Steel Division 2 News

Welcome back, commander.

That’s it, the results are in: we have an official winner of our fourth Nemesis DLC run! In the not-too-distant future, you’ll be able to play with the one, the only: Nemesis: Storming Toulon.

Let’s take a look at how the votes dropped: Nemesis: Storming Toulon edged out ahead with 45% of the vote, followed closely by Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff with 38.1%. Coming in last, Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș garnered 16.9% of the poll’s share.



From the whole Eugen team, we wanted to thank you for participating in this Nemesis DLC poll. We appreciate your efforts in keeping it cool and clean. Good stuff!

[h2]The winner is Nemesis: Storming Toulon[/h2]

As the winner of the latest community vote, Nemesis: Storming Toulon will be our fourth Nemesis DLC. Highlighting the opening battles for the important port of Toulon during Operation Dragoon - the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944 - it features two fascinating battlegroups: Verteidigungsbereich Toulon versus the 1e Division Française Libre.



What can you expect from Nemesis: Storming Toulon?

Verteidigungsbereich Toulon

• An ad hoc Axis battlegroup composed of Kriegsmarine Seesoldaten garrison units, German naval commando pioneers, Kadetten, Brandenburger special forces, regular Grenadier infantry, and even elite Italian San Marco naval troops.
  
• A heavy dose of artillery, reflecting the historical presence of naval batteries, bunkers and Flak units. This includes a variety of calibers: Skoda 75mm, Italian 149mm and Soviet 152mm howitzers, and heavy Flak 38 105mm.
  
• Off-map artillery is also available, with the extra firepower coming from big platforms such as 138mm, 164mm or 340mm.
  

1e Division Française Libre

• The “real deal” of the Free French will bring a melting pot of a battlegroup containing everything from experienced Légionnaires, Polynesians infantry, veteran North African soldiers, Central Africans reinforcements, and Commandos d’Afrique and Parachutistes de Choc special forces.
  
• Additional firepower is provided by a combat command from the armored 1e Division Blindée with Stuarts, M10s and Shermans.
  
• Artillery support is made up of 105mm and 155mm (Long Tom) howitzers, with AA cover offered by towed Bofors AA guns.
  
• Air support will come from the Free French Air Force, as well as British carrier-borne squadrons. This includes B-26 Marauders, P-39 Airacobra, P-40 Kittyhawk, P-47D Thunderbolt and Spitfire, as well as Hellcat, Wildcat and Supermarine Seafire fighters.
  

Nemesis: Storming Toulon will also feature a new type of defensive structure. The so-called Tobruk bunker, which is essentially the obsolete tank turret of a S35 Somua (47mm), R35 (37mm) or Panzer II (20mm) mated to a concrete casemate.

Read all about the Nemesis: Storming Toulon in the original detailed blog post.



[h2]What happens next?[/h2]

As we mentioned during our previous community votes, the runner-up Nemesis DLC options will see a play-off vote in the future. Currently, we have the following silver medalists waiting for their second chance: Nemesis: Raid on Drvar, Nemesis: Slovak Uprising, and now Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff. We will let you know when (and how) a new poll will happen. Keep an ear to the ground.

There are only winners with our Nemesis DLC, except for the third place losers, which this time is Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș. Back to the drawing board with this idea!

[h2]Which Nemesis DLC can you play already?[/h2]

Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is our first Nemesis DLC and available for free now! It features the 16. Panzerdivision and the 97th Guards Rifle Division from the Eastern Front, bringing a number of new units, including the most powerful German tank of World War II, the Königstiger (H).

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

The second Nemesis DLC, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive is available now for €4.99 / $4.99! This Nemesis DLC contains the German 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Allied 10th Guards Tank Corps, bringing new units such as the heavy tank destroyer Elefant, the unique Bef. Tiger (P) and Bef. Panzer V/IV tanks, Muniwagen Panzer III, Flakpanzer T-34(r) and Flakpanzer Panther, and captured T-5 Pantera..

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1418230/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_2__Lvov_Offensive

Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is our third confirmed Nemesis DLC. It will bring 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. Except some news about this Nemesis DLC soon!

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

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

Once again, we bid you adieu for the week. We’ll be back, same place, same time. Play it cool on the battlefield, commander!

Hello commander!

We have arrived once more at that crucial moment you have been waiting for these last couple of weeks: the vote for the next Nemesis DLC for Steel Division 2 is now open!

Before you rush in, vote, and as any good commander, start up your well-oiled propaganda machine to furiously sway the others toward your choice, take some time to read the following carefully.

[h2]Nemesis DLC Run 4[/h2]

Our latest Nemesis DLC community vote is now live. This means you can cast your voice on which of the three new Nemesis DLC we should release next.

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

Voting will close on Wednesday, December 9th 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. You have been warned!

Before you vote, take some time to give each option in this latest Nemesis DLC round a quick once-over.

[h3]Nemesis: Storming Toulon[/h3]

Number one on the list is Nemesis: Storming Toulon, featuring two divisions that locked horns during the opening stages of Operation Dragoon - the Allied invasion of Southern France in August 1944.



If Nemesis: Storming Toulon wins the vote, you get to play with:

• Verteidigungsbereich Toulon. An ad hoc Axis battlegroup composed of Kriegsmarine garrison units, Marine commandos, regular Grenadier infantry, and even Italian naval troops, with a large array of captured heavy weapons - including land-based naval guns.
  
• The “real deal” of the Free French fighting force: the 1e Division Française Libre. A truly multinational battlegroup, this division deploys with a mix of American and British materiel, Légionnaires, paratrooper commandos, and with Free France Air support.
  
• A new defensive structure, the so-called Tobruk bunker which mounts the tank turret of a S35 Somua (47mm), or R35 (37mm) or Panzer II (20mm).
  

Read all about the Nemesis: Storming Toulon in this detailed blog post.

[h3]Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș[/h3]

Our second option is Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș, pitting two former allies and “frenemies” against each other: Axis Hungary versus recently turned Allied Romania.

If Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș is crowned the winner, the following content will be made available:

• The Axis armored 1. Páncélos Hadosztály battlegroup containing a large amount of Hungarian tanks, guns, and vehicles.
  
• The Allied Detașamentul Păuliș with its unique mix of Romanian cadets, heavy artillery, and Soviet relief forces, including armor.
  
• Two new Aces: the Romanian fighter pilot Dan Vizanti with his IAR-81C fighter; the Hungarian tank commander Lt. Kőszeghy Barnabás with his StuG III G.
  

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

[h3]Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff[/h3]

Number three is Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff, highlighting two special divisions occupying a “quiet” sector of the Italian Front in late summer 1944.

By choosing Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff, you’ll get:

• The 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision with a mix of reluctant Luftwaffe ground crew fighting as foot soldiers, backed up by experienced cavalry officers and paratrooper NCOs.
  
• Task Force 45 which introduces not only the Brazilian Expeditionary Force but also the hard-fighting Japanese-American troops of the 100th Infantry Battalion.
  
• Several new units, including Italian AS-43 (Sahariana) trucks mounting a Flak 38mm, and 149mm artillery guns. The Americans will bring the powerful dual-purpose M2 90mm gun. American and British 15-men squads made up of anti-aircraft troops will be available, as well as the 8-inch/203mm howitzer.
  

Read all about the Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff in this detailed blog post.

[h2]When can you expect which Nemesis DLC?[/h2]

Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is the first Nemesis DLC and available for free now! It features the 16. Panzerdivision and the 97th Guards Rifle Division from the Eastern Front, bringing a number of new units, including the most powerful German tank of World War II, the Königstiger (H).

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

The second Nemesis DLC, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive is available now for €4.99 / $4.99! This Nemesis DLC contains the German 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Allied 10th Guards Tank Corps, bringing new units such as the heavy tank destroyer Elefant, the unique Bef. Tiger (P) and Bef. Panzer V/IV tanks, Muniwagen Panzer III, Flakpanzer T-34(r) and Flakpanzer Panther, and captured T-5 Pantera..

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1418230/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_2__Lvov_Offensive

Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is our third confirmed Nemesis DLC. It will bring 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. We are currently working hard to make this Nemesis DLC a reality.

[h2]Coming up next[/h2]

The voting booths are now open. Go and let us know your choice! Check in next week for which option will become the next Steel Division 2 Nemesis DLC.

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

See you on the battlefield, commander!

Hello commander,

This is it! We are at the end of the latest Nemesis DLC run. Today, let’s take a look at our third and final option: Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff.

It is a return to the Italian front in August 1944, but this time, we are zooming in on the western, “quiet” sector of the Gothic Line, close to Pisa. We are on the Ligurian coastline during Operation Olive, and it is here where we will encounter our two new battlegroups: 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision and Task Force 45.

Both divisions are formed from either anti-aircraft troops or redundant air force’s ground crews.

There is more to Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff. One new nation will put some lively zest in the composition of the Allied battlegroup: the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.

[h2]The History of Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff[/h2]

August 1944, and the Allies are commencing with Operation Olive. As you might remember from the post detailing Nemesis: Battle of Rimini, Operation Olive was the plan to break through the German Gothic defensive line. The first phase would kick off on the Adriatic coast; beating the Axis defenders around Rimini would weaken the center, allowing American divisions to advance up to Bologna. In the west, the battle lines around Pisa on the Ligurian coastline would remain quiet.

For the Allies, much of their fighting power on the Italian front had weakened with the departure of the French Expeditionary Force (off to liberate their homeland). Operation Overlord further siphoned troops and material to Western Europe. The arrival in late 1944 of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (Força Expedicionária Brasileira) would only barely alleviated the lack of manpower.

General Crittenberger’s US IV Corps had been left a single division to hold the western flank. To strengthen his frontline, Crittenberger ordered the creation of a new infantry battlegroup: Task Force 45. Most of its soldiers were anti-aircraft gunners, left without much to do and converted to frontline duty. These reluctant soldiers lacked combat training and experience.

Later, this formation received its first Brazilian soldiers. It could also count on the 100th Infantry Battalion, a special unit made up of Japanese-American soldiers.



On the German side, with more and more divisions transferred to the Eastern Front or Normandy, dangerous gaps had started to appear in the defensive lines. The exhausted Axis forces were shrinking in size every day. To give the battered formations some rest, divisions posted on anti-partisan duties were pushed closer to the front. One of these was the mobile (bicycle) 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision.



There was no pitched battle on this part of the front in late summer 1944. Nonetheless, both battlegroups - with similar origins - found themselves actively engaged in the same sector.

[h2]What will Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff feature?[/h2]

Nemesis: Ligurian Standoff will feature two unique battlegroups with a similar composition, bringing several new toys and units.

One new nation will make its appearance in this Nemesis DLC: the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.

[h3]20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision[/h3]

In 1943, the 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision was formed in Denmark from excess Luftwaffe personnel. Earmarked as an occupation force, the division was stripped of all its heavy equipment and reorganized as a mobile (bicycle) division. Therefore, unlike other Luftwaffe Felddivisionen, it was considered a “cavalry” unit and received plenty of excellent cavalry officers and NCOs.

Initially shipped off to Italy to hunt partisans, the 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision was very soon moved closer to the front. The division’s mission was still anti-partisan but also used to secure the coastline against any potential Allied landing. As such, it was reequipped and reinforced with heavy equipment as an infantry division.

• The 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision should rekindle some memories from Steel Division: Normandy 44 veterans as it takes several cues from the 16. Luftwaffe-Felddivision featured in the original game.
  
• This battlegroup will have a fair share of reluctant Luftwaffe mechanics turned infantrymen, as well as “unreliable” Volkdeutschen. That’s why some of the Lw-Jäger will be ill-equipped and feature the Disheartened trait.
  
• However, a strong cadre of paratrooper NCOs, supplemented by cavalry officers, make up a sizable portion of the remaining infantry forces. A number of Lw-Jäger squads will feature more modern equipment, deploying with the MG-42 machine gun, for instance, and not carrying the Disheartened trait.
  
• Instead of IG 18 infantry guns, extra Flak 38mm can be found and used as direct fire support. As a new unit in-game, they will be mounted on captured Italian AS-43 (Sahariana) light trucks.
  
• The battlegroup's anti-tank units are equipped with PaK 97/38, with additional PaK 40, as well as Marder tank destroyers available.
  
• Artillery will be partially equipped with Italian weaponry, including 75mm mountain guns, 100mm and a new unit, the 149mm artillery guns.
  
• Heavy AA cover is provided by Flak 38 20 mm, Flak 36 37mm, and captured Italian 90mm AA guns or Breda 20mm mounted on trucks.
  
• While tanks are few and far between in this battlegroup, an Italian captured vehicle is being put to good use: the Italian Semovente 47/32 will be available as a tank destroyer and command variant.
  
• The 20. Luftwaffe-Felddivision has decent recon and infantry forces. Its Support category will be well-stocked with several types of machine guns.
  
• Likewise, its Anti-Tank and AA forces are above average. This battlegroup is weaker when it comes to the armor and air forces it can deploy.
  

[h3]Task Force 45[/h3]

Task Force 45 is an amalgamation of several disparate infantry forces, mostly American anti-aircraft gunners who, due to rare Luftwaffe interference, were left without a job. As such, the gunners were ordered into the trenches with only a minimum amount of basic training.

Additional firepower comes in the way of the first echelon of the Brazilian Expeditionary Forces, the so-called Smoking Cobras, recently arrived in Italy and organized along American lines. Similarly, the unique Japanese-American 100th Infantry Battalion can also be encountered within Task Force 45. This formation was nicknamed the “Purple Heart Battalion” thanks to almost all of its members having received the award by sustaining a combat wound in action.



Due to its composition changing over time and additional forces becoming available, Task Force 45 will be a Combat Phase-locked battlegroup.

• Available in Phase A, Task Force 45 will be made up of anti-aircraft gunners reformed into infantry squads of 15 soldiers with one BAR among them. This is a new unit. Not eager to fight, these squads carry the Disheartened trait.
  
• Quite a few M15 and M16 half-tracks will be available in both AA and support roles.
  
• A new unit is the M2 90mm gun (the American equivalent to the infamous German 88mm gun), which can be used in a direct support role, either as AA or AT.
  
• Additionally, some armored vehicles can be deployed, including Sherman and Stuart tanks and Wolverine tank destroyers.
  
• Phase B sees the arrival of the 100th Infantry Battalion, bringing Nisei American-Japanese squads, a new unit. Eager to prove their patriotism and loyalty, these regular infantry soldiers will fight extra hard, earning them the Fanatical trait.
  
• British anti-aircraft troops, as a new unit, are organized much in the same way as their American counterparts into 15-men squads but without automatic weapons. However, as they will have had time to train, they will not feature any Disheartened trait.
  
• Furthermore, additional war material, including Sherman 105mm tanks, as well as the new 8-inch/203mm howitzer, can be deployed in Phase B.
  
• Task Force 45 will see the deployment of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in Phase C. These Brazilian units are equipped with American weapons and vehicles, and include scouts, riflemen, MGs, jeeps, trucks, etc. They will be fully voiced!
  
• This Allied battlegroup has a particularly strong infantry composition with many original choices. The Support and AA categories feature powerful units. Other tabs, such as Recon, Artillery, and Tanks, consist of more regular units while the Air Force is relatively weak (partially offset by the anti-aircraft guns available).
  

[h2]Nemesis DLC explained[/h2]

How does this whole Nemesis DLC thing work again?

• Nemesis: Storming Toulon is the first choice of run 4. Read all about this Nemesis DLC option in this detailed blog post.
• Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș is the second option. Read more about this potential Nemesis DLC in the in-depth post here.
• 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.
  

[h2]When can you expect which Nemesis DLC?[/h2]

Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is the first Nemesis DLC and available for free now! It features the 16. Panzerdivision and the 97th Guards Rifle Division from the Eastern Front, bringing a number of new units, including the most powerful German tank of World War II, the Königstiger (H).

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

The second Nemesis DLC, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive is available now for €4.99 / $4.99! This Nemesis DLC contains the German 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Allied 10th Guards Tank Corps, bringing new units such as the heavy tank destroyer Elefant, the unique Bef. Tiger (P) and Bef. Panzer V/IV tanks, Muniwagen Panzer III, Flakpanzer T-34(r) and Flakpanzer Panther, and captured T-5 Pantera..

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1418230/Steel_Division_2__Nemesis_2__Lvov_Offensive

Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is our third confirmed Nemesis DLC. It will bring 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.

[h2]Coming up next![/h2]

That’s it for our Nemesis DLC run 4. Next week, we’ll officially open the digital voting booths once more. We can’t wait for the results!

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 on the battlefield, commander!

Hello!

Another week, another Nemesis DLC option! We will be presenting two real archrivals with the newest choice, Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș.

Returning to the Eastern Front, let’s welcome to the stage two former Axis allies: Hungary versus the recently turned Romania. These frenemies have some serious scores to settle!

Before we go on, a little reminder:

Our second Nemesis DLC, Nemesis: Lvov Offensive, launches today for €4.99 / $4.99! This Nemesis DLC contains the German 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Allied 10th Guards Tank Corps, bringing new units such as the heavy tank destroyer Elefant, the unique Bef. Tiger (P) and Bef. Panzer V/IV tanks, Muniwagen Panzer III, Flakpanzer T-34(r) and Flakpanzer Panther, and captured T-5 Pantera.

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

If you have played our Steel Division 2 - Black Sunday History expansion, you might know the historical context behind this Nemesis DLC.

After the disastrous summer of 1944, which saw a full Soviet invasion breach the frontier en masse, the Romanians switched sides under King Michael’s direction. These were chaotic times indeed, with Romania finding itself at war with both the Allies and the Axis for a brief period.

Official recognition by the Allies of Romania’s about-face only occurred in mid-September. By this time, German troops were in full retreat, the Red Army continued its advance across the country, and Hungary and Romania were at each other’s throats… again. Romania had lost most of Transylvania to their neighbor and bitter enemy in 1940. Being puppet regimes under the iron fist of Hitler’s Germany, both countries were forced to coexist during the early war years, but these old grievances remained just under the surface.



As soon as Romania broke from the Axis, Hungary saw an opportunity to control the rest of Transylvania … and invaded. In the middle of September, a Hungarian armored spearhead made up of 1. Páncélos Hadosztály (1st Armored Division) advanced toward the village of Păuliș in western Romania.

Having finally recognized Romania as an ally, the Soviet (Stavka) realized that securing the Transylvanian passes before any Axis troops was of the utmost priority. Caught in the middle was the Romanian Army, scattered, deeply in chaos, and unable to reposition themselves in time. That meant that the local defenders of Păulis had to take care of themselves.

A provisional Romanian battlegroup - Detașamentul Păuliș - featuring recruits and cadets from a nearby NCO school, reinforced with a heavy artillery battalion, made their improvised stand.

Against all odds, the determined cadets fought off numerous Hungarian infantry and tank assaults over the next couple of days. The fighting was vicious with counter-attacks, heavy bombardments, house-to-house combat. After three days, relief came in the form of a Soviet motorized infantry column. By September 19th, Detașamentul Păuliș finally pushed the Hungarian force back to their original positions and subsequently forced them to retreat from the area.

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

Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș will feature two unusual battlegroups from two minor nations, one of which was featured on the Axis side previously.

Not only that, but the Nemesis DLC will also include two new Aces: taking to the skies for the Allies, the Romanian pilot Dan Vizanti with over 100 combat missions and 16 victories, will deploy with his IAR-81C fighter. For the Axis, the Hungarian tank commander Lt. Kőszeghy Barnabás with his StuG III G, from the attached 7th Assault Gun Battalion, will be featured.

[h3]1. Páncélos[/h3]

1. Páncélos Hadosztály was the 1st Armored Division of the Royal Hungarian Army. By 1943, this division was a shadow of its former self, shattered by the Eastern Front’s heavy fighting. Given a low priority for reinforcements and replacement tanks, the formation was mostly used as a training unit.

In September 1944, the 1. Páncélos was activated to combat status, and its tank strength had been brought up to around 250 vehicles - all of them of indigenous Hungarian origin.

• As an armored battlegroup, the 1. Páncélos relies for a bulk of its firepower on the Turan medium tank, both the 40mm and 75mm variants. Several Csaba armored cars, as well as a number of StuG III Gs from the independent 7th Assault Gun Battalion can be deployed.
  
• The light tank forces will be made up of Toldi tanks, including a new variant we’ll be introducing with this division: the Toldi III.
  
• Additionally, a sizable amount of versatile Nimrod self-propelled guns will be deployable. The formation’s AA forces are substantial, with the Nimrods backed up by towed Bofors 40mm guns. This greatly offsets the lack of planes, as the Hungarian Air Force was almost entirely absent from the battle.
  
• New infantry units will also be available in the 1. Páncélos, including Csendör (gendarmes), Mot. Árkászok (motorized pioneers) and Mot. Lövész (motorized riflemen). The latter will also include a Leader unit and a squad equipped with the Hungarian bazooka-like 44.M Kézi Rakétavető.
  
• Artillery and support units are very standard, with the anti-tank category being filled up with Panzerschreck squads, 40mm and 75mm towed anti-tank guns.
  
• While 1. Páncélos does not feature the most modern equipment, it’s tank forces are very strong, backed-up by exceptional anti-air units and decent infantry.
  

[h3]Detașamentul Păuliș[/h3]

Although classified as Romanian, the Detașamentul Păuliș is actually closer to a mixed Soviet-Romanian division. Due to the historical background, the formation will be a locked battlegroup. This means certain units will only be made available in select Combat Phases. Basically, the Romanian units in Detașamentul Păuliș will be deployable from the beginning, while Soviet units will deploy later.

• Detașamentul Păuliș will revolve mostly around its Elevi squads (NCO cadets), which form the core of its infantry. They will feature the Fanatical trait to represent their dogged resistance and spirited counter-attacks during the actual battle.
  
• Another new unit will be Artilersti, artillery crews pressed into a combat role. As they are provisional infantry, they carry the Disheartened trait.
  
• The battlegroup fields an entire heavy artillery battalion, which grants the Ob. M1913 105mm (Schneider 105mm) and Ob. M1934 150mm (Skoda 149mm).
  
• From Phase B onwards, the Red Army will enter the battlefield in the form of a motorized column. These include machine gun squads, mortars, anti-tank guns, etc. A tank brigade equipped with T-34/85 will also be available.
  
• This battlegroup’s recon forces will be average, with only a limited number of infantry scouts and motorized units (the latter courtesy of the Soviets).
  
• Detașamentul Păuliș shines with its infantry, with a large amount of choice, and a decent mix of the best Romania and the Red Army has to offer.
  
• There are few anti-tank guns and Soviet anti-air units, though the Romanian Air Force has deployed in numbers, providing heavy cover from the skies above.
  

[h2]Nemesis DLC explained[/h2]

Nemesis: Battle of Păuliș is the second option of run 4 of our Nemesis DLC concept. How does this whole thing work again?

• Nemesis: Storming Toulon is the first choice of run 4.
  
• Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is the first Nemesis DLC and available for free now! It features the 16. Panzerdivision and the 97th Guards Rifle Division from the Eastern Front, bringing a number of new units, including the most powerful German tank of World War II, the Königstiger (H).
  
• Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is our third Nemesis DLC. Once again voted on by the community, this Nemesis DLC takes its cue from the Italian front, bringing 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.
  

In case you’ve forgotten:

• 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.
  

[h2]Coming up next![/h2]

Let us know what you think. We love to hear from our community. 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!

Good news, everyone! We are back with a brand-new Nemesis DLC run! To kick things off, we will be presenting you the very first option: Nemesis: Storming Toulon.

This choice takes you back to the sunny lands of Southern France, much like Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar, but with two completely new battlegroups (and associated new toys and units).

Today’s spotlight is on the Axis battlegroup Verteidigungsbereich Toulon (Defensive Perimeter Toulon) and the renowned Allied 1e Division Française Libre (1st Free French Division).

If Nemesis: Storming Toulon is chosen, we will also introduce new defensive structures with this expansion.

Keep on reading to find out more!

[h2]The History of Nemesis: Storming Toulon[/h2]

The inspiration for this Nemesis DLC again comes from Southern France. This time, the action is squarely on the opening stages of Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion on the Mediterranean French coast in the summer of 1944.

The first wave of this amphibious assault was made up largely of American troops, tasked with racing north toward the Rhône Valley (see Nemesis: Battle of Montélimar). Subsequent waves featured veteran French divisions with the orders to secure the major port cities of nearby Marseille and Toulon. Once housing the French Mediterranean fleet, the capture of the Toulon naval base was of critical importance to keep the supplies flowing for the Allied invasion.

Advancing on Toulon, one of the participating divisions was the 1e Division Motorisée d’Infanterie (1e DMI). This formation was more famous under its original name (and kept in usage both then and now) of 1e Division Française Libre (the 1st Free French Division).
Fun fact: although almost entirely reequipped with American equipment, French high command ordered its soldiers to use the French 1940 Adrian helmet when possible to make the Germans plenty aware of who they were fighting!



Both Marseille and Toulon were originally envisioned to be captured after two months of heavy combat. However, during the landing, the French saw an opportunity and struck fast. Advancing rapidly, Toulon was encircled by August 20th. Defending the city was the ad hoc Verteidigungsbereich Toulon, formed around the 242. Infanterie-Division with various other local units, including a Kriegsmarine garrison and naval batteries.



Battling through a succession of forts, bunkers, and heavy gun emplacements, Toulon’s harbor was stormed on August 27th and captured after ferocious close combat. In the meantime, nearby Marseille had been liberated in much the same way.

Toulon’s port was repaired and in operation two weeks later, serving as a crucial logistical hub for the Allied forces advancing north.

[h2]What will Nemesis: Storming Toulon feature?[/h2]

As with our previous Nemesis DLC options, Nemesis: Storming Toulon presents you with two new divisions, one on each side, and offers a variety of different units or new variants of existing units. As always, we have researched each battlegroup exhaustively, making sure that the Nemesis DLC is as historically accurate as possible.

[h3]Verteidigungsbereich Toulon[/h3]

Verteidigungsbereich Toulon - meaning Defensive Perimeter Toulon - is an impromptu formation made up of a variety of different units. The core of its soldiers is provided by the 242. Infanterie-Division, originally a reserve division “upgraded” to regular status in 1943, but also Kriegsmarine garrison units and even Italian naval infantry. They used a large quantity of captured heavy weapons from different origins, including French, Italian, Czech, and even Yugoslavian.

There is more: this battlegroup will also feature a new type of defensive structure. The so-called Tobruk bunker, which is essentially the tank turret of a S35 Somua (47mm), R35 (37mm) or Panzer II (20mm) mated to a concrete casemate. While not very powerful, these bunkers were incredibly resilient!

• Verteidigungsbereich Toulon can count on Grenadier soldiers, deploying with captured Italian Breda 30 LMG. Plenty of sniper units can also be found in the battlegroup.
  
• Kriegsmarine Seesoldaten make their comeback from Steel Division: Normandy 44 in a tougher form. These naval infantry include leader and MG units, as well as their own Landeschützen (Kriegsmarine guards) and Küstenpolizei (naval military police).
  
• Also available is the Marine-Einsatzkommando 71 (aka MEK). Only the size of a platoon, these soldiers were German naval commando pioneers and will act as elite recon in-game.
  
• The battlegroup can also count on a Kadetten battalion, which fought ferociously in the final stages of the battle. As such, it carries the Fanatical trait.
  
• Brandenburger special forces were also present. They will feature their Raider trait.
  
• The Italians also join the fight. At least one company from the famous San Marco naval infantry (known as Marò) was also stationed in Toulon.
  
• There is a distinct lack of armor, with only a limited number of tanks deployable. These include a few StuGs and French Beute tanks (R-35, H-39).
  
• Anti-tank units are Marder I and Soviet FK 39(r) 76,2mm guns, with further support coming from Italian Breda 47mm guns and PaK 40, as well as RSO PaK.
• Verteidigungsbereich Toulon can count on a fair amount of artillery, reflecting the historical presence of naval batteries, bunkers and Flak units. This includes a variety of calibers: Skoda 75mm, Italian 149mm and Soviet 152mm howitzers, and heavy Flak 38 105mm.
  
• Off-map artillery is also available, with the extra firepower coming from naval batteries in fortifications, such as 138mm, 164mm or 340mm guns.
  
• The Luftwaffe was almost entirely absent during the battle, meaning that the battlegroup will not have much in the way of a supporting air force.
  

[h3]1e Division Française Libre[/h3]

The “real deal” of the Free French fighting force: the 1e Division Française Libre (DFL) or the 1st Free French Division. This illustrious veteran formation came with a hefty dose of combat experience, taking part in battles ranging from Narvik to East Africa, Operation Exporter (Syria-Lebanon, 1941), North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia) before heading towards the Italian front.

Now, they were back - at last liberating their home country.

The DFL embodies Free France in its truest form, regrouping almost all the nationalities of the French colonial empire (and beyond) and armed forces which answered general de Gaulle’s call to keep on fighting. Known for the inclusion of foreigners in its ranks, the formation contains not only escapees from metropolitan France but also exiled Republican Spaniards, die-hard anti-fascist Italians, Austrians and Germans, and many more.

• At its core, 1e Division Française Libre calls upon the Légionnaires from the famous 13e DBLE, a Légion regiment formed for the Narvik campaign and which went almost entirely to Free France. In-game, Légionnaires will carry the Fanatical trait, equipped with Thompson SMGs, P17 Enfield rifles and two BARs.
  
• Polynesians (Tahiti and New Caledonia) and sailors from the BIMP, an infantry formation merging two separate battalions together: Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (BIM) and Bataillon d’Infanterie du Pacifique (BIP).
  
• North Africans from the 22e BMNA. Grouping Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian volunteers together, these soldiers originated from Vichy regiments stationed in Lebanon, who opted to join the Free French after Operation Exporter.
• Central Africans (mostly Senegal and Cameroon) from several “bataillons de marche” (provisional battalions). These made up “fresh” replacements, having joined the DFL to replace heavy losses after the North African campaign.
  
• Commandos d’Afrique and Parachutistes de Choc form the special forces section of this battlegroup. These soldiers will feature the Raider trait and are equipped with a mix of British and American equipment, including a large number of SMGs.
  
• Sailors from the 1e RFM acting as mechanized scouts, with Stuart light tanks and Greyhound armored cars.
  
• Additional firepower is provided by a combat command from the armored 1e Division Blindée with Stuarts and Shermans. Furthermore, the M10 is also available.
  
• Artillery support is made up of American 105mm and 155mm (Long Tom) howitzers, with AA cover offered by towed Bofors AA guns.
  
• Air support will be provided by the Free French Air Force flying from Corsica, as well as British carrier-borne squadrons. The French can deploy B-26 Marauders, P-39 Airacobra, P-40 Kittyhawk, P-47D Thunderbolt and Spitfire. British carrier planes will be a mix of Hellcat, Wildcat and Supermarine Seafire fighters.
  

[h2]Nemesis DLC explained[/h2]

Nemesis: Storming Toulon inaugurates the run 4 of our Nemesis DLC concept. What happened to numbers 1-3? Check it out below!

• Nemesis: Battle of Sandomierz Bridgehead is the first Nemesis DLC and available for free now! It features the 16. Panzerdivision and the 97th Guards Rifle Division from the Eastern Front, bringing a number of new units, including the most powerful German tank of World War II, the Königstiger (H).
  
• The second Nemesis DLC is Nemesis: Lvov Offensive and was the first one to be voted on you, the community. This Nemesis DLC will launch on November 19th for €4.99 / $4.99 and will contain the German 20. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Allied 10th Guards Tank Corps. New units include the heavy tank destroyer Elefant, the unique Bef. Tiger (P) and Bef. Panzer V/IV tanks, Muniwagen Panzer III, Flakpanzer T-34(r) and Flakpanzer Panther, and captured T-5 Pantera.
• Nemesis: Battle of Rimini is our third Nemesis DLC. Once again voted on by the community, this Nemesis DLC takes its cue from the Italian front, bringing 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. We have just started working on this expansion!
  

In case you’ve forgotten:

• 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.
  

[h2]Coming up next![/h2]

We are always more than happy 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!