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Burning Baltics Expansion - Narva Bridgehead Versus #4

Hello!

We have arrived at the latest Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post. Two slightly different battlegroups will take today’s center stage: the 11. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Division “Nordland” and the Red Army’s 7. Eesti Laskurdiviis (7th Estonian Rifle Division).



In comparison to the other Versus formations previously featured, which all fought during Operation Doppelkopf, the two divisions highlighted today were located further north, in Army Group North’s area of responsibility.

Specifically, both the ”Nordland” and the 7th Estonian Rifle Division took part in the hard-fought Battle for Narva campaign, including the infamous Battle of Tannenberg Line.

In case you’ve forgotten:


[h2]Historical Background[/h2]
The Battle of Tannenberg Line forms the second phase of the larger Battle for Narva campaign fought from February to August 1944 in Estonia. This particular battle was preceded by the Battle of the Narva Bridgehead, concluded by July 1944. The struggle focused on the strategically important Narva Isthmus, which provided a way into the northern Baltic country for the Red Army’s Leningrad Front. The narrow battlefield was fiercely defended by a motley collection of Axis troops, including various SS formations which included Scandinavians (part of Nordland) to Dutchmen, Belgians, Estonians, etc. That’s why the Battle of Tannenberg Line is sometimes called the The Battle of the European SS.



This particular engagement was brutal, with near-constant attacks and heavy artillery bombardments from the Red Army, and an almost desperate defense from the Axis troops involved. Exhausted, the Soviets called a halt after horrendous losses and only negligible results. Considered a German tactical victory at the conclusion of this hard-fought battle, which finished around the same time Operation Doppelkopf kicked off further south.

The German victories were short-lived, however. Later Red Army offensives in September overran the defensive lines, which forced the evacuation of the Baltics, including Estonia, and resulted in the pocket at Courland and the siege of Memel.

[h2]11. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Division “Nordland”[/h2]
Built around an existing Nordic SS regiment (from “Wiking”) but expanded on a low budget, the 11. SS-Freiwilligen Panzergrenadier-Division “Nordland” had to make do with whatever equipment was around. For instance, while this division was supposed to have both a separate Panzer-Abteilung (with Panzer IV or StuG) and a Panzerjäger-Abteilung (with StuG), it never fought with the latter, and all the StuG were concentrated in the Panzer-Abteilung. Nordland was one of the SS volunteer divisions, housing a large contingent of Scandinavian SS troops in its ranks.

Nordland fought mostly with the III. SS-Panzerkorp: around Leningrad and Narva, where it was ordered to defend as long as possible. The division made its famous stand at Tannenberg Line, where it withstood countless attacks. Having held back the enemy, it was moved to Riga but arrived too late to play a significant role in the last phase of Operation Doppelkopf.

During the campaign in the Baltics, it managed to acquire left-over materiel from units sent back to Germany to be refitted. That’s how a dozen worn-out Panthers found their way in Nordland's arsenal. No Panzergrenadier-Division was supposed to field Panthers, which made the SS formation unique. Nordland's workshops worked around the clock to keep these older tanks running.

Some of the Panthers were used as fixed, dug-in positions. This will be represented in-game as a new Panther-Stellung defensive position in Breakthrough mode!

[h2]Nordland’s main features[/h2]
A battlegroup pockmarked by near-constant fighting, Nordland’s equipment might not be state-of-the-art but features plenty of choices.



  • The Recon category is one of the strongest for this battlegroup, with several good options including Puma and Schwedenzug. The latter is the grouping of the few remaining Swedes of the division into the same platoon: this is featured in-game as a heavy recon squad equipped with PPSh, SVT, and twin MG-34.
  • The Infantry category is pretty classic but shines in the number of open slots and their low costs. Due to battlefield conditions and limits of supply, half of the PzGrenadier are armed with the older MG-26 LMG.
  • Only a few tanks are available. These include Panther D, StuG III and several StuG IV, but all come with combat experience.
  • The Stuka zu Fuss, a unique fire support vehicle, is featured in the Support category, which is a combination of a SdKfz. 251/9 half-track (with short 75mm) and Wurframen with a 280mm rocket!
  • One of the drawbacks of the battlegroup can be found in the AT category. With the divisional Panzerjäger-Abteilung having never been formed, the player can only rely on regimental guns, for a good part captured Soviet 45mm or ZiS-3, as well as only a handful of Beute SU-76M.
  • The anti-aircraft and artillery units are pretty standard for a Panzergrenadier-Division. A noteworthy unit is the Vielfachwerfer MLRS.
  • Air forces on call are limited, with only a few fighters and Stuka dive bombers available. However, the Arado 234 B-2, the first jet bomber, became active around the summer’s end and could range as far north as Lithuania. As such, this new fast “recon bomber” has been added as a counterpart to the new Soviet Yer-2 bomber.
  • The other dug-in Panther-Stellung fixed defensive structure is featured in the Defensive category.




It might not be the hardest hitting battlegroup, but Nordland offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to adapt quickly to most situations and opponents.

[h2]7. Eesti Laskurdiviis[/h2]
The Soviet 7th Estonian Rifle Division was an integral part of the Red Army, under the umbrella of the 8th Estonian Rifle Corps. This overarching command also contained another Estonian rifle division (the 249th) and the 45th Estonian Tank Regiment. Formed in 1942, this corps participated in some of the Eastern Front’s bloodiest battles: Leningrad, Velikiye Luki, before participating in the offensive aimed at breaking through at Narva. The formation suffered heavily, in both manpower and equipment, during the war years.

Mostly incorporating ethnic Estonians and officers from the pre-war Republic of Estonia’s Army, the 7th Estonian Rifle Division is a regular Soviet rifle division, but with all its Estonian troops fully voiced!

During the Battle of Narva in 1944, the 7th Estonian Rifle Division directly engaged the Estonians fighting for the Waffen SS. Later, the division’s troops were one of the first to enter the Estonian capital of Tallinn, for which the units received the name of the city as a battle honor.

[h2]7. Eesti Laskurdiviis’ main features[/h2]
The 7th Estonian Rifle Division is featured in-game as it was when spearheading the assault towards Tallinn at the end of September. This means that we have also incorporated elements from supporting formations, such as the 45th (Estonian) Tank Regiment, the 952nd (Soviet) SU Regiment, and remnants of the 152nd (Soviet) Tank Brigade.



  • The battlegroup’s recon forces are decent, with rather typical choices and unit availability.
  • The soldier squads are what you can expect from a regular Soviet rifle division. However, there are fewer regular riflemen and more of the new Cherno squads. These are gang-pressed Estonian recruits, picked up along the campaign trail to make up for battlefield losses, and as such, carry the Disheartened trait.
  • The 7th Estonian Rifle Division can call on a fair share of tanks, including Estonian T-34/76 and Soviet T-26, KV-1S and Churchill IV. Only the last slots are expensive.
  • A noteworthy new unit can be found in the Support tab: SMERSH counter-espionage units. These are larger in-game squads, made up of nine military police soldiers. These replace the regular NKVD squads.
  • One of the drawbacks of this battlegroup is the limited availability of its anti-tank forces, with only 45mm guns and a few SU-76 PT and SU-85 deployable.
  • Likewise, the AA units are few and far between, with a small number of slots and a high price for each. You’ll get Quad Maxim and 37mm pieces to defend yourself from air attacks.
  • The 7th Estonian Rifle Division can deploy a sizable amount of artillery units (including some Soviet ones) with usual complement of mortars, 76,2mm and 122mm howitzers, 152mm off-map and Andryusha 300mm MLRS.
  • The battlegroup can also call on a good mix of air forces, such as fighters, close air support planes, as well as the new Yer-2 long-range bombers (which can also found in Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkina).


The 7th Estonian Rifle Division is a battlegroup geared towards being used on the defensive, even though it lacks sizable AT forces. It compensates this with a strong air force and fielding more tanks than a typical Soviet rifle division.

[h2]What can you expect from Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics?[/h2] Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics will feature:

  • 1 massive new Army General campaign set in the Baltics during Operation Doppelkopf, allowing you to take command of either the attacking Axis 3. Panzerarmee or the defending Allied 1st Baltic Front.
  • 8 new Divisions, playable solo, coop, or in multiplayer, including 6 which took part during Doppelkopf and 2 divisions from Army Group North’s theater of operations.
  • 120+ new units, including a variety of new models such as Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) recon tank, Ar 196 A-3 floatplane, Soviet MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortar and the BS-3 100mm heavy AT gun.
  • 2 new Nations: Lithuania (Axis) and Estonia (Allies) and 2 new Aces.


[h2]See you next week[/h2]
That’s it for this week. We are keen to hear what you think!

If you want to reach out to us, you can do this through our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander!

Burning Baltics Expansion - Infantry Versus #3

Hello commander!

Welcome to a new Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post! Today, we will take a look at two Infantry battlegroups featured in our upcoming new History Expansion.

It is time to put the spotlight on the German 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. and the Soviet Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin.



A quick reminder:


[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.[/h2] 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V might be a bit less glamorous compared to some of the other Axis battlegroups we featured, but this security division played an important role during the war. Keeping the rear clear, supplies moving, hunting partisans, or providing guard duty against potential seaborne or airborne raids were all part of the tasks given these Sicherungs-Division.

While perfect for quieter sectors, these formations were mostly made up of older reservists with obsolete or old equipment to match. Combat effectiveness was accordingly very low. The 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was built up from the regular 52. Infanterie-Division, which fought in France and Russia before being virtually annihilated in 1943 on the Eastern Front. Reconstituted as a training and security division, the 52. Sicherungs-Division lived on, being positioned in Baranovichi. For Steel Division 2 veterans this place should ring a bell as it was the objective for Operation Bagration’s southern pincer which was featured as one of the original Army General campaigns.

Once again, this division was almost completely destroyed. From its ashes, 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V was hastily formed and sent to the Baltics.

The z.b.V means zur besonderen Verwendung - for “special purposes”. This signified that the formation’s structure was closer to an HQ unit, with officers and communication equipment, but no actual combat troops under its command. When the Soviets broke through and reached the Gulf of Riga, several scattered units were placed under 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. These formations included the 603. Sicherungs-Regiments, Kampfgruppe Böge which managed to retreat all the way from Vitebsk, SS-Kampfgruppe Hierthes and its Latvian SS troops with FlaK guns, and Regiment Mäder with a unique mix of Lithuanian (TAR) volunteers, battle-hardened instructors, Fallschirmjäger veterans, and other security troops.

[h2]52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V.’s main features[/h2]
This battlegroup fields a wide array of soldiers and is phase-locked to represent the combat evolution of the 52 Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. during Operation Doppelkopf.



  • A large variety of different combat troops can be deployed in Phase A, with a motley collection of SS-Polizei and Lett. Hilfspolizei (Latvian auxiliaries), TAR (Lithuanian) units, Kriegsmarine Flaktruppen, Sicherungs and regular Grenadier units, Lett. Legionäre (Latvian SS) and even elite Feldjäger (elite Feldgendarmerie) and Fallschirmjäger.
  • These soldiers are backed up by mostly light AT, medium artillery and a few FlaK guns but not a single armored vehicle is available in Phase A.
  • Following in the wake of Panzerverband Strachwitz allowed the 52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. to claim a large amount of Soviet captured war booty in Phase B.
  • This Red Army materiel, left by the Tukum garrison, includes 45mm, 76,2mm and even ZiS-2 57mm AT guns. In case of the ZiS-2, it is their first use as a Beute unit by the Germans. Additionally, captured 122mm howitzers can also be put to good use.
  • Arriving too late to join Panzerverband Strachwitz’s race towards Riga, Panzerbrigade 103 becomes available later during a game. Several recon Panther tanks will be available from Phase B, but the rest of the force, including Panther, Jagdpanzer IV and Panzergrenadiers can only be deployed starting in Phase C.
  • The battlegroup has access to a decent number of Air slots, with a typical selection of Luftwaffe planes. A new unit is Do 217-K1 bomber variant.


52. Sicherungs-Division z.b.V. shows some similarities with the Korück 559, including the variety of troops and units on offer, but differs in being phase-locked. As such, it is weaker in Phase A before becoming increasingly stronger in Phase B (thanks to Soviet captured equipment) before witnessing a giant boost in armored firepower in Phase C with the arrival of Panzerbrigade 103.

[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin[/h2] Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin represents the depleted 103rd Rifle Corps, plus some additional units, commanded by general Fedyunkin. Having fought its way from the start of Operation Bagration at Polotsk to the Gulf of Riga, by the time of Operation Doppelkopf, 103rd Rifle Corps was on its last legs.



The idea that the Red Army could sacrifice an endless stream of green recruits to stem the tide might have been a reality in the early war years, but by summer’s end in 1944, manpower shortages were a real issue. As such, care was taken to limit losses. While Guard divisions were brought back up to full strength as soon as possible, secondary formations had to keep fighting at half-strength for extended periods.

Pulled out of the line and placed in reserve, Fedyunkin’s weak corps had little time to rest as it was rushed to the front to fend off Grossdeutschland’s strong attack in the Šiauliai sector. The 5th Tank Army was ordered to reinforce Fedyunkin by any means necessary, which amounted to just 17 serviceable T-34/85 tanks. Luckily, several heavy gun pieces were able to be moved up, including MT-13 super-heavy mortars and BS-3 heavy AT guns, just the thing needed to repel the advancing Panzers.

[h2]Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin’s main features[/h2]
To represent the unusual composition of Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin, with its amalgamation of various depleted formations and featuring only two battle-weary divisions, we have adapted the official “reduced” Soviet Table of Organization and Equipment.

  • The core infantry power comes from this battlegroup’s Strelki squads, with no Strelki (DP) nor Strelki (SVT) available.
  • The Strelki Komroti are replaced with Stelki Komroti (PTR), a larger 6-men command squad with SVT and PTRD anti-tank rifles.
  • A new Strelki (DT) squad, representing combat veterans as a 7-men squad with PPSh, SVT, DT machine-gun, and Molotov cocktails.
  • Several armored units provide additional firepower to the Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin including Emcha and T-34/85 obr. 43 in Phase A.
  • A small number of T-34/85 obr. 1944 can be deployed from Phase B - these represent the 5th Tank Army’s historical reinforcements.
  • Some SU-122 from Phase A and ISU-152 from Phase B.
  • A wide array of AT guns and SU-85 from Phase A. From Phase B, two new units can be deployed: the first operational BS-3 heavy anti-tank gun together with the new YA-12 tractor. This new 100mm AT gun provides the Soviets with a PaK 43 equivalent, slightly inferior in penetration but doubling as a howitzer, much like the ZiS-3.
  • The new MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortars can be found in the Artillery tab.
  • Aviation assets include several close air support fighter-bombers. The last remaining Yer-2 long-range bombers flying from Smolensk can also be used.




The Podv. Gruppa Fedyunkin is a battlegroup with few reconnaissance units and only a moderate amount of tanks. Where it shines, however, is its infantry, support, AT, and artillery guns. It fields enough firepower to mount limited attacks but is best used on the defensive.

[h2]What can you expect from Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics?[/h2] Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics will feature:

  • 1 massive new Army General campaign set in the Baltics during Operation Doppelkopf, allowing you to take command of either the attacking Axis 3. Panzerarmee or the defending Allied 1st Baltic Front.
  • 8 new Divisions, playable solo, coop, or in multiplayer, including 6 which took part during Doppelkopf and 2 divisions from Army Group North’s theater of operations.
  • 120+ new units, including a variety of new models such as Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) recon tank, Ar 196 A-3 floatplane, Soviet MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortar and the BS-3 100mm heavy AT gun.
  • 2 new Nations: Lithuania (Axis) and Estonia (Allies) and 2 new Aces.


[h2]Until next week![/h2]
Don’t forget: we have recently launched Nemesis: Battle of Rimini. Get it while it’s still hot!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1477780/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_3__Battle_of_Rimini/

If you want to reach out to us, you can do this through our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander.

Steel Division 2 review - a flawed masterpiece

Up near the Korean DMZ there's a place called Rodriguez Range. If you make the trek up the hill to the control tower, you can almost see the whole thing. Tank gunnery lanes stretch out for miles before you, curving around rugged mountains and eventually disappearing in the misty distance. Abrams tank crews qualify on this range, firing at targets five kilometers from their position, and seeing it from such a height, but still so close, provides a fleeting glimpse at the sheer geographic scale of war.


Steel Division 2 aims to provide an even larger and better perspective on war, and I'll be damned if it doesn't almost pull it off.


This is of course the follow-up to Eugen Systems' Steel Division: Normandy '44, and the fundamentals of that game have made the jump to the Eastern Front intact. Here you'll find the same massive real-time tactical battles across miles of front line, with infantry, armour, artillery, and air force on hand to push that all-important control line back a few more acres. These remain the centrepiece of the game, and they look even better this time around.


Read the rest of the story...

patch v.47028

FEATURES:
  • adding a new invite system by code: once inside a multiplayer lobby, you can send a code to a friend to bring him in.
  • adding the ability to add friends from other platforms (Steam, GoG, Wargaming).
  • being kicked from a loobby is now considered a ban from it, preventing one to return immediatly


FIXES :
  • fixing the APCR cycling exploit: now deactivating the current ammo box (APCR or AP) will immediatly trigger a reload of the other before firing. Besides, switching from an armored (treated with AP/APCR) target to a soft (treated with HE), or the opposite, will also trigger a reload of the proper ammunition.
  • fixing air reinforcement point Krupki 3v3 & Ilomantsi 1v1 Breakthrough
  • fixing OSNAZ traits (doublon Radio remplaced with Raider)
  • fixing Zwiad Konny & Chernyie Bushlaty's number of weapons to match the number of soldier
  • fixing the Sissi optics/stealth
  • fixing the Panzer L6(i)'s ammunition loadout
  • fixing Schwarzlose's spelling
  • fixing the Reihenwerfer's smoke rounds, which had retained the HE rounds' damages
  • fixing Morsk. Razvedka's weapon number
  • fixing graphical issues with the T-26 tracks
  • fixing a bug preventing M2HB & DShK heavy MG to Fire on Position.
  • the protection against team change spam doesn't affect solo skirmish lobby anymore


GENERIC:
  • setting the price of all commanders in non-armoured vehicle at 100
  • setting the price of all commanders in armoured vehicle without main gun (
  • setting the price of all infantry commander at 110, but KIVÄÄRI (PKOM) at 115.


ALLIES:
  • normalizing Sherman II/M4A2 CMD's availability and veterancy at 2/4/6 (number of cards changed accordingly)
  • M15 halftrack's availability changed from 1/2/4 to 2/4/- or 2/4/8 depending on original availability. Cards changed accordingly.
  • decreased SPITFIRE LF Mk. IXe’s speed & roll rate
  • Saperzy no longer have access to (recon) Universal Carrier
  • normalizing the SOD's veterancy ratio
  • normalizing Konnaya Razvedka's veterancy ratio
  • decreased T-34/85 KOMBAT's price from 160 to 150
  • increased M4(75) COMMANDER (US & French)'s price from 145 to 150
  • increased RAM II COMMANDER's price from 130 to 140
  • nerfing the IS-1's hull rotation speed (forgotten with KT/IS patch)
  • nerfing the KV-8's hull rotation speed (forgotten with KT/IS patch)
  • ZiS-3 & SU-76's APCR rounds now have the same suppress value as AP rounds (forgotten from last patch)
  • (15Scots) Churchill IV CMD's availability changed from 3/4/5 to 2/4/6
  • (15Scots) AEC Mk.III's veterancy ratio fixed


AXIS:
  • decreased Bewährungs.'s price from 35 to 25
  • decreased Reitende Jäger's price from 25 to 20
  • increased BEF. PANZER III K's price from 110 to 120
  • increased PIKKU-SOTKA (PKOM)'s price from 115 to 120
  • adding radio trait to FJ GrW. 81mm Kurz
  • Romanian T-4 & T-4 Cercere's HEAT rounds now have the same RoF as AP one
  • (14Inf) Kanonnier now have access to Kubel. MG
  • (20Pz) adding Horch 108 as transport option for Stosstrupp
  • (3FJ) INF slots changed from 1/1/1/2/2/2/2/3/3/4 to 1/1/1/1/1/2/2/2/3/4
  • (1Blindata) OB. 1936 105mm howitzer can now have the supply Skoda 6 ST-6 as transport option

Burning Baltics Expansion - Mechanized Versus #2

Good to see you again so soon, commander!

Hot on the heels of our Recap of 2020 post earlier this week, we return to our regular schedule with a brand-new Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus.

Today, we’ll be looking at two Mechanized battlegroups to be featured in our new History Expansion: the renowned Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland” and the Soviet Rezerv 43-y Armii.



A quick reminder: the first Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics Versus post detailed two Armored battlegroups. Be sure to check it out here.

[h2]Nemesis: Battle of Rimini Launches Today[/h2]
Before we dive in: today is also the launch of Nemesis: Battle of Rimini. This is our third Nemesis DLC. Get it while it’s hot!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1477780/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_3__Battle_of_Rimini/

Nemesis: Battle of Rimini allows you to:
  • Gain command of two brand-new battlegroups playable either in skirmish or online multiplayer: the veteran 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division and 2nd New Zealand Division.
  • Access new units such as the British Bristol Beaufighter heavy fighter, Greek Martin Baltimore bomber, German (captured) Re.2005 fighter, as well as various new infantry units such as Oplites Greek mountain infantry, and New Zealand Maoris.
  • Take control of one new Ace, the Greek lieutenant Marinos Mitralexis, one of the first WW2 pilots to be credited with a kill by ramming in 1940. He is featured with his Spitfire Mk.Vc.


[h2]Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”[/h2]
First up, the renowned and arguably one of the most famous German divisions of World War II: the Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland”. The Wehrmacht’s fighting elite, this division was Nazi-Germany’s equivalent of the old Imperial Prussian Guard, with state-of-the-art equipment and fielding only the best soldiers.



Starting as a ceremonial regiment, the “Grossdeutschland” became the propaganda poster boy for all the German armed forces, and in the course of the war, bummed up from regiment to motorized infantry division, to Panzergrenadier division, to a Panzerkorps (essentially a super-sized division) in the last months of the war. This formation fought in many noteworthy battles, including the Battle of Stonne during the invasion of France in 1940, the Battle of Kursk in 1943, the first Battle of Targu Frumos in Romania in early 1944 (the second battle was featured in our Steel Division 2: Black Sunday), and after refitting, sent north to the Baltics to take part in Operation Doppelkopf.

Although classified as a Panzergrenadier division, it was actually better equipped and more powerful than any contemporary Wehrmacht or SS Panzerdivision, thanks to some “special features” including no less than three (the norm was one) tank battalions, a StuG battalion for extra measure, six infantry battalions (a large number transported in armored half-tracks), four artillery battalions (including one self-propelled), four Pioneer companies, and much more.



It’s clear that Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland” is a heavy-weight brawler, and even this late in the war, it was supremely dangerous on the battlefield. However, the brutal combat on the Eastern Front also eviscerated this formation. Barely 900 men survived the onslaught in the Baltics, and later East Prussia, before managing to escape to Germany proper to surrender to the British.

One of them was the German-Alsatian volunteer Guy Sajer, who wrote about his combat experience with this division in his book, The Forgotten Soldier.

[h2]Grossdeutschland’s main features[/h2]
How to best describe the Grossdeutschland? Refitted and relatively fresh, this battlegroup is lavishly equipped with the latest materiel. There is ample choice in every category, except in one: the air force. Plane choices are few, with lots of slot restrictions. When you fight as the Grossdeutschland, you’ll have to do without any real air support.

  • A bunch of new units can be found in this battlegroup. First off is the Aufklärungspanzer 38(t), a light recon tank, built like a Hetzer on surplus obsolete Panzer 38(t) chassis.
  • The PaK 41 75mm Gerlich: the largest anti-tank gun designed on the squeeze bore principle firing a high-velocity tungsten (APCR) round. Highly accurate and with devastating penetration, it also has some drawbacks: less damage and limited range.
  • The Grossdeutschland will also feature the new SdKfz. 251/9 Ausf. D fire support and the SdKfz. 251/17 Ausf. D AA/AT from Panzerverband Strachwitz.
  • The new SdKfz. 251/21, which is a fire support half-track fitted with triple 15mm AA MGs. It can be used as close range AA support and as a transport vehicle.
  • New infantry units, including the Sturmgrupp, which is an 8-man squad equipped with MP-44s and a Panzerfaust. There will also be a Sturmgrupp (MG) variant, which features a MG-42 plus AT grenades, as well as a 2-man command squad of Sturmgrupp Führer.
  • All regular Grossdeutschland infantry units will be duplicated in order to feature the division’s specific uniforms, including camouflage, cuffs, etc.




The Panzergrenadier-Division “Grossdeutschland” is going to feel like its historical counterpart: an elite battlegroup, well-rounded, and a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

[h2]Rezerv 43-y Armii[/h2]
The Rezerv 43-y Armii (43rd Army’s Reserve) battlegroup is the result of an amalgamation of several independent regiments and battalions. As such, this reserve formation did not actually fight under one unified command during the Baltic operations. Instead, each individual unit was dispatched depending on the circumstances on the ground. Regardless, for ease of gameplay and in the name of fun, you can now find them as a whole under 43rd Army’s Reserve banner.

A special unit is the 36th Penal Battalion: unlike previous Shtrafniki, which were from penal companies, this is a full penal battalion. This means that all its soldiers are former officers, very eager to recover their rank (and the privilege that comes with it). For those who are interested in the historical background of these Red Army penal units, we cannot recommend more highly the following book Penalty Strike: The Memoirs of a Red Army Penal Company Commander.



The parent formation, the 43rd Army, was a field army formed in 1941 and participated in the Battle of Smolensk and later, the Battle of Moscow. It fought in the second Battle of Smolensk in 1943, before participating in Operation Bagration and advancing into the Baltic Region. After Operation Doppelkopf, 43rd Army kept up combat operations in the region, breaking into Third Reich proper with the East Prussian Offensive in early 1945.

[h2]Rezerv 43-y Armii’s main features[/h2]
The combination of all the various independent regiments and formations makes up for a heavy-hitting mechanized battlegroup. While the 43rd Army’s Reserve might lack recon forces and artillery units, it features a sizable amount of tanks, backed up with strong air support.

  • This mechanized battlegroup is made up of several tank brigades (the 10th Tank Brigade, 34th Gds. Tank Brigade and the 143rd Tank Brigade), the bulk of their arsenal consisting of T-34/76 with smaller numbers of T-34/85 being deployable in Phase B onwards.
  • The 2nd Gds. Independent Heavy Tank Rgt can deploy the IS-2 for heavy firepower during the later stages of a match. The 377th Gds. SP Artillery Rgt. is on call with the SU-122 and SU-152.
  • Furthermore, expect lots of engineers and flamethrower units thanks to the 5th Sapper Brigade.
  • One of the specific features of this battlegroup is that most of its infantry squads will field SMG with only a few rifle units.
  • The officer Shtrafniki is a new unit which features the same composition as a regular penal squad but due to the high-ranking members carries the Fanatical trait. The same goes for the new Avto. Shtrafniki (officers) which is a 15-men squad (also Fanatical fully equipped with SMGs (PPSh-41 & 43) and AT grenades.
  • Lots of bombers, close-support, and tank buster planes will be on call with the 43rd Army’s Reserve.




The 43rd Army’s Reserve can pack a punch on the assault with a strong variety of medium and heavy tanks, SMG squads, and engineers, as well as bombers and close air support planes. It lacks support and artillery units to do well in a defensive battle, however.

[h2]What can you expect from Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics?[/h2]
In case you missed our reveal: Steel Division 2: Burning Baltics will feature:

  • 1 massive new Army General campaign set in the Baltics during Operation Doppelkopf, allowing you to take command of either the attacking Axis 3. Panzerarmee or the defending Allied 1st Baltic Front.
  • 8 new Divisions, playable solo, coop, or in multiplayer, including 6 which took part during Doppelkopf and 2 divisions from Army Group North’s theater of operations.
  • 120+ new units, including a variety of new models such as Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) recon tank, Ar 196 A-3 floatplane, Soviet MT-13 160mm super-heavy mortar and the BS-3 100mm heavy AT gun.
  • 1 gigantic new 10v10 map, the largest map ever to be included in Steel Division 2.
  • 2 new Nations: Lithuania (Axis) and Estonia (Allies) and 2 new Aces.


[h2]New Protosszocker SD2 League Kicking Off Soon![/h2]

Before we bid you adieu, one last thing!

The most excellent Protosszocker is back organizing a new Steel Division 2 League. The start date for the competition is February 13th, and you can sign up until February 9th.

If you want to compete, and see who reigns supreme as the best Steel Division 2 player, don’t hesitate to sign up. Find more information here.

We are always keen to hear what you think.
Reach out to us through our Steam forums and Eugen forums, or check our (Facebook and Twitter). Looking for an online game? Visit the kick-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

Take care, commander!