Steel Division 2 News

Hello commander!

We are most happy you can join us with our very first Nemesis DLC community vote!

That’s right, from today until Wednesday, September 2nd, you’ll be able to vote on which Nemesis DLC we should release the first.

In this post, we’ll run you through the whole process, highlight each of the three Nemesis DLC options on offer, and show you where and how to vote.

Let’s get to it!

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

We have come to the end of our first “run” of Nemesis DLC options. How does this whole thing work again?

• Each Nemesis DLC will bring two new divisions (one from each side) and might 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 in September. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and will contain the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division. Read more about it here.
  
  
• After this, our second Nemesis DLC will be one of three choices. Whichever option wins, gets released first. Certain “unsuccessful” Nemesis divisions might return in future votes.
  

Check out the three options below!

[h3]Nemesis: Lvov Offensive[/h3]

The first option is Nemesis: Lvov Offensive. This DLC would feature two unique divisions, one on each side, bringing several new units to Steel Division 2. This expansion would focus on the Lvov-Sandomierz operation, which occurred south of the main breakthrough of Operation Bagration in July 1944.

Read all about the Nemesis: Lvov Offensive in this detailed blog post.



If chosen, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive would feature:

• The 20. Panzergrenadier-Division for the Axis, bringing such illustrious new units as the heavily armored Elefant tank destroyer and the one-of-its-kind Tiger (P). Even more unique improvised vehicles are featured with this battlegroup, such as a Flakpanzer Panther, a Flakpanzer T-34, or the Muniwagen T-34 and Muniwagen Panzer III.
  
  
• The 10th Guards Tank Corps for the Allies, featuring heavy-duty firepower, including captured T-6s Tigr (Tiger E) and Pantera (Panther A). Full-blown recon T-34/85 will also be on offer in this battlegroup.
  

[h3]Nemesis: Slovak Uprising[/h3]

The second option is Nemesis: Slovak Uprising. This DLC would feature a completely new nation - Czechoslovakia - including new indigenous weaponry, vehicles and units, complete voice-over, and more. The Slovak Uprising, which began at the end of August 1944, would be represented by this expansion.

Read all about the Nemesis: Slovak Uprising in this detailed blog post.



If chosen, Nemesis: Slovak Uprising would feature:

• A new nation plus one new Axis division, the German Panzerdivision Tatra, and one Allied division, the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) partisans.
  
  
• A select number of tanks for Panzerdivision Tatra including Panzer IV, StuG III G, StuG 40 and Panzer 38 (t). And exactly three Tiger Es. Soldier squads will be made up of Volkssturm, more reliable Hungarian SS, and elements from Sturmbrigade Frankreich.
  
  
• The SNP features a large amount of multinational partisans, from escaped Soviet and French POWs, to American OSS and British SOE teams, Czechoslovakian Airborne Brigade, and regular Slovak Army troops. New tanks can also be found, such as LT-40, Vz.33 tankette, T-35 (Panzer 35) and T-38 (Panzer 38).
  

[h3]Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius[/h3]

Our third and last option is Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius. Featuring the brief but brutal Battle of Vilnius in July 1944, this DLC would welcome two special divisions to the stage.

Read all about the Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius in this detailed blog post.



If chosen, Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius would feature:

• One Axis division, which will be the Luftwaffe-commanded Festung Wilna. The Allies receive an unique mixed battlegroup of Polish partisans - Armia Krajowa - with Red Army support. This Allied division would be titled Ostra Brama.
  
  
• Festung Wilna has access to distinctive units such as Fallschirmjäger, Flaktruppen, various light to heavy Flak guns, Walküre and SS-Fallschirmjäger as reinforcements, and many more.
  
  
• Ostra Brama battlegroup counts on a variety of interesting units, including various Armia Krajowa squads, captured heavy Flak guns, Red Army-controlled Sherman tanks, Soviet infantry forces, and much more.
  
  
• Both divisions in Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius are combat phase locked. This presents the availability of various troops during the stages of the encirclement (Allied) or the relief attempts made from outside (Axis).
  

[h2]How to vote and where?[/h2]

Let’s get down to business. Starting today, the Nemesis DLC voting form is open.

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

Voting will be closed on Wednesday, September 2nd, 1:30 PM (CEST) / 12:30 PM (BST) / 7:30 AM (EDT).

You need to have an EugNet email address registered if you want to vote. This is the same account you use to play Steel Division 2.

Also, very important to know, but the form allows for multiple tries. This is in case you are not satisfied with your first vote and want to change it. However, only the LAST vote will be registered and counted.

And a fair warning to all, be respectful with the vote and your fellow player - we will come down hard on anyone trying to rig the system, is being an ass about other player’s choices, or who doesn’t want to play by the rules.

[h2]Ranked & 10v10 Tactical Maps[/h2]

As promised during Vulcan's Q&A interview, we will be adding the two maps from the Fate of Finland DLC to the Ranked’s map roster. The maps are Ilomantsi & Tali-Ihantala.

Another community request was to create 10v10 Tactical servers on 3v3 maps. Two such new servers will be added, running Mogilev & Krupki in 10v10 with Tactical settings.
These servers updates are now live.

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

That’s it for this week. Be sure to leave your vote! We can’t wait to see which of the potential Nemesis DLC we’ll get to make first.

If you have any comments or feedback, 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.

Before we bid you adieu - don’t forget that our third History DLC Steel Division 2: Black Sunday is available now as well. Get it while it’s still hot.

See you on the battlefield, commander!

Hello!

We are ready to reveal Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius, our third Nemesis DLC option. If chosen, this expansion will offer an in-depth look at a particularly interesting battle on the Eastern Front: the brief but heavily contested campaign to liberate the Lithuanian capital in July 1944.

Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius gives you Festung Wilna, the hard-pressed but tenacious German garrison. On the other, the Ostra Brama division, a battlegroup featuring a mix of the Polish Armia Krajowa (Home Army) and the Soviet Red Army.

If you have questions about the Nemesis DLC and what this new concept entails, have a look at our original reveal here.

[h2]The Historical Context[/h2]

After the liberation of Minsk in early July, the decision was taken by Stavka to liberate the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. With the Wehrmacht in disarray, the Red Army advanced rapidly. However, when the Soviets arrived at the city’s gates, they found a rather unusual situation on the ground.

The Polish Armia Krajowa had its own agenda. The Poles claimed Vilnius as their own ( “Wilmo”) and planned an uprising to liberate the city - much like the one planned in Warsaw a short time later. With the Red Army a day away, Operation Ostra Brama was activated. The insurrection encountered stiff resistance from the German garrison, Festung Wilna. Distrust between Soviet and Polish commanders didn’t help matters, even though local units frequently joined forces, allowing Vilnius to be encircled within a day.

With the Lithuanian capital declared a Festung by Hitler - to be defended to the last man - the prospect of the local garrison was bleak. Under command of the Luftwaffe, a motley group of German soldiers was supported by a last-minute parachute drop of Fallschirmjägers and numerous Flak guns. The ad-hoc battlegroup resisted for four days, and in a surprise move, a large section managed to break out, meeting counter-attacking forces coming from the west.

[h2]Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius[/h2]

The Nemesis: Siege of Vilnius will put two very distinctive divisions front and center: the Axis get the Luftwaffe-commanded Festung Wilna, while the Allied will see an unique mixed formation of Polish partisans - Armia Krajowa - with substantial support of the Red Army units under the banner of the Ostra Brama battlegroup.

A special feature of both divisions in this Nemesis DLC is that they are combat phase locked. This presents the availability of various troops during the stages of the siege (Allied) or the relief attempts made from outside (Axis).



[h3]Festung Wilna[/h3]

The German battlegroup, Festung Wilna, features an eclectic mix of units, from the tattered remains of destroyed Wehrmacht divisions to Flaktruppen (and their accompanying heavy Flak guns) and a small detachment of Fallschirmjäger, as well as Panzergrenadiers trying to break the siege as relief forces.

• An impromptu formation of Grenadier soldiers is bolstered by a mix of Landeschützen, Saugumas (Lithuanian police), and Pionier troops. Some armored vehicles (StuGs and a few Marder tank destroyers) are also available.
  
• At the last minute, a small group of Fallschirmjäger airdropped into the city, providing a helpful boost to the local garrison.
  
• A considerable part of Festung Wilna was made up of Flaktruppen, either used as foot soldiers or serving the large array of AA units.
  
• Flak guns include the usual, heavy-hitting 88mm, to the more modern twin Flakzwilling 37mm guns or triple 15mm MG-151 Drilling.
  
• An initial relief effort became trapped outside Vilnius, encircled in a separate pocket during the battle. These troops are represented as a Walküre regiment, with attached StuG IV, Panzer IV and Panzergrenadier, available from Phase B.
  
• A second relief force includes Panther tanks with SS-Fallschirmjäger as infantry escort. These powerful reinforcements can be deployed from Phase C onwards.
  

[h3]Ostra Brama[/h3]

Most of the Armia Krajowa, the Polish underground army, in Lithuania was used during Operation Ostra Brama (meaning Sharp Gate). Thanks to Soviet representatives and generous support from the Polish government-in-exile based in London, the Ostra Brama partisans were better and more widely equipped with Soviet weaponry than their counterparts in Warsaw. Also, local Red Army units can be found supporting this formation.
This battlegroup features a large contingent of AK units, introduced in our first History expansion for Steel Division 2: Death on the Vistula.

• At the start, the Polish AK units will be mostly on their own with AK regular soldiers, cavalry and ORKO units able to be fielded.
  
• A small number of captured German heavy Flak guns are also available in Phase A.
  
• Soviet reconnaissance and fighter planes will be the only units early on in the battle to scout (or guard) the sky above.
  
• The first outside armored support elements will arrive in Phase B, as the Poles will be reinforced by a Sherman-equipped tank brigade of the Red Army. Mixed Armia Krajowa and Soviet infantry squads can also be fielded from this point onwards.
  
• Phase C will see the biggest influx of heavy support from local Soviet units, including more Shermans and SPAAG, self-propelled guns, field artillery, and medium AT guns.
  

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

We have come to the end of our first “run” of Nemesis DLC options. In case you have missed the first PSA about how the new 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 in September. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and will contain the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division. Read more about it here.
• After this, our second Nemesis DLC will be one of three choices. You get to decide which one in a community-wide vote! Whichever option wins, gets released first. This means that certain “unsuccessful” Nemesis divisions might return in future votes.
  

[h2]The first Nemesis DLC options[/h2]

If you want to know more about the other Nemesis DLC options, check them out below!

• Nemesis: Lvov Offensive with two new, special divisions: the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division versus the 10th Guards Tank Corps would include new units such as the Elefant tank destroyer. Read more about this option in this detailed blog post here.
• Nemesis: Slovak Uprising offering a new nation plus one new Axis division, the German Panzerdivision Tatra, and one ne Allied division, the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) partisans. Read more about Nemesis: Slovak Uprising in this detailed blog post here.

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

What’s next? A community vote so you can let us know which Nemesis DLC option you would like to see released first! Hang on tight for more information in next week’s post.

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.

In case you have forgotten, the third History DLC is available now: Steel Division 2: Black Sunday.

See you on the battlefield, commander!

Good tidings, commander!

The latest History DLC Steel Division 2: Black Sunday is now available!

Our newest expansion transports you to the blasted hot battlefields on the Romanian frontier in the summer of 1944. Set during the strategic Soviet Jassy-Kishinev offensive that drove into Axis Romania, Steel Division 2: Black Sunday features a ton of new content, including a completely new nation (Romania), six new divisions, two (!) new Army General campaigns, 150 new units, and much more!

Keep on reading to find out all the juicy details.

[h2]Six new divisions (and one new nation)![/h2]

Steel Division 2: Black Sunday brings six new divisions, three on each side, with the Axis battlegroups compromised completely by new Romanian divisions. Whoop!

Read about each new division in one of the following Black Sunday Versus blog posts:

• Armored Warfare Versus: Div. 1 Blindata "România Mare" squares off against 7-y Mekh. Korpus.
  
• Mixed “hybrid” Versus: Division 5 Cavalerie Motorizata goes up against Morskaya Gruppa Bakhtina.
  
• Elite Infantry Versus: Div. 4 Munte takes on the 3-ya VDV.
  

[h2]New Units, New Weapons, New Models[/h2]

The new expansion features over 150 new units, including 21 brand-new models and 22 major variants. With Steel Division 2: Black Sunday you get to play with vehicles such as the Vanatorul de Care R-35 tank destroyer, the TACAM T-60, the Resita AC 75mm AT gun, the IAR-80M fighters, the Red Army’s historical T-80, SU-76i, off-map MLRS rocket BKA river boats, and more.

You’ll also find new Romanian infantry models, such as cavalrymen (Rosiori), motorized infantry (Vanatori Moto), and elite mountaineers (Vanatori de Munte). The VDV elite infantry can be found with the Red Army. There are also new weapon models, and all Romanian soldiers are fully voiced by native speakers (including curses and judicious swearing).

[h2]Two massive new Army General Campaigns[/h2]

The Soviet Jassy-Kishinev offensive which broke through the Axis defensive lines on the borders of Romania is represented in Steel Division 2: Black Sunday with two massive brand-new Army General strategic campaigns. Each campaign focuses on one of the pincers of the Red Army’s operation, with completely different maps, unit dispositions and tactical considerations. These campaigns can be played and replayed solo or online with the free Army General Versus mode.

Read more about the two Army General campaigns featured in Steel Division 2: Black Sunday in the original reveal blog post.

[h2]New Aces, New Camouflage Skins[/h2]

Two new Aces are also included in the expansion. These special gold-rimmed units are commanded by real-life war heroes and carry their own unique camouflage patterns. They don’t offer any gameplay advantage over their Steel Division 2’s vanilla versions, however.

The new Romanian Ace is Lazar Munteanu, a Romanian tank buster pilot, flying a Hs-129 B-2/R-2. He can be found with the Romanian Div. 4 Munte. The new Soviet Ace is Konstantin Dmitrievich Denisov, a fighter ace and Hero of the Soviet Union. Found with the 7-y Mekh. Korpus, this Ace’s warplane is a P-40N Kittyhawk.

You can also find 15 new Camouflage Skins in the Black Sunday expansion, allowing you to deck out your favorite tanks and units with an alternative paint job. These include new patterns for Panther D, b]Hs-129 B-2/R-2, Fw-180 F-8, Romanian R-35, the Soviet Spitfire Mk.VB, Pe-2 bomber, SU-76M, and more.

Read all about new Aces and Camouflage Skins in the following Steel Division 2: Black Sundayblog post.

[h2]Steel Division 2’s History Pass[/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/988171/Steel_Division_2__History_Pass/

If you were wondering what the best way is to experience the Steel Division 2 History expansions? Go and get your hands on the Steel Division 2’s History Pass. The History Pass grants you access to all three released History DLCs for Steel Division 2. The History Pass includes the new “Black Sunday” expansion, as well as the The Fate of Finland expansion and The Death on the Vistula expansion.

[h2]Go forth, and have fun![/h2]

Let us know what you think about Black Sunday! Do this on our
Steam forums and Eugen forums, or reach out through our social channels (Facebook and Twitter). You can also join us on our Discord server or Reddit page.

That’s all for today. We’ll be back later this week with details of the third Nemesis DLC option!

Have fun and see you on the battlefield, commander!

Hello commander!

[h2]"Black Sunday" date is confirmed![/h2]
Good news, our Black Sunday History Expansion finally has a release date.
This Monday, 17th of August, we'll launch the new DLC!


We will be dedicating ourselves today to revealing the second potential Nemesis DLC bringing a brand-new nation - Czechoslovakia - and a series of cool new units to Steel Division 2. Let’s take a look at what Nemesis: Slovak Uprising might have in store for you!

The new DLC option offers a host of Czechoslovakian weaponry, plus one Axis, the German Panzerdivision Tatra, and one Allied division, the Czechoslovakian Slovak National Uprising (SNP) partisans.

If you are wondering what the ballyhoo is with this Nemesis DLC, take a gander at our original reveal here.

[h2]The Historical Context[/h2]

When Nazi-Germany fully occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, a fascist Slovakian puppet state came to be. By 1943, discontent in the country had grown strong, including in the army. In 1944, as the German defenses were crumbling, a general uprising - with the full support of the military - was rushed in motion. However, the Germans had anticipated the Slovak insurgency, and additional troops were sent to quell any sign of resistance.

As a result, the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) faltered, even though the partisans still managed to gain control of about a third of the country in a week’s time. The rebelling Slovak Army - left leaderless and without orders - was pounded into submission, surrounded and disarmed. SNP partisans continued the struggle, pinning down thousands of Axis units and troops.

The Allies actively supported the uprising. A multinational mix of Slovak regular soldiers and rebels fought side-by-side with Soviet and French partisans, either dropped as saboteurs or escaped from POW camps, Czechoslovakian paratroopers from the Red Army, deserting Hungarians, and American OSS guerilla instructors, amongst others.

Despite tenacious efforts, the SNP’s headquarters was captured by the Germans after two months of heavy fighting, signaling the conclusion of the Slovak National Uprising in October 1944. Many partisans continued to resist in the mountains and forests, severely hampering German forces in the region until the end of the war.

[h2]Nemesis: Slovak Uprising[/h2]

As the new Nemesis DLC will represent the Slovak National Uprising, we will feature one German and one Czechoslovakian division: we’ll have the Axis Panzerdivision Tatra, an ad hoc formation that proved itself to be an efficient combat unit, while the Allies will be able to deploy a Czechoslovakian partisan-heavy SNP battlegroup.

From SMGs to tanks and planes, Czechoslovakia was a major arms producer before the start of World War II. Many of the country’s excellent pre-war materiel found its way to other armies already featured in Steel Division 2 including Skoda 75mm and 100mm howitzers, Hruby 105mm howitzers, Panzer 35 and 38, etc. Nemesis: Slovak Uprising will feature even more new units.



[h3]Panzerdivision Tatra[/h3]

During the uprising, Panzerdivision Tatra was initially a barebone headquarters formation armed with outdated tanks and fielding Panzergrenadiers in training. Its infantry was a mixed bag, with a number of Ersatz regiments providing the bulk of its soldiers. After several weeks of combat, Panzerdivision Tatra was reinforced with a Kampfgruppe from 18. SS-Freiwilligen-Panzergrenadier-Division “Horst Wessel” bringing more reliable and better-equipped infantry.

• Panzerdivision Tatra only has a limited amount of tanks at its disposal, roughly balanced across Panzer IV, StuG III G, StuG 40 and Panzer 38 (t). And exactly three Tiger Es - not a single more!
  
• The formation’s troops vary between Landeschützen and Volkssturm raised from local Volksdeutschen to more reliable Hungarian SS and even elements from the (so-called) Sturmbrigade Frankreich.
  
• The SS reinforcements bring self-propelled FlaK units, PaK 40 AT guns, and plenty of half-tracks for transportation.
  
• Artillery support is provided by a few training batteries fielding Hruby and leFH 14/19 Czech guns.
  

[h3]The SNP[/h3]
The Slovenské Národné Povstanie (SNP, in English known as the Slovak National Uprising) is a catch-all name for the regular and partisan troops who fought on the Allied side during the resistance campaign in Slovakia. This battlegroup is not unlike the Polish Armia Krajowa - found in the first History DLC Death on the Vistula. Expect to find a ton of different equipment and infantry in this division, from indigenous Czechoslovakia arms to captured German tanks and Soviet AT guns.

• Built around a cadre of regular Slovak Army infantry, with these units retaining most of their small arms: ZK-383 SMGs, Vz. 26 LMG, ZB-53 MMG.
  
• Additionally, a large formation of multinational partisans can be deployed by the SNP. This includes the Suvorov Battalion, made up of escaped Soviet POWs, Foch Battalion, featuring French (and a few Belgian) escaped POWs, and a Slovak partisan battalion.
  
• Soviet and American supplies have found their way to the SNP as well, which in the latter case are featured as OSS teams wielding UD M42 SMGs and bazookas. British SOE Jedburgh teams are also deployable.
  
• Outdated tanks forms part of its armored force: LT-40, Vz.33 tankette, T-35 (Panzer 35) and T-38 (Panzer 38). Units such as the Marder III, as well as a few Panzer II and III can be found within the formation’s ranks.
  
• The Slovak Air Force, aside from a handful of German Me-109 fighters, Fw 189A recon planes and Italian SM.84 bombers, was mostly composed of indigenous biplanes and light trainers: Avia B534, Letov S28, and Praga E-39.
  
• Finally, SNP also received regular reinforcement from the major Allies: the Soviet airlifted paratroopers from their Czechoslovakian Airborne Brigade, as well as providing Czechoslovakian pilots flying La-5FN. The Americans sent flights of P-51 to support the uprising.
  

[h2]Nemesis DLC Explained[/h2]

To reaffirm the Nemesis DLC concept:

• 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. No new maps will be included in these DLCs.
  
• 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 in September. This is Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead and will contain the 16. Panzerdivision versus the 97th Guards Rifle Division. Read more about it here.
• After this, our second Nemesis DLC will be one of three choices. You get to decide which one in a community-wide vote at the end of August! Whichever option wins, gets released first. This means that certain Nemesis divisions might return in future votes.
  
• The first option is Nemesis: Lvov Offensive with its two rather unusual divisions: the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division versus the 10th Guards Tank Corps.
  

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

Next week, we’ll look at the third option for the new Nemesis DLC. We are keen to hear 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 on the battlefield, commander!

Hello!

Today is the day we’ll be looking at our very first Nemesis DLC option. Let’s dive deep into Nemesis: Lvov Offensive and its two rather unusual divisions: the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division versus the 10th Guards Tank Corps.

If you missed the news, be sure to check our reveal of the new Nemesis Divisions.

In case you’ve forgotten: Nemesis Divisions are paid DLCs focusing on pairs of new divisions not previously featured in Steel Division 2. We’ve decided to develop smaller sets of unique battlegroups while keeping the link to the summer of 1944. These pairs will feature new units, new models, and even… new nations!

That’s not all: you can vote on which Nemesis DLC is your favorite and want to see launch first. We will highlight three alternative sets of divisions, each from a different Theater of Operations, leading up to a big community vote. The first vote will happen at the end of August.

Today we shine a spotlight on Nemesis: Lvov Offensive. Let’s dive in.

[h2]The Historical Context[/h2]

Our first Nemesis DLC option highlights the Lvov Offensive. As you know, the massive Operation Bagration plays a central role in Steel Division 2. This Soviet strategic campaign proved so successful that it went down into history books as the offensive that broke the Wehrmacht’s back. However, it wasn’t the most powerful Red Army strike planned during the summer of 1944. That honor goes to the Lvov-Sandomierz operation. The double name refers to the Ukrainian city that provided the starting point, while the second title applies to the bridgehead established across the Vistula in Poland.

By concentrating enormous forces, Stavka had purposefully made the Germans believe the main thrust that summer would come from the Lvov area. The Wehrmacht reacted as expected, depriving Army Group Center of substantial armored reserves, which led to Red Army’s triumph when Operation Bagration in Belorussia, further north, commenced. As some of Wehrmacht’s reserves were hurriedly transferred back to this part of the Eastern Front, the fact remained that most of the German armored forces were concentrated in Ukraine. For good measure, the Soviets shipped even more firepower to the Lvov area: three tank armies and one cavalry-mechanized group.

In the opening move of Lvov-Sandomierz, the Soviets launched two massive armored thrusts around the XIII. Korps, trapping it near Brody despite German armored counter-attacks. Facing the Soviet southern pincer was the German XXIV. Panzerkorps, which only managed to save itself after a costly fighting retreat. This was mostly done by the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division, which was supported by one of the Wehrmacht’s strangest formations: Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653 (heavy tank destroyer battalion 653).

On the opposing side, the northern pincer was formed by the Soviet 4th Tank Army - the parent formation of the capable 10th Guards Tank Corps. This armored thrust was spearheaded by the equally unusual 51st Independent Motorcycle Regiment.

[h2]Divisions of Nemesis: Lvov Offensive[/h2]

Which battlegroups will form part of the Nemesis: Lvov Offensive? And what cool units or troops will they be able to deploy?

[h3]20. Panzergrenadier-Division[/h3]

A battle-hardened division which experienced the campaigns of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union, the 20. Panzergrenadier-Division was one of Wehrmacht’s “fire brigades” on the Eastern Front. Moved from one army group to the next, this formation was kept in reserve until brought forward to counter an enemy breakthrough and plug any gap in the line.

Organized as a regular Panzergrenadier-Division (see 17. SS or 25. Panzergrenadier in Steel Division 2), the 20. Panzergrenadier was lavishly reequipped with StuG IV prior to the Lvov-Sandomierz offensive. However, what truly sets this battlegroup apart from other in-game divisions is the attached Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653.

• The Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653 was a unique Wehrmacht formation. By 1944, it concentrated all the surviving Elefant heavy tank destroyers in one unit. Much like the open-top Nashorn, this beast of a machine is armed with the 88mm PaK 43 in a fixed armored casemate structure. However, it is built on a Tiger chassis, making the Elefant one of the hardest hitting (and most heavily armored) tank destroyers of the war.
  
• The s.PzJäger-Abt. 653’s workshop tinkered away, creating many different tank variants not found anywhere else. Such as self-propelled anti-air weapons including 1x Flakpanzer Panther (20mm Flakvierling built on a turretless Panther) or the 1x Flakpanzer T-34 (20mm Flakvierling built on a turretless T-34).
  
• Other special vehicles include the Muniwagen T-34 and Muniwagen Panzer III, which were ammo carriers and tractors rebuilt from turretless tanks.
  
• One of the command tanks, a Panzer V/IV Führer, could be considered a true Frankenstein: a Panzer IV turret fixed forward on a Panther D hull.
  
• Lastly, the s.PzJäger-Abt. 653 possessed the one and only field variant of the VK 45.01 (P), also known as the Tiger (P). This was Porsche’s prototype for the Tiger tank, which lost to the Henschel prototype, which in turn became the mass-produced Tiger I. This unique vehicle was used as the battalion’s command tank.
  

[h3]10th Guards Tank Corps[/h3]
A veteran division from the battle of Kursk and Bryansk, the 10th Guards Tank Corps was formerly known as the 30th Tank Corps before being awarded the honorific Guards status in late 1943. This formation took part in the (ultimately failed) encirclement of the 1. Panzerarmee in the Kamenets-Podolsky Pocket.

At the start of the Lvov-Sandomierz Operation, the 10th Guards Tank Corps was organized as a regular T-34 corps (see the 2nd Guards Tank Corps in Steel Division 2 for reference). The tanks were evenly distributed between T-34/76 and the more potent T-34/85 variants. What makes the 10th Guards Tank Corps unique, though, was the attachment of the 4th Tank Army’s own 51st Independent Motorcycle Regiment.

• The 51st Independent Motorcycle Regiment’s workshop was given any German captured tanks found on the battlefield. If they could repair them, the Soviets would try to use them against their former owners for as long as possible. This means that during the Lvov-Sandomierz Offensive, the regiment could count on no less than 7x T-6s Tigr (Tiger E) and 2x T-5s Pantera (Panther A).
  
• Another regimental feature is that unlike other armored reconnaissance formations in the Red Army - which used lend-lease Valentines or older T-34/76 as recon tanks - this unit uses the full-blown recon T-34/85.
  
• The 10th Guards Tank Corps was also supported by the Soviet fighter ace of the war, Aleksandr Ivanovich Porkyshkin, flying the P-39N Airacobra. At the time of the offensive, he was the highest-scoring ace in the Red Air Force.
  

[h2]First Nemesis DLC for free[/h2]

If you like to see Nemesis: Lvov Offensive, don’t forget to keep in mind this Division set for the upcoming community vote at the end of August.

To be clear and reaffirm: we will release the first Nemesis Divisions set for FREE. It will feature the [p]16. Panzerdivision versus 97th Guards Rifle Division and will likely launch in September.

Future Nemesis Divisions DLC will be PAID - this would include Nemesis: Lvov Offensive,if you would vote for this set.

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

Next week, we’ll look at the second option for the new Nemesis DLC. We are keen to hear 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-ass Discord server or Reddit page.

See you on the battlefield, commander!