Genre: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Indie
Warno
Ranked Season 2 Starts Now!
Commander, the wait is over! Ranked Season 2 begins today!
All stats and ranks will be reset, allowing everyone to start fresh for this new season.
Season 2 will introduce an expanded map pool, adding to the original six battlefields. This means a total of 11 maps in rotation. The new additions are:
Death Row 2vs2
TwoWays 2vs2
MountRiver 1vs1 DUEL
Chemical 1vs1
Kreide 1vs1
Move out, Commander! Jump in, explore the new map pool, and climb the leaderboard as high as you can!
Nemesis #3 - Home Front - Pact Preview
Hello commanders,
We are back with our second Nemesis #3 - Home Front Warsaw Pact preview. In today’s DevBlog, we’ll cast our eye on the Soviet 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya.
In case you’ve missed it: Nemesis #3 - Home Front covers two divisions, far away from the European battlefields, safeguarding their respective alliance’s critical flank. It’s polar bears versus brown bears - no war bears, though. NATO’s Alaska-based US 6th Infantry Division (Light) was previewed in last week’s DevBlog here.
Without further ado…
Warsaw Pact’s 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya
The ever-important Crimea is the next “flank” we are visiting, with the Soviet 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya being our Nemesis division of choice. Unlike many other Soviet Army formations, this particular battlegroup didn’t trace its lineage to World War II. It was only activated in the Crimean Oblast in 1969, seeing no action during its Cold War history. In the final years, the division was converted into a training formation and then pretty much devolved into a weapon storage unit. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the 157-ya MSD was merged with the Ukrainian armed forces.
However, in our timeline, this will not happen. In WARNO’s 1989, the 157-ya MSD is part of the Soviet Army’s 32nd Army Corps, which controlled all troops in the vitally important Crimea. These forces guarded against enemy landings or raids from the Black Sea, protecting the critical Soviet Navy’s infrastructure and naval bases.
The 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya was a mobilization division with a small cadre of professional soldiers. The majority of its manpower came from reservists who, in times of conflict, would be recalled and man the (older) equipment kept in storage on the heavily defended peninsula. As such, the 157-ya MSD will be the first Soviet reserve division in WARNO.
Some attachments will beef up the formation. Including:
Personnel from the nearby 711th Territorial Training Center.
Assets from the Soviet Navy’s Black Sea Fleet, including various vehicles and weaponry, in varying stages of active testing prior to being pressed into service.
An eclectic mix of stored equipment. If we know one thing, the Soviet Army never threw anything away, however obsolete.
157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya in WARNO
What can you expect from the 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya? New units are highlighted in bold and italic.
LOG
A good category. The division is on home turf. This means on the supply side, the usual FOB, URAL-4320, and KRAZ-225B supply trucks, as well as the heavy-lift MI-6A supply helo.
On the command side, the classic BELOZOR jeep, as well as the (new) BTR-40B and BTR-152S wheeled armored command vehicles. These latter two units trade speed for HP.
INF
A very good category for the 157-ya MSD with plenty of diversity.
A small core of professional MOTOSTRELKI squads, coming in either BMP-1P or BTR-60PB (one card each), plus a command version.
The usual array of weapon support teams: FAGOT, KONKURS, and PKM. Being a reserve division aimed at defense, several heavier units are also deployable, including the new DShK 12,7mm in a dual ground and AA (tripod) mode.
A sizable quantity of the division’s force will be made up of the new REZERVISTI, all with the Disheartened trait and their own special models. These reservist soldiers come in several flavors:
REZERVISTI KOM.: 7-man command squad with AK-74, one PKM, and RPG-7VM. They come in either URAL trucks or [[i]BTR-152K APC (used in other Warsaw Pact armies, but first time to be featured in a Soviet Army division).
REZERVISTI: 7-man rifle squad with AK-74, one RPK-74, and RPG-7VM. They have the same transport options as the preceding unit.
PARTIZANI: despite the name, not sneaky resistance fighters. Instead, this is a common Soviet nickname for finding the second-rate recruit when you scrape the barrel. Badly equipped, badly motivated, and barely trained. In WARNO, the PARTIZANI are 10-man rifle squads with AKM, one World War 2-vintage DPM and one M91/30 PU Mosin sniper rifle (both new weapons), and an RPG-2. They deploy in URAL trucks.
REZ. SAPERI: an 8-man engineer squad with AKM, one WW2 vintage DPM and satchel charges. Likewise deployable in URAL trucks.
REZ. SAPERI (LPO): an 8-man assault engineer squad with a mix of World War 2 PPS-43 (new) and AKMs, plus an LPO-50 flamethrower. Likewise, in a URAL.
REZ. MAKSIM 7,62mm: Hiram Maxim's good ol' "Nazi Killer" machine gun from 1910 (modified 1941) was still held in Soviet storage in great numbers in 1989.
REZ. B-11 107mm: an older and bigger recoilless rifle and the predecessor to the SPG-9. It is roughly similar to the American M40A1, although with a bit less AP.
REZ. OKHRANA: a 5-man squad with four PPS-43 (new) and one DPM, they were mostly railroad guards looking for saboteur or other suspicious-looking folk. They come with the Security trait and patrol in their UAZ-3151.
To keep the rabble in line, the division can count on KOMENDATURA and ZAGRADOTRYAD military police squads.
Mirroring the USMC SECURITY squads from the Nemesis opposing US 6th Infantry Division (Light), the new OKHRANA VMF provides on-the-ground security for Sevastopol’s important naval facilities. These are 14-man strong squads fielding AK-74 and RPK-74s, deploying with the Security trait and brand-new black-cladded Soviet naval infantry models.
ART
A good, healthy category with lots of varied options. Artillery is mostly composed of older pieces, however.
These include mortars such as B14 82mm and older PM-43 120mm (in WARNO service with other Warsaw Pact nations but first time in the Soviet Army).
The ubiquitous towed D-30 122mm howitzer.
Some equipment already in use by other Warsaw Pact nations but not by the Soviet Army. These are the D-1 152mm howitzer and BM-24M MLRS.
The local Crimean defenders could also strengthen their firepower with some dusty equipment drawn from deep storage, especially World War 2 artillery.
The BS-3 100mm was still used in 1989 as a field gun, retaining some decent AT capabilities.
The super-heavy B-4M 203mm and Br-5M 280mm can both be considered AVRE material, thanks to their direct HE fire capacity.
The Crimea was also the Soviet Navy’s testing ground for new weapons, such as the A-222 BEREG coastal defense artillery. Designed to strike enemy ships loitering at sea, the modern 130mm gun could easily be turned into a ground-fire self-propelled gun with a long range and high rate of fire, but lacking AP shells or smoke.
TANK
An average category as the 157-ya MSD relied mostly on the T-54B and T-55A, including command variants, the first time these tanks models appear in a Soviet Army division in WARNO.
The division could also count on the new T-55A Obr. 81, a variant with a smoke launcher and better laser rangefinder (resulting in a tank gun range of 2100m).
Another new variant is the T-55AM1 (and the AM1K command variant), which is a hybrid featuring T-55A's armor with T-55AM2's improved gun.
Support vehicles include the BRDM-2 MALYUTKA-P and the TO-55 flamethrower tank.
A new piece of equipment is the KSM-65 100mm mobile coastal gun, which can be turned into a decent towed AT gun with a good RoF.
And at last, the cherry on the cake. The Crimea held a number of World War 2 vintage IS-2M (Iosif Stalin) tanks. Most were used as static pillboxes, but we considered that in our March to War, quite a few would have been brought back into running order by cannibalizing the part of whatever tanks remained.
REC
So far away from the frontline, the division’s recon assets weren’t a priority. This means standard RAZEVDKA and BRM-1K.
The battlegroup also receives the (new but old) BTR-40A armored car with ZPU-2 AA machine guns.
The new REZ. RAZVEDKA unit is a 7-man recon squad identical to REZERVISTI infantry and riding to battle in URAL trucks and the BTR-40 APC.
And lastly, the USSR ordered eight K-1 light helicopters from the Indian HAL company. After one crashed during a test flight, more order were canceled. The delivered machines, known as K-1 CHETAK, were assigned to the Black Sea Fleet and used as training helicopters. This light helo has been featured in other WARNO nations, but under a different name altogether. Did we mention that the K-1 was, in fact, a license-produced ALOUETTE III? Informally, they were known as “Frenchmen” helicopters. So, a French rotorcraft in service with the Soviet armed forces… who would have thought?
AA
Average, with the division’s organic AA being mediocre. This is offset by the plentiful army and coastal AA defenses to repel any airborne assaults.
Divisional AA includes the light (new) STRELA-3, regular ZU-23-2 and URAL-4320 ZPU-4.
Army-level AA includes the AZP S-60 57mm and 2K11M3 KRUG-M3 (both units the first time they are featured in a Soviet division).
Coastal artillery provides the super-heavy (new) KS-30 130mm AA gun.
HEL
Pretty dismal. There was no dedicated attack helicopter squadron nearby, so the only rotary wing support would have been provided by the trusty Mi-8 hastily equipped with weapons.
This means you’ll deploy the MI-8MT [RKT2] and the MI-8TV, the latter similar in configuration to its East German counterpart, although here equipped with Falanga-P missiles.
AIR
A good category for the 157-ya MSD with close air support provided by SU-25 in RKT2, AT, CLU and HE roles.
And air superiority done by MiG-23ML [AA], and new SU-15TM "Flagon" interceptors with two different configurations of R-98MR and R-98MT missiles.
The Crimean peninsula was also the testing ground for the future navalized variant of the Su-27, the new SU-27K (the post-Cold War Su-33), although in-game bearing its then prototype designation of T-10K-3.
The 157-ya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya is a defensive reservist division relying on strong infantry, artillery, and air support. While armor is present, its plentiful infantry and mix of old (and some very new) units form the backbone of the division’s firepower.
Until Next Week!
That’s all for this week. We hope to bring you more news - especially on when Nemesis #3 launches - soon!
Hope you are well. With all the recent Nemesis #4 hullabaloo, it is easy to forget that we haven’t lifted the lid on the already-in-production Nemesis #3. Well, that moment has come in today’s DevBlog. Let’s check out, in-depth, the upcoming Nemesis #3 - Home Front.
The Nemesis’ theme is two divisions, far away from the European battlefields, safeguarding their respective alliance’s critical flank. First up is NATO with the Alaska-based US 6th Infantry Division (Light).
Let’s roll!
NATO’s 6th Infantry Division (Light)
The 6th Infantry Division (Light) had one primary mission in the late Cold War: protect Alaska. The formation was active during World War I and II but deactivated in 1968. The 6th Infantry was reactivated in 1986 and designated as the US Army’s primary Arctic Warfare division. In this role, it had to defend Alaska from enemy raids or infiltration missions beyond the “Ice Curtain,” stretching across Bering Straight and separating the Soviet Union from the United States.
Under Secretary of the Navy John Lehman’s influence, the division was shifted from being purely defensive to being more offensive. In case of war, the 6th Infantry was envisioned as taking the fight to a (potentially) lightly defended Soviet Far East, backed by heavy carried-based air support. The division’s expansion was canceled in the light of the latest political developments in 1989, but in WARNO’s March to War, the 6th Infantry will see its in-game arsenal reflect this intended beefing up according to Lehman’s Doctrine.
In peacetime, the 6th Infantry Division (Light) only featured four light infantry battalions distributed across two brigades. In turn, each battalion had one company specifically trained as paratroopers. In times of war, all four companies could be regrouped and expanded with reservists to form two additional paratrooper battalions.
The 6th Infantry would be further reinforced by:
The US Army Reserve’s 205th Infantry Brigade (Light) forming the division's third brigade.
Three battalions from the 297th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized) (aka Alaskan Scouts) from the Alaska National Guard.
Not officially attached in real life, but we chose to augment the 6th Infantry with the 73rd Infantry Brigade (Separate) from the Ohio National Guard. These would be garrisoning the Aleutian Islands in the middle of the Bering Strait in times of conflict.
The 6th Infantry will be roughly fifty percent US Army or Army Reserve (the latter being considered regulars with a locked veterancy) and fifty percent National Guard. One key feature of this battlegroup was that it had no organic tank support (not a single one). This is the main reason why we attached the Ohio National Guard brigade: this formation had a company of recon M48A5. In WARNO, this armor will not be available in the TANK tab but instead in the REC section.
Lastly, some US Navy and Air Force elements will also lend some support to this battlegroup.
USAF security troops protecting local air force bases against enemy saboteurs and raids.
USMC security forces doing the same for the major navy installations in Alaska, including nuclear ordnance depots.
The Navy SEALs had a training center in Alaska.
US Navy land and carrier-based aircrafts.
NATO’s 6th Infantry Division (Light) in WARNO
What can you expect from the 6th Infantry Division (Light) in-game? New units are highlighted in bold and italic.
LOG
Good category as the division is playing home advantage.
Supplies include a FOB, M35 trucks, UH-1H HUEY, as well as the new CH-54B TARHE heavy supply helicopter.
Command vehicles featured are M1025 HUMVEE, M577, and UH-1H CO.
INF
A very good category, with the division featuring a healthy mix of all kinds of interesting infantry options.
The main type of grunt will be LIGHT RIFLES, including command, recoilless rifle and AT-4 variants. These are all regulars with usual veterancy choices, while the LAW and Vyper represent US Army Reserve units with locked veterancy. The FGR-17 Vyper was a light AT weapon meant to replace the M72 LAW. It was an improvement over the latter in the 1980s, but after the production of several thousand examples, the contract was canceled. Existing stocks were transferred to the USAR for training: a great opportunity to be used in actual WARNO war conditions. These squads can deploy in M1038 HUMVEE or UH-1H HUEY.
Due to the small complement of paratroopers in the division, it can field a handful of AIRBORNE squads in "vanilla," Dragon, and leader variants - one card each.
The National Guard provides N.G. RIFLES squads in LAW, Dragon, and leader versions. These being the only mechanized forces, they can deploy in M35 trucks or N.G. M113A1 APCs.
The division could also count on a small ENGINEER detachment, once again in “vanilla,” Flash, and leader variant, all in M151 or M35.
Infantry support weapons include the usual M60, M2HB, Mk.19, M40A1, I-TOW, TOW-2, and TOW-2A in various regular, National Guard or even Airborne variants.
Although that's quite a diverse array of infantry, most of these units have been featured in WARNO in one way or another. So what’s really new?
USMC SECURITY are the US Marines Corps' units tasked with defending, or retaking if need be, the US Navy’s nuclear weapon depots. These are 7-man strong squads with M16, M21 scoped rifle, AT-4, and smoke grenades. Furthermore, they have Shock trait (being CQB specialists), Security (as, you know, being security forces) and Resolute (for being naval infantry). They ride to battle in M1038 HUMVEE or their unit-specific DRAGOON 300 (clearly a counterfeit VAB, no doubt about it) featuring the Security trait.
USAF SECURITY PATROL are 4-man teams with Colt Commandos, a Stinger MANPAD and the Security and Military Police traits. These teams provide airfield security with short anti-air defense. These teams come in either regular M998 HUMVEE, M1038 HUMVEE MP or the new PEACEKEEPER wheeled APC with the Military Police trait.
USAF SECURITY are larger 13-man squads with M16, two M249, and one M60A3, plus the Military Police trait.
NAVY SEAL. You might not have heard of these, as they are super obscure and completely not one of the United States’ premier elite special forces. They come as 9-man soldiers with Colt Commandos, no less than four M60E3 light machine-gun, AT-4, and Satchel, plus the Special Forces, Shock and Airborne traits.
ART
Rather mediocre, but the absence of heavy-hitting artillery is the same issue that plagues all light divisions.
This means you’ll get M29 81mm and M30 107mm mortars.
Plus the M101 105mm (new to a US division, but previously featured in other NATO formations) and some more modern (new) M119 105mm, as well as a few M198 155mm towed howitzers. All are towed by M35 trucks. An added feature is that the first two light pieces can also be transported by helicopter, being done so by the new CH-54B TARHE (carrier version).
TANK
Another average category. Once again, no tanks here, only tank destroyers.
The 6th Infantry can deploy N.G. M151A2 I-TOW and N.G. M901 ITV.
M1025 HUMVEE TOW-2 from the light brigades.
REC
A good category with very good options. The classics are all represented, including SCOUTS, LRS, and OH-58C SCOUT.
The new PATHFINDERS units are USAR airborne recon attached to the Ohio National Guard brigade.
Also, as previously mentioned, the division’s sole armor support will be found here: the new N.G. M48A5 ACAV.
Based in Alaska, the USAF’s 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron provides the new OA-10A, which is basically a recon A-10 without the ability to fire missiles, instead carrying a ton of HE and smoke rockets (the latter to mark targets IRL).
Lastly, the Alaskan Scouts are featured with new infantry models and the Reservist traits:
The new ALASKAN SNIPER, a 2-man team with M16A1 and a Remington 700 hunting rifle.
ALASKAN SCOUTS as a 4-man recon team with M16A1 and M60.
ALASKAN CAV. SCOUTS as 8-man squads with M16A1, two M60s, and one M67 RCL.
The above recon units can come either in soft-skin transports, the UH-1H HUEY or N.G. M113A1. This latter vehicle even gets an extra variant: the new N.G. M113A1 ACAV with the recoilless rifle replaced by an extra M60.
AA
Rather bad with pricey slots and no new options.
The division deploys with the standard N.G. STINGER and STINGER MANPAD teams, M157A1 VADS 20mm towed AA gun, and I-HAWK.
HEL
Average with - strangely enough - the divisional squadron’s regular army pilots deploying the older AH-1S COBRA. This is the real AH-1S, which explains why we updated the naming for the in-game namesake not too long ago.
Plus some reservist-operated AH-1F HOG and AH-1F TOWCOBRA.
AIR
The 6th Infantry can count on some strong air support, with the division benefiting from air cover from the USAF, ANG, and USN squadrons.
This means regular USAF A-10A [AT] and F-15C EAGLE [AA2].
The ANG brings a new unit, the A-7D CORSAIR, in various roles: RKT, CLU, HE, and AT.
And the US Navy deploys with the new A-6E INTRUDER (NPLM and SEAD) and EA-6B PROWLER (EW/SEAD).
The 6th Infantry Divison (Light) can bring a whole array of different infantry to the battlefield, backed by powerful recon and air tabs. The battlegroup, due to its light nature, lacks heavy supporting arms.
Nemesis #4 - Capital Defence
Of course, we still have our community-voted Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence. This new DLC features two formations safeguarding their respective nation’s capital during the Cold War: the UK’s Home Defence Region London and the Soviet 2-ya Tamanskaya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya or the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motorized Rifle Division based in Moscow, USSR.
Nemesis 4.3 - Capital Defence has now entered the design and production pipeline. A release is planned for later this year, but keep in mind that this is not a fixed date. Meanwhile, in case you were wondering, the other two Nemesis options will return to Eugen’s ideas box and - for now at least - shelved. Perhaps we will dust off the ideas for a run-off vote later down the line or cannibalize some divisions for other offerings. Time will tell.
Until Next Week!
Before we leave, with Nemesis #3 we’ll also be updating the infantry unit cards, improving their realism and quality. Take a sneak peek below!
We’ll be back next week with our second Nemesis #3 - Home Front preview.
Gather round; the Nemesis #4 community vote results are in!
We salute the community’s efforts and unrelenting propaganda battles on all WARNO’s social media channels. The barrage of images, memes, posts, and whathaveyounots to sway the vote, did in our professional opinion, have a slight effect later in the week, but truth be told, the vote’s results were crystal clear from the start.
So, without further ado….
Nemesis #4 Winner
The overwhelming victor of Nemesis #4 is… drum roll…
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence!
The full breakdown of the vote:
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence was - by a far stretch - your favorite with 66,85% of the ballot.
Nemesis #4.2 - Northern Edge trailed far behind with 22,19% of the vote.
And Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area came a distant third with 10,96%.
That’s it: Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence is official and will be released for WARNO in the not-too-distant future!
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence features two formations safeguarding the respective nation’s capital during the Cold War: the UK’s Home Defence Region London and the Soviet 2-ya Tamanskaya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya or the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motorized Rifle Division based in Moscow, USSR.
New units and weapons for Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence include:
The British Home Defence Region London deploys the new FV1612 HUMBER FFR wheeled APC, BEDFORD TM supply vehicle, plus older WESSEX HC.2 SUPPLY helos, new GUARDS riflemen squads (with, perhaps, bearskin hats and red uniforms), new RIFLES PATROL, FV1611 HUMBER PIG and FV1611a KREMLIN PIG, AIRMOBILE TERRIERS squads, and elite SAS G anti-terror squads transportable in CHINOOK HC.1B.
Other new units include ROVER PIGLET, CENTURION MK.13 and CHIEFTAIN MK.1/4, L3A4 7,62mm machine gun teams, M2HB M63 12,7mm machine guns in AA mounts, YEOMAN ROVER and FOX ZB298 with ground radar, old-school QF 25-pdr 88mm artillery pieces, BL 5,5-inch 140mm howitzers, and the cutting-edge AS.90 155mm SPAAGs. #
The list continues! Long-range air defense will be provided by the massive BLOODHOUND MK.2, STARSTREAK LML provide short-range AA defense, while helicopters include A.109A [RKT] and SCOUT AH.1 recon rotorcraft. New HAWK T.1 trainers and HARRIER GR.5 form part of the division’s air cover.
The Soviets are next. The 2-ya Gv. MSD was highly trained and lavishly equipped, and it shows. The elite division will feature the (new) heavy MAZ-535 supply truck, new GVARDEITSY squads with the Resolute trait, the RAZV. BTR-80 recon APC, SIGINT-equipped R-330 RAMA, the T-72A Obr. 83 and T-72K tanks, plus some of the latest T-80U obr. 1989 with Kontakt-5 ERA.
Flying top cover are (new to the Soviets) MiG-23P, L-39 [RKT], Su-15TM, and MiG-29 9.13.
Nemesis 4.3 - Capital Defence will now enter the design and production pipeline. A release is planned for later this year, but keep in mind that this is not a fixed date.
Meanwhile, the other two Nemesis options will return to Eugen’s ideas box and - for now at least - shelved. Perhaps we will dust off the ideas for a run-off vote later down the line or cannibalize some divisions for other offerings. Time will tell.
Until Next Week!
That’s all for this DevBlog. We’ll be back next week!
Fixed desynchronizations that could happen in 10vs10
Map Editor
Fixed bad resolution on game launch after map shooting
Modding tools
Errors from property check display value in addition to property name
Improved error message on turret with master and no AimingPriority specified
Visible weapons limit by unit is now depending of MaxNbWeaponToShow in NDF rather than a hardcoded limit of 4
Improved error details for TDamageType or TResistanceType error message
Error message rather than crash on missing firstname dictionnary for custom unit nationality
Error message rather than crash on bad pylon slot count for modded units with missile hardpoints
Translation from French to English for some other error messages
Nemesis #4 Vote Now Open - RP #6 Out Now For Free!
Hello commanders,
We’re back early this week! Not only are we opening the long-awaited Nemesis #4 vote today, but we also bring you a freeReinforcement Pack #6 featuring the new map Kreide.
Furthermore, we also have some news on the upcoming WARNO’sRanked reboot from Season 1 to Season 2 at the end of this month.
Read on for all the juicy details.
WARNO’s Nemesis #4 In Brief
First things first: Nemesis #4 community vote is now live!
Before we dig in with some house rules and the actual voting link, let’s review the Nemesis #4 options on offer. Check out each DevBlog for all the details on new units, weapons, and division make-up.
Nemesis #4.2 - Northern Edge takes the fight to the battlefields of LANDJUT, between Hamburg and the Danish border, where the West German 6. Panzergrenadier-Division, backed by Bundesmarine forces, and the Soviet 94-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya with its T-64 armor face off against each other.
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence highlights two formations safeguarding their nation’s capital, with the UK’s Home Defence Region London and the Soviet 2-ya Tamanskaya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya.
A reminder of what WARNO’sNemesis DLCs entail. These are paid mini-expansions containing two paired or themed divisions - one from NATO and one from the Warsaw Pact - bringing new units, vehicles, and weapons. Each Nemesis run features three different offerings, which can be voted on. After the vote concludes, one Nemesis is crowned the winner and enters Eugen’s development and production pipeline! The options that didn’t make the grade will go back into the Eugen cupboard. They might (or not) be dusted off for future offerings, but this is not a guarantee.
WARNO’s Nemesis #4 Vote Now Open
You will find the Nemesis #4 vote below.
You can vote multiple times, but only your LAST vote will be taken into account! Be respectful of the ballot, the Eugen team, and your fellow players. As always: no cheating, bullying, spamming, or insults will be tolerated.
Voting will close on Wednesday, February 12th at 12:00 (CEST) / 11:00 AM (BST) / 6 AM (EDT). We will publish the results the next day.
As is tradition, WARNO’s community (you) has put a lot of effort into swaying the vote into one of the above three options. What’s more, there are plenty of highly detailed posts and comments on WARNO’s social channels discussing the (supposed) pros and cons, unique weapons or units, the rarity of equipment, and all the nitty-gritty details of each of the above new battlegroup options. Be sure to check them out - but do so at your own peril as Nemesis #4 propaganda battles are far from over, and will last until the very last day of the vote!
Reinforcement Pack #6
Next to the Nemesis #4 vote now being open, we have also released a free new Reinforcement Pack #6 featuring the map Kreide. This new battlefield is available from the start in all modes and all sizes!
Kreide captures the quintessential essence of Travemünde, a relaxed Baltic Sea resort and ferry port on the border between West and East Germany. We have realistically recreated this environment within WARNO with a 3x3 (81 km²) map, perfectly suited for large-scale battles.
Kreide was originally designed for 3vs3 matches but can also be played in 10vs10, 1vs1 and in Destruction mode.
Key Features Inspired by the environments of fellow WARNO maps Urban Frontlines and Tension on a smaller scale, Kreide will also feature a dense agglomeration of urban sectors and building sites. Every building will be able to make a difference in a battle’s outcome.
Of course, it won’t only be close combat. Kreide also features vast plains and open areas with nearby Command sectors, encouraging quick displacements and positional battles.
A large body of water surrounds the battlefield. This is impassable for ground units but accessible for aerial and amphibious vehicles. Adjust your strategy as needed.
Kreide is now available as part of the free Reinforcement Pack #6.
Be sure to share your feedback after the first couple of battles on Kreide. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
What’s more: Reinforcement Pack #6 will also feature a new homegrown soundtrack called Space Train. We know you like rockin’ on those tunes while battling it out in World War III!
Ranked Reboot
As a heads-up, on Friday, February 28th, we’ll close WARNO’sRanked Season 1 to immediately start Season 2!
Season 2 will feature an expanded pool of maps on top of the original 6 battlefields. This means a total of 11 maps in rotation. We will be adding:
_2x3_Death_Row_2vs2_CONQ
_2x3_TwoWays_2vs2_CONQ
_3x3_MountRiver_1vs1_CONQ_DUEL
_4x2_Chemical_1vs1_CONQ_DUEL
_3x3_Kreide_1vs1_CONQ_DUEL
Until Next Week!
Make your vote count, commanders! We’ll return next week with Nemesis #4 results.
As a side note, Nemesis #3 has not yet been revealed. To speed up development and to make sure to be able to offer our WARNO players something in between other projects, Nemesis #3 has been decided upon by ourselves. More info to come soon!
M wz.37 82mm : Suppress damage increased 115 to 122
M wz.43 120mm : Suppress damage increased 150 to 183
RM wz.70/85 : Base Availability decreased 2 to 1, Speed increased 65 km/h to 85 km/h
BRDM-2 KONKURS : Speed increased 65 km/h to 85 km/h
BRDM-2 MALUTKA-P : Speed increased 65 km/h to 85 km/h
TOPAS R-3M renamed NIEB BER. TOPAS R-3M
NIEB BER. TOPAS R-3M : trait Resolute added
DESANT. UAZ-469 SPG-9 : Price decreased 50 to 45, Base Availability increased 6 to 8
AZP S-60 57mm : Front Armor decreased 2 to 1
DESANT. ZUR-23-2S JOD : Price increased 40 to 45
ZUR-23-2S JOD : Price decreased 45 to 40
4 DYW. ZMECHANIZOWANA
BM-21 GRAD : Veterancy locked
RM wz.70/85 : cards increased 1 to 2, Veterancy locked
T-55AD : base Veterancy decreased from XP2 to XP1
Changed one 3-pts TNK slot into one 2-pts
20 DYWIZJA PANCERNA
BM-21 GRAD : Veterancy locked
KORPUS DESANTOWY
BM-21 GRAD : Veterancy locked
DOW. NIEBIESKIE BERETY : added GAZ-66B as transport option, removed UAZ-469 as transport option
Added NIEB. BERETY STRZAŁA-2M
Removed STRZAŁA-2M
Nemesis #4.3 - Capital Defence
Hello!
We are back with the final installment of Nemesis #4. This time, we cast our gaze on two “Capital Defence” formations safeguarding the respective nation’s capital during the Cold War: the UK’s Home Defence Region London and the Soviet 2-ya Tamanskaya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya or the 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motorized Rifle Division based in Moscow, USSR.
Onwards!
WARNO’s Nemesis #4
A reminder of what WARNO’sNemesis DLCs entail. These are paid mini-expansions containing two paired or themed divisions - one from NATO and one from the Warsaw Pact - bringing new units, vehicles, and weapons. Each Nemesis run features three different offerings, which can then be voted on. After the vote concludes, one Nemesis is crowned the winner and enters Eugen’s development and production pipeline!
Nemesis #4.2 - Northern Edge takes the fight to the battlefields of LANDJUT, between Hamburg and the Danish border, where the West German 6. Panzergrenadier-Division backed by Bundesmarine forces and the Soviet 94-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya with its T-64 armor face off against each other.
What About Nemesis #3?
Nemesis #3 has not yet been revealed. To speed up development and to make sure to be able to offer our WARNO players something in between other projects, Nemesis #3 has been decided upon by ourselves. More info to come soon!
NATO’s UK Home Defence Region London
First up are the British with the Home Defence Region London or in short HDR London. Officially designated the London Home Defence Region (numbered #5 on the map), it would have contained a hodgepodge of units cobbled together around a permanent garrison: the 56th (London) Infantry Brigade. Created in 1986, headquartered with the Horse Guards, this brigade regrouped the five Guards battalions based in the British capital. It was responsible for the administration and training of all the London region’s forces.
Other permanent formations in the capital city included:
Elements of the Royal Yeomanry (Territorial reconnaissance).
The 101st (London) Engineer Regiment (reserve).
Elements of the Honourable Artillery Company, which despite its name, was a reserve regiment.
If London should ever be threatened with an invasion or to come under direct attack (though not plausible, including for Moscow, never entirely out of the realm of possibilities), the British Army could also draw from War Material Reserve, which was old equipment kept in storage or more modern equipment under long-term overhaul or repair. Furthermore, nearby training centers (Bovington for The Royal Armoured Corps, Middle Wallop for the Army Air Corps, etc.) as well as numerous RAF airfields would provide additional warfighting assets.
Sources of emergency manpower would include three mechanized (wheeled) battalions to be recalled from Northern Ireland. With World War III and martial law underway, local security forces engaged in the Troubles would be entrusted to act more forcefully against the IRA. This would free up additional regular troops, but create a completely new dynamic in the conflict-rife Northern Ireland of the late 1980s. Of course, the Home Service Force (HSF in-game), a renewal of the Home Guard forces, would also be represented.
The Home Defence Region London in WARNO
What can you expect from HDR London in-game? New units are highlighted in bold and italic.
LOG A pretty good category, as the division will be playing “home advantage”.
Command units would include the ubiquitous ROVER CP, GAZELLE AH.1 CP, and the new FV1612 HUMBER FFR. This latter unit is a command variant of the FV1611 wheeled APC, a common sight in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
For supplies, the division gets access to a FOB, BEDFORD MJ, but also its heavier (and new) BEDFORD TM cousin. With all the helo PUMA and CHINOOKS assigned to the British Army of the Rhine, the only few available utility helicopters would be older (but new in WARNO) WESSEX HC.2 SUPPLY drawn from storage.
INF A very strong category, with numerous cheap slots, as well as a great diversity in the units on offer.
Guards battalions will be represented by their own special squads, GUARDS, which will not be much different compared to MOT. RIFLES in stats, but will likely be using some unique 3d models, including redcoats and perhaps bearskins. These represent those ceremonial Guards dragged into combat with little warning, Patriot Games-style.
Battalions drawn from Northern Ireland would form (new) RIFLES PATROL, which are 7-man squads with M16A2 and one L42A1 sniper rifles, plus M72 LAW. They would ride their Northern Ireland-typical wheeled (new) APC FV1611 HUMBER PIG (unarmed) or the FV1611a KREMLIN PIG (with a machine gun in a turret).
An airmobile Territorial brigade battalion was attached to the 5th Airborne Brigade, which we left out of the MNAD division (part of WARNO - NORTHAG). Remaining in the UK, not far from London, the formation would be called upon to deploy its (new) AIRMOBILE TERRIERS in the aforementioned (new) WESSEX HC.2. They would be organized as large "half-platoon" squads with Carl Gustav, but Veterancy locked.
The new SAS G (for G Squadron) is the counter-terrorism unit that famously stormed the Iranian embassy in 1980 and provided the world with the first public glimpse of this elite formation. These will be represented in WARNO as all-SMG 12-man commando squads with satchel explosives and Ambrust, transported in their own special force (new) CHINOOK HC.1B. In-game models would feature the famous all-black gas mask outfit.
On the other end of the spectrum, the HSF security forces. So you liked Nemesis #2.3 - Second Wave’sBritish Support Command’s division? Guess what: with these squads, the true Dad’s Army arrives!
The usual array of weapon teams, including WOMBAT, MAG, MILAN, although the latter ATGM teams will be fewer compared to BOAR units. Additionally, reservists would be given stored (new) L3A4 7,62mm MMG (the good ol' World War 2 M1919) as was done during the Falklands War. In that same early 1980s war, the UK also deployed the (new in-game) M2HB M63 12,7mm AA mount. These returned later to the UK and were distributed among heavy support platoons.
RMP squads will be present with the new ROVER PIGLET with Military Police trait.
ART Average as the HDR London formation did not have any organic artillery pieces; it would scrape by with whatever was to be found from local depots and storage.
The regular infantry battalion’s sole artillery would be the light L16 81mm mortar.
The Honourable Artillery Company still had a battery of serviceable World War 2-era (new) QF 25-pdr 88mm, used for ceremonial and training purposes.
There were also large quantities of artillery in storage, starting with the light (new) L5 105mm guns, which are Italian OTO Melara M56 mountain guns. Much older are the bigger BL 5,5-inch 140mm howitzers of World War 2 fame.
And finally, there were two early and very state-of-the-art AS.90 155mm self-propelled guns undergoing trials in 1989. These would be pressed into immediate combat (the full production variant only entered service in 1992 historically).
TANK An average category. Although London did not contain any tanks at all, the War Material Reserve held a large number of Centurion tanks (over 500 held in storage). Being only a couple of hours away, these would have been regrouped and immediately thrown into battle. The Royal Armoured Corps also held a battalion-worth of training and demonstration tanks of many models.
The main tank for the division would be the (new) CENTURION MK.13. These will deploy in command and Reservist variants.
Bovington training grounds held a number of tank models, each coming in one card only:
The new CHIEFTAIN MK.1/4. These were training vehicles with rudimentary fire controls (if any) and only equipped with HEAT rounds.
The CHIEFTAIN MK.9 plus the CHALLENGER MK.2. Regular tank models.
The RAC could also field a squadron of FV438 SWINGFIRE.
The 56th Brigade's sole anti-tank vehicle was the ubiquitous ROVER MILAN.
A final vehicle which could be hurriedly pressed into service was the venerable (new) FERRET MK.5 WINGFIRE, until then used as targets during practice instead.
REC
Another average category with regular SCOUTS rubbing shoulders with TERRIER SCOUTS, the latter in new YEOMAN ROVER armed with GMPG (and the vehicle bearing the Recon trait).
Territorial scouts also come with their own arsenal of armored cars: FERRET, FOX, and the new FOX ZB298 fitted with a ground recon radar.
RAC will provide some SCORPION recon vehicles.
A handful of unarmed (new) SCOUT AH.1 and LYNX AH.7 CHANCELLOR will provide heliborne air recon.
AA Good, as can be expected. London is well-protected against enemy air attacks.
Short-range air defense will fall on the shoulders of the RAPIER FSB1 from nearby RAF airfields. Long-range air defense will be taken on by the new BLOODHOUND MK.2. This is a rough British equivalent to the Warsaw Pact’s super-heavy Krug: a towed one-shot “goes a massive BOOM!” AA missile.
Infantry battalions will have a few JAVELIN MANPAD teams. The M63 mount for M2HB (see the INF category) will provide a bit of additional anti-air fire.
Another unit undergoing weapons tests since 1982 was the (new) STARSTREAK LML. This is a 3-tube weapon system like its Javelin counterpart, but brand-new, much faster, and more accurate, plus with a longer range.
HEL Another average category. HDR London did not have access to combat helicopters, but the Army Air Corps’ home base was nearby, and some independent units had access to some rotorcraft.
These include a handful of the usual LYNX HELARM undergoing maintenance or repair and quickly armed GAZELLE AH.1 [RKT].
A new unit would be the A.109A [RKT]. Two of these helos were captured from the Argentinians in 1982 during the Falklands War and brought home. Two additional examples were purchased later. They were kept as secret air support for the SAS. As such, they gain the Special Forces trait.
AIR A very good category, with the TORNADO forming the core of HDR London’s air power, including air superiority and in a ground strike role.
The new HAWK T.1 trainers will provide additional light CAS support.
Also, a few of the latest (new) HARRIER GR.5 will be performing bombing runs, including heavy HE and CLU loadouts, plus improved ECM compared to their earlier counterparts.
The Home Defence Region London is a reservist division with a diverse arsenal, which results in plenty of flexibility. Expect lots of older equipment and vehicles fighting alongside a few modern pieces, including good infantry, logistics, and air forces.
On the other side of the pond (and going deep, deep into the USSR) stands the proud 2-ya "Tamanskaya" Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya or 2nd Guards Tamanskaya Motorized Rifle Division. Plenty of Soviet divisions held the “Guard” honorific, even though in some cases, these formations were far from elite and even inferior to line divisions. However, if some divisions truly deserved the title, it would be 2-ya "Tamanskaya" Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya and its sister 4-ya "Kantemirovskaya" Gvardeyskaya Tank. Diviziya guarding the Moscow capital district.
Both Moscow-based formations were highly trained and lavishly equipped, with officers handpicked for their loyalty to the communist state. They were the USSR’s Praetorian Guard, with the vital mission to protect the Soviet political organizations in the nation’s capital city. With this in mind, everybody was a potential threat; perhaps the danger would come from a fellow Soviet soldier (in a coup) rather than actual NATO forces. As WARNO’s timeline already deals with one “new” coup in the 1980s, within our March to War scenario, our Troika would be even more paranoid (and the 2-ya Gv. MSD foremost)! In real life, and ironically so, the Division’s sole late Cold War action was to be the military arm of the coup against Boris Yeltsin in 1991, which as a matter of fact, saw some of its soldiers switching sides.
The 2-ya "Tamanskaya" Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya in WARNO
How will the 2-ya Gv. MSD look like in WARNO? New units are highlighted in bold and italic.
LOG A pretty good category, with the simple fact that 2-ya Gv. MSD is fighting on home turf!
This means the usual CHAIKA, BMP-1K3, and UAZ-469 command vehicles.
Supplies will be provided by a FOB, URAL-4320 and the heavy (new) MAZ-535 heavy truck. Airlifted supplies will be done through Mi-8MT helos.
INF
The division's infantry, although organized along the same lines, will be designated the new GVARDEITSY. These squads will come in command, BTR, BMP, SVD, Metis, and Pulemetchiki variants. All of them will feature the Resolute trait, as befitting their status. Furthermore, they will have access to BTR-80, BMP-1, and BMP-2 as transport options.
The usual array of supporting weapon teams will round out this tab, including SAPERY, HMG, AGS-17, SPG-9, etc.
ART Average category with only the standard Soviet Army options available.
These include 2S12 120mm mortar and towed D-30 122mm howitzers.
Plus the usual 2S3M AKATSIYA and BM-21 GRAD units.
TANK A good amount of slots and numbers, being a Motorized Rifle division, and excellent in its armor choice. The 2-ya Gv. MSD has the typical mix of vehicles.
Including the new T-72A Obr. 83 (a hybrid between the Warsaw Pact’s T-72 version M1 and S) and the simpler (new) T-72K (the most basic variant) as command tanks.
The T-80UD, with the T-64AK as a command tank.
Attached from its sister formation, to which these tanks were unique, several of the latest (new) T-80U obr. 1989 will be featured. This is a made-up designation for the “late T-80U” variant with Kontakt-5 ERA armored bricks. This tank variant has the same mobility (hence superior to the heavier UD version) but with better protection and an improved 9M119M gun-tube ATGM missile.
The division also receives its share of MT-12 RAPIRA and BRDM-2 KONKURS.
REC
A pretty good category for the 2-ya Gv. MSD with the usual RAZVEDKA and MOT. RAZVEDKA squads, the later deployable in the new RAZV. BTR-80 recon and transport APC.
The usual arsenal of BRDM-2, BRM-1K, and Mi-24K recon vehicles and helos.
The division can also call upon two SIGINT options: the foot-based RT RAZVEDKA and the new R-330 RAMA, which is a dedicated SIGINT-traited GAZ-66 truck.
AA A rather decent category but only featuring standard units.
These include IGLA MANPAD teams, the ZU-23-2 gun, STRELA-10 and 9K33M3 OSA-AKM mobile SAMs and the ZSU-23-4M3 BIRYUSA SPAAG.
HEL Rather mediocre category and very restricted by the lack of helicopters in the capital area.
This means you’ll only get a few slots, perhaps only one, with only the Mi-24V [RKT2] as an option.
AIR The 2-ya Gv. MSD has an average amount of air power it can call on, with better ground support but lacking in air superiority (this far from the front).
Air cover missions will be provided mostly by the (new) MiG-23P, as well as a handful each of older (new) Su-15TM and newer MiG-29 9.13 (with 40% ECM).
Ground strike aircraft will be the MiG-21bis (new for Soviet Air Forces but widespread among Warsaw Pact members) and the Su-25 from a nearby training regiment, as well as some local (new) L-39 [RKT].
The 2-ya "Tamanskaya" Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya is an elite formation with good infantry, logistical, and armor forces, but lacking in artillery and helicopter support.
Until Next Week!
That’s all for this week. We’ll be back next week with the start of Nemesis #4 and some more interesting news about Ranked and a new map!
Time for another Nemesis #4 preview. Let’s welcome to the stage Nemesis #4.2 - Northern Edge featuring the West German 6. Panzergrenadier-Division and the Soviet 94-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya (94th Guards Motorized Rifle Division) or 94-ya Gv. MSD in short.
Go, go, go!
WARNO’s Nemesis Concept
A reminder of what WARNO’sNemesis DLCs entail. These are paid mini-expansions containing two paired or themed divisions - one from NATO and one from the Warsaw Pact - bringing new units, vehicles, and weapons. Each Nemesis run features three different offerings, which can then be voted on. After the vote concludes, one Nemesis is crowned the winner and enters Eugen’s development and production pipeline!
The current Nemesis #4 run:
Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area pitting NATO’s Dutch Beveiligende Strijdmacht against Warsaw Pact’s East German 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision, inspired by the opening battles in Four Days to the WeserArmy General campaign as featured in our WARNO - NORTHAG expansion.
What About Nemesis #3?
Nemesis #3 has not yet been revealed. To speed up development and to make sure to be able to offer our WARNO players something in between other projects, Nemesis #3 has been decided upon by ourselves. More info to come soon!
NATO’s West German 6. Panzergrenadier-Division
Back to business. The 6. Panzergrenadier-Division’s role in World War III would have been quite unique. The division’s mission was to defend the Schleswig-Holstein region of West Germany, north of Hamburg, on the border with Denmark. This was a vital task, as a Soviet breakthrough reaching the coast could mean Denmark to be cut off, and the separation of NORTHAG command with AFNORTH (NATO’s command of Norway).
So important was 6. Panzergrenadier’s defense of this sector, that a separate command was created: LANDJUT. This was an army-size HQ, unlike the other NATO commands, NORTHAG, CENTAG, SOUTHAG, or AFNORTH, which were large army group-sized formations. LANDJUT would encompass not only the 6. Panzergrenadier, but also the whole Danish armed forces and reinforcements sent from the rear ((US 9th Motorized, 4th MAB, British 1st Infantry Brigade, etc.). The main adversary was the Polish 1st Army, which would have invaded Denmark by land, with outlying islands taken through combined amphibious and air assault operations.
Once again, the 6. Panzergrenadier’s primary mission was to defend and hold off the attacking Warsaw Pact forces long enough for the Danish army to mobilize and reach their combat positions. It was organized as a regular West German mechanized infantry division. However, much like the tardy Dutch south of Hamburg, the Danes were not expected to arrive precisely on time; that’s why plans were made for the West Germans to at least be able to fend for themselves for a longer period. As such, it was heavily reinforced. This included:
Heimatschutzbrigade 51 - although a territorial army brigade, it was not a Bundeswehr mobilization formation but an active one. This means its soldiers were closer to regular troops rather than reservists.
Heeresfliegerkommando 6 - an entire helicopter regiment with both airlift and anti-tank capacities. These were usually only attached to an army corps.
Though not officially attached (but in our war scenario, they will), Schleswig-Holstein was home to many Bundesmarine facilities and local units. These would have provided welcome reinforcements in the field.
Being almost a whopping 30.000 soldiers strong, the 6. Panzergrenadier was closer to a small corps than a mere division. As a matter of fact, it was the Bundeswehr’s biggest division - perhaps even the biggest in the whole of NATO. However, being assigned to a smaller command outside the major NORTHAG, CENTAG, etc., it was not at the top of the priority list for new or replacement equipment.
It should be noted that both its Jäger battalions and most of its recon battalion were to be detached from the division to form a special battlegroup tasked with defending Lübeck until relieved by the Danes. As such, these forces won’t be included in the 6. Panzergrenadier-Division.
The 6. Panzergrenadier-Division in WARNO
What can you expect from 6. Panzergrenadier-Division in-game? New units are highlighted in bold and italic!
LOG
Rather average and much like the already in-game 2. Panzergrenadier-Division, minus the Belgian units. This includes a FOB.
The UH-1D MÜN. replaces the CH-53G MÜN.
The older and smaller (but new in WARNO) MAN 630 L2AE MUN. replaces the MAN KAT 6X6 MÜN.
INF
A very good category featuring the usual PZ.GRENADIER squads and variants in MARDER 1A2 and M113A1G (both including MILAN version), PIONIER, as well as MG-3, M40A1 and MILAN 2 weapon teams.
Due to the 6. Panzergrenadier having more airlift capabilities than usual, the PZ.GRENADIER (M113) gains access to UH-1D helicopters as a transport option.
The division lacks any JÄGER infantry. Instead, it can call on plenty of HEIMAT.-JÄGER in M113A1G (some too with MILAN). FELDJÄGER will be present to keep the troops in line, this time riding to battle in their (both new) FELDJÄGER KUBEL. 181 and FELDJÄGER FUCHS with the Military Police trait.
A major new element are the Bundesmarine attachments. In 1988, the West German navy created a small naval infantry battalion in Schleswig-Holstein. This Seebataillon regrouped two existing independent companies: the Strandmeisterkompanie and Kampfschwimmerkompanie, both of which trained with the larger 6. Panzergrenadier regularly in peace-time.
The new STRANDMEISTER ("Beach Master") are assault engineers tasked with securing and clearing beaches from all obstacles prior to an amphibious landing. A 10-man squad equipped with Uzi, G3, MG-3, and explosives, these soldiers feature the Shock and Resolute traits (being both combat engineers and naval infantry). These squads are quickly identifiable by their white helmets and blue berets.
The Kampfschwimmers will be addressed in the REC tab.
Furthermore, there are also the new MARINESICHERUNGS, which are a more heavily armed variant of the land-based SICHERUNGS squads, also featuring the Resolute trait.
ART
An average category with the usual complement of M109A3GA1 and FH155-1 155mm, plus LARS-2 MLRS and PANZERMÖRSER.
Courtsey of the Heimatschutzbrigade 51 you’ll also get MRS. 120mm TAMPELLA mortars and FH M1A2 (A2) 105mm towed howitzers.
Unusually so, the division was one of the last to switch from the M107 170mm to M110 203mm, a process that barely started within our timeframe. We decided only to feature the former - M107 170mm.
TANK
Good… and bad. Let’s start with the good first. The 6. Panzergrenadier has more and cheaper tank slots than a regular Panzergrenadier-Division since it had the usual number of tank battalions, plus the two extra ones from Heimatschutzbrigade 51.
On to the bad: the 6. Panzergrenadier was the only regular Heer division never to receive the Leopard 2 (even the Gebirgsdivision got some, figure that). Not only did our formation get stuck with the LEOPARD 1 up to the end of the Cold War, but furthermore, it only fielded older variants. This results in the (new) LEOPARD 1A1A2 (similar in stats to 1A1A1, just with some minor visual differences) and the lesser (also new) LEOPARD 1A2A1 (with -1 Front armor).
The division can also count on the usual array of tank destroyers: KANJPZ, JAGUAR 1, and JAGUAR 2.
REC
Upon the start of hostilities, the 6. Panzergrenadier was to lose most of its recon battalion (which would form the core of Lübeck's garrison). Therefore, no FUCHS RASIT or JÄGER AUFKL., and AUFKLÄRER and LUCHS will be minimal. BO-10M VBH recon helos will be available normally.
A few (new) HEIMAT.-AUFKLÄRER from Heimatschutzbrigade 51, as well as GREEN ARCHER and the new CL-89 UAV from Artillerie-Regiment 6 will (partially) bring some new units to the table.
Further backed by the Bundesmarine! They come to the rescue with:
KSK combat divers, much like the West German variant of Navy SEALs, which will be a 6-man special forces recon squad inserted by ways of (new) SEA KING helicopter.
New ILTIS KSK will be a recon ILTIS MILAN with Special Forces trait.
The Do-28D-2 is a weird-looking unarmed recon plane used by the Bundesmarine to patrol the Baltic.
AA
Good with the classical combo of GEPARD, FLIEGERFAUST and F20-2 ZWILLINGE.
The Bundesmarine’s air branch Marinefliegergeschwader bases in Schleswig-Holstein were protected by (new) BOFORS L/70 MFG which are an upgraded variant equipped with autoloaders. The navy’s air detachments were also the first users of the wheeled (new) FRR ROLAND MFG based on a MAN KAT chassis.
HEL
Average with the usual BO-105 PAH-1 and BO-105 PAH-1A1 helicopters, but with more and likely cheaper slots compared to other West German divisions.
AIR
A pretty good category with the typical F-4F fighter.
The (new) RF-4E were in real-life recon planes but are not going to be used as such in-game, being too fast to be useful as a battlefield reconnaissance in WARNO. Instead, in our war scenario, these planes are threatened with being overrun and hurriedly turned into makeshift bombers. Just plain ‘ol bomb trucks without any air-to-air defense missiles.
Futhermore, the Marinefliegergeschwader naval air squadrons would lend a much-needed hand with their TORNADO MFG [CLU] with BL.755 bombs and TORNADO MFG [SEAD], which can be considered the only "real" German SEAD in our timeframe, armed with HARM missiles. Both planes will feature their naval air livery and more ECM, thanks to additional electronic warfare pods.
The Bundesmarine would also recall reserve pilots to fly in-storage F-104G MFG in bomber role, also displaying their distinct livery.
The 6. Panzergrenadier is a unique, supersized mechanized infantry division that counts on substantial Bundesmarine support, plus some special new units. This means very good infantry and air forces, but lacking modern armor and artillery.
Let’s turn to the 94-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya (94th Guards Motorized Rifle Division) or 94-ya Gv. MSD. Located on the very northern edge of the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany, it had the East German 5. Armee to its left, and the Baltic Sea to its right.
Mirroring the special mission of the NATO troops in front of it, the Soviet motorized rifle division’s objective in the case of hostilities was to strike immediately northwest. In quick succession, it would cross the Trave, Kiel, and Schlei canals, a 100km advance, which would find it on the doorsteps of the Danish border. If successful, the Soviets would be able to separate NORTHAG (and LANDJUT) from AFNORTH. The Soviet division would pave the way for the 1st Polish Army, following closely behind. To accomplish this war-time goal, the 94-ya Gv. MSD was reinforced with combat engineer assets to dross minefields and waterways quickly.
Soviet forces facing NORTHAG - especially British NATO formations - were considered by the Warsaw Pact command to be the main threat. As such, they were the first to convert from T-62 to newer T-64 main battle tanks, including the 94-ya Gv. MSD. But, by 1989, the rest of Group of Soviet Forces in Germany had transitioned to the T-64 (or the later T-80). As one of the first, the 94-ya Gv. MSD’s equipment started to show its age by the time of WARNO’s World War III. The division’s TO&E was of an older type compared to other Soviet Motorized Rifle Divisions.
The 94-ya Gv. MSD in WARNO
In WARNO, the 94-ya Gv. MSD’s main feature is that it’s a fully equipped T-64 motorized rifle division with a wide array of variants of the main battle tank, especially (new in-game) older versions.
LOG
A good category with the usual FOB, URAL-4320 and MT-LB supply units, as well as the (new) PTS-3 amphibious carrier, which is a heavier variant of the East German PTS-M, and based on a T-64 chassis.
Command vehicles include BTR-60PBK, BMP-1K3 and the new POTOK-2, an unarmed command IFV based on the BMP-1.
INF
A very good category as the 94-ya Gv. MSD featured two BTR and one BMP regiment, which means that plentiful MOTOSTRELKI variants (RPG-22, Metis, etc) as well as command and PULEMETCHIKI are available. They will be brought to battle in BTR-60, BMP-1, and a handful of BMP-2s. The usual FAGOT, KONKURS, PKM, and AGS weapon teams are also available.
SAPERI will include the usual command, explosives, and RPO flavors.
To assist the Soviet division in its multi-canal crossing, the 2nd Guards Tank Army’s air assault battalion would be seconded to the formation, bringing DSh. (Metis) and DSh. (RPG-22). These will be available without the airlift capability to transport their BMDs, meaning the squads will only be transportable in Mi-8 (armed and unarmed).
ART
Average, with the usual complement of towed and self-propelled artillery pieces.
These include 2S12 120mm mortar and D-30 122mm towed gun.
Plus 2S1 GVOZDIKA 122mm and 2S3 AKATSIYA 152mm self-propelled artillery, as well as BM-21 GRAD MLRS.
The only new unit would be the UR-67 mine-clearing vehicle. Quite similar to the East German SPW-50PK(MRF), this unit doesn’t feature two “coffin launchers” but rather a single rail to launch its heavy-duty but short-ranged explosives.
TANK
A good category with the division fielding a full T-64 tank arsenal (though constrained by an older TO&E). This allowed it to field slightly more armor than a regular motorized rifle division, though they will be older with only a limited amount of the most modern versions.
T-64A Obr. 83: our current T-64A (with 25-ya Tank. Diviziya of WARNO - NORTGHAG) renamed to accommodate the new variants. This also applies to the T-64AK command variant.
T-64A Obr. 81: new and an earlier version of the Obr. 83 (obviously), sporting the same gun but with less armor.
T-64A Obr. 84: the latest (new) variant in our timeframe, featuring a new rangefinder bringing its engagement range to 2100m.
T-64AV: this new T-64A Obr. 84 is outfitted with reactive armor.
T-64BK, T-64B1 and T-64B will all be represented by a single card each.
A few anti-tank units can be found in this category as well, including the BRDM-2 KONKURS and the new MT-12R RUTA. This last unit was already presented as an option for the Nemesis #2.1 and makes the cut again! It is an MT-12 anti-tank gun with radar guidance, with increased range and improved accuracy.
REC
Let’s kick off with the classic stuff. You’ll get the BRDM-2 and BRM-1K vehicles, plus a handful of Mi-2 recon helicopters.
Plus additional RAZVEDKA, RAZVEDKA SAPERI and MOT. RAZVEDKA, the latter riding RAZV. BMP-1P.
New units include the IRM JOUK, an amphibious engineering BMP specialized in reconnoitering beaches and crossing rivers. It will be a recon transport for a new (no name yet) specific 6-man recon-engineer squad.
Plus the new R-330T TARAN, a recon MTL-LB with the SIGINT trait.
The new Mi-8TARK, a lightly armed recon helicopter used for cross-border observation.
TU-143 REYS, a fast UAV.
AA
Average with the usual set of vehicles and units. These include IGLA MANPAD teams, ZU-23-2 AA guns, STRELA-10M and OSA-AKM SAM, plus the ZSU-23-4M3 BIRYUSA SPAAG.
HEL
Rather dismal. No armed helicopters will be available except for the armed ones brought by the DSh. air assault squads (see INF) category.
AIR
Pretty good, with the MiG-29 fighter flying air superiority and a hefty number of Su-17M4 in various loadouts for ground support and strike missions.
The 94-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya is lavishly equipped with the potent T-64, backed by strong mechanized infantry forces, recon, and combat engineers. It lacks supporting arms and is critically deficient in helicopter support, however.
Until Next Week!
That’s it for this first WARNO DevBlog. We’ll be back next week with Nemesis #4.3!
It’s time for another round of Nemesis! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll kick off with Nemesis #4, the next community-voted mini-expansion for WARNO.
Let’s get down to business and introduce the first Nemesis option: Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area. This NORTHAG-based option pits together the Dutch-led Beveiligende Strijdmacht against the East German 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision, heavily inspired by our Four Days to the WeserArmy General campaign.
Let’s go!
WARNO’s Nemesis Concept
Before we start, a reminder of what WARNO’sNemesis DLCs entail. These are paid mini-expansions containing two paired or themed divisions - one from NATO and one from the Warsaw Pact - bringing new units, vehicles, and weapons.
Each Nemesis run features three different offerings. Once we have laid down all the juicy details in previews like today’s, you receive one week to choose your favorite option (get ready for some very persuasive and imaginative propaganda battles). After the vote concludes, one Nemesis is crowned the winner and enters Eugen’s development and production pipeline. The other options go back into the vault, perhaps to be dusted off for a future run-off vote (or not).
Note that each of the Nemesis pairings are all “what if” battles, operations, or part of decisive campaigns in WARNO’s alternative World War III. They all take place in the fictional timeline as described within the base game, but are always grounded in reality and historical research. In essence, each Nemesis successfully chosen by you will “write” WARNO’s lore to a certain extent (but with caveats to not exclude other divisions, armies, nations, or weapons, further down the line).
What About Nemesis #3?
Please note that Nemesis #3 has not yet been revealed (which will be done in due time). This Nemesis is already in the Eugen workshop. In order to speed up development and to make sure to be able to offer our WARNO players something in between other projects, we decided to choose the theme, division, and new units for Nemesis #3 ourselves. More info to come soon!
Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area
As mentioned in the introduction, both divisions of the Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area are present in the Four Days to the WeserArmy General campaign as featured in ]WARNO - NORTHAG. The Four Days to the WeserArmy General campaign starts 48 hours after the initial hostilities in World War III. In comparison, Nemesis #4.1 - Covering Force Area goes earlier and focuses on those critical first hours.
In brief, the so-called Covering Force Area was the designated forward battle zone between the Inner German Border and the Elbe-Seiten Kanal. This West German region was dangerously exposed, surrounded by East German territory. The role of local NATO forces was to defend and inflict the heaviest casualties on attacking Warsaw Pact formations before falling back, giving reinforcing troops the chance to deploy in the rear.
NATO’s Dutch Beveiligende Strijdmacht Highlighted
First up are the Dutch and their Beveiligende Strijdmacht, which roughly translates to Covering or Security Force. While the I Dutch Corps’ inefficient pre-war mobilization strategy saw the bulk of the fighting forces located hundreds of kilometers away in the Netherlands, several formations were pre-deployed in West Germany.
The tip of the spear, so to speak, consisted of the 41 Pantserbrigade and two battalions, which formed the core of a multinational task force defending the “Covering Force Area.” This formation, though fighting in the West German’s 3. Panzerdivision’s sector (this means some Bundeswehr attachments) was technically under I Dutch Corps command.
In Dutch, this grouping of mechanized forces was known as the Beveiligende Strijdmacht. Their task was to hold off the Warsaw Pact advance for as long as possible. The task force was composed of:
The Dutch 41 Pantserbrigade.
The Dutch 01 Geniegevechtsgroep (engineer battalion).
The Dutch 103 Verkenningsbataljon (recon battalion).
The West German Panzerbrigade 7.
The West German Aufklärungpanzer-Abteilung 3.
The West German Heeresfliger-Rgt. 16.
Elements from US 2nd Armored Division's Forward HQ.
West German BGS border guards.
The Beveiligende Strijdmacht in WARNO
What can you expect from Beveiligende Strijdmacht in-game? New units are highlighted in bold and italic!
LOG An average category. Being a temporary and multinational battlegroup with no dedicated HQ, it won’t be the strongest in logistics and command & control. Instead, the Beveiligende Strijdmacht relies on the various subordinate brigades’ supply assets.
These include the Dutch heavy DAF YHZ-2300 VRACHT as well as West German UNIMOG MÜN. and M113A1 MÜN. supply vehicles. Plus FOB.
West German M577GA2 and Dutch YPR-765 PRCO-CI command vehicles.
The Americans contribute a few OH-60A CO and supply UH-1H, with the Bundeswehr bringing in BO-105M FÜH. and CH-53G MUN.
INF The infantry forces available to this battlegroup are pretty good, with a powerful combination of Dutch and West German mechanized infantry.
Dutch PANTSERINFANTERIE (all variants) with YPR-765 PRI IFV armed with a 25mm chaingun.
Bundeswehr PANZERGRENADIER in MARDER 1A2 and M113A1G.
These squads are backed by Dutch M2HB machine gun and West German MG-3 and MILAN 2 weapon teams.
A few truck- and M113-based Dutch GENIE and American ENGINEERS in M113.
ART An average category as the Beveiligende Strijdmacht had fewer and lighter artillery battalions than a full division.
Either Dutch M109A2 and West German M109A3GA1 self-propelled 155mm howitzers.
Or Dutch self-propelled M106A2 107mm mortars, backed by towed MO-120-RT61 120mm mortars, as well as West German PANZERMÖRSER self-propelled ones.
TANK Tank forces are very good!
The Dutch Landmacht brings the powerful LEOPARD 2A4(B) (in good numbers), supported by Bundeswehr’s cheaper LEOPARD 1A1A1 and 1A5. Command variants are also present.
Dedicated tank destroyers include the deadly Dutch YPR-765 PRAT and West German JAGUAR 2.
REC An excellent category. The Beveiligende Strijdmacht can rely on not one (usual for a division) but two recon battalions, further reinforced by forward-deployed American airmobile elements. This means a very large selection of recon units is available.
Such as Dutch M113 C&V, BO-105 CB, YPR-765 PRRDR, as well as VERKENNERS in LARO jeeps.
West German LUCHS and AUFKLÄRER in ILTIS, ALOUETTE II, and FUCHS RASIT. The BGS will patrol with their dedicated PUMA helicopter or (new) VW T2b van.
The Americans are present with OH-58D KIOWA and KIOWA WARRIOR, SCOUTS in M151A2 M2HB, as well as CEWI units.
AA Is rather average, with the formation lacking a “divisional” AA battalion, relying on brigade anti-aircraft assets. The Beveiligende Strijdmacht benefits from the air cover provided by a nearby SAM battalion, the Dutch 3 GGW, relocated from the south of Hamburg to the forward battle area.
This means the (new) Dutch I-HAWK, CHEETAH PRTL, and STINGER teams.
West German GEPARD 1A1, FK20-2 20mm guns, and FLIEGERFAUST teams.
Backed by American M163A2 PIVADS vehicles and STINGER MANPADs.
HEL A good category with the main rotary-wing assets in the area being the West German Heeresflieger-Rgt. 16. Its main mission was to support the delaying actions in the Covering Force Area, playing hide and “eat my ATGM” with enemy columns.
No Dutch attack helicopters (these were only procured after the Cold War).
Mostly (and plenty) West German Bo-105PAH- and Bo-105PAH-1A1.
Plus a few support American COBRA in I-TOW and rocket payload configuration.
AIR Good with a combination of Koninklijke Luchtmacht and Luftwaffe planes providing air cover.
These include West German F-4F and Dutch NF-5A in strike roles (HE, AT, CLU, RKT, and NPLM).
And F-16A in AA and strike (HE and CLU) roles.
The Beveiligende Strijdmacht is a battlegroup with excellent recon units, good mechanized infantry and tank forces, including helicopter and air cover, but lacks supporting arms.
Next up: the communists. The Nationale Volksarmee’s 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision had a special organization within the East German army. It was on paper a mobilization division, made up of two-thirds reservists and fielding largely outdated equipment. However, on the other hand, its tank regiment’s first battalion was to be formed from a training unit that housed early variants of the T-72. This made it the only East German motorized infantry division with T-72s, as these main battle tanks were usually restricted to the (two) Panzerdivisionen within the army.
The NVA’s 5. Armee’s plan was to clear the Covering Force Area with second-line troops, with the best divisions (including the 9. Panzerdivision) kept in reserve to be unleashed once a breakthrough had been made. It fell on the 19. and this Nemesis’s 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision to (unusually so) spearhead the assault, placing them in direct opposition with the Dutch Beveiligende Strijdmacht.
In order to clear the NATO delaying forces from the area, the East German formations were to be reinforced by smaller but powerful specialized independent elements, including entire artillery and engineer brigades, an anti-tank regiment, plus the Soviet 138-y Otd. Tank. Polk, equipped with T-64B and BV tanks.
It might be worth mentioning that the 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision is the last of the “unusual” East German divisions. Only standard or formations extremely similar to existing WARNO divisions remain in the historical records.
The 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision in WARNO
Let’s take a look at how the 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision would look like in Nemesis #4.1.
LOG
A good category, with the command vehicles UAZ-469 FÜH., SPW-50PU, and SPW-40P2(K).
Supplies are provided by URAL-4320 MUN., with a few T813 and the (new) KRAZ-255B. Plus a FOB.
INF A very good category with a large array of infantry.
One out of the three infantry regiments available to the 20. MSD was made up of regular soldiers, resulting in MOT.-SCHÜTZEN squads riding to battle in either SPW-60PB (two-thirds availability) and BMP-1 SP2 (one-third). The remaining two regiments were made up of mobilized RESERVISTEN in SPW-152K and the new LO-1800 ROBUR truck.
The battlegroup can also count on a full security company with SICHERUNGS and MILITARSTREIFE. The latter will come in not only the regular 4-man patrols, but also larger squads, riding respectively the (new) TRABANT 601 jeep and BARKAS B1000 truck, both with the Military Police trait.
A large amount of PIONIER combat engineer squads, in either truck or SPW-50K APCs.
Weapon support teams include SPG-9, PALR FAGOT, and HMG machine guns.
The Soviets will provide one card of MOTOSTRELKI mounted in BMP-1P.
ART Lots of artillery pieces are available, although only a few are self-propelled units.
Divisional artillery include D-30 towed 122mm and D-152mm towed howitzers, as well as BM-21 MRLS, either in HE or NPLM. GR.WFR. M43 120mm mortars can also be deployed.
The artillery brigade in support brings a large number of MFRW RM-70 MLRS.
The sizable Pionierbrigade 5 includes a few SPW-50PK(MRF).
And the Soviets feature a few 2S12 120mm mortars and 2S1 GOVZDIKA.
TANK Another good category.
The 20 MSD’s own tank force was composed mostly of KPZ. T-55A, with one battalion having access to the more capable KPZ. T-72. Both tank models come with command variants.
The engineer brigade features additional FLAM.PZ. TO-55.
Anti-tank forces include PAK MT-12 100mm, SPW-40P2 MALYUTKA-P, and a few SWP-40P2 KONKURS.
The Soviets bring extra firepower with several cards of T-64B and BV, including command and "1" (ATGM-less) variants.
REC Rather average as 20. MSD’s own recon battalion followed the older TO&E, fielding the PT-76. What’s worse, the supporting Soviets had to rely on the attachment of a few East German scouts in order not to be completely blind.
This results in a main vehicle selection of AUFKL. PT-76B and SPW-40P2.
Infantry scout squads include RES.-AUFKLÄRER in SPW-40P, AUFKLÄRER in UAZ-469 jeeps, and SPEZIALAUFKLÄRER in MI-2T helicopters.
Soviet own's token recon force a few BRM-1 and MOT.-RAZVEDKA in RAZV. BMP-1P.
AA The 20. MSD has access to plentiful anti-air forces, with the division’s organic AA battalion strengthened by army-level assets.
Divisional units are 2K12 KUB, ZU-23-2 23mm, SHILKA and STRELA-2M. Also, the new LO-800 ROBUR ZPU-2 makes an appearance here.
Additional army assets include a few KRUG-M3.
With the Soviets bringing their share of BIRYUSA, MT-LB STRELA-10M and IGLA teams.
HEL Rather dismal with the overarching 5. Armee only able to deploy a single attack helicopter regiment, which wasn’t intended to be engaged in hostilities so soon in the Warsaw Pact’s strategic planning.
This results in a single card each of rocket Mi-8 and anti-tank Mi-24D, occupying some expensive slots.
AIR Average, but entirely a Luftstreitkräfte deployment.
These include Su-22M4 strike aircraft, MiG-21bis in both strike and fighter roles, and the MiG-23 in air superiority role.
The 20. Motorisierte Schützendivision has an arsenal of different units, including good mechanized infantry, artillery, and tanks. The welcome addition of Soviet armor beefs up its largely reservist core.
Until Next Week!
That’s it for this first WARNO DevBlog. We’ll be back next week with Nemesis #4.2!
