Headquarters World War II
Headquarters: World War II - Change Log V1.04.02 is out now
NEW UPDATE - v1.04.01 - FIXES
There is a new update just released for Headquarters: WWII. This includes some tweaks and fixes for the game, and also preparation for the new tournament that begins on Friday 12th May.
This fixes a crash that had been occurring due to a auto-camera issue.
Please update to this new version before starting the tournament (to avoid any issues).
Here is the changelog:
Headquarters:WWII Changelog
Version 1.04.01 - 14.05.2025
Improvements:
• All HQ skills now start on cooldown in all skirmish and multiplayer games. (No changes in campaigns). This change is aimed at avoiding the use of artillery / naval artillery / tactical bombers during both players' initial deployment, and to give players time to deploy AA units.
• Slightly changed the flags' positions on the skirmish map “The Falaise Pocket: The Breakout” to put both players in a more equal position.
• Added “Total cost” line in Skirmish and Multiplayer games final statistics.
Fixes:
• Fixed incorrect terrain data on several tiles on the map “The Battle for Hill 112”.
• Fixed tournament points calculation on maps that had more than 2 player slots. (4-player maps with 2 players)
• Fixed a crash issue that could occur on some maps. (We encountered it on “The Battle for Hill 112” and it could have been avoided by disabling the auto camera before that fix. Now, there is no need to do that.)
See you on the Battlefield!
Headquarters: WWII - New Tournament Sign Up which include Leaderboard system
We are excited to announce that a new Headquarters: World War II Leaderboard will begin with this tournament. The Leaderboard ranks tournament players in the game across upcoming tournaments. These use an ELO-rated system for placement. So if you want to be on the Leaderboard, sign up and play.
To celebrate the new Leaderboard, we are awarding prizes to the top 3 players in this tournament:
1st Place: $50 Slitherine discount coupon
2nd Place: $30 Slitherine discount coupon
3rd Place: $20 Slitherine discount coupon
These coupons can be used as discounts on both Slitherine and Matrix Games websites
The Tournament begins on 16th May, so please sign up before then.
Sign up here.
Tournament Details:
There are 4 rounds, with each round being 16 days.
Round 1 - Allied Invasion
Round 2 - Operation Aubery
Round 3 - The Falaise Pocket: The Trap
Round 4 - The Falaise Pocket: The Breakout
Victory conditions:
1) Time
Turn limit: 0/25
If none of the other win conditions is met by turn 25 - the player with the highest in-game Score wins
2) Control the flag
Victory points - 50 (80 on 4 players map with 2 closed slots - The Falaise Pocket: The Trap)
Reach the designated number of Victory points to win the game. Victory points are gained at the start of every turn based on the total number of flags under your control.
3) Conqueror
Capturing the enemy HQ (starting) flag results in immediate victory.
4) Wipe them out
Eliminating all enemy units results in immediate victory.
HQ skills available*:
Rally
Reinforcement
Air Recon
Artillery Bombardment
*In the new update HQ skills will be on cooldown at the start of a Skirmish or Multiplayer game.
The tournament will be using the next update (version 1.04.01) which will have a couple of required fixes, so an update will be required before you start any tournament games.
Good luck, and see you on the battlefield!
Headquarters: World War II - Anniversary Update is out now
New Content
- A new music track “Hero” has been added to the playlist, free for everyone.
- Six beloved campaign maps have been converted for use in Skirmish and Multiplayer modes, offering even more ways to enjoy tactical battles:
- Allied Invasion
- The Retreat to Caen
- Operation Aubery
- The Battle for Hill 112
- The Falaise Pocket: The Trap
- The Falaise Pocket: The Breakout
- Allied Invasion
Improvements
Significant upgrades to the camera system and settings have been made:
- A Field of View (FOV) slider is now available in the Video Settings menu (previously limited to Photo Mode only)
- The Free Camera Mode has been reworked for easier access and smoother transitions:
- Now you no longer need to hold the Middle Mouse Button (MMB or Mouse Wheel) to stay in Free Camera Mode. You can enter the Free Camera Mode by pressing the MMB, and then exit the Free Camera Mode by either pressing the MMB again, or by scrolling the Mouse wheel.
- Now, when you are in the Free Camera mode, you can see a notification “Free Camera ON” below the End Turn button.
- Now, when you exit the Free Camera mode, the camera moves smoothly to its Regular Camera angle (instead of an instant jump). So, you can now better understand what is going on.
- Free Camera Mode is now available on all Zoom levels of the Regular Camera. (Before it was unavailable at the 4 highest Zoom levels)
- Now you no longer need to hold the Middle Mouse Button (MMB or Mouse Wheel) to stay in Free Camera Mode. You can enter the Free Camera Mode by pressing the MMB, and then exit the Free Camera Mode by either pressing the MMB again, or by scrolling the Mouse wheel.
Fixes:
- Fixed a common crash caused by eliminating a demoralized (fleeing) unit.
- Resolved an issue in the Ardennes DLC (Map 8 of the German campaign) where incorrect text and voice lines were triggered after a loss.
A huge thank you to our amazing community for your continued support over the past year!
NEW UPDATE - v1.02.02 - FIXES
Hi Commanders - there is a new update released. This includes some fixes for minor issues introduced with the last Ardennes DLC update. it also includes an additional Skirmish AI tweak.
Please check out the changelog here, and please, keep you eyes peeled for some exciting news regarding a new update next month. Information will drop soon.
Changelog v1.02.02 – 20th March 2025
Fixes:
• AI no longer prioritizes purchasing certain units in Skirmish/MP (eg. tanks with flamethrowers).
• Fixed problem with some obstacles (objects between tiles - walls, fences, etc) not showing a proper visual animation of destruction sometimes.
• Fixed issue with the End of Campaign screen in Ardennes DLC showing your score for each map as X/600, while the maximum score is 400. It is now shown correctly as X/400.
• Minor localization fixes for Ardennes DLC
• Removed a skill from all units which was mistakenly added into the game due to database error and was missing icon and localization. It was not affecting gameplay.
See you on the battlefield.
v1.02.00 – 18th February 2025
gaming experience.
New content:
• Added Ardennes DLC German campaign
• Added Ardennes DLC USA campaign
• Added DLC units
o German units: Jagdpanzer IV, Panzerwerfer 42, Wirbelwind
o USA units: M36 Jackson, M24 Chaffee, 76 mm gun M5, M26 Pershing, T26Е1 Super
Pershing
o UK units: Comet, M24 Chaffee, Sherman Firefly Tulip, Centurion
• Added winter camouflage options for unit customization
• Added winter environment in the DLC campaigns. (Including new terrain types - Mud, Deep snow,
and Ice)
New feature:
• Mortar infantry, towed artillery, and self-propelled artillery units have gained a new active ability,
and now have a new button on Action’s panel - “Smoke Shell”. So, now you can deploy Smoke
screen not only via HQ skill, but also with Artillery and Mortar units. (Artillery covers a 3x3 area
and has 5 turns cooldown, while Mortars cover a 1x1 area and have 3 turns cooldown).
Fixes:
• Fixed a crash that could happen during the Dive bomber attack.
• Fixed the DLC units' availability in Multiplayer games. Before, the availability of DLC units was
determined by the player creating the multiplayer game - if the player had DLC - all players in that
game would have DLC units, including the game creator if he later switched off the DLC. Now, the
DLC units availability depends on every player individually and DLC units can be switched on/off
in the middle of a multiplayer game - if they are switched off (DLC disabled on Steam, for
example), then the player keeps existing units, but cannot acquire new DLC unis until the DLC is
enabled again.
• Fixed a multiplayer crash that could happen at the end of a match against AI.
• Fixed a UI issue - unit information would remain displayed after the unit had been deselected.
• Fixed the crew size of Sd.Kfz. 251/2. It was 4, instead of 3. Now it is 3, the same as all similar
APCs.
• Fixed bug that led to bunkers bonuses to Cover and Defence deteriorating if they have been
shelled extensively. It worked similarly to buildings deterioration, despite no visual indications.
Now, they provide the same defensive bonuses regardless of the damage they sustain.
Balance changes:
• Reduced the AP Attack for APCs with machine guns from 15 to 4, Now, it is the same as the
Machine gun infantry unit in terms of AP Attack, but has less HE Attack. (As the Infantry unit has 2
MGs and can better position and aim those.
• The move points cost of moving through a Sand terrain has been changed. For Wheeled units
increased from 1 to 2, and for Off-Road units increased from 1 to 1.5.
• The Flamethrower unit’s HE attack was increased from 80 to 90.
• The Panzer III(Fl) - German flamethrower tank - now has a longer Attack range (Increased from 3
to 4).
• Big changes in unit costs for most units. The general idea was to bring down the cost of most
vehicles and tanks while keeping high costs for artillery and mortar units. The goal is to allow
more active usage of tanks and other vehicles in multiplayer and skirmish games while making
artillery and mortar units more expensive and less cost-efficient.
The cost was reduced for the following unit classes:
o Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) - a 33% decrease
o Armored Car - a 50% decrease
o Assault Gun - a 60% decrease
o Flamethrower Infantry - a 25% decrease
o Light Tank - a 50% decrease
o Medium Tank - a 50% decrease
o Heavy Tank - a 50% decrease
o Machine Gun Infantry - a 20% decrease
o Anti-tank Infantry - a 20% decrease
o Self-Propelled Anti-Air - a 50% decrease
o Self-Propelled Anti-Tank - a 60% decrease
The cost was increased for the following unit classes:
o Mortar Infantry - more than 20% increase*
o Towed Artillery - more than 15% increase*
o Self-Propelled Artillery - slight increase*
*part of the cost increase is attributed to these units now having a new ability - Smoke Shell
Headquarters: World War II – Ardennes DLC is out now
This DLC includes:
- Two story-driven campaigns – Play as both the US and German forces across 16 intense missions
- New units and tactics – 12 additional models, including the M26 Pershing, Jagdpanzer IV, and Sherman Firefly Tulip
- Expanded strategic depth – New weather and terrain effects, winter camouflage, and unique historical heroes
- Iconic battles – Relive key moments like the Siege of Bastogne, the St. Vith Assault, and the Push for Celles
Don’t miss out the opportunity to grab your copy with a discount launch here:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3295310/Headquarters_World_War_II__Ardennes/
Check the bundle:
https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/39686/Headquarters_WWII_Complete/
With the Normandy landings and Operation Market Garden behind you, it’s time to face one of the toughest winter offensives of World War II.
To celebrate the release join our two tournaments
To celebrate the release of Ardennes DLC, we are excited to announce two new tournaments for Headquarters: World War II, one classic league tournament and one KO tournament.
Spring Offensive - League tournament
Do not miss the chance to sign-up to the Autumn Offensive Tournament which will feature 3 multiplayer maps:
- Three Hills
- Military Base
- Marshland Clash
You can sign-up here.
The tournament follows Swiss Tournament rules: you can find the full list of rules here.
The first round will commence on Monday, 3rd March 2025. No further entries can be accepted after the tournament has begun.
The tournament will last 3 rounds, 20 days each. Games are paired, so each matchup will be played both ways. All you need to do is sign up, then the system will pair you with opponents and create your PBEM games. You will be notified by mail of when the tournament is starting and when it will be time to play your turns.
Spring Knock out challenge - KO tournament
Do not miss the chance to sign-up to the Knock out challenge Tournament which will feature 5 multiplayer maps:
Countryside - GER/US - 2500/25
Royal Chateau - UK/US - 2500/255
Riverside Battle - US/GER - 2500/25
Military Base - UK/GER - 2500/25
You can sign-up here.
The first round will commence on Monday, 3rd March 2025. No further entries can be accepted after the tournament has begun.
The tournament will last 4 rounds, 15 days each. Winners of each round will move to the next round, losers will not.
2025 Roadmap for Headquarters: World War II
This year is packed with new updates, DLCs, and features that we think you’ll love. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming up throughout the year:
Early 2025
We’ve kicked things off with a free update that focuses on improving the AI. This update addresses the AI’s behavior in Skirmish, particularly its unit purchase algorithm. It's the first step in a series of AI improvements that will be rolled out throughout the year.
Alongside these AI changes, we’ll be making important balance adjustments. Expect tweaks to unit costs and other parameters to refine the overall gameplay experience.
Additionally, we’re bringing out in 1 week our first major paid content of the year with the Ardennes DLC. This DLC will let you relive the dramatic moments of the Battle of the Bulge, but with a twist – you’ll get to play both sides of the conflict. It’s a narrative-driven experience that shifts perspectives, giving you a deeper look at this pivotal moment in history.
Spring
As we approach spring, we’ll be gearing up to celebrate Headquarters: World War II’s upcoming 1-Year Anniversary. It’s hard to believe the launch is almost a year behind us, and we’ve got some exciting surprises in store to mark the occasion.
We’ll also be rolling out another free update that builds on the previous AI improvements, adding further refinements and bug fixes to ensure smoother gameplay.
Summer
In the summer, we’ll be releasing a smaller, wallet-friendly DLC. While it won’t be as large as Market Garden or Ardennes, it will offer fresh content that is sure to be an exciting addition for players looking for something new.
Alongside this, we’ll also release another free update focused on gameplay and balance changes, ensuring everything continues to run smoothly and providing more fine-tuned adjustments based on your feedback.
Winter
To wrap up the year, we’ve got something huge planned: Steam Workshop support. This highly anticipated feature will allow you to share and download community-created maps for both Skirmish and Multiplayer modes. It’s going to open up a whole new world of content and creativity, and we’re excited to see what you all come up with.
Additionally, we’ll be releasing a final free update for the year, which will include the latest round of AI improvements and other fixes to wrap up 2025 on a high note.
We’re looking forward to an incredible year ahead with all of you. From AI updates to new DLC and community features, we’re committed to making Headquarters: World War II even better in 2025.
Thanks for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you on the battlefield!
Dev log #4 - The USA campaign in the Ardennes DLC
It is Oleksandr from Starni Games with the final Dev log entry dedicated to the upcoming Ardennes DLC. In the previous Dev log, we talked about the German campaign. Today, we will examine the USA campaign to see what it has in store for you when the Ardennes DLC comes out on the 18th of February 2025.
USA CAMPAIGN
While the German campaign that covers the first few weeks of the Ardennes Offensive, also known as, the Battle of the Bulge, starts on December 16th, 1944, the USA campaign starts a few days later and covers events happening on another section of the frontline. Here, the US forces are counterattacking the advancing German army with the strategic task of relieving the troops that hold out in the encircled town of Bastogne, and ultimately pushing the German troops back. Unlike the German campaign, here all 8 missions have a snow-covered terrain. Below, you can find the list of operations and weather conditions in them:
1. Reconnaissance at Martelange | Snowfall
2. Breakthrough at Burnon | Snow + night
3. Battle for Chaumont | Snow
4. Battle for Bigonville | Snowfall
5. Push for Bastogne | Snow
6. Battle of Sibret | Snowfall
7. Mageret Assault | Snowfall
8. Wardin Counterattack | Snowfall + night
The campaign was built around the Siege of Bastogne, where the US troops operated in full encirclement. They put up a strong resistance to the German troops, but they would not have been able to resist for long without supplies. Here is where our forces come in. Our goal for the first four missions is to pave the way through territories freshly captured by the German army and reach Bastogne.
You will have to perform swift day and night operations to move forward at maximum speed, passing Martelange, Burnon, and Chaumont and reaching as far as Bigonville. The Germans, though, would not sit idly by. They would do everything in their power to stop your forces and keep Bastogne encircled.
As you approach Bastogne, you will have to help the first supplies column to break through the German lines and finally reach the exhausted yet valiant garrison of the town.
Finally, you have reached your initial goal and ensured that Bastogne now has a steady inflow of supplies, raising the spirits and combat readiness of the local forces.
Now, your next goal is to help defend Bastogne and push the German forces concentrated around the town further and further away from it. The first decisive action you will take is at Sibret, where you must defeat a strong German force and recapture a nearby town and villages.
Your final battle of the campaign happens at Wardin, where you have to defeat a powerful enemy force and fight your fiercest battle so far. The final face-off will make it clear who is in charge in and around Bastogne and will crush any remaining German hopes of keeping the area under control.
To sum up, 8 new challenging battles await you with new units, winter environment assets, characters, heroes, awards, and unique combat situations. We really hope that you will be excited to explore the Ardennes and relive the momentous events. Meanwhile, we keep working to improve the game and provide new challenges for your tactical skills.
P.S. The Ardennes DLC will be out on 18th February, together with a free update for all Headquarters: World War II players with big changes to units’ costs and some other balance changes aimed at making the multiplayer games more exciting by allowing you to use more armored units - as they become much cheaper and less risky to use.
We are always looking forward to your feedback and suggestions!
See you next time!
WISHLIST NOW:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3295310/Headquarters_World_War_II__Ardennes/
Ardennes DLC is landing on February 18th
We have some exciting news for you: Ardennes, the second DLC for Headquarters: World War II, is coming on February 18th.
If you're eager for a sneak peek of the DLC, you can sign up to the closed beta here. [https://www.slitherine.com/beta/headquarters-world-war-ii-ardennes]
Here are a few exciting details you might want to know:
UNITS LIST
New USA units:
- M26 Pershing
- M24 Chaffee
- M36 tank destroyer
- 3-inch gun M5
- T26Е4 “Super Pershing”
New German units:
- Jagdpanzer IV
- Panzerwerfer 42
- Wirbelwind
New UK units:
- M24 Chaffee
- A34 Comet
- Centurion Mk.1
- Sherman Firefly Tulip
SCENARIOS LIST
German campaign:
- Battle for Auw
- Breakthrough at Andler
- Encirclement at Schoenberg
- Battle of the Schnee Eifel Pocket
- St. Vith Assault
- Ourthe Crossing
- Rochefort Assault
- Push for Celles
US campaign:
- Reconnaissance at Martelange
- Breakthrough at Burnon
- Battle for Chaumont
- Battle for Bigonville
- Push for Bastogne
- Battle of Sibret
- Mageret Assault
- Wardin Counterattack
See you on February 18th.
Wishlist now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3295310/Headquarters_World_War_II__Ardennes/