Genre: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Indie
Warno
Map #3 Factory
Hello commanders,
We are back again with the second DevBlog this week. In today’s post, we’ll focus on another new map coming with the WARNO - NORTHAG expansion: Factory.
All new maps coming will be freely available and downloadable for all owners of WARNO.
Let’s go!
Hard at work in Factory
Factory is another new 3v3 map (spanning around 9 km²) that stands out for its massive central industrial zone. This battlefield is inspired by a real location near Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, West Germany. Kind of curious to know which one of you sleuths can figure out the real spot. Post your suggestions in the comments!
As said, the rather extensive industrial size is a key strategic point on the map, designed for intense action and hardcore fighting. We plan to release additional modes and variants after Factory’s initial release to the public.
To prevent the industrial zones from becoming a massive chokepoint, we made sure to design some bypass options. Likewise, the Command Zones of Factory are all located around the industrial area. This also means that players can maneuver around the central zone.
The fun doesn’t stop here. We included mountain ranges on the map’s edges to give players an additional chance to circumvent the central industrial sectors. A dense network of paths allows units to move quickly (and perhaps discreetly) through this wooded mountainous terrain.
Factory’s design was made to offer players a whole gamut of different tactical options: direct, but brutal engagement in the industrial zone, flanking maneuvers, or a more stealthy flanking approach through the mountains. Ensuring Factory would be represented in the best possible way, we optimized the map’s rendering and performance to the fullest.
We can't wait to hear what you think of Factory!
The new WARNO- NORTHAG expansion
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, and the American 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan, 20 Dywizja Pancerna and Grupa Desantowa.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
The new WARNO- NORTHAG detailed
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the dedicated forum post for all the detailed previews!
Having finished the last of our NORTHAGDivision previews last week, it's high time we surveyed the new maps coming with our first major expansion. These maps will be available to download for free to all owners of WARNO.
In this week’s first DevBlog, let’s look at the new Stoneware battlefield.
Digging Rocks in Stoneware
Stoneware is a new 3v3 9 km² combat arena inspired by the quarry-filled landscapes of the larger Ruhr region in West Germany. Let’s see how your tactical skills will hold up while taking advantage of the map’s unique terrain.
The creation of Stoneware was fueled by extensive background research. The battlefield’s design is much more complex and detailed compared to some of our existing maps. The topography is multi-layered and looks pretty damn good, if we say so ourselves.
One of the more interesting features are the map’s quarries, which take center stage. Capturing and defending them against the enemy will be critical to securing victory.
Stoneware’s Command Zones are expansive and situated around built-up areas that serve as hardy defensive points. Holding these fortified sectors will be likewise key.
A Unique Tactical Challenge
The mix of rugged terrain, mountains, and flatlands will require some creative thinking in order to defend or attack through them. Be sure to use the chokepoints and woods to your advantage.
The open ground will allow for maneuvering forces, while urban combat will almost be necessary when attacking an enemy-held Command Zone.
What do you think? Will Stoneware become the next WARNO fan-favorite? Let us know!
The new WARNO- NORTHAG expansion
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, and the American 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan, 20 Dywizja Pancerna and Grupa Desantowa.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
The new WARNO- NORTHAG detailed
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the dedicated forum post for all the detailed previews!
We return with Division #10, the last of our divisional previews of our upcoming major NORTHAG expansion. In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the Warsaw Pact’s special Polish airborne-naval Grupa Desantowa.
Onwards!
Warsaw Pact’s Polish Grupa Desantowa
Much like the preceding NATO’s US 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, the Polish Grupa Desantowa will feature units not specifically earmarked for combat in NORTHAG in West Germany, but to be used instead against Denmark. To be more precise, Denmark’s many outlying islands.
Today’s battlegroup isn’t a division per se, but the combined Grupa Desantowa, a corps-size “assault group” made up of three distinct Polish People’s Army formations.
The 6 Brygada Powietrznodesantowa or 6th Airborne Brigade.
The 7 Brygadę Desantowa or 7th Sea Landing Brigade.
The 15 Dywizja Zmechanizowan or 15th Mechanized Infantry Division.
6th Airborne Brigade The 6th Airborne was formed as the 6th Infantry Division before being turned into the 6th Pomeranian Airborne Division in 1957, and ultimately the 6th Pomeranian Airborne Brigade in 1986. Interestingly enough, when the division was first created, the communist Polish commanders took their cues from the World War 2-era Allied 1st Independent Airborne Parachute Brigade (which saw action during Market Garden in 1944) in the best ways to organize the formation. In the late Cold War, based in Warsaw, this airborne brigade wore their red berets and were highly trained paratroopers destined for airborne assaults.
7th Sea Landing Brigade This brigade saw life as another infantry formation (the 23rd Infantry Division in the 1960s) before being turned into the 7th Sea Landing Division in the 1963, downsized to brigade size in 1986. Originally destined to be a mechanized division, with the new planning to take the Denmark islands, this formation was reorganized in the 1960s and 70s into a naval infantry unit before being earmarked for amphibious landings (and duly re-equipped with amphibious-capable vehicles and tanks). They were famously known for their blue berets. This brigade was among the first Polish formations to maintain full combat readiness during peacetime.
(for Polandballs, and many others, see Feldwebelkatze's DevianArt gallery)
15th Mechanized Infantry Division A typical Polish People’s Army mechanized infantry division, it too saw life in the 1950s. It would form the second wave of the offensive into Denmark.
The Polish Grupa Desantowa Detailed
The Polish plan for Grupa Desantowa was for the two elite light brigades to invade the outlying Danish islands through airborne and amphibious landings, establish a foothold, and be reinforced by a second wave of troops coming from the mechanized division. Meanwhile, the Polish 1st Army (the parent formation of our 20 Pacerna armored division) would invade Denmark through a more conventional land route (through West Germany).
Our WARNOGrupa Destanowa will represent the first phase of the assault, with a combination of airborne and naval troops. A few scattered elements of the 15th Mechanized are a token representation of the second wave and featured to make the battlegroup in WARNO a bit more viable. As such, this Polish division will be a unique blend of paratroopers (coming with Forward Deployment and Shock traits) and naval infantry (with Resolute trait), each featuring their own organization and equipment.
The Polish Grupa Desantowa in WARNO - NORTHAG
LOG
Not that great. Although the Grupa Destanowa is not entirely airborne, the battlegroup is regarded as such as its combat role is to project into enemy-held territory with whatever equipment and manpower it could bring. Thanks to the Polish People’s Navy support and relative proximity to Poland, it can rely on heavier supply units compared to other airborne battlegroups.
This means no FOB, but supply units do include the light DESANT. WD-43 ZAOP. jeep with Forward Deployment trait, the amphibious new medium BAW-485 ZAOP. (basically, a World War 2-era DUKW) and the heavy PTS-M ZAOP[ (same as found in [i]Rügener Gruppierung) supply vehicles. Additional supply support comes as the new heavy Mi-6 ZAOP. helicopter.
Command vehicles include the DOW. DESANT WD-43, BRDM-2 R-5, and the naval infantry’s (new) TOPAS R-3M.
INF
An excellent category, as is fitting for an “airborne” division. As described previously, the roster of infantry is mostly divided between Polish airborne and naval troops, with some additional support:
SPADOCHRONIARZE are new paratrooper squads and come in leader, RPG-7VM, Metis and triple-PKM variants.
Other (new) DESANT. (Airborne) units include new SAPERZY (leader, explosives and 3-man flamethrower), existing SPG-9, FAGOT, PKM HMG weapon teams, and new security units.
Airborne troops also bring their sole fire support vehicle, the DESANT. WD-43 SPG-9.
All of the above units come with the Forward Deployment trait, plus one level of veterancy. They can only deploy in WD-43 jeeps or GAZ-66B trucks.
NIEBIESKIE BERETY are the “Blue Berets,” the new Polish naval infantry, and come in command and 12-man rifle squads.
Additional naval troops include the new NIEB. BERETY SAPERZY in command, explosives, and flamethrower (with three flamethrowers!) variants.
PKM HMG and new DRUZYNA PPANC. tank hunters.
All the above units feature the Resolute trait and come in either MAW/BAV-485 amphibious softskins or TOPAS-2A (with PKT), TOPAS-2AP (with KPVT/PKT AA turret) or the new TOPAS SPG-9 with two fixed-forward RCL strapped to its hull.
The airborne brigade component of the Grupa Destanowa can also count on its own (new) DESANT. KOMANDOSI special forces elements. These squads are the only heliborne unit available, with access to the W-3 SOKOL, and either the unarmed or armed Mi-8T.
ART
A typical category with a standard number of weapons. These include M43 82mm and 2S12 120mm mortars, plus DESANT. 2B9 VASILEK automatic one.
The new 2S1M MORSKI GOZDZIK self-propelled gun, which is a naval-only model featuring the same stats as its land-based cousin, plus the BM-21 GRAD. These are the only true artillery pieces the naval brigade can muster.
2S7 PIWONIA 203mm heavy artillery guns were attached to the Grupa Desantowa to provide heavier support.
A new unit is the WP-8Z, a light towed MLRS launcher with 8x 140mm tubes.
TANK
Not very spectacular. The naval brigade had its own tank battalion and some anti-tank vehicles. These include PT-76B in command and “tank” variant, the T-55A, in the same range of flavors, and the BRDM-2 MALYUTKA-P.
The airborne brigade brings its scant anti-tank means. In real life, this only amounted to the DESANT. WD-43 FAGOT.
We added some additional vehicles the Poles had removed from the paratroopers when the division was downgraded to a brigade in 1986. These were kept in storage but now see renewed action: the new ASU-85 light airborne tank destroyer. It features a D-48 anti-tank gun in a casemate on a PT-76 chassis. This unit comes in command and “vanilla” variants.
RECO
A pretty good category including DESANT. variants of existing units such as SNAJPER, ZWIADOWCY, and ROZP. SPECJALNE.
Armored recon vehicles are the BRDM-2 and PT-76.
And airborne recon includes the new W-3RR PROCJON helicopter with SIGINT trait (this is being tested as we speak).
AA
Below-par with only light and towed equipment available.
These include STRZALA-2M and DESANT. STRZALA-2M MANPAD teams.
Non-airborne AA units come as either the TOPAS-2AP (with AA turret) or the TOPAS JOD with a ZUR-23-2S.
DESANT. ZU-23-2 and DESANT. ZUR-23-2S towed guns.
And the HIBNERYT-KG gun truck.
HELO
Pretty good, as this battlegroup has been given the lion’s share of communist Poland’s helicopter support for our war scenario.
This means both Mi-24D [AT] (with Falanga-P) in two distinct variants, and the Mi-24W (with Kokon).
New gunship variants of the SOKOL, being the W-3W [RKT] (23mm gun plus 40x 80mm rockets) and the W-3W [AA] (23mm gun plus 20x 80mm rockets plus 4x Strela-2M missiles).
AIR
A pretty good category, but note that this one is still being worked on and is likely subject to change.
Air superiority is achieved by the MIG-21BIS [AA] and the new MIG-29 9.12 in two variants: with 2x R-27R and 4x R-73, plus “shotgun” version with 6x R-73 in “ripple-fire” mode.
The SU-22M4 provides close support in many loadouts: RKT (two variants), a new NPLM version, CLU, AT, and new SEAD.
The Grupa Destanowa is a unique half-airborne, half-naval infantry division with plenty of Forward Deployment units backed by strong air support (both helo and air). However, it lacks heavier units, such as tanks.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, and the American 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan, 20 Dywizja Pancerna and Grupa Desantowa.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.
In Division #8, we turn back to the Polish and their armored vanguard made up of the 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna. Read more about it in this DevBlog here.
The exotic weaponry of the US 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division take center stage in Division #10 DevBlog.
Until Next Time
That’s all for NORTHAG’s divisions. We’ll turn our gaze next on the new maps coming with our big expansion!
We interrupt our regular NORTHAG broadcasts for a double Reinforcement Pack #2 and WARNO major patch update “whammy,” backed up with a significant upgrade to the Map Editor. All are available to download for free today!
And yes, this includes a fix to a rather persistent little… sound bug.
Huzzah!
Major Patch Update
It’s been a long time coming, but we have released today a major patch for WARNO, bringing not only a host of improvements and balance changes but also a long-awaited fix to the infamous sound bug (everyone go boooo!).
The main takeaway is that now, every unit has a sound radius, being larger or smaller depending on the unit type. You can only hear this when you have a unit of your own within this radius.
Check out all the changes in the patch notes below.
Next to the update, we are also sharing - for free to all WARNO owners - the new Reinforcement Pack #2 which contains one brand-new RAILWAYS map. We have previewed this map in a previous DevBlog, which you can read about here.
Lastly, we also made some key upgrades to WARNO’smap editor.
From now on, it is possible to integrate new 3D models ingame through mods. Unlike Steel Divison 2, mesh export isn't done via 3DS Max but via Blender, which is a free tool, thus much more accessible. The modding manual has been updated, among other things with instruction on how to import various asset types, including meshes.
We have also reached a major step with the map editor: it already allowed to create new variants or skirmish scenarios from existing maps ; now it allows to create and export brand new maps using all of WARNO's LevelBuild assets.
Once a new map has been created, it is possible to create new scenarios in order to play tactical games on it, be it in skirmish, multiplayer or as a tactical battle launched through an Army General campaign.
The "how_to_make_a_map" & "how_to_make_a_scenario" PDF manuals are available in the Tools/ folder of the game, containing more instructions.
Moreover, in order to ease mods' installation, two mod tags have been added to the Steam Workshop: ”Scenario” and ”Maps”. This will allow you to filter easily mods while adding scenarios or maps. If players have already uploaded a mod with scenarios, they will have to upload it again after this patch to get the proper tag.
Until Next Time
Tune in tomorrow as we’ll get back to our regular NORTHAGDivision previews with a preview of Pact's Grupa Desantowa.
Army General : Units can now reach 8 points of fatigue before becoming disorganized. The AG Attack tutorial has been modified accordingly.
Reinforcement Pack #1: 2 new Urban Frontlines scenarios are available, a 1v1 scenario as well as a 10v10. (Added to the official 10v10 servers)
Reinforcement Pack #2: New Railway map, available in 3v3 Conquest mode.
Code fixes
Fixed the behavior of units that are loaded into a transport and for which shifted orders are also given
Improved aircraft behavior, they can no longer accidentally self-destruct with their own missiles.
In Army General multiplayer, once a team has at least 2 players, command and control is disabled for all tactical battles (including for both players and AI) to enhance playability.
Added a pop up when trying to launch a save that is present in the Steam Cloud while it is disabled
Fixed a crash occurring in multiplayer
The AI in Army General can now deploy Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).
Fixed an issue where the Line of Sight (LOS) tool was displaying incorrectly.
In 3-player Army General Coop, the automatic distribution of resources in tactical battle has been improved, the income corresponds to the pawns and battalions that each player takes.
Fixed an issue in Operation, pausing the game prevented the end of mission from being triggered.
Fixed display of buttons at the end of a replay that was not supposed to be accessible.
Fixed an issue that prevented creating a game after canceling a search in ranked.
Fixed camera in armory being positioned incorrectly on some units.
Fixed the infamous "sound bug": now every unit has a sound radius (larger or smaller depending on the unit type) and can only be heard if you have a unit within this radius.
Supplies can no longer push other units.
Correction of the Privacy Policy overflow in the options behind the scrollbar.
Correction of a text misalignment in the options menu
MIRAGE 5BA MIRSIP : weapon DEFA 30 x2,AIM-9M added
GURKHAS AT GROUP renamed GURKHA AT GROUP
PIONIERS (Flam.) : weapon Uzi added
GURKHAS RIFLES LDR. renamed GURKHA RIFLES LDR.
GURKHAS RIFLES renamed GURKHA RIFLES
M252 81mm renamed M1 81mm
AIFV-B-MILAN renamed AIFV-B-MIL
ILTIS MILAN renamed ILTIS MILAN 2
JPK 90 : weapon smoke launcher added
M113A1-B-MILAN renamed M113A1-B-MIL
M167A1 Vulcan 20mm renamed M167A1 VADS 20mm
MAN Z311 Mi.50 : Helicopter weapon Range decreased 2475m to 2125m, Aircraft weapon Range decreased 1950m to 1775m
NORTHAG Division #9 - NATO’s US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized)
Well, hello there.
Welcome back to Division #9, in which we - aptly so, the numbers align once again - will brief you on NORTHAG’s NATO US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized).
Let’s go, commanders!
NATO’s US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized)
With this week’s last two NORTHAGDivision previews, we go a bit beyond. The American 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) wasn’t supposed to fight in NORTHAG command specifically, but slightly further north, destined for Denmark. However, much like its Warsaw Pact counterpart, which we will preview later this week, the US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) was too cool to pass up for WARNO - NORTHAG expansion.
The division is rather unique. In 1981, it was the first to be converted into a “light division” within the US Army to do so. The main idea was that it could deploy rapidly and still engage heavy threat forces. The 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division served as a testbed to try out new equipment, and as such, in 1983, the formation became officially known as the High-Technology Test-Bed (HTTB). It got the interesting nickname - by the rest of the Army - as the “Toys “R” Us Division” for the weird hotchpotch mix of prototypes found in the divisional armory. The formation was also responsible for writing the manuals for employing exotic and untried equipment.
The US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) Detailed
From the start, the 9th Motorized was to be entirely equipped with two new dedicated vehicles: the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV) light utility truck and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or the Humvee). It tested the latter vehicles and the many variants that came after, some of which saw actual deployment, while others did not (such as the Humvee LOSAT firing high-velocity kinetic ordnances or the Humvee Red-T with the Bradley’s 25mm chaingun, see below).
As soon as the HTTB validated a weapon or vehicle concept, it moved along to other divisions. This is how the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne, and the 10th Mountain Division all converted to a light, Humvee-based TO&Es by the mid-1980s. Notable weapon systems that passed the gamut included UAVs, the Mk.19 grenade launcher, US-Roland, and Avenger, and more.
For you WARNO connoisseurs, the 9th Motorized will be a bit like a US counterpart to the Soviet 27-ya Gvardeyskaya Motostrelkovaya Diviziya (27th Guards Motor Rifle Division) with its “Division 90” filled with cutting-edge units and technology. A key difference is that the American division has a lighter role, although from 1987, one of the 9th Infantry’s brigades was inactivated and replaced by a heavier National Guard mechanized “rounded brigade” (which we will duly represent).
The US 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) in WARNO - NORTHAG
Let’s take a look at how the 9th Infantry (Motorized) looks like in-game.
LOG
Not super impressive. While the 9th Motorized is not an airborne or air assault division, it is a quick-reaction formation intended to be airlifted into a foreign theater on short notice.
This means that on the supply side, you do have access to a FOB and M35 SUPPLY, as well as the new M1008 CUCV SUPPLY. These units are complemented by a UH-60A SUPPLY.
Command vehicles include M1025 HUMVEE CP and UH-60A CO, as well as a M577 courtesy of the attached National Guard brigade.
INF
A very good category, as can be expected from a US Army’s light division. There are two different kinds of troops.
LIGHT RIFLES (as shared with the Berlin Brigade) in command and LAW variants, as well as the new LIGHT RIFLES (DRAGON II) squads. They can all be deployed in unarmed M1038 HUMVEE or UH-60A BLACKHAWK, or 9th Motorized’s dedicated new M998T ISC (Interim Squad Carrier), an M2HB armed transport Humvee.
National Guard provides N.G. RIFLES (command, LAW, and Dragon I variants, which is the same as the 35th Infantry Division) in either M35 trucks or N.G. M113A1 APCs.
ENGINEERS (command, explosives, Flash, and Dragon versions) in unarmed or armed HUMVEES.
Support units a mix of National Guard and Army M60 and H2MB machine guns or Mk.19 as fire support. Plus TOW, I-TOW, and TOW-2 ATGM teams. National Guard units come in M151 MUTT, while 9th Motorized squads can deploy in the new CUCV.
MP and MP PATROL (M67) military police will move around in M1025 HUMVEE MP.
ART
Relatively decent with an average number of slots and plenty of varied choices, plus some cool new ones.
These include M30 107mm towed mortar, and N.G. M125 and N.G. M106A2 mortar carriers.
The M2 105mm light (airliftable in CHINOOK) and M198 155mm field howitzers. The latter is divided into a regular version, and a new high-tech one called the M198 155mm (CLGP) variant with Copperhead guided ammo, working exactly as the Soviet 2S3M (from the 27th Guards).
Self-propelled artillery includes the M270 MLRS and N.G. M109A2, as well as the new M60A1 AVLM mine-clearing vehicle based on an M60 Patton chassis. It is an American more heavily armored counterpart to the East-German SPW-50PK(MRF) from Rügener Gruppierung.
TANK
Average to good with a decent amount of slots, a medium number of tanks, but lots of powerful missile-based tank destroyers.
Tanks include M60A3 (TTS) CP command variant with a two-to-one ratio of N.G. M60A3 (TTS) versus M60A3 (TTS).
And plenty of ATGM carriers: N.G. M150A2 TOW-2, plentiful M1025 HUMVEE TOW, but also the brand-new M1008 CUCV GLH. This is a CUCV light truck mounting a two-missile launcher with a Ground-Launched Hellfire, the same missile usually only mounted on an AH-64A attack helicopter!
RECO
A very good category, second only to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Most of the funky units and prototypes can be found here:
Existing units featured are NG. SCOUTS, SCOUTS, OH-58C SCOUT, and OH-58D KIOWA.
New ones include the first American UAV, the new MQM-10 AQUILA.
Another new aerial recon is the JOH-58. Around half a dozen OH-58s were converted with a fixed-forward M197 20mm gun, the same as the one used on the COBRA.
New ground vehicles fall into either one of two categories: the new M1025 HUMVEE G/VLLD (pronounced GLIDD), a target-designation Humvee which we’ll treat with Exceptional Optics, and the new FAV (Fast Attack Vehicles) family. These latter units are the counterparts of the British LSV sand-buggies; they come in recon M2HB, Mk.19, and TOW-2 variants. They are manned by regular soldiers, so no special forces traits or added veterancy.
New infantry scouts include:
FOLT: a 2-man GSR team riding in transport FAV.
CEWI. Not new (since they are already featured in the 35th Infantry Division), but these squads will be converted to their proper SIGINT recon role.
SNIPER (M82): your usual 2-man sniper team, yet one of them is equipped with the hefty Barret M82 12,7mm anti-material rifle. It has an extended range and the ability to engage light armored vehicles. Now a famous weapon, it was still being tested by the US Army in 1989
AA
Rather average with only light and towed equipment.
N.G. STINGER and STINGER MANPAD, as well as M998 AVENGER.
The M1067A2 VADS 20mm Vulcan gun.
Even the Chapparal had to lose some weight. In this division, it comes as the new XM895 T-CHAP being a towed variant.
HELO
Not so good. The division could count on a lot of UH-60A for battlefield mobility, but at the expense of attack helicopters.
This means only a few expensive slots to be filled either with AH-1F COBRA or AH-1F TOW COBRA.
AIR
An average category, but note that the AIR tab is still being worked on and will be subject to change.
The 9th Motorized mostly relies on F-15C [AA2] with a few F-16C [AA2] “shotgun” air superiority fighters as backup.
The F-16C is the main close support plane, with HE, new CLU, and SEAD variants. The cluster payload is new, bringing a whopping 8x Mk-20 Rockeyes.
A unique plane will be a “baby A-10”, being a new F/A-16, equipped with M61A1 Vulcan (classic!), Pave Claw 30mm anti-tank gun pod, 4x Maverick, and 2x AIM-9P. Hence a four weapon slotted-unit!
The 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division is a light but versatile division with plenty of new tricks, traits, and vehicles under its high-tech sleeves!
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, and the American 9th Infantry (Motorized) Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan and 20 Dywizja Pancerna.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.
In Division #8, we turn back to the Polish and their armored vanguard made up of the 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna. Read more about it in this DevBlog here.
Until Next Time
That’s it for this week. We’ll be back later this week with NORTHAG’s very last Division preview: the Warsaw Pact’s Polish Korpus Desantowy!
NORTHAG Division #8 - Polish 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna
Hello, hello!
We are back, commanders! In this week’s second DevBlog, we turn to the Polish again. In today’s post, let’s gaze on the armored spearhead of the 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna or 20th “Warsaw” Tank Division.
Jazda!
Warsaw Pact’s Polish 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna
The 20 "Warszawska" Dywizja Pancerna (we will use 20 Pancerna) never fired a shot in anger, meaning that its service record during the Cold War will be relatively brief. Created in 1951 in Szczecinek, Poland, as a mechanized division, it was turned into a full-fledged armored one in 1955, remaining so until 1989. The tank division took on the traditions of the 1st Warsaw Cavalry Brigade in 1967 and, as such, received the distinguishing name "Warszawska".
Its patron upon division’s creation was nobody other than the ”Marshal of Two Nations”, Konstantin K. Rokossovsky, one of World War 2’s great Soviet military commanders and the leading force behind Operation Bagration.
The 20 Dywizja Pancerna Detailed
The Polish People’s Army (Ludowe Wojsko Polskie - LWP) was organized in two main field armies, the 1st and 2nd Army, plus an “assault corps” earmarked to invade Denmark through amphibious and airborne means. The Polish 2nd Army’s formations acted as reinforcements or potential exploitation forces for vanguard Soviet and East German formations attacking NORTHAG in the first wave. WARNO - NORTHAG’s cousin 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana or the 4th Mechanized Infantry Division (read more about it in this dedicated DevBlog) belonged to the 2nd Army.
The Polish 1st Army was the northernmost and directed to assault Denmark. The Polish 20 Dywizja Pancerna was the sole armored division of this army. As such, it was to spearhead the land offensive against Denmark. However, it could have also provided support to the East German 5. Armee fighting around Hamburg (which will be depicted in our Army General campaigns, more on that at a later date).
The 20 Dywizja Pancerna in WARNO - NORTHAG
So, how will the 20 Pancerna look like in-game?
LOG
An average category, though arguably better than most other armored battlegroups.
Supply vehicles featured are the GAZ-66 and new STAR-266 supply trucks, as well as an FOB.
Command vehicles include the BPW-1K3 and the new BRDM-2 R-5 which is a turreted (recon) BRDM-2 repurposed as a command vehicle. Poland seldomly used the more commonplace BRDM-2U.
INF
Not the best, which isn’t a complete surprise for this tank-heavy division. There are only a limited amount of slots.
Main infantry squads will be formed of PIECHOTA ZMECH., riding to war in either trucks, BWP-1 and for a select few, the BWP-2. In the latter IFV’s case, there was only one BWP-2 battalion in the Polish People’s Army, which was kept in Warsaw for… parade purposes! In times of war, these have been passed along to more combat-focused divisions such as the 20 Pancerna.
The rest of the battlegroup’s meager infantry consists of SAPERZY (command, explosives, and flamethrower flavors) as well as WSW military police.
Support units include the usual array of PKM 7,62mm machine gun teams, SPG-9, and PPK FAGOT.
ART
A good category considering the nature of the division. It includes the standard arsenal of M43 120mm mortars, 2S1 GVOZDZIK self-propelled guns, and BM-21 GRAD MLRS.
The true firepower comes from the brand-new AHS WZ.77 DANA 152mm, better known under its original Czechoslovakian designation: DANA. This highly mobile, wheeled SPG carries a modern quick-firing 152mm howitzer, also able to fire self-defense HEAT rounds.
TANK
A very good tab. The 20 Pancerna was, in real life, a mixed division combining T-55 (from its infantry regiment) with the more capable T-72 (in its tank regiments).
This means that the most numerous tanks will be T-72M and T-72M1 (in both command and regular variants). This armored force is backed up by a few cards of cheap T-55A (in command, regular, and “coffin-launcher” mine-clearing versions).
We also chose to include the most famous domestic-built Polish tank (taking into account our “March to War”): the new T-72M2 WILK (meaning “Wolf”). Although trying to negotiate the delivery of the T-72S from the USSR, by the mid-1980s, Poland had been secretly working on its own indigenous upgrade of the T-72M1, rejecting the Soviet K-1 ERA as being too flawed. Polish designers worked on improving the T-72M21 tank with only locally sourced equipment. This includes the very capable Merida Fire Control System, sensors, and even ERAWA armor. In-game, this means that the T-72M2 WILK’s base armor remains unchanged (but does with the ERA trait) but features a more powerful tank gun with more range (including compared to the East German KPz. T-72S) and much more accuracy, including on the move.
Lastly, the only non-tank vehicle in this tab is the BRDM-2 MALUTKA-P.
RECO
A good category sharing the same ZWIADOWCY, SAPERY ZWIADOWCY, ZMOT. ZWIADOWCY, as well as special forces ROZP. SPECJALNE infantry scouts as the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana.
A new unit is the infantry scout ROZP. SPECJALNE (GSR) variant, a 3-man special force team with GSR trait, deployable in either HONKER or BRDM-1.
Recon vehicles include the usual suspect list, such as the BRDM-2 and radar BWR-1D (which is a Soviet BRM-1) plus an armed Mi-2US recon helicopter.
AA
A rather standard category with slots being quite expensive, but with some good options to boot.
These are STRELA-2M MANPAD teams, plus ZU-23-2 and ZUR-23-2S JOD towed guns.
Self-propelled variants include the ZSU-23-4 SPAAG and STRELA-10M and KUB SAM vehicles.
HELO
Pretty barren, with only a few slots, which are all quite expensive.
Rotorcraft featured are the light Mi-2URP SALAMANDRA with Malyutka missiles.
Backed by heavier Mi-24D with Falanga ATGMs and with the choice of two variants, with the difference being the brand of rockets fielded: S-5 or S-8.
AIR
Rather average with the People's Polish Air Force bringing to war the MIG-21 in AA (two versions) and close air support (again, two versions, either rockets or bombs) roles.
Supported by Su-22M4 comes in either rocket or AT (with Kh-29T) roles.
The 20 Pancerna might be scarce in infantry, but this armored division reigns supreme with its powerful tank and artillery combo, backed up by plenty of recon units. Its other supporting arms might not be too much to write home about, but Poles are still a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan and 20 Dywizja Pancerna.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.
Welcome to a MNADMNAD world! Apologies for the pun, but you guessed it: we are back with another Division preview, number #7 to be exact, of our upcoming major NORTHAG expansion!
In today’s DevBlog, we’ll detail the NATO British-led MultiNational Airborne Division or MNAD in short.
Tally ho!
NATO British-led MultiNational Airborne Division
With the MNAD division, we are entering slightly more abstract territory. Compared to the previous six divisions, the next four WARNONORTHAG battlegroups have not yet run the testing gauntlet (meaning some units or category breakdowns will be subject to change)!
NATO’s MultiNational Airborne Division was a bit of a special beast. In the late Cold War, this particular formation was never more than a concept in some brilliant NATO strategist's brains, and not even in the exact form we will feature it. By the mid-1980s, NORTHAG consisted of four “I Corps,” each from a major NATO nation. From south to north, these were the Belgians, British, Dutch, and West Germans, with each corps amounting to between two and four real-life divisions.
(source: orbat85.nl)
With all these units engaged in a conflict with the Warsaw Pact, NORTHAG command would have been left with only a few units, mostly security, in the rear. This included a last mobile reserve, which amounted to three independent light brigades. These were the British 24 Airmobile Brigade, the West German 27. Luftlandebrigade, and the Belgian Para-Commando Regiment.
An Alternative Vision Getting to the end of the (real) Cold War in the late 1980s, an idea formed to regroup these three formations into a single MultiNational “Airmobile” Division acting as a sort of counter-penetration quick reaction force. The strongest component of this conceptual battlegroup would have been the British 24 Airmobile Brigade, but when in 1988, this unit was transferred to the British 2nd Infantry Division (as it is depicted in-game), the whole MNAD concept was put on ice.
It was later revived in 1994 as the MultiNational Division Central or MND(C), featuring the same British and Belgian units but also containing the newly created West German 31. Luftlandebrigade, and at the time, equally new Dutch contribution of the 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade. Regardless, we decided to run with this MNAD idea a bit further.
Although the 24 Airmobile is duly transferred in our alternative timeline, the idea for a light quick reaction force in NORTHAG command persisted. As such, the British replaced the missing brigade with its last home reserve, which was earmarked as a NATO reinforcement, the 5 Airborne Brigade. The name MNAD is kept, but with a slight tweak, now known as MultiNational Airborne Division. And so as not to sideline the Dutch too much, we added a sprinkle of them (like hagelslag). This results in all of NORTHAG’s four major nations being represented within one division.
NATO’s MNAD Detailed
While under British command, MNAD features a mix of nations like no other WARNO division. Most of the war equipment and squads come in a very small number of cards, often just one. In some cases, they overlap. In these instances, it is a matter of flavor between the two nations. And no surprise here, as an airborne division, it will be a very light but fast battlegroup on the battlefield.
A Patchwork of Paratroopers The division’s core is made up of paratroopers from three major NATO nations:
West German Fs.-JÄGER are already featured with the 2nd Panzergrenadier-Division. These squads will come in (existing) rifle, leader, MG-3, MILAN 2, and scout variants. The Fs.-PIONIER is a new variant.
MNAD’s British new PARAS squads are different from the TERRIER PARAS featured in the 1st Armoured. Only the leader and MILAN 2 versions remain the same. These new airborne squads will have L85A1, two L85A1 LSW, and the LAW-80. They are supplemented by PARA. ENGINEERS (“vanilla” and leader), PARA. GUN GROUP (with three L7A2 and a LAW-80) and PARAS MAG plus a M2HB heavy machine gun weapons team.
The new Belgian PARA-COMMANDO are more lightly equipped, fielding FNC, MINIMI, and either LAW or Blindice RL-100 (a weapon not in official use by the Belgian Army but produced in-country, hence the plundering of war stocks in our scenario). These squads come in engineer, LAW, Blindice, and leader variants. They are further supported in the field by PARA. MAG and PARA. MILAN 1 units. The Belgian Para-Commando’s greatest assets were their camouflaged uniforms, which undoubtedly had one of the coolest patterns fielded during the Cold War.
The above paratrooper units have the Airborne and Shock traits. With the exception that the latter trait does not apply to support units. Paratrooper squads will also feature extra veterancy.
Even More Fighting Forces However, not all the MNAD’s fighting forces are paratroopers.
The 5 Airborne Brigade could count on the famous GURKHAS light battalion. Transported in CHINOOKs, these units are modeled as half-platoons (as we did with some Soviet and American airmobile squads). This means large 12-man squads with 9x L85A01, 3x L86A1, and a LAW-80. Since Gurkhas had extra LAW-80s to be distributed on a mission-by-mission basis, we added a 4-man GURKHAS AT GROUP with 2x LAW-80. We’ve also added the GURKHAS LDR. and GURKHAS ROVER WOMBAT variant (does what it says on the tin). All Gurkha squads have the Resolute trait, while infantry squads also feature the Shock trait, their battlefield presence preceded by a rather fearsome reputation.
We added a single card of MARINIERS, the Dutch elite naval infantry. As we explained with the French RIMa from the 152e Division d’Infanterie from Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion, as much as we grant all airborne troops the Shock trait for their emphasis on close-quarter combat training, all naval infantry gain the Resolute trait for their special esprit de corps. The Dutch naval infantry squad represents the sole company left in the Netherlands, the rest being attached to the UK/NL Commando Brigade earmarked for a deployment in Norway during the war. Without any transport helicopters bigger than an Alouette, the Dutch 10-man full automatic (Uzi, FAL, 2x FALO & 1x MAG) squad will rely on a German UH-1D to ride into battle. These also come with their support MARINIER DRAGON, which is a very cheap 2-man ATGM weapon team.
Even More Special Equipment
Each brigade also brings some special equipment of its own:
The 5 Airborne Brigade fields a squadron of CRV(T) (all types), similar to those used in other divisions. It also relies heavily on new ATMPSupacat light airborne carriers. These small amphibious vehicles are used as light transport, AA, ATGM, and supply vehicles, all variants featuring the Airborne trait.
The West German 27. Luftlandebrigade brings the new Faun KRAKA, a light carrier in AA, AT, and Supply roles. Non-amphibious, they can all be Airlifted in large CH-53G helicopters. They also field a company of light WIESEL tank destroyers in 20mm and ATGM variants, also with the Airlift trait.
Belgium acquired so many CVR(T) from the UK that after equipping its regular Army formations, they had enough left to form an airborne squadron for its Para-Commando Regiment. Unlike the British counterparts, the Belgian PARA. SCORPION and PARA. SCIMITAR are to be found in the TANK tab.
NATO’s MNAD in WARNO - NORTHAG
How will the MNAD look in WARNO? Keep in mind that all of the following is all work in progress!
LOG
As can be expected from an airborne division, the logistical base is rather restrained. There will be no FOB for this battlegroup.
Supply vehicles include the British (new) ATMP SUPPLY plus ROVER 101FC SUPPLY, West German (new) KRAKA MUN. and helicopter CH-53G MUN. and Belgian (new) UNIMOG U1350L LOG. (a larger and different Unimog variant).
Command units take the form of British and Belgian SULTAN and German and Belgian ILTIS jeeps.
INF
A very good tab with lots of choice, although no unit card comes with more than two each. Many units are limited to one card only, as explained above. All four NATO armies make a contribution to this tab!
The large majority of the infantry are Airborne troops, being able to Forward Deploy but only in soft-skin vehicles. The following units are all new. Among these, the Belgian PARA-COMMANDO, although more lightly armed than their counterparts, have a distinct edge: they can deploy in either regular unarmed UNIMOG U1350L or the armed UNIMOG U1350L PARA. variant featuring a M2HB HMG and MILAN!
All variants of GURKHAS and MARINIERS (both variants) lack Forward Deployment but can be called in via helicopters. This also includes the Airlift version of the GURKHAS ROVER WOMBAT.
ART
A rather average category with slots quickly rising in price. Choices are limited to light options.
Mortars, all with Airborne trait include British PARA. L16 81mm, Belgian M30 107mm and West Geman Fs.MRS. 120mm TAMPELLA. Note that all these units are “para” variants of existing units, meaning we are not treating them exactly as new.
The Belgians bring an old PARA. M101 105mm (which is basically a World War 2-era American-made M2A2) howitzer with the Forward Deployment trait.
The British bring the more modern L118 105mm howitzer, lacking Forward Deployment but with the Airlifter trait and the ability to be called in with a CHINOOK.
TANK
Surprisingly, this tab is pretty generous, with the MNAD division fielding an extensive array of lightly armored, especially anti-tank, vehicles.
The only “true” tanks are Belgians, being the new PARA. SCORPION and PARA. SCIMITAR.
The British armored recon squadron fields the ubiquitous FV102 STRIKER ATGM tank destroyer.
The Bundeswehr deploys its brand-new (and also new for WARNO) WIESEL 20mm and WIESEL TOW-2 light tank destroyers. These armored vehicles can be Airlifted by a CH-53G.
Other light vehicles are the West German KRAKA I-TOW and British ATMP MILAN 2.
RECO
A good category with a fair number of not-too-expensive slots.
Already existing units include British recon GAZELLE, SNIPER, SCORPION, and SCIMITAR, as well as West German Fs.-JÄGER B1.
Attached from the 5 Airborne Brigade is the last remaining British Army on the Rhine’s helicopter squadron with the Westland Scouts coming in the form of a recon (and new) SCOUT AH.1 HELARM with AS.11 missiles (this is the air-to-ground variant of the famous SS.11).
New infantry recon squads:
A 4-man Belgian PATROUILLE PARA-CMDO and a 6-man (out of whom carry 3x Minimi!) ECLAIREURS PARA-CMDO. The latter is the only squad from this category to be brought to the battlefield by helicopter, the new A109BA HTPT.
The British 8-man PARA. SCOUTS and elite 9-man PATHFINDERS, the latter featuring extra veterancy and 4x MAG machine guns!
And lastly, some of the division’s coolest-looking units are the new Light Strike Vehicles or LSV.
These sand-buggies come in two variants: LSV M2HB HMG or the LSV MILAN 2. They can be considered much faster, but unarmored French VBL.
Unlike the above-mentioned French jeep, these LSV vehicles are piloted by the SAS (as they were during the Gulf War). Hence, these units have Elite veterancy and the Special Forces trait.
AA
Not everything can be nice and shiny. As expected, this MNAD tab is mediocre at best. There is still some variety in its options, though.
The West Germans only contribute the new KRAKA 20mm AA weapon carrier.
The Belgians bring their PARA. M167A1 VADS 20mm Gatling, as well as their small stock of the new PARA. MISTRAL.
The British field the ever-present JAVELIN, as well as the new ATMP JAVELIN LML light vehicle.
Finally, in addition to the strict TO&E, there is a single battery of SKYGUARD CV 35mm. This is a towed variant of GEPARD’s twin guns. The “CV” in the name means “Captured Vehicles” for these units were originally… Argentinian. Yup, these Skyguards were captured by the 5 Airborne Brigade in 1982 in the Falklands and brought back home. After testing, Britain returned all captured guns to operational status and even bought a few extra to equip a whole battery. We consider that the British paratroopers, expecting a serious air threat, would have commandeered their “booty” guns and brought them to fight the Soviets.
HELO
Rather bad with few slots and expensive options.
Only a small selection of British LYNX HELARM (both variants) and West German Bo-105 PAH (again, both variants).
AIR
A good category with all four nations contributing to the MNAD’s AIR tab.
Belgians focus on close air support with MIRAGE 5BA in rocket and HE roles, also featured with NORTHAG’s16de Pantserdivision.
The West German Luftwaffe watches over the skies above with F-4F [AA] fighters (already present in the 2. Panzergrenadier).
The Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht is represented with two new variants: F-16A [AA2] “shotgun” fighters with ripple-fired (6) AIM-9L, plus a NF-5A [CLU] multirole “Freedom Fighter.”
The “Crown Jewel” of this division’s air power is the long-requested, often-teased (including as one of Army General’s strategic choices), the new RAF BUCCANEER S.2B. This chubby bomb truck comes in a variety of roles:
HE with 6x 513kg Mk.18 BRET bombs and 2x AIM-9L.
LGB with 2x CPU-123M laser-guided bombs.
SEAD featuring 2x AS.37 (Martel) anti-radiation missile and 1x AIM-9L. This was Britain's sole SEAD plane in real life at the end of the Cold War. The Tornado already featured in WARNO was officially only tested in this role during the Gulf War.
AT with 2x AJ-168 anti-tank missiles.
The MultiNational Airborne Division is a very light, flexible paratrooper-focused battlegroup with nothing more heavily armored than a light Scorpion or Scimitar tank. It can count on plenty of other weapon carriers and support vehicles, though. All units, from infantry to air power, come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. It should be a fast-moving, versatile division on the WARNO battlefield.
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division and MultiNational Airborne Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.
Until Next Time
We’ll be back later this week with the Warsaw Pact’s Polish 20 Pancerna!
Today’s DevBlog is another short break from our weekly Division previews of the upcoming NORTHAG expansion.
Earlier this week, we detailed one of NORTHAG’s new maps - Railway - which will be made available for free to all owners of WARNO upon release.
And now, let us go to that other (small) expansion landing on WARNO shores in the not-too-distant future: Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion. Here’s the brief on the latest developments with this upcoming DLC.
Go, go, go!
Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion
So, Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion was voted into existence by you in the middle of the summer. Next to the major NORTHAG work being done in the Eugen workshop, Nemesis #2 is also coming along swimmingly.
If you recall, Nemesis #2 - Plateau d'Albion is inspired by 1980s technothrillers with a daring Warsaw Pact effort to take control of the French silo-based nuclear weapons on Plateau d'Albion in southeastern France. The Soviet 76th Guards Airborne Division air assaults deep behind enemy lines and faces off against the local French defenders of the 152e Division d’Infanterie. Read more lore background and unit details in this dedicated DevBlog here.
Let’s give you a sneak peek at the latest developments in both division’s arsenals. These changes are based on current testing and are active work-in-progress!
NATO’s French 152e Division d’Infanterie
First up are the French with the Nemesis’152e Division d’Infanterie.
RECO: Following the US 35th Infantry Division’s lead, we added an old trainer, the CM.170 MAGISTER, as a light rocket-equipped recon plane.
AA: As we found out, the French BOFORS L60 were truly of World War 2 vintage, being one of the oldest of their kind. These AA guns are still in their ancient state, meaning the unit’s stats will be less than the currently featured West German specimens of the same weapon.
INF: We have added some variants of the RESERVISTES infantry, as well as new models for diversity. Some squads will have access to RES. VABs, with Reservist trait, while others will be restricted to trucks.
AIR: This category has the most changes compared to when we first pitched the Nemesis concept. It was our intention to introduce the new ALPHA JET E (without gun pods) and the CM.170 MAGISTER trainer-turned-CAS plane. We did make this happen, with the former coming in HE and NPLM loadouts and the latter with 2x AS.11 AGMs. However, further researching the 152e Division d’Infanterie made us realize that the main French Aéronavale’s Mediterranean base was about only a 10-minute flight away from our nuclear silos! French Naval Aviation had its own selection of planes:
CRUSADER fighters. No doubt the lightest armed fighter in WARNO (just two AA missiles and nose guns) but also one of the cheapest. These older aircraft come with veterancy since Aéronavale’s pilots have had plenty of time (since 1964!) to hone their skills on these planes!
SUPER ETENDARD strike aircraft. Superior to the already featured Jaguar and will come in RKT, CLU, HE and AGM loadouts.
Supplementing this force are MIRAGE III fighters. These will be the only planes already featured with other French divisions, meaning that the vast majority of 152e Division d’Infanterie’s AIR tab will be brand-new!
Onwards to our rather daring Soviet 76th Guards Airborne Division. Let’s see what the VDV has in store for us.
As was already clear from our Nemesis 2# pitch, the Soviet division wouldn’t feature as many new models as its French counterpart. However, we did find some new toys for you to play with, turning the 76th Guards Airborne Division into a light but very tech-savvy air assault division relying on state-of-the-art electronic warfare units, including EW, SEAD, SIGINT (new), artillery Fire Direction (new), GSR, thermobaric (another new one), radar recon, etc.
LOG: A new DESANT. LuAZ-967M KOM. command variant and model.
Transport-wise, the LuAZ 2F62 ZENITCHIK, which is another obscure variant specific to MANPAD crews. In WARNO, it will be a LuAZ variant mounting an Igla launcher that can be selected by IGLA MANPAD teams as a transport. Two for the price of one - sweet!
INF will feature (new) DESANT. USILENNIE (meaning recombined) squads. These are half-platoon-sized infantry, representing the mechanized VDV squads left without a vehicle during the initial raid (getting stuck front-first into the dirt, vertically speaking). These combat soldiers on the ground have been regrouped into new squads. They are heavily armed 9-man squads, with the only transport option being a BTR-D.
RECO: We added some RT RAZVEDKA with the new SIGINT trait.
Furthermore, another new recon unit will be the DESANT. SPETSRAZVEDKA, which is an elite 10-man recon squad armed with AKS-74, SVD, RPG-22, and Igla MANPAD, riding to battle in special (and also new) RAZV. BTR-D.
ART: We added a LuAZ KORREKTIROVSCHIK. This is the first new type of artillery command unit featuring the new Fire Direction trait.
Plus, we’ve added the already existing DESANT. VASILEK (from the Soviet 35th Air Assault Division) as an artillery piece.
AIR: this category will feature mostly two types of planes: the SU-24M and MIG-31.
SU-24M (all): its flight pattern was reworked to make it fly less like an overloaded truck. On top of that, we created several new loadouts.
Su-24M [AT1] which is equipped with two heavy Kh-29T AGM.
Su-24M [AT2] equipped with two equally heavy but longer range Kh-29L AGM.
Su-24M [TRM] fields a new type of weapon, ODAB thermobaric bombs. This includes a new dedicated trait and FX! These fuel-air bombs will have a larger AoE compared to HE munitions, and ignore cover bonuses for infantry. However, they will do less damage to armor and very little to buildings. Perfect to clear a city or enemy-held French airbase before occupying it with your glorious Soviet airborne troops.
MIG-31 will accompany the raid over France (and, in passing, neutral Switzerland). The Soviet VVS would take out of storage the older MiG-31 in two variants armed with a mix of R-33 and either R-40RD1 or R-60M AA missiles.
NORTHAG Visuals
Back to NORTHAG expansion. We have already started working on balancing the divisions, while our artists have also progressed on the Nemesis #2 in lockstep. Check it out yourself below!
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. World War III hits the North German Plain where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The expansion is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
And our Division #6 looks at the new Polish mechanized fighting forces of the 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowana. Check out the DevBlog here.
Until Next Time
We’ll be back next week with two new NORTHAGDivision previews! The first one will be about NATO’s special (and British-led) MNAD (MultiNational Airborne Division).
We are taking a short break from our Division previews of our upcoming major expansion. Instead, in today’s DevBlog, we’ll preview a brand-new map coming as part of NORTHAG but free to all WARNO owners: Railway.
Let’s go!
The new Railway map
Railway is one of the brand-new maps of the NORTHAG expansion, inspired by the topography southwest of Hamburg, West Germany. It offers a rather unique battlefield, dominated in the center by a massive landmark: the sprawling railway marshaling yard. This particular sector features an entire array of rail assets. And, we placed the surrounding Command Zones in such a way to create a vital focus point for controlling the rest of the map.
Railway as a 3v3 map is a large-scale battlefield, similar in size to Volcano, Rock, and Rift with its 81km². The new map’s got everything: urban terrain, plains, forests, mountains, giving you commanders plenty to mull about regarding tactical and unit choices.
One of the new things we’ve introduced with Railway are rail wagon assets that, depending on how they are grouped, can block or open important sight lines. We worked on WARNO’s sight line mechanics to ensure there were no issues with the new assets.
We also carefully tested the placement of various Command Zones. Next to the central zone, other objectives are spread out across Railway. This encourages people to explore different avenues of attack. Make sure to anticipate that the enemy will do the same.
At the start, Railway will be made available in 3v3 Conquest mode, with a 10v10, 1v1, 4v4, and Destruction variants coming later. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
NORTHAG Expansion Explained
In case you missed it: WARNO - NORTHAG is the first major expansion coming to WARNO. It takes World War III to the North German Plain, where the attacking Warsaw Pact needs to overcome the staunch defenses of NATO’s NORTHAG. Under British command, Belgian, Dutch, West German, and American forces battle against the powerful northern formations of the Soviet Group of Forces in Germany, including East German and reinforcing Polish armies. The release is planned for later in 2024.
10 new Divisions, including NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie, Dutch 4e Divisie, the British 4th Armoured Division, while the Warsaw Pact deploys the Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya, the East German 9. Panzerdivision, and the Polish 4 Dywizja Zmechanizowan.
3 new playable nations: NATO’s Belgium and the Netherlands, and Warsaw Pact’s Poland.
New voice acting.
New units and models.
We have started detailing WARNO - NORTHAG’s features. Check the list below!
In the very first DevBlog, highlighting Division #1, we show off NATO’s Belgian 16e Pantserdivisie going to war with powerhouse cousin Luxembourg. Read more about the new battlegroup in this dedicated post.
In Division #2, we focused on the Warsaw Pact’s Soviet 25-ya Tank. Diviziya or 25th Tank Division. Read more about this battlegroup here.
In our Division #3, we look at the Dutch and their hard-hitting 4e Divisie. Check it out in this DevBlog here.
The Division #4 looks into the poster child of the East German Nationale Volksarmee, the 9. Panzerdivision. Take a look in this DevBlog.
In our Division #5 we take a gander at the British 4th Armoured Division. Check it out in this DevBlog.
