The virtual battlefield of WWII Online is receiving a rather large set of reinforcements joining the frontlines, as new players are learning about the game for the first time and veteran players are returning. This is a fantastic opportunity for the entire community to rise up and enjoy the game as it should be and work to develop newer players.
The developers of WWII Online are continuing to provide supplemental updates to our existing game while simultaneously going all-in on Unreal Engine development to take the game into the future, and developing WWII Online: Chokepoint which acts as the basis of our future infantry development.
Since our inaugural Steam Early Access launch back in 2017, here's a few important items (though there've been plenty more) which have been accomplished:
Bandwidth boosted: 10x
Server Boosted: 4x Computing Power
Built-in game voice added
Proximity AOs (player-driven)
Hybrid supply (Flags & Garrisons)
64-bit OS support
Artillery w/Tracked Rounds
Mortar Carriers w/Tracked Rounds
Ju88 + Wellington Bombers
Increased F2P access
MG42 Added
M1919 MG Added
More RDP Facilities Added
Playable map size increased
Bomber loadouts added
Enhanced visual effects
Enhanced audio effects
Replaced a ton of legacy artwork
Over 200+ Bug Fixes
Very shortly you will start to see the NEW updated artwork which is being developed for WWII Online 2.0 (Unreal Engine) and 1.0 (current version this store page is dedicated to) demonstrating our trickle-down workflow. Here are a couple examples below:
How can I help the Steam launch?
Download the game, login and play.
Be helpful for your fellow community members and support them.
Use in-game voice (V) key as much as you can.
Get on Discord and get involved. Spread the word and recruit.
Keep showing up to keep the population up.
Thanks, and we'll see you in the field!
Matt "XOOM" Callahan Director & Executive Producer Playnet, Inc. / Cornered Rat Software
OP DAD BOD: ALL-ACCESS WEEKEND (Fri-Sun)
From TEX, community manager:
Beginning on Friday, CRS is UNLOCKING all equipment for the entire weekend. Cash in on Father's Day Weekend and enjoy OPERATION DAD BOD!! Keep reading below for recent patch notes, Steam release date, upcoming operations and ALL-ACCESS weekends, and RatChat community info!
On May 31st, CRS deployed patch 1.37.3.0 which introduced:
Fallen Rat Memorial added (Triumphal Arch in Brussels)
Attack Objective (AO) numbers have been adjusted
Modified loadout functionality updated for more flexible loadout options
Ju-88 has third loadout option
Frequency of capture times is checked more frequently
Updated 3D crew members on multiple armor platforms
Significant VFX updates for large rounds AP/HE impacts and explosions
Significant SFX updates for armor and naval platform fires
CRS is excited to announce that WWII Online is going "FULL RELEASE" on July 6th. This will be a GLOBAL launch so we anticipate a significant number of new and returning Steam users to join us on the Campaign Server.
This presents a tremendous opportunity for squads and the community. If your squad is interested in growing . . . this would be THE time to turn on the recruiting flag and work with new recruits. This is where in-game voice communication pays off big time!
Our community helpers need to be on the look-out to assist these new gamers on how to:
navigate the "eclectic" user interface
join a mission ("dot jay" anyone?)
explain game mechanics
which keymap button does what function
how to access the keymapper and other menus
This is likely the largest opportunity over the next several years (prior to announcing an UE5-related test) for WWII Online to introduce a HUGE number of gamers to our beloved game. We all recognize that our game scales better than any other FPS out there and the more people playing the BETTER the game gets with more targets and teammates to accomplish the goal in attacking, defending, bombing, or fighter interception.
CRS is helping with this effort with:
Steam DLC package changes with easier financial thresholds for equipment access
Steam Starter Subscription with greater value to experience more equipment as the campaign tiers progress
90-day no-cost incentive to ALL equipment whether air, land, or sea (includes ongoing access via tier progress as the campaign continues
Returning Veterans (and free-to-play players) will see an increased weapon set during the 90-day period to encourage attendance.
Server bandwidth is 10x greater than when we launched "Early Access"
Server computing power is 4x greater than when we launched "Early Access"
CRS is reviewing for additional preparations to ensure everyone has an enjoyable gaming experience
PRO TIP: As the population builds or spikes to high levels and attack objectives increase, it is CRITICAL to be aware that the player base should be spread across the entire server on other attack objectives versus the full population of hundreds of gamers massing within close proximity of a single objective This overload or density of gamers within visual limits of each individual gamer can cause lag issues, etc so be aware.
Rat Chat Info
On June 11th, CRS hosted a "RatChat" and a number of community members attended in real-time. You can review it here!
2023 Fundraiser Synopsis
You did it!! We reached 119% of our goal. Well done, community members!
If you contributed to our fundraiser, CRS is in the process of reaching out to you individually. Please submit a support ticket if you do not hear from us in the coming weeks. Thank you again to all who contributed!
CALENDAR REMINDERS: FUTURE OPERATIONS
DATE TIME OPERATION 06/18/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Op Dad Bod 07/02/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Op Avalanche 07/06/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Steam Launch 07/16/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Op Maelstrom 07/30/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Op Thunderstrike 08/13/2023 11am PST / GMT+8 Op Hurricane
ALL-ACCESS WEEKEND COMBINES WITH OPERATION DAD BOD
ALL-ACCESS Weekend which means it starts on FRIDAY!! Register HERE! in #EVENTS channel for OPERATION: Dad Bod on 18 June at 12pm Server Time / GMT+8.
Poster Art Courtesy of Propa, the Maestro of Propaganda!
FULL STEAM LAUNCH on Thursday, July 6th 2023!
Happy Birthday to WWII Online as it turns 22 years old today (Est. June 6th 2001)! Over the years our game has seen a lot, good and bad, but we have endured. Congratulations to the WWII Online community and all past and present RATS who have paved the way to this moment. We're on the way to doing big things, and our next big initiative is to transition our store page on Steam from Early Access --> Full Release on Thursday, July 6th 2023. This will result in a large number of players joining the game and today we wanted to lay the plan out for you to prepare as a community for all of these new players. Please continue reading as it has specific details on this and to see some legacy videos and artwork as we reflect on 22 years of the game. S!
Preparing for the Steam Launch
Rat Chat on Sunday June 11th, 2023 held on Discord
Not long ago we made mention about Squads working together to start to build and develop themselves (Community Action: Rebuilding Squads article). The full release on Steam represents a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of that. Please read that article again as a refresher as it's a playbook for you and your squad to do some big things.
Reflection over the years
Legacy trailer from the early days:
Battleground Europe (relaunch):
Updated trailer reflecting mostly how the game looks at present:
Original launch "jewel box" circa 2001.
German soldier character models with MP40s in 2001:
Original capture building:
WWII Online postcard, which we recently resurrected with some updated art:
Battleground Europe era:
Rebranding back to WWII Online
Next steps
Rebuilding the WWII Online in UE5, the PLAN.
Thank you for all of your years of support and believing in WWII Online. We know it's been a long road to get to where we are, but we are now finally making that bold cut over to Unreal Engine. This coming to life will no doubt result into major things for the game and we believe it will profoundly impact the market / restore the glory days of WWII Online. If you believe in that mission, join us, whether you are brand new or returning and help the Cornered Rats do some big things.
Prepare for the Steam release, get back in the fight and let's have a great summer!
S! and thanks for being part of our family / gaming community here.
Matt "XOOM" Callahan Director & Executive Producer Playnet, Inc. / CRS
Readme: Version 1.37.3.0
This release brings to the game numerous updates and fixes that range from a Fallen Rat Memorial to numerous Wellington fixes.
Features
Added a new Fallen Rat Memorial, near the Triumphal Arch in Brussels
Jokerred, Hogan99 and TeeShot have been added to the Fallen Soldier memorial
Attack Objective (AO) numbers have been adjusted
Loadout functionality has been updated to allow for more flexible loadout options
The Ju88 now has a third loadout option
The Ju88's loadout option #1 gives the bombs to the pilot, the secondary trigger will drop the bombs
The frequency at which capture timers are checked for adjustment has been quickened
Cap timer adjustment based on population is now based on the spawned population
The A13, A15, M10, Pz38t and Vickers has had their 3D crew members updated
Visual effects (VFX&SFX) updates:
Tank and ATG Armor Piercing (AP) impacts 75mm and up
Tank, ATG and Naval High Explosive (HE) explosions 75mm and up
Engine fires adjusted to be easier to distinguish
New Ship fuel fires
New engine audio for the Wellington
A new reinforced large PPO for tanks and big guns applied by Engineers
A new Camo Netting applied by Combat Engineers as well as Tank drivers and Big Gun gunners
The game's credits have been updated
Dragonav's village has been added to Bornem
Telephone poles have been added to river roads
Forward Base (FB) vehicle spawn sandbags have been updated
The Maunsell Sea Forts have been added to the English waters
Some river banks have been updated to allow for easier exits
Added a new town: Shoeburyness
Additional Airfields have been made susceptible to damage
We're overjoyed to announce a thrilling update: our fundraising initiative for transitioning WWII Online to the Unreal Engine has surpassed its goal by 104%! ːsteamhappyː
This marks a significant milestone for us, and we wish to express our gratitude for your unwavering support.
Nevertheless, there's still an opportunity to contribute to this exhilarating endeavor. A window of 27 hours remains, and fantastic benefits are still up for grabs. For instance, a "Field Marshall" package is still available, which includes a lifetime gaming account, your picture incorporated into the game, your name as a CP installation within the game, a tangible commemorative plaque from CRS, and much more!
Your generous contribution will expedite the achievement of our "Round 1" targets, while also capitalizing on our comprehensive Steam release plan, which will boost the overall player base in WWII Online 1.0.
Remember, WWII Online is 100% community-funded. It's up to us to collaborate and accomplish monumental feats like this one. It also grants us the necessary autonomy to craft the game you've all been eagerly anticipating, free from distractions or other hurdles.
Be part of the gaming History!
Support Needed for TimeGhost History's D-Day Project
TimeGhost History, a highly esteemed YouTube platform, is in the throes of an ambitious endeavor to honor D-Day, a pivotal juncture in the annals of World War II. Their aspiration is to orchestrate a 24-hour virtual broadcast, meticulously recreating the happenings of June 6, 1944, as they unfolded. This immersive journey through time promises to captivate all who hold a fascination for history.
Regrettably, they've recently encountered an obstacle. The prospect of a commercial sponsorship, which was on the horizon, has unexpectedly evaporated, leaving them grappling with a substantial financial shortfall. They are tasked with raising $50,000 to bring this project to fruition, a sum that encompasses the costs of scripting, filming, editing, and procuring archival footage and cartography.
As part of the WWIIOnline fraternity, our shared reverence for the historical complexities of World War II binds us. This endeavor presents an opportunity for us to play a part in preserving the memory of D-Day, and in doing so, contribute to a lasting educational resource for generations yet unborn.
TimeGhost History is appealing for single-instance donations to help them attain their financial target. In a show of gratitude for your patronage, they offer incentives such as the inclusion of your name in the credits and an invitation to an exclusive live chat during the project's debut.
Should you feel inclined to contribute, you can do so at https://dday.timeghost.tv/. No contribution is too small; every bit can significantly impact the project's success.
Let's rally as a community to bolster this crucial project and ensure that the memory of D-Day remains etched in our collective consciousness and continues to be disseminated. As a community, we have the power to make a significant difference. This project is not just about preserving the past, but also about shaping the future. By supporting this endeavor, we are ensuring that the lessons and sacrifices of D-Day continue to resonate with future generations. Let's unite in this cause and help keep the memory of D-Day alive.
Free Unlocks activated!
Tonight we start Campaign 195 and it includes several changes. We are opening up several weapons available as free unlocks for the duration of the campaign to our Free Players in an effort to showcase these weapons in a live scenario and increase the server population. We are also looking at rolling back to a simplified 4 Tier system (Tier 0, 1, 2 and 3) to avoid confusion and keep the transition of tiers smooth. The theme for this campaign is squad development - rebuild your squad by bringing folks back and helping new players!
Please continue reading to learn more about that and the settings for Proximity Attack Objectives, which will be featured for the first time for a whole campaign, and welcome aboard our two new Side Commanders!
INCOMING PATCH! 1.37.2.0 releases today and it includes some epic stuff! Ranging from Proximity Attack Objectives (which are player-driven for the first time in over 15 years), Squad Missions, the Wellington, HC Officer class receiving an infantry-placed mobile spawn to keep battles going, all SMGs audited to have tighter grouping/performance, and a whole lot more! Your subscriptions are directly responsible for keeping us going. This is our last major patch as now we set sights on transitioning into the Unreal Engine and innovating WWII Online's future. Remember we will continue to provide updates to WWII Online through our new trickle-down workflow and supplemental updates. THANK YOU, everyone, for believing in our shared dream/passion, and supporting us which makes all of this possible. Support our current fundraiser going on to help jump starter our Unreal Engine developments at http://www.WWIIOnline.com/fund.
World War II Online Version 1.37.2.0 - April 2023
This release introduces some long-awaited additions to WWII Online that include the Wellington medium bomber, Proximity AOs, Squad Missions, Custom IVC channels, and much more to include bug fixes.
Features
The Wellington Mk III has been added to the Royal Airforce (RAF)
Nine (9) new factories have been added to the Axis side: Zwolle, Meppel, Hoogeveen, Harlingen, Limburg and Frankfurt
All Allied factories have been combined for RDP purposes, bombing one factory will affect all Allied resupply times
Bomber Loadouts have been re-added to the game
Proximity AOs have been introduced:
Towns with Heavy Inf EWS will trigger AOs
If Heavy Inf EWS is lost, the AO will be removed
Squad Missions have been added:
The Squad must have five (5) members online in order for Squad Missions to be available
Only one (1) Squad Mission per side, per Squad
Ten (10) Custom IVC channels have been added per side (see your HC for channel assignments)
Only applies to channel 1-10
Follows the F6 text chat channel (must be assigned to 1-10)
IVC now shows CRS members with all CAPS as represented elsewhere
Players can now adjust their in-game volume from within the IVC map tab
Fuel Barrel PPOs have been added to Supply Trucks
Planes, Vehicles and Boats/Ships can now be refueled:
Planes - Airfields & Airfield PPOs (can also re-arm)
Vehicles - Army Bases, Supply Trucks (can also re-arm) and Fuel Barrel PPOs
Boats/Ships - Docks (can also re-arm)
Fuel burn rates have been adjusted to be more historical in order to keep in line with our map size
All Sherman, Churchill, Pz4 and Tiger tanks have had their 3D model crew members updated
Free to Play (F2P) aircraft now have a different look than other versions
The gun audio for Hurri IIBs has been updated
Barrage Balloon PPOs have had their max damage updated in order to be harder to destroy
Gun Emplacement PPOs have had their proximity to other objects changed to stop blocking
The STG44 now has updated audio
All SMGs have had a recoil audit
All standard and limited SMGs have had their pistols removed and ammo amounts adjusted
Bombs have had their whistle sounds updated
Grenade explosion effects have been adjusted
New effects, audio and visual, have been added for 500kg bombs
The HCMSP PPO has been added to the HC Officer class
The HCMSP PPO's 3D model has been updated
Csm308 has been added to Bunker interiors and has a City CP named after him
Lille, Calais and Antwerp now have different versions of a Star Fort
A well has been added to Ooltgensplaat
Verdun has had a Crypt added to its surrounding area
A barn has been added to the vicinity of Tienen and Reusel
A damaged airfield has been created at Martlesham for initial introduction
A causeway has been added north of Moerdjik
AI MG Towers and Bridges have had their textures updated to appear more weathered
Removed four bridges around Piesport
Barbed wire has been added to the top of Armybase walls
Mooring points and crane rails have been added to urban harbors
Added three new Airfields to the UK: Gravesend, Southend and St Mary's Pitt
Added stairs to the garage of the Spawn buildings
Murder holes in Armybase walls were reduced down to two
Fourteen (14) new towns have been added: Fismes, Bouvancourt, Cerny-en-Laonnois, Bourg et Comin, Braines, Vailly Sur Aisnes, Chavignon, Soissons Les petit, Soissons, Port Fontenoy, Ooltgensplaat, Val de Livres, Reusel and Crucifix
Fixes
The Delete all Waypoints and Contact Reports bug has been fixed
Corrected an issue when some units that was causing extra-long despawn times
Fixed an issue with some areas missing train tracks
Fixed an issue that caused multi-crewed units to not report stats properly
Multi-crewed units will now be forced to re-initiate the multi-crew join process after each mission
The Ju88 has had a few bugs repaired:
Reversed rudder pedal movement
Hard to read speed and altitude indicators
SPAA 20mm gun audio has been fixed
Added missing FBs between Orbeval and Clermont-en-Argonne
Muzzle smoke has been reduced to help with visibility after firing
Engine fire effects have been updated
Adjusted FB tents to correct an issue that caused infantry to pop up above the FB tents
Adjusted footsteps sounds so they aren't so loud (first person only)
Adjusted tank track sound volume
Fixed and issue that was causing some Mac clients to crash while the game was loading
Fundraiser 2023 Update
Our 2023 Fundraiser for UE5 is going like "dambusters" as we are at 71% of our goal! A BIG THANK YOU to anyone helping WWIIOnline to move towards UE5! Your 2023 contributions allow us to set a proper foundation during this critical Phase 1 of our journey to UE5, check out this video and get informed:
FREE OPERATION "DOWNLOAD MOAR RAM" on 16 April at 12pm Server Time / GMT+8
2.0 Fundraiser, Rat chat AAR & FREE operation 16th April
There are so many things happening in WWII Online right now . . . the 2023 Fundraiser for UE5, informative Rat Chat, intense operations, and a groundswell of enthusiastic youtube influencers saying positive things about our beloved 1.0 game, Chokepoint, and the future of UE5. Read on!!
Our 2023 Fundraiser for UE5 is off to a strong start as we are at 30% of our goal. Check out this video presentation about how your contributions DIRECTLY help this critical Phase 1 of our journey to UE5:
Big things continued this past Sunday as we had a great Rat Chat to preview several exciting things. The Rat Chat can be viewed here so check out the timestamp table below for YOUR favorite part!
TIMESTAMP--SPEAKER--TOPIC (00: 05:45) XOOM:
Introduction
2023 Roadmap Plan
Development focus on UE5 / 2.0
Recent shifts in WWII genre games
(00: 12:40) TEX64:
Address community
Production of ongoing enhancements/updates in 1.0
(00: 15:30) CORN:
Production Team Lead
He-111 bomb load-out demo (future load-outs for vehicles/platforms)
Previous load-outs pulled for performance issues
New visual effect for heavy bombs
Vehicle engine fires adjusted
(00: 27:30) XOOM:
Squad Missions Demo / Explanation
(00: 32:00) TEX64:
Community Questions Discussed / Answered
(00: 35:30) XOOM:
Proximity AO Demo
(00: 47:00)
Community Questions Discussed / Answered
Additional Proximity AO Discussion
(00: 51:00) XOOM:
SMG Audit & Demo
Historically more accurate - Thompson, MP40
More recoil - Stg44
MAS-38 now more historically accurate / animation remains
Loss of pistols and ammo clips
(01: 10:00) TEX64:
Community Questions Discussed / Answered
(01: 12:00) XOOM:
WWII Online moving to Steam Full Release
Youtube Influencers
Community Questions Discussed / Answered
(01: 18:40) XOOM:
Navy Love - 5" rounds going STO
(01: 26:00) XOOM:
Wellington Demo & Stunt-Flying-Crash
(01: 32:30) CHIMM:
PIMM Particle Demo
PIMM Particle Questions
(01: 44:00) XOOM:
2023 Fundraiser
(01: 56:00) CRS:
Community Questions Discussed / Answered
Social Media Influencers: click their logos to view their recent WWII Online videos and subscribe! Do you know a social influencer who might be interested in WWII Online? Let us know!
Register now for OPERATION: Download Moar Ram on 16 April at 12pm Server Time / GMT+8.
FLASH TRAFFIC: FREE ACCESS & OPERATION THIS WEEKEND
Beginning on Friday, the 17th of March, WWIIOnline has UNLOCKED all equipment for the weekend. This unlock coincides with OPERATION FLASH on Sunday, the 19th of March, the begins at 12pm Server Time (12PM PST / 2PM CST / 3PM EST / GMT+8) on the Campaign Server so spread the word to friends and introduce them to the game and remind those veteran players who are free-to-play that "we're getting the band back together".
REGISTRATION: Discord #GLOBAL-OPS channel and select your team
WHEN: 19 March 2023
WHERE: Live Campaign Server
TIME: 12PM Server Time (12PM PST, 2PM CST, 3PM EST, GMT+8)
ACTIVE NOTIFICATIONS: Kill-A-Rat
On the Friday before the operation, CRS is UNLOCKING EVERYTHING to ALL returning vets and free-to-play gamers for the weekend. In the spirit of competition, the "kill-a-rat" notification will be turned on, too, so you know who you have killed in-game.
Form massive squadrons and engage in swirling dogfights or bombing runs over the objective as light and heavy anti-aircraft guns seek to knock you out of the sky. Meanwhile, armored personnel carriers carry expectant infantry to their objectives as friendly and enemy tanks engage one another; hoping to elude the persistent enemy infantry with anti-tank weapons only to hear the persistent whistling of incoming 105mm artillery. Rapid-firing light-machine gun sounds rip through the air, short bursts of infantry followed by the crack of rifle fire as flames engulf burning tank hulks, clouds of colored smoke rise into the sky, buildings collapse, and rust-colored earth vomits upward as big shells land across the terrain.
Unfamiliar with a WWII Online operation? We routinely promote massive combined-arms battles to showcase what WWII Online does best . . . . the shear scale of PvP combat of HUNDREDS of players fighting sometimes over a SINGLE objective. This weekend it is OPERATION FLASH - join the battle, experience the carnage, and stay for the future as CRS marches to large-scale combined arms in Unreal Engine 5.
How can you help? Subscribe to WWII Online and as a bonus receive access to WWII Online: Chokepoint while super-charging development to Unreal Engine 5.
We would like to congratulate an independent influencer who has seen the promise of WWII Online. We highly recommend you subscribe to BOOGIE5's channel!
Rebuilding the biggest WWII game ever built, in UE5
if you've never heard of World War II online then you've been missing out on an important part of World War II gaming history but you're not too late yet to get involved with its rebirth and once again making gaming history!
