Steel Division 2 News

Hello there!

The results are in! That’s right: we have an official winner for our second Nemesis community vote. Maestro, drumroll, please…

Having pulled ahead with a whopping [47,5%] of the vote, our newest Nemesis DLC winner is the Nemesis: Battle of Rimini. The runner-up is Nemesis: Raid on Drvar with [36,3%]. And in third place in this poll Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar with [16,1%].



Once again, thank you all for being good sports and trying your darndest to influence your fellow player in voting for your favorite Nemesis DLC. We’ve seen some true propagandists at work!

[h2]The winner is Nemesis: Battle of Rimini[/h2]

With Nemesis: Battle of Rimini being the winner of our second community vote (and third Nemesis DLC if you’ve been counting), you’ll get to play with two fascinating formations in the not-too-distant future. These battlegroups saw combat during Operation Olive the ultimately unsuccessful Allied offensive up the Adriatic coast in September 1944.

Let’s take another look at what Nemesis: Battle of Rimini brings again?

2nd New Zealand Division

• Two brand spanking new nations rolled into one mighty composite Allied battlegroup: 2nd New Zealand Division with the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade attached.
  
• A host of unusual Allied hardware (British and American), as well as plenty of (looted) weaponry employed by the Kiwis. Interesting units include: Universal Carriers equipped with twin M1919 MMGs or M2HMG and M1919 MMG, German captured arms, Staghound Mk. II and Jalopied Stuart.
  
• The Greeks will provide mountaineers (standard Commonwealth infantry with the Raider trait), as well as Spitfire Mk. V fighters and Martin Baltimore bombers. The latter is a new unit.
  
• Further air support comes from the Desert Air Force, a multinational unit flying older (but reliable) Spitfires, Hurricanes, Kittyhawk, Baltimore, Beaufighters, and Bostons.
  

1. Fallschirmjäger-Division

• The Fallschirmjäger division features fewer actual paratroopers due to the losses sustained in the Battle of Monte Cassino. They do have access to some salvaged Italian weaponry: SPA-38 trucks, Breda 20mm AA guns and Lince command car. The SPA-38 and Lince are new units.
  
• Supporting troops from 162. (Turk.) Infanterie-Division (an Osttruppen formation) will also be deployable. They are entirely equipped with Soviet infantry individual weapons, as well as some Italian AT guns.
  
• Limited, but heavy, armored support comes in the form of Tiger E, Nashorn, PaK 43 and Jagdpanzer IV.
• The Luftwaffe flying top cover makes use of some captured Italian Re.2005 fighter planes, which are new to the game.
  

Read all about the Nemesis: Battle of Rimini in this detailed blog post.

[h3]What can you expect next?[/h3]

As with the first Nemesis DLC vote, our silver medal winners will get a fresh chance to be included in Steel Division 2. That’s right: Nemesis: Raid on Drvar will get another shot at a place in the sun in the future.

It does means that Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar was judged and found to be… lacking. Maybe we will resurrect the idea of featuring two battlegroups from Operation Dragoon in a different shape or format. For now, this third Nemesis DLC choice will be put back into the big ‘ol Eugen ideas fridge.

Making two new battlegroups takes time, especially when they feature new nations with the whole gamut of new voice lines that need to be recorded. That’s why we can’t give you an exact date of when to expect Nemesis: Battle of Rimini to be released.

The winner of the very first Nemesis DLC community vote, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive is getting closer to being finished. Keep an eye out, as we might be able to reveal more juicy details about this expansion soon.

[h2]A quick recap of the Nemesis DLC concept[/h2]

The first Nemesis DLC is FREE and available now. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and contains the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division.

Read more about Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead here.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1405650/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_1__Sandomierz/

You should know by now, but if you haven’t, please read the following pointers about our new Nemesis DLC concept:

• Each Nemesis DLC will bring two new divisions (one from each side) and might feature new units, new weapons, new models, and even new… nations. Except for the first one, all
  will be PAID.
  
• Each Nemesis DLC focuses on a new historical Theater of Operations (think engagement or battle) that was relevant and set in the summer of 1944. This could be the Eastern Front, could be the Western Front, could even be other interesting… locales.
  
• We will feature three distinct choices in each run or mini-season as you will. Right now, we have just concluded our second run.
  
• You can vote which Nemesis DLC option should be released. The one with the most votes wins - and gets made as soon as possible. The runner-ups might be featured again in a future poll.
  
• The winner of the very first Nemesis DLC community vote, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive is being worked on, as we speak.
  

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

That’s it for now. We will be back next week, same time, same place.

As always, let us know what you think. Reach out to us via our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield!

Hello commander!

Today is a good day! Why? We’ve got a ton of exciting stuff to tell you, so strap yourself in, sit back, relax, and enjoy the read.

As you might have guessed, today we will kick off our second Nemesis DLC vote. Continue reading to find out all the juicy details, including where to cast your ballot.

But first up...

[h2]Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead out now![/h2]

That’s right. With a slight delay - we know - but our first Steel Division 2 Nemesis DLC is now available for free!

Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead presents you with the 16. Panzerdivision and 97th Guards Rifle Division, with our latest expansion featuring the new and mighty Königstiger (H).

Available to all for free, the Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is the first in the Nemesis DLC series. Go and check it out!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1405650/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_1__Sandomierz/

[h2]Nemesis DLC Community Vote[/h2]

Now, to other matters at hand. The second Nemesis DLC community vote is now live. You can now cast your vote on which of the three Nemesis divisions we should release next.

You can find the Nemesis DLC voting page by following this link here.

Voting will close on Wednesday, October 13th at 1:30 PM (CEST) / 12:30 PM (BST) / 7:30 AM (EDT).

As before, you can vote multiple times, but only your LAST vote will count! Be respectful of the vote and your fellow player. No cheating, bullying, or insults will be tolerated.

In case you’ve forgotten what’s at stake, let’s give the three choices for the second run of the Nemesis DLC a quick once-over:

[h3]Nemesis: Battle of Rimini[/h3]

Our first option is Nemesis: Battle of Rimini, presenting two divisions from the Italian front set during Operation Olive, the Allied offensive on the Adriatic coast in mid-September 1944.



If Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is the winner of the vote, you get to play with:

• Two new nations rolled into one composite Allied battlegroup: 2nd New Zealand Division with the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade attached.
  
• A host of unusual Allied hardware (British and American), as well as expedited (read looted) weapons and stores. Interesting units include: Universal Carriers equipped with twin M1919 MMGs or M2HMG and M1919 MMG, German captured arms, Lynx Scout Car and Jalopied Stuart.
  
• The Axis will get the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division with supporting troops from 162. (Turk.) Infanterie-Division, Tiger E, Nashorn and Jagdpanzer IV.

Read all about the Nemesis: Battle of Rimini in this detailed blog post.

[h3]Nemesis: Raid on Drvar[/h3]

The second choice is Nemesis: Raid on Drvar featuring two unusual battlegroups from an equally unique front: the partisan-infested Balkan theatre.



If Nemesis: Raid on Drvar is the winner, the following will become available:

• Two new nations, found both with the Axis (the minor ally Croatia) and the Allied battlegroup (Yugoslav partisans).
  
• For the Axis, a mixed battlegroup, Unternehmen Rösselsprung, featuring not only the fanatical SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500, but also Brandenburg special forces and SS-Gebirgsjäger. Croatia brings its own infantry units: regular Kro. Legionäre, Domobran (Home Guard soldiers) and Ustashe auxiliaries.
  
• The Allies get the unique partisan formation NOV - the the Yugoslav Liberation Army. NOV troops as a whole feature the Raider trait and can deploy a large variety of captured material, mostly Italian weaponry, even including some armor support.
  

Read all about the Nemesis: Raid on Drvar in this detailed blog post.

[h3]Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar[/h3]

Our third alternative is Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar, showcasing two divisions which squared off against each other in Southern France during Operation Dragoon.



If you choose Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar, you’ll see:

• For the Axis, the 11. Panzerdivision, a reconstituted armored formation with a full complement of Panther A. This battlegroup is backed up by a wide assortment of older tanks scavenged from local depots, including Italian, French, and even captured American vehicles.
  
• For the Allies, the ad hoc Task Force Butler with its aim to get to the objective as fast as possible. It features M8 Greyhounds, and a mix of M4 Sherman tank variants, as well as M5A1 Stuart light tanks. Lacking infantry, this battlegroup can count on the help of the local French resistance, including heavily armed OSS Operational Groups groups.
  

Read all about the Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar in this detailed blog post.

[h2]Tournament[/h2]

We also like to take today’s opportunity to highlight a super awesome community charity event kicking off this weekend: Steel Division 2’s first-ever fundraising tournament.

The fine folks of Steel Division 2 Boot Camp, with the assistance of SD League, have prepared a two-day spectacle intending to raise at least $500 for a charity dedicated to fighting hunger across the world.

At Eugen, we always support worthwhile community endeavors like these. That’s why we will contribute 500$ to the fundraising tournament.

Starting on Saturday the 10th of October and lasting until Sunday the 11th, the tournament will consist of a series of online battles, emulating the bravery and heroism of those who fought to stem the tides of suffering and destruction. All are invited to join - while donations are not required, they would be more than helpful.

Check out more details here, or find the sign-up page and donation pages here.

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

That’s it for this week. There is only one last thing left for you to do: go forth and vote! Check in next week for the Nemesis DLC results!

Let us know what you think. Reach out to us via our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Hello commander,

Welcome back to our third (and currently final) Nemesis DLC unveiling. We are proud to present Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar!

As the other Nemesis DLC choices before it, our third option of the second run explores an entirely new battlefield. This time, we will find ourselves in the sun-kissed countryside of Southern France.

Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar pits the German 11. Panzerdivision against the recently arrived (and fast-moving) Task Force Butler during the pitched Battle of Montélimar.

Before we continue: we are still working hard on getting the first free Nemesis DLC into your hands as soon as possible. The release of Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is on the way, so hold on tight. Before you know it, you’ll be able to play with the 16. Panzerdivision and 97th Guards Rifle Division featured in the first Nemesis DLC.

[h2]The History of Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar[/h2]

It is the summer of 1944, and we find ourselves in Southern France. While Operation Overlord has been a success, by July it’s clear that the bridgehead in Normandy was not expanding as quickly as originally envisioned. The need to unlock a second front in France became clear.



This secondary invasion aimed at the French Riviera kicked off on August 15th - Operation Dragoon was underway. Things on the ground moved fast: the first units from Normandy were already approaching Paris. In the southern Provence landings, the U.S. VI Corps, with three experienced divisions and a multinational airborne/commando task force, rode the initial assault wave north. Only a few scattered German units opposed them - mostly infantry formations with a single armored division (the 11. Panzerdivision) acting as a mobile reserve.

The Americans realized the need to keep the pace as quickly as possible and formed a fast strike force. This ad-hoc battlegroup will be known as Task Force Butler, which wastes no time to advance toward the Rhône valley up to Dijon, aiming to link up with units coming from Normandy. On the way, Butler was directed to Montélimar to secure the city’s high ground and cut off the main German body of troops in full retreat. However, as a mere combat command, it was pushed right in the path of a powerful Panzerdivision.



From August 21st to 29th, Butler’s small force and 11. Panzerdivision (with attached units) fought for Montélimar. For the Allies, communication issues and shortages in fuel and ammunition prevented them from completely blocking the road. After the initial confusion, the Germans saw an opportunity to destroy the isolated American forces but failed in their attempts to dislodge them.

In the end, neither side completed its objectives: the Wehrmacht was able to resume their retreat, although with terrible losses, while the isolated and out-of-supply Task Force Butler was lucky to have avoided destruction.

[h2]What will Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar feature?[/h2]

As with our previous Nemesis DLC options, Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar presents you with two new divisions, one on each side.

We will feature several new units or new variants of existing units. As always, we have made sure that each battlegroup’s composition is as historically accurate as possible.

[h3]11. Panzerdivision[/h3]

First up is the 11. Panzerdivision, badly mauled on the Eastern Front, it was the only armored division in the south of France, where it was in the process of being rebuilt and refitted.

Except for its FlaK detachment - without transport and left in Lyon - the division was otherwise back up to strength when Operation Dragoon swung around. The reconstitution of 11. Panzer was accomplished by scrapping all the depots in southern France and northern Italy, leading the division to field a dazzling mixture of (older) military hardware, from German, French, Italian to even captured American vehicles and tanks.

• The 11. Panzerdivision can count on a full battalion of Panther A tanks.
  
• Only a small amount of Panzer IV medium tanks are available - the rest have been sent to Normandy as replacements. A large number of older tanks, some used for training, have been put back into action, including Panzer II, Panzer III and the Italian M13/40.
  
• The battlegroup’s recon battalion is missing a sizable amount of its half-tracks but has received in their place the new SdKfz. 234/1, SdKfz. 234/3 and captured M8 Greyhounds.
  
• There is a noticeable lack in AA defenses, with the 11. Panzer only having a number of 20 mm guns and a select few Möbelwagen.
  
• During the retreat, several scattered units were brought under the armored division’s command. This is represented by the availability of two battalions of Luftwaffe-jäger, support from super-heavy railroad artillery, and a few Flak 38 105mm guns.
  

[h3]Task Force Butler[/h3]

Essentially an expanded recon unit, Task Force Butler was heavily reinforced with an infantry battalion, an armored artillery battalion, a reduced tank battalion, and a tank destroyer company. Intended to race ahead of the vanguard, this ad-hoc combat command featured two drawbacks: the lack of dedicated signal units and insufficient infantry to hold the ground for a prolonged period.

During the actual battle, only a trickle of follow-up infantry managed to join the fight, as well as some support from the U.S. VI Corps’ heavy artillery. More direct reinforcements appeared unexpectedly with French FFI (the local resistance) partisans rising up all along Task Force Butler’s route. French airborne Commando d’Afrique and American OSS Operational Groups also emerged. The latter were not advisory groups but rather “heavy commando” special forces squads made up of volunteers from airborne or U.S. Marines.

• In Phase A, Task Force Butler will be able to field a sizable amount of M4A1, M4A1(76) and M4(105) tanks, backed up by M5A1 Stuart light tanks.
  
• A large number of M8 Greyhound armored cars can also be deployed in the early stages of a battle, both in recon or combat roles.
  
• As a new unit, the older M6 Fargo (WC 52 light truck with 37mm AT gun) can be found with the battlegroup. Lots of jeeps and small scouts make up the rest of the recon forces.
  
• Likewise, Cavalry Scouts can be called upon, which are heavy recon squads.
  
• From Phase B onwards, Task Force Butler will be reinforced with Long Tom artillery support and the new OSS Operational Group which are 10-man squads with the Raider trait and armed with UD M42 SMG, M1919A6 LMG and Bazookas.
  
• A whole slew of different FFI units with captured German weapons can be fielded. While having appeared previously in Steel Division: Normandy 44, these partisan squads will be mostly new for Steel Division 2.
  
• Allied air units flying from Corsica provide top cover, including: USAAF B-26, RAF Spitfire and Beaufighter, Free French Air Force P-47 and P-38.
  

[h2]The Nemesis DLC concept explained[/h2]

We are currently in our second run of future Nemesis DLCs, and if you were wondering how it all works, read the following carefully!

The first two DLC options have already been revealed:

• Nemesis: Battle of Rimini takes a cue from the Italian front, and promises to deliver the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division for the Axis and the combined Allied battlegroup of the 2nd New Zealand Division with the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade attached.
  
• Nemesis: Raid on Drvar presenting the Axis composite formation Unternehmen Rösselsprung featuring the fanatical SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 versus the Allied partisan Yugoslav Liberation Army known in-game as the NOV battlegroup.
  

• Each Nemesis DLC will bring two new divisions (one from each side) and will feature new units, new weapons, new models, and maybe even new nations. They will be PAID.
  
• Each Nemesis DLC focuses on a new historical Theater of Operations (think engagement or battle) that was relevant and set in the summer of 1944. This could be the Eastern Front, could be the Western Front, could even be other interesting… locales.
  
• The second Nemesis DLC - that you the community already voted on - is Nemesis: Lvov Offensive. This new DLC will feature the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and 10th Guards Tank Corps with some shiny new toys, including the Elefant tank destroyer and the one-of-its-kind Tiger (P).
  
• At the end of this second run of future Nemesis DLCs you get to decide which one will be released first in a community-wide vote! Runner-ups might get a second chance and return in future votes.
  

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

We are wrapping up our second Nemesis DLC run with today’s Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar. We’ll have the community vote up very soon!

Let us know what you think.

Reach out to us via our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or keep an eye out on our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Check out the kick-assDiscord server or Reddit page.

See you next week!

Hello!

It’s that time of the week again. That’s right: today we’ll be looking at our second option for the next Steel Division 2 Nemesis DLC. Nemesis: Raid on Drvar promises to give you two unique divisions from a similarly unique battlefield during World War II: the partisan-infested Balkans.

Nemesis: Raid on Drvar presents you with a special Axis composite battlegroup called Unternehmen Rösselsprung centered on the infamous SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500.



For the Allies, we have the mixed Yugoslav partisans, collected under the banner of the NOV battlegroup, roughly translated as the Yugoslav Liberation Army.

Let’s take a look at what makes Nemesis: Raid on Drvar so special, and why you should vote for it in the next Nemesis DLC poll!

[h2]The History of Nemesis: Raid on Drvar[/h2]

By 1944, the former territories of pre-war Yugoslavia were in almost constant turmoil with various armed groups, partisans, nations, and armies vying for control. Ever since the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941, the communist partisan army under the command of the capable Tito had been a thorn into Axis’ side. The capitulation of Italy in 1943 to the Allies not only provided the local insurgents with a valuable source of (outdated but still useful) military hardware but also shifted the burden of the anti-partisan operations on the sole German shoulders. Not only that, but thousands of Italian soldiers switched sides and joined the numerous guerilla units active in the region.



Nazi Germany wanted to put an end to the continued Yugoslavian partisan menace - swiftly. Having identified the charismatic Tito as a key element in the command hierarchy, by eliminating or capturing him, the Germans hoped that the various multinational partisan groups would disintegrate and turn their guns on each other. Unternehmen Rösselsprung - Operation Knight’s Move - was conceived. In essence, it was a daring airborne operation, deep inside partisan-controlled territory, aimed to deliver a stunning coup de main strike against the head of the Yugoslavian partisan army.

Instead of forcing a checkmate, however, the German assault near the Bosnian town of Drvar in May 1944 became a costly failure. Tito and his headquarters - including attached Allied military personnel - escaped while partisan troops resisted the airborne SS troops fiercely. A ground assault made by the additional German land forces and the collaborationist Croatian Home Guard was likewise repulsed. Disengaging successfully, the majority of the guerillas - including Tito - managed to escape. They kept the fight going and ultimately proved to be victorious at the end of the war.



[h2]What will Nemesis: Raid on Drvar bring?[/h2]

As with our previous Nemesis DLC options, Nemesis: Raid on Drvar presents you with two new divisions on both sides.

Nemesis: Raid on Drvar will also feature two new nations - Yugoslavian partisans and Croatia with the latter being a minor ally within the German battlegroup. Yes, these new soldiers will be fully voiced, having access to a full repertoire of battlefield orders, curses, and damnations!

As always, you’ll be able to play around with a host of notable units, vehicles, and soldiers.

[h3]Unternehmen Rösselsprung[/h3]

A mixed battlegroup, Unternehmen Rösselsprung carries the name of the operation. It features not only the fanatical SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500, but also regular Grenadier foot soldiers, as well as supporting forces from the SS-Gebirgsjäger and the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), a puppet state of Nazi Germany.

The SS-Fallschirmjäger were an interesting bunch: almost half of these die-hard soldiers were SS penal troops, recruited because the new parachutist unit was going to be deployed in the most dangerous actions behind enemy lines. This assumption proved correct: the battalion became famous for its semi-suicidal missions and casualty rate of over 50%.



The Croatian units consist of infantry with support from the Croatian Air Force. Filling in the void left by the Italian troops, Germany came to rely more and more on this small Balkan ally. Within Steel Division 2, Croatia would appear as a separate nation in the Armory - similar to the Belgian units attached to the British 6th Airborne Division.

• The SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 were the first in action on the ground. They do NOT carry the FG-42, but instead half the paratrooper squads are equipped with full SMGs instead. SS-Fallschirmjäger feature the Fanatical trait.
  
• A small number of Brandenburg special forces can be found in this battlegroup as well. They can count on the Raider trait.
  
• Other German troops include regular Grenadier, but also fresh Kadetten, Brandenburg Jäger and SS-Gebirgsjäger (the latter as mountain troops with the Raider trait, and equipped with captured Czech. weapons).
  
• Armor support includes French “Beute” H-39 and Somua tanks in an anti-partisan role, but also various Italian armored vehicles including AB 41 and AB 43 (with a 47mm gun) armored cars, AS.37 wheeled armored personnel carrier, and the M15/42 medium tank.
  
• Croatia brings its own infantry units: regular Kro. Legionäre, Domobran (Home Guard troops almost entirely equipped with Italian weapons) and Ustashe auxiliaries. The minor nation also has some light armor of its own, all of them former Italian vehicles including AB 41, L3/35, and L6.
  
• Croatian Air Force covers the sky above, equipped with a mix of old pre-war Yugoslav Air Force planes and Italian or German ones: Czech. Avia BH-33 and Italian CR-42 biplanes, G.50, C.202 and C.205 in fighters or fighter-bomber roles, French MS.406, Italian Caproni and German Do-17 bombers, ...
  

[h3]NOV[/h3]

On the Allied side, we find the Yugoslavian partisans, collected under the name of NOV (Narodnooslobodilačka vojska, meaning Yugoslav Liberation Army. This communist-led partisan force was considered one of the most effective anti-Axis resistance movements in Europe, turning much of Yugoslavia into a partisan country for the war duration.

Five NOV “divisions” were involved in the Raid on Drvar, but being weakly armed, they were closer to a regiment in fighting power. Mostly equipped with captured arms and vehicles, the NOV was actively supported by the Allies, including special advisory missions embedded with Tito’s headquarters and Allied airpower overhead (supplies, bombing, and even close air support).

• As a partisan army, NOV troops as a whole feature the Raider trait. The soldiers are mostly equipped with salvaged Italian small arms, from Beretta SMGs, M91 Moschetto rifles, Breda 30 LMG and Solothurn anti-tank rifles. Airdropped British weapons (Bren, PIAT, and Sten guns) can also be found within its ranks.
  
• Additional weapons include German MP-40, MG-34, Panzerfaust and even American UD M42 SMGs.
  
• Heavier equipment all come from captured stocks, such as the German PaK 38 50mm and even a handful of PaK 40 75mm AT guns, but mostly Italian Elefantino 47mm guns.
  
• The main source of artillery support, next to mortars, consists of mobile mountain guns - easier to assemble and transport them across the mountainous local terrain.
  
• AA defense is provided by the ubiquitous dual-purpose Italian Breda 20 mm guns.
  
• The NOV battlegroup can even count on some armored support. Four light L3/35 Italian tankettes were fielded during the battle, but a limited number of heavier tanks were also available on theater, including AB 41 armored cars, the L6/40 light tank, and French R-35, H-39 and Somua tanks.
  
• Allied air support consisted of older Spitfire, Mustang and Hurricane fighter or fighter-bomber variants. Ventura and Baltimore light bombers are available for close air support or reconnaissance roles. The Beaufighter will do service as a heavy fighter or as a dedicated CAS plane.
  

[h2]The Nemesis DLC concept explained[/h2]

We are currently in our second run of future Nemesis DLCs and if you were wondering how this whole thingamajig Nemesis DLC works, read the following carefully!

The first DLC option was revealed last week. Be sure to check out Nemesis: Battle of Rimini.

• Each Nemesis DLC will bring two new divisions (one from each side) and will feature new units, new weapons, new models, and maybe even new nations. They will be PAID.
  
• Each Nemesis DLC focuses on a new historical Theater of Operations (think engagement or battle) that was relevant and set in the summer of 1944. This could be the Eastern Front, could be the Western Front, could even be other interesting… locales.
  
• The first Nemesis DLC will be FREE and likely release later in September. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and will contain the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division.
  
• The second Nemesis DLC - that you the community voted on - will be Nemesis: Lvov Offensive. This one will feature the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and 10th Guards Tank Corps with some shiny new toys, including the Elefant tank destroyer and the one-of-its-kind Tiger (P).
  
• At the end of this second run of future Nemesis DLCs you get to decide which one will be released first in a community-wide vote! Runner-ups might get a second chance and return in future votes.
  

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

That’s it for this week. Next week, we’ll be revealing the last option of our second run of the Nemesis DLC.

Reach out to us via our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or keep an eye out on our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Check out the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander!

Hey there!

Welcome back to a brand-new Nemesis DLC run for Steel Division 2! That’s right, today we are going to be looking at the initial choice for our second “run” - as you may call it - where we will take the action to the cramped Italian battlefront with Nemesis: Battle of Rimini.

As a first, Nemesis: Battle of Rimini will branch out and offer not only one but two new nations!

Let’s take a look at 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division for the Axis, and the combined Allied battlegroup of the 2nd New Zealand Division with the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade attached.

[h2]History of Nemesis: Battle of Rimini[/h2]

Nemesis: Battle of Rimini takes place during Operation Olive, set in mid-September 1944, which saw the Allies’ attempt to break through the German-held Gothic defensive line on the Adriatic coast.



With the Italian theater being relegated to a secondary role after D-Day, the Allies devised Operation Olive. With this offensive, the British 8th Army would attack along the Adriatic coast in late August, in order to draw the Germans on the Gothic line to deploy their reserves. Later on, the US 5th Army would push from Florence in central Italy towards Bologna in a bid to trap the German 10th Army.

The British 8th Army was a truly multinational force with Canadians, Poles, New Zealand, British, Greek and Indian formations under its operational command. The New Zealand division and attached Greek brigade would exploit the breakthrough of Operation Olive, which occurred on the approach to Rimini in September. Here, the Kiwis and Greek soldiers encountered the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division. In terrible weather conditions, the two allied units would fight a grueling battle with the elite German paratroopers for the control of the ruined city. The liberation of Rimini came at a high cost while the breach of the Gothic line never materialized.

The 8th Army would later call the Battle of Rimini one of the hardest in the formation’s history, right up next to battles of El Alamein, Mareth, and Monte-Cassino.

[h2]What will Nemesis: Battle of Rimini bring?[/h2]

We’ve mentioned this before, but Nemesis: Battle of Rimini brings you two new divisions from the Italian battlefield, including two new nations rolled into one Allied battlegroup, filled to the brim with unauthorized appropriated materiel.

Not only that, Nemesis: Battle of Rimini gives you the chance to play with a premier, elite German airborne division which by 1944 fielded a rather unusual mix of soldiers and units.

[h3]1. Fallschirmjäger-Division[/h3]

With this Nemesis DLC option, the Axis will be able to command the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division, the German paratroopers at the forefront of many daring airborne operations in the opening stages of World War II, including in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. After the very costly invasion of Crete, the fortunes of 1.FJ changed, with Hitler forbidding any airborne operation, confining the paratroopers to the ground where they served as elite light infantry for the duration of the war.



The soldiers of 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division became legendary thanks to their tenacious defense of Monte Cassino’s monastery. Not only that, but the formation also proved its mettle during the bloody urban combat operation against the Canadians during the Battle of Ortona (known as little Stalingrad). By the time of Operation Olive, the 1.FJ was down to barely regimental strength, and as such, reinforced by various detachments from other formations. Thanks to its hard-fought combat experience, the Germans turned out to be quite the opponent in the rubble of Rimini.

• The 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division will field the usual complement of Fallschirmjägers and their support units but in lesser numbers than in a usual FJ division.
  
• One green Grenadier-Regiment from the newly formed 98. Infanterie-Division, having just arrived in Italy, provides a large number of inexperienced reinforcements.
  
• One battalion from 162. (Turk.) Infanterie-Division. “Turk.” doesn’t designate them as Turkish, but as Turkmen (and also Azerbaijanis), which are actually Osttruppen from Soviet minorities.
  
• A dozen Tiger E tanks from s.Panzer-Abteilung 504. This is the entire tank force available to the battlegroup.
  
• Additional tank destroyers can be fielded, namely elements from Panzer-Abteilung 525, bringing the Nashorn and Jagdpanzer IV. Pak 43 anti-tank guns can also be deployed.
  

[h3]2nd NZ New Division and 3rd Greek Brigade[/h3]

The 2nd New Zealand Division and the attached 3rd Greek Brigade provide a unique mix of troops and units. For instance, the experimental 2nd NZ was inbetween an infantry and armored division - making it the closest thing the Allies had to a Wehrmacht Panzergrenadier-Division.



Not only that, but the Kiwis had the reputation of ”acquiring” battlefield supplies freely, regardless if it was bolted down or not. Being led by general Freyberg, the 2nd New Zealand Division gained the nickname as Freyberg’s Forty Thousands Thieves. However, they kept their looting activities mostly aimed at enemy trophies - and fellow allies stores - not the local civilian population.

Having fought at El Alamein in 1942, the 3rd Greek Mountain Brigade suffered from the same political strife that plagued Greece during the war, with a communist-led rebellion in its ranks put down in late 1943. By the Battle of Rimini, the Greek soldiers in the brigade were considered “reliable” (non-communist) veterans with plenty of mountain warfare experience.

• The 2nd New Zealand Division features the best of both worlds with a good mix of British materiel and US lend-lease equipment. The formation’s tanks are M4A2 and M4(105mm), for instance.
  
• The Kiwi soldiers are lavishly outfitted with Thompson SMGs instead of Stens.
  
• Still, the ubiquitous Universal Carriers can be found plentiful in this battlegroup, as well as the Lynx Scout Car and Jalopied Stuart. Anti-tank units field 17-pdr and 25-pdr guns.
  
• To depict the “loose hands” of the Kiwi soldiers, various unusual weapon and vehicle combinations can be found, including Universal Carriers with twin M1919 MMGs or M2HMG and M1919 MMG, soldiers equipped with MG-34 machine guns, and various units carrying MP-40s or Panzerschrecks.
  
• Organized more closely along British lines, the Greek soldiers have been granted the “Raider” trait thanks to their mountaineer experience.
  
• RAF units supporting the Rimini offensive used older planes, the aerial forces consisting of the Bristol Beaufighter, the Hurricane Mk. II, the Kittyhawk, and the Spitfire Mk. V, among others.
  

[h2]The Nemesis DLC concept explained[/h2]

We are currently in our second run of future Nemesis DLCs and if you were wondering how this whole thingamajig Nemesis DLC works, read the following carefully!

• Each Nemesis DLC will bring two new divisions (one from each side) and will feature new units, new weapons, new models, and maybe even new nations. They will be PAID.
  
• Each Nemesis DLC focuses on a new historical Theater of Operations (think engagement or battle) that was relevant and set in the summer of 1944. This could be the Eastern Front, could be the Western Front, could even be other interesting… locales.
  
• The first Nemesis DLC will be FREE and likely release later in September. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and will contain the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division.
  
• The second Nemesis DLC - that you the community voted on - will be Nemesis: Lvov Offensive. This one will feature the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and 10th Guards Tank Corps with some shiny new toys, including the Elefant tank destroyer and the one-of-its-kind Tiger (P).
  
• At the end of this second run of future Nemesis DLCs you get to decide which one will be released first in a community-wide vote! Runner-ups might get a second chance and return in future votes.
  

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

Reach out to us via our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or keep an eye out on our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Check out the kick-assDiscord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander!