Disheartened trait.



Historically, the 716. Infanterie-Division, like other divisions along the coast, was given the mission to withstand the first blow of the expected Allied invasion. They should hold and wait for a “mighty” air and ground counter-attack promised by high command to follow shortly.

What really happened was that the German intelligence vastly underestimated the Allied firepower and that the massive counter-attack, by 21. Panzer quickly petered out. Left to its own devices, the 716. Infanterie-Division’s combat history was a short one. Being the first line of defense on June 6th, it was pulled out of the line on June 15th, completely gutted.

[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division will be rather unique for Steel Division 2. The division will not feature one tank. Not a single one. Even with the support of the 21. Panzer’s Kampfgruppe Rauch, bringing some panzergrenadiers, including armor cars and self-propelled guns, the 716. Infanterie-Division never received any tank support.

Though the division in Steel Division: Normandy ‘44 features the B1, this wasn’t very accurate, as these older French tanks were on the other side of the Cotentin Peninsula, on the Channel Islands.

However, while its loss of armor is noticeable, it will receive some units to boost its arsenal.

• As mentioned above, the division will see a detachment of Kampfgruppe Rauch’s associated units in Combat Phase B.
  
• Several Kriegsmarine coastal batteries and personnel were in 716. Infanterie-Division’s sector. These will be attached in Combat Phase A.
  
• Three Ost battalions were part of the division. Though reported of poor combat value, two were Cossack battalions which gained praise for their spirited counter-attacks.
  
• And like the original, some of the 716. Infanterie-Division’s best troops were Italian volunteers. These were recruited from Italian POW camps and noted for their energetic defense. So, instead of the usual way, the ex-Soviet and Italian troops will be the most reliable in this division, and the German ones the least likely to fight.
  
• Lots and lots of artillery support!

[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 716. Infanterie-Division and see the arsenal of units and weapons. Note that units bolded and italic are new!

RECON
Not particularly noteworthy with few slots, being quite expensive.

• 716. Infanterie-Division, being static, had no Fusilier battalion, so only a few BMW side-cars and the new KANALWACHE (“watcher over the Channel”) squads. These latter three-man units are armed with MP-40, an FM 24/29, and a Boys anti-tank rifle and represent the small sentry squads placed in Tobruk bunkers to guard the coastline.
  
• A single card of A-only recon REIT.-KOSAKEN (renamed from KOSAKEN) courtesy of our ex-Soviet mounted troops.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, the 21. Panzer’s recon battalion gives the division access to AUFKLÄRER, SPÄHTRUPP, SDKFZ. 250/9 and SPW 233.
  

INFANTRY
A good amount of slots for reasonable prices.

• The division has access to GRENADIER (15W) and PIONIER (15W) squads with the Disheartened trait. These were already featured by the 715. Infanterie-Division from the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.
  
• The Ost battalions provide OSTTRUPPEN (re-equipped with Soviet weapons which will affect all divisions featuring this squad) plus new KOSAKEN and KOSAKEN-PIONIER.
  
• Local Kriegsmarine coastal defense troops bring KM MARINEINFANTERIE, KM FÜHRER and Disheartened KM FLAKTRUPPEN in Combat Phase A only.
  
• Italian PoWs who had volunteered to keep fighting with the Germans were scattered throughout the division. We regrouped them into an ITA. FREIWILLIGE squad.
  
• From Combat Phase B, Kampfgruppe Rauch brings PZ.GREN. FÜH. (PzF), PZ.GRENADIER (PzF) and STURMPIONIER in Unic halftracks.

TANK
As mentioned earlier…no tank!

This lack means the other categories see a boost in slot numbers and costs.

[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]

SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and prices.

• Lots of machine gun teams. These include MG-34, MG-42, KM MG-08, MG-30(p), etc.
  
• GrW. 50mm but no infantry gun, as the division had none. In its place, the division received four SDKFZ. 135/1, courtesy of Baukommando Becker. NOTE: we mentioned these units in last week’s Versus as part of the 16.LwFD, but that was a mix-up, these units were with the 716.ID, not the Luftwaffe division.
  
• KM KÜSTENPOLIZEI to keep order among the rank-and-file.
  
• Plus the usual supply and commander units.
  

ANTI-TANK
Likewise, a pretty good category with plenty of availability and good prices.

• The division had a range of anti-tank guns: Soviet PAK 184(r) 45mm, PAK 38 50mm, PAK 40 75mm and even some PAK 43 88mm.
  
• A small number of self-propelled 75mm AT guns were also available (of type unknown, but likely stemming from Baukommando Becker). We decided to model the new Panzerjäger 39(H) mit 7.5cm PaK40/1 Marder I, or known as the MARDER I H-39 ingame. This is a PaK 40 mounted on the hull of a captured French H-39 tank.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, Kampfgruppe Rauch brings more self-propelled anti-tank guns as the S307(f) PAK.
  

ANTI-AIR
Decent in terms of slot and cost, but limited choice.

• Only the FLAK 38 20mm and French FLAK 36(f) 75mm will be available.
  

ARTILLERY
Rather impressive. The 716. Infanterie-Division was a World War I-style division with infantry in bunkers and trenches calling pre-sighted artillery strikes.

Expect to find guns of all origins and calibers. These include:

• Czech. le.FH 14/19(t) 100mm
  
• Soviet s.FH 396(r) (a M-30) and K.390(r) 122mm (the A-19)
  
• French K 419(f) 155mm howitzers (which are GPF)
  
• as well as off-map 152mm.

AIR
Air cover is pretty good for the 716. Infanterie-Division.

• In real life, only a few Fw-190A-8 and Me-109G-6 and G-8 reached the invasion sector on D-Day. These aircraft will be available from A. The former will come in fighter, fighter bomber, and recon roles.
  
• From Combat Phase B onwards, JU-87D-3, D-5 and even a few cluster-loaded Hs 129 B-2/R4 will join the fight. The latter were rare in Normandy, as only a single Staffel was left at Carpiquet airfield when the rest of its squadron was transferred to the Eastern Front.
  
• The division will receive a new air unit: the Ar 234 B-2 in the recon role. This was the first use of these latter-to-be jet bombers and made fast recon passes over the Allied armada lying in front of the Normandy coast.
  

The 716. Infanterie-Division is a very defensive division. Static, with few armored vehicles and no tanks, but able to bring a mass of infantry and a lot of artillery firepower to the battlefield

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?

• It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
  
• This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
  
  • Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
    
  • On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
    
• This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
  
• It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
  
• The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
  

[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
In our Versus DevBlogs, we highlight a pair of new divisions coming to Steel Division 2. We take a look not only at their historical background and combat history but also at new units and weapons, and how the formation would operate on the Steel Division 2 battlefield.

If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 check out the following Versus DevBlogs:

• The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
  
• The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2 which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.

[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this third Versus. Let us know what you think.

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See you on the battlefield, commander!