Happy Spring everyone!

We're back with another toy for you to play with, along with some map updates!

Fallschirmjgergewehr 42 (ZF42)




Select Fallscirmjgergewehr sniper troops will now have access to the ZF42 scope attachment for the FG42. Needless to say, a fully automatic scoped rifle on a bipod will be a force to be reckoned with.

This can be found as a sniper option for Fallscirmjgergewehr troops on the following maps:

• Les Champs de Losque
  
• Stoumont
  
• Dead Man's Corner
  
• Carentan Causeway
  

• Flakturm Tiergarten
  

Developer's Note: This is the first weapon in the game to have both a bipod and a scope!

• Reworked Axis spawn.
  
• Added second street at the beginning of the map
  
• Detailed and expanded the courtyard/park
  
• Detailed the original street around the first objective.
  
• Added new building Apartment 5031 which serves as a new initial objective, grouped with reworked building Logistics Bureau.
  
• Added new buildings across the map, replacing many old static models with new ones.
  
• Significantly improved terrain detail with new textures and decolayers.
  
• Reworked South and West Commons locations with new trenchworks and dugouts.
  
• Reworked Administration Building and added new rooms and details.
  
• General detail pass across the map to increase visual fidelity and improve gameplay.
  
• Reworked objective layout and added 3 new objectives.
  

• Fixed floating props at the Trenches objective.
  

• Improved lighting.
  
• Added some additional statics around the map for more cover.
  
• Removed ticket bleed from Axis.
  
• Removed ticket capture bonus from taking the first objective to compensate for removal of ticket bleed.
  
• Reduced number of tanker roles on both teams to match the number of max tanks.
  
• Reworked tank loadouts:
  
• Increased Sovet max active tanks from 2 to 3.
  
• Increased KV1-E max spawns from 2 to 5.
  
• Removed the Panzer IVs.
  
• Increased the max active Tigers from 1 to 2.
  
• Increased the max spawns of the Tiger from 3 to 6.
  
• This rework is based on the actual units present in the battle (Olkhovatka was mainly a Tiger battle, with support from StuGs, StuHs and Panzer IIIN).
  

• The far east broken bridge is no longer passable by infantry. This was basically the case before, but it would allow you to pass to the other side, but then be stuck inside a minefield from which there was no escape.
  

v11.6.9 Patch Notes

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a bug where players movement would be hobbled after going from prone to standing when holding the ZB-30.
  
• Fixed missing sleeve textures for some Soviet Rifleman roles.
  

• Fire and Move signals have had a number of changes to address exploits and usability:
  
• The signal transparency is now smoothly modulated based on timing & the viewing angle.
  
• The duration of signals has been reduced from 15 seconds to 10 seconds.
  
• Signals will now be fully transparent if the player's viewing angle is within 2 degrees of the signal.
  
• The signal recipient radius has been reduced from 50 meters to 25 meters.
  

• Fixed a Danger Zone issue that could allow Allied squad leaders to rally on the German side of the bridge solo.
  
• Fixed an issue with the recapture behaviors of the Town Hall and Corner House objectives.
  

• Increased Axis tickets slightly.
  

• Removed NW Farm cap.
  
• Tank balance changed.
  
• Fixed some floaters.
  
• Re-designed last cap.
  
• Added progressive spawns for both teams.
  

• Added Sherman M4A3E8 for Allies and an extra Panther for Axis.
  
• Fixed Pak43 that were leaning to the side because of bad placement.
  
• Rebalanced some roles.
  
• Reduced +30% ratio to +5% as this had greatly imbalanced the map.
  

• This map makes a return!
  

Hello there! We're back with another small patch that introduces a number of bug fixes and level tweaks. If you ever noticed your turret sometimes rotating on its own when entering a tank, this old Red Orchestra bug is finally gone!

But before we dive into the changelog, there's something we need to address.

Frequent Disconnects Issue

During the past week you might've experienced frequent disconnects with a Connection Failed error from both official and community servers. We're currently looking into this and contacted Valve, as we suspect this is caused by authentication issues with Steam.

In the meantime, just reconnect if it happens and there won't be any more disconnections for the rest of the session.

Now back to the patch notes.

Bug fixes

• Fixed a bug where turrets and cannons would spontaneously rotate on entering them if they were used by another player earlier.
  
• Fixed a bug where players who disconnected from the game as spectator would be automatically assigned to the Axis upon rejoining.
  
• Fixed an exploit where it was possible to place constructions in invalid locations by switching to a smaller construction in the menu during the placement process.
  
• Fixed a bug where active objective spawns could be calculated incorrectly when the objective was linked to multiple active objectives.
  
• [Server maintenance] Fixed a number of errors that would spam the server logs.
  

• Slightly increased the BT-7 HE shell velocity (it was about ~10m/s slower than it should have been, according to sources).
  

• Changed blocking boundaries in setup phase to delay Soviet tanks at the first objective.
  
• Reworked tank progression (Soviets will have fewer tanks at the final village, while some other Soviet models like the KV-1E and S will unlock earlier in the game).
  
• Added the Panzer IIIN as an additional fire support option for the Germans.
  
• Increased respawn timers on most Soviet tanks by 20-30 seconds.
  
• Removed Soviet objective spawn from the final village.
  
• Reworked objective Danger Zone influences around the final village.
  

• Removed Axis ticket bleed from all objectives.
  
• Increased max active Panzer IIIJs from 2 to 3.
  
• Reduced respawn timers for Panzer IVF1 and BT7 tanks by 20-40 seconds.
  
• Reworked all objective Danger Zone influences.
  
• Reduced Axis and Allied tanker slots to match number of active tanks.
  

• Changed round time to 20 minutes.
  
• Removed time gain awards from capturing objectives.
  
• Reduced simultaneously available Soviet tanks from 2 to 1.
  
• Reduced respawn timers on all Soviet tanks by 30 seconds.
  
• Changed team balance ratio to be even.
  
• Added additional cover and spawn protection to final Axis spawn.
  

• Reworked NW, Eastern Road and Church objectives to unlock in a new order: Now when either road is taken, the Church will be unlocked and is grouped with them.
  
• Increased lockdown timers for the above objectives from 250 to 600 seconds.
  
• Reduced initial unlock timer for the Church to 60 seconds.
  
• Removed map-placed Axis HQ construction.
  
• Reworked all objective Danger Zone influences.
  
• Removed Allied ticket bleed from all objectives.
  
• Updated objective spawn locations to offer better cover.
  

Welcome back! This update is small, but tightly packed with a number of notable bug fixes, including the fixing of a 15(!) year old bug that has eluded us...until now!

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a long-standing Red Orchestra bug (15+ years?) where projectiles would not spawn correctly when hipfiring while leaning in multiplayer mode.
  
• Fixed a bug where muting player's voice commands would not work.
  
• Fixed a bug where some constructions could be invulnerable to explosive damage if their origins were under the terrain.
  
• Fixed a bug where players would lose their session's kill count when disconnecting from the server.
  
• Fixed a bug where bipod simulations would not work in multiplayer.
  
• Fixed a bug where a version of the DP-27 would not have it's magazine spin during firing.
  
• Fixed a bug where resetting the game could cause the danger zone influences to be miscalculated.
  

• Increased the number of rounds in the belt of the M1919A6 and MG42 from 150 to 200.
  
• Sandbag constructions no longer automatically despawn if left unbuilt.
  
• Added a bipod turn sensitivity option to the control settings.
  
• The damage model of the HEAT projectiles of the StuH 42 and Sherman 105 have been brought to parity.
  
• The .50 cal now does less base damage to vehicles (i.e., you can no longer shoot a Panzer IV in the rear a handful of times and kill it).
  
• The PTRD has had it's base damage against vehicles reduced, but the chance to damage or destroy components has been increased.
  

• Optimized terrain and deco layers, hopefully increasing performance slightly.
  
• Added small team balance ratio in favor of the Allies.
  
• Reworked all objective danger zone influences.
  
• Removed Allied ticket bleed from first objective.
  
• Reduced Panther max spawns from infinite to 3.
  
• Reduced Sherman MkII respawn timer from 220 seconds to 180.
  
• Increased Sherman Firefly max spawns from 2 to 3 and reduced respawn timer to 180 seconds.
  
• Increased Stuart spawns from 1 to 5 and reduced respawn timer to 200 seconds.
  
• Increased max AT guns of all types for Allies from 1 to 2 and reduced the respawn timer to 120 seconds.
  
• Added Wolverine SP (British M10) with 3 spawns to Allies.
  

• Infantry version of popular armored map.
  

• Recreated the classic 29th style US faction version (for funsies).
  

• Fixed bug where Axis would sometimes spawn under the terrain.
  
• Added a new objective.
  

v11.6.0

The hits just keep coming! We're back with another brand new map and 2 major weapon overhauls. Without further interruption, here is the change log!

Weapon Overhauls

[h2]Winchester 1897[/h2]

The Winchester shotgun has had a major facelift, with a new upgraded texture and completely new first and third person animations from our newest member of the development team, Enfield!



The Winchester started life as a custom asset made by the 29th Infantry Division, and we're excited to see it finally given a full makeover to make it feel powerful and polished.

[h2]Enfield No. 4[/h2]

The Enfield No. 4 has been given a full facelift, with a brand new higher quality texture and animations. With this, we have finally fully completed the modernization of the Commonwealth infantry weapons!



Maps

[h2]Additions[/h2]

[h3]Bremoy Advance[/h3]

Bremoy is a small town that saw fierce fighting during Operation Bluecoat, the Allied push further inland to exploit the success of Operation Cobra. Here, British Guards Armored Division and the 15th Scottish Infantry Division came head to head against the German 21st Panzer Division.



The rolling fields that surround the town make for dangerous manoeuvering, especially for infantry. Both sides will need to make good use of recon and armored units to turn the battle in their favor.

[h2]Changes[/h2]

[h3]Armored Iskra[/h3]

• Fixed an issue with the Axis initial spawn not deactivating after setup phase.
  

• Added Volkssturm rifleman role and reduced number of Heer riflemen to 6.
  
• Added ammo pouch for FG42 roles.
  
• Added G43 to German AT role.
  
• Removed ZF41 from German sniper role (marksman role has these instead).
  
• Reduced number of Panther spawns from 10 to 5.
  
• Fixed bug with Canadian Squad Leaders having duplicate binoculars.
  
• Fixed an inconsistency with some roles using the base RO Kar98k model.
  

• Fixed corrupted map file.
  

• Added additional cover to the map, particularly around the first objective.
  
• Added a 3 minute delay before Sd.Kfz. 10/5 halftracks unlock.
  
• Reduced Allied respawn time to 8 seconds on the first objective only.
  
• Reduced capture requirements for first objective from 5 players to 3.
  

• Increased Axis ticket modifier by 2 (games were ended in draws too frequently).
  
• Fixed several floating static meshes.
  
• Fixed collision on plants inside of the University building.
  

• Changed Manor objective to deactivate when captured by Allies.
  
• Changed Stuart to unlock when Manor is captured.
  
• Added delay to initial Tiger spawn.
  

• Fixed incorrect rifle on Volkssturm AT loadouts.
  

• Increased Allied and Axis tickets slightly.
  
• Reduced all objective capture speeds.
  
• Changed all objectives to have minimum player requirements to capture.
  
• Reworked some objective capture areas such as Western Roadblock.
  

• Rework of previous Jurques Day Two version with improved performance, new lighting and objectives.
  

• Added a limited number of logistic trucks back onto the map.
  
• Added constructions limits.
  
• Removed tank traps which locked German tanks into one street for the Ministry and Bridge objective.
  
• Moved Axis supply cache so it is not as vulnerable.
  
• Moved Flemingstrasse Axis Objective spawn back so it was out of arty range.
  
• Removed howitzers for both teams.
  
• Fixed bug which made Germans unable to capture Offices objective.
  

• Added some additional cover and detail near Soviet main spawn.
  
• Added a new building interior in the village.
  
• Added missing Combat Engineer role for Germans.
  
• Added PTRD and RPG grenade to the Russian AT role.
  
• Removed StuH 42, Pz III and earliest model of T-34 to simplify loadout.
  
• Increased Tiger respawn time and decreased availability.
  
• Reduced number of active tanks for the Germans from 5 to 3 and Russians from 4 to 2.
  
• Reduced German MG roles from 3 to 2.
  

• Added additional cover along the road and in the fields around the MG Position and Barn objectives.
  
• Increased map time limit from 40 to 45 minutes.
  
• Reduced Axis respawn time modifier on the last two objectives from 50 to 30 seconds.
  
• Fixed a bug where some Axis spawns were facing the wrong direction.
  
• Fixed a bug were certain objectives could stay enabled when not intended.
  

• Added Osttruppe rifleman role.
  
• Added construction limits.
  
• Added minimum player requirements to capture objectives.
  
• Fixed an issue where Axis could build AT guns behind artillery and minefield protection volumes.
  
• Reduced respawn timer of Marder III to 180 seconds from 400 seconds.
  
• Changed Pz IV Ausf. H to StuG III Ausf. G (352nd ID was equipped only with StuGs, Marders and Flakpanzers in reality).
  

• Added German sniper role with G43 ZF4.
  

• Added slight team balance skew in ratio of Attackers.
  
• Reduced player capture requirements for all objectives.
  

• Increased Axis ticket modifier slightly.
  
• Reworked final Axis spawn minefield to offer better protection.
  
• Fixed some collision issues with some window statics.
  

• Set the default resolution for new installs to 1600x900 instead of 1024x768.
  
• Squads can now be locked with a minimum of 2 members instead of 3.
  

Were back again at long last with a new batch of weapons for you to get your mitts on!

The team has been hard at work putting together the upcoming Italian update for the last several months. We are still aiming for a late 2023 release date, though realistically we may have to delay the release somewhat to make sure the release is as stable and polished as we would like.

A reminder also that our Patreon supporters get exclusive access to development progress reports (screenshots) and exclusive access to (upcoming) Italian update beta tests. Your donations through Patreon keep the game servers and our development infrastructure running. If you can afford to, please consider becoming a patron!

Without further preamble, here are the change log notes:

New Weapons

[h2]Karabiner 98k (ZF41) and Marksman role[/h2]



The Germans have been given a new Marksman role which has access to the new Karabiner 98k (ZF41). Depending on the time frame and units involved, this role has replaced the Sniper role on some maps.

The ZF41 is a 1.5x scope developed to provide German squads with a designated marksman optic after lessons learned in the Battle of France. However, following Operation Barbarossa, the Wehrmacht found they had a severe lack of dedicated sniper scopes and pressed the much more plentiful ZF41s into the role. Not designed for such use, it was viewed generally unfavorably by trained snipers given its low magnification and poor field of view. Love it or hate it, Snipers and Marksmen will now be able to adorn their K98ks with this sight on many maps.

[h2]Gewehr 98 variants[/h2]



This update adds the German service rifle from WWI and a couple of its variants into the arsenal:

• Gewehr 98
  
• Vz. 24
  
• FN Model M1924

• The Fallschirmjger 42 has had its first person animations completely remade, bringing the feel of the weapon more in line with our more recent overhauled weapons.

• The British vehicle voice lines have had a radio effect added to them to bring them in line with the other faction's vehicle voice lines.
  
• The M45 Quadmount now has a dramatically longer reload time to properly reflect the loading of 4 seperate ammo boxes.
  
• Vehicle gunners will now automatically alert the crew (via vehicle voice commands) that the gun is loaded after reloading a main cannon. This behavior can be changed in the settings menu.
  
• There is now a new "Use Native Item Names" option in the settings which uses the native weapon names used by the nation of origin.

• Fix for bug where cancelling artillery strikes were being refunded when they shouldn't have been
  
• Fixed an inconsistency in the spotting menu where the number & location of the options would change depending on what the level's game mode was.

• Reduced German tank spawn times across the board.
  
• Changed Panzer IV tank models from Late to Early type, to more accurately depict the historical setting.
  
• Increased Axis and Allied tickets significantly.

• Fixed collision issues with certain trees/bushes in the mid-section of the map.

• Changed map name from the generic "Road to Leningrad" to "Iskra" (Spark) after the offensive it was based on.
  
• Changed tanks from 1944 models to more accurate early 1943 models.
  
• Changed objective layout to better suit the Advance game mode (previously it functioned more as a Clash map).
  
• Changed attacking team to Soviets.
  
• Added more detail around the map.
  
• Added a new final objective.
  
• Fixed areas where you could fall through the terrain.
  
• Fixed a bug where teams could run out of tickets before the time limit and no longer be able to spawn.

• Increased German tickets slightly.
  
• Increased objective lockdown timers significantly when captured by attackers.
  
• Removed objective lockdown timers when recaptured by defenders.
  
• Reduced objective unlock timers by 20 seconds.
  
• Fixed pop-in for some objects such as trench supports.

• Reworked tank unlock progression. Allies start with SU-76M immediately and receive T-34-85 after a 3 minute delay. Germans start with Sd.Kfz. 251/22 immediately and unlock Tiger after a 3 minute delay.
  
• Changed SU-76M to use new LWP skin.
  
• Changed advancing spawn protection minefields to offer defenders additional time to retreat if they are inside of the area when the minefield activates.
  
• Fixed incorrect US ammo box texture on resupply boxes inside of the Flakturm.

• Increased German tickets slightly.
  
• Increased lockdown timers of final objectives to 5 minutes.
  
• Removed rally point restrictions from trenches around the final objectives.

• Changed the first objective to disable upon capture.
  
• Added lockdown timers to all objectives upon capture.
  
• Fixed infamous floating fire emitter.
  
• Fixed blue static stove inside the old manor building.

• Reduced all objective capture speeds.
  
• Reduced Axis respawn timer from 20 seconds to 15 seconds.
  
• Fixed map boundaries preventing you from using flanks that were otherwise intended to be open.
  
• Fixed Axis initial spawns not spawning players in the correct position.

• Added Artillery Officer and Gunner roles to Axis.
  
• Limited WSS Rifleman roles to 8 (Artillery Gunner roles replace them as unlimited).
  
• Changed Allies to have +2% team ratio.
  
• Increased Axis respawn timer to 20 seconds from 15.
  
• Increased Allied Combat Engineer roles from 3 to 4.
  
• Removed requirement that objectives be cleared before capture.
  
• Fixed a bug where Higgins boats could spawn inside of eachother and launch into orbit.
  
• Fixed floating rocks on the beach.

• Changed minefield boundaries to be more forgiving to both teams.
  
• Rebalanced Danger Zone influences of all objectives.

• Removed Soviet airstrip minefield, as it was much too close to the final objective and could block Germans from properly defending the final objective.
  
• Increased kill time of all minefields from 15 seconds to 20 to give vehicles a little more chance to back out.

• Increased max active Universal Carriers to 2 for Soviets.
  
• Added limited M3A1 Halftrack spawns to Soviets.

Hello again! We are back with another patch that adds a number of quality of life changes and fixes a long-standing bug around machine-gun deployment! As usual, many map tweaks and fixes as well!

Quality of Life

• Players will now resupply & reload players that are shouldering AT weapons with a single keypress.
  
• A message will be displayed to the team when a vehicle pool has been activated or destroyed.
  
• When using a shovel, players can now simply hold down the fire button to continue digging.
  

• Fixed a long-standing bug where weapons could sometimes fire blanks after deploying due to a client-server desync.
  

• Reworked objective territory influences.
  
• The final objective can now be recaptured by the Axis.
  

• The Allies can now spawn from 2 approaches.
  
• Fixed a bug where Benouville and Corner House objective volumes were too large.
  
• Added new Axis initial spawn with a maximum of 12 spawns.
  
• Reworked objective territory influences.
  
• Reworked Bridge objective area.
  
• Increased tickets for both teams to account for additional fighting.
  

• Enabled Allies a limited construction of 57mm AT guns (historically delivered by gliders)
  
• Allied supply caches now have a lower limit.
  
• Added an Allied supply cache to the end of the Causeway objective.
  

• Fixed an issue where invisible geometry would block howitzer shells in some areas of the map.
  
• Slightly increased Allied tickets.
  

• Reworked objective territory influences.
  
• Slightly reduced the size of some objective capture areas.
  

• The Soviet main spawn now has territory influence.
  

• Fixed a bug where minefields on the south east side of the map would kill the player too quickly.
  

• Leveler-placed spawn points can now have a limited number of players spawn on them (`MaxSpawns`)
  

Gameplay

[h2]Grenades[/h2]

• The amount of grenades that players spawn with has been increased from 1 to 2.
  

• The radius of resupply points attached to vehicles (i.e., logistics trucks) has been increased by ~1 meter.
  
• Satchels that explode on the tops of tanks and within range of the engine will no longer 100% start a fire in the engine. The likelihood of an engine fire is now determined by how close the explosion is to the engine.
  
• The likelihood of an engine fire spreading to the hull has been dramatically reduced.
  

• Reduced the reload time of all infantry howitzers from 12 seconds to 6 seconds.
  
• Reduced the resupply interval of all howitzers from 25 seconds to 12 seconds.
  

• Added 2 Combat Engineer roles for Soviets.
  
• Reduced max tanks for both teams, Soviets now have 2 tanks active at once, Germans have 3.
  
• Made BT7, Panzer III and Panzer IV Ausf. F1 spawns unlimited.
  
• Reduced max active logi trucks for both teams from 3 to 2.
  
• Implemented gun limit of 6 for Soviet light AT guns.
  

• Fixed issue where Axis would bleed tickets while still controlling objectives.
  
• Improved spawn protection minefield around Axis main spawn.
  
• Added additional cover to Axis main spawn.
  
• Disabled Karma collision on all wooden fences.
  

• Added new Northwestern and Eastern Road objectives, replacing the old Stable objective.
  
• Added new spawn protection minefields for both teams.
  
• Added some additional light cover around the Church objective.
  
• Added artillery triggers to static radios on the map.
  
• Added additional logistics truck spawn for Axis.
  
• Reduced Axis main spawn cache limit from 8000 to 6000.
  
• Reworked Axis main spawn protection minefield.
  
• Reworked Danger Zone influences of all objectives.
  
• Reduced artillery strikes available to both teams significantly.
  
• Removed US Automatic Rifleman roles and instead increased Machine Gunners to 2.
  
• Fixed an off-grid BSP building that caused an invisible wall near the stables.
  

This update brings a number of quality of life changes to the squad system that have been requested by the community (and devs!) for a while. We've also snuck in some map fixes and some tweaks to the vehicles.

Squad System

• The squad panels in the UI are now colored differently depending on whether or not you are a part of the squad.
  
• While in a squad, you can now join another squad directly without needing to explicitly leave your existing squad, preserving any squad-only role you might have.
  
• Squad Assistants are no longer immediately promoted to be squad leader after the squad leader leaves.
  
• Squad Leader promotions are now prompts that must be accepted by the player being promoted (this stops malicious or careless squad leaders from bumping players off of their roles).
  
• A "no rally points" icon (i.e. mark of shame) is now displayed on the squad menu next to the names of squads who have not had a rally point for 60 seconds. This should help unassigned players choose an appropriate squad to join.
  

• Added new initial Axis main spawn.
  
• Streamlined design of final Axis main spawn to make it easier to navigate.
  
• Fixed a number of anomalous invisible walls.
  
• All objectives now require 2 or 3 players to capture.
  
• Reworked Bridge Defences capture area to include the nearby house (this should make the objective more defensible).
  
• Reduced Allied artillery strikes from 12 to 8.
  
• Increased Axis artillery cooldown from 15 seconds to 1 minute.
  

• Increased lockdown timers on all objectives.
  
• Slightly decreased the capture speed of all objectives.
  

• Fixed a bug where capture notifications wouldn't play when objectives were secured.
  
• Scaled back German anti-precap minefields across the board (they are still present but less oppressive than before).
  

• Removed "fake" supply cache props.
  
• Replaced weapon props with real weapon pick-ups.
  

• The M93 (76mm HVAP) projectile (found on the M18 Hellcat, M4A176W Sherman and M10 Wolverine) has had it's penetration capabilities increased to match contemporary penetration tables.
  
• APCs are now vulnerable to catching fire.
  
• APCs now have fuel tank hit points.
  
• Reworked Universal Carrier damage model to be consistent with other APCs (i.e., invulnerable to small arms, reduced resistance to penetrating shots)
  
• Added "tank steering" to the Sd.Kfz. 251, allowing the vehicle to make tight turns while nearly stationary.
  
• Added hit point for turret ammunition on the M16 Halftrack.
  
• Increased the likelihood of the ammunition detonating on the Sd.Kfz. 251/22 (Pakwagen) & Sd.Kfz 251/9 (Stummel) when hit with a penetrating shot.
  
• The Sd.Kfz. 234/1 now gets 2 magazines of APCR rounds. These rounds have a much higher penetration than the AP.
  
• Increased the damage and damage radius of the 20mm high-explosive round (found on the Sd.Kfz. 234/1, Wirbelwind etc.)
  

As you have probably heard, Sicily will be coming to Darkest Hour in 2023!

This means a brand new Italian faction , new maps , weapons , vehicles and more!

We have put together a little teaser to get everyone HYPE! This will be the largest update to DH in years, and our team is hard at work to bring everything together. We look forward to hitting the shores of Sicily with you later this year!

[previewyoutube=RoUKiump-dQ;full][/previewyoutube]

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

P.S. If you want to keep up to date on the team's progress, over on Patreon we are giving our patrons regular updates and exclusive content like Italy playtest highlight reels and more!

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an oversight where German machine-gunners would not have gloves on in first person.
  
• Fixed a visual bug where a floating bullet could be seen after picking up a DP-27 off the ground.
  
• Fixed an exploit where artillery could be spotted beyond the fog distance and on the ceiling of the world.
  

• Canceling a long-range artillery strike that hasn't yet started will no longer consume the strike (i.e., the strike is refunded and can be used at a later time).
  
• Increased the number of projectiles in canister shots from 20 to 50.
  
• Made standing recoil while hipfiring the MG42 and M1919A6 more consistent.
  

• Increased most objective lock timers from 5 to 10 minutes.
  
• Added more minefield protection volumes.
  

• Fixed doors on a few buildings preventing players from entering.
  
• Fixed bugged lighting on windmill mover.
  
• Fixed missing staircase in Honopel objective building.
  
• Fixed floating tree statics in the forest between Honopel and Refuel Area.
  
• Fixed bug with the fog ring causing some objects to pop rather than fade in and out of view.
  
• Removed M45 Quadmount construction from Allies.
  
• Reduced view distance by about 75 meters to improve performance.
  
• Reduced culling distance on static trees by about 40 meters to improve performance.
  
• Removed ineffective anti-portals from the level to improve performance.
  
• Added or optimized existing BSP netcuts to improve network performance.
  

• Improved capture volume for AT Gun Position objective and reduced player requirement from 5 to 3.
  
• Increased respawn timer for US M4A375W Sherman tank from 60 to 90 seconds.
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a long-standing RO bug where the player's eye-height could de-sync after rapidly transitioning from standing to crouching and then to prone.
  
• Fixed a bug where the max vehicle counter would not be dynamically updated, resulting in strange behavior on the vehicle selection UI.
  
• Fixed a bug where Vehicle Pools would not be automatically destroyed if a recently spawned vehicle was spawn-killed.
  
• Fixed a bug where the `GiveCamera` command was available to all players, even in multi-player.
  

• The reload duration of Soviet DP-27 coaxial and hull machine-gun has been slightly reduced.
  

• Armored Debrecen Clash
  
• Armored Hunter's Woods Clash
  
• Armored Kommerscheidt Clash
  
• Armored Mannikkala Clash
  
• Armored Orel Clash
  
• Armored Panzerschlact Clash
  
• Armored Studzianki Clash
  
• Armored Tank Clash At Bastogne Advance
  
• Ginkel Health Push
  
• Jurques Clash
  
• Kriegstadt Push
  
• Merderet Advance
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a long-standing RO bug where the player's eye-height could de-sync after rapidly transitioning from standing to crouching and then to prone.
  
• Fixed a bug where the max vehicle counter would not be dynamically updated, resulting in strange behavior on the vehicle selection UI.
  
• Fixed a bug where Vehicle Pools would not be automatically destroyed if a recently spawned vehicle was spawn-killed.
  
• Fixed a bug where the `GiveCamera` command was available to all players, even in multi-player.
  

• The duration of Soviet DP-27 coaxial and hull machine-guns has been slightly reduced.
  

• Armored Debrecen Clash
  
• Armored Hunter's Woods Clash
  
• Armored Kommerscheidt Clash
  
• Armored Mannikkala Clash
  
• Armored Orel Clash
  
• Armored Panzerschlact Clash
  
• Armored Studzianki Clash
  
• Armored Tank Clash At Bastogne Advance
  
• Ginkel Health Push
  
• Jurques Clash
  
• Kriegstadt Push
  
• Merderet Advance
  

At long last, the M1919A6 Browning Machine Gun has been completely overhauled!

This means new model, first-person and third-person animations!



M1919A6 Browning Machine-Gun

• Overhauled first and third-person model, texture, animations and reload sounds.
  
• The M1919A6 can now be hip-fired after being readied (similar to the MG-42).
  
• Recoil pattern has been brought closer in line with other similar machine guns (the net effect is more recoil, but a wider and arguably more desirable beaten zone)
  
• The weapon has now been renamed to the M1919A6 Browning Machine-Gun (previous version was an ahistoric frankenstein's monster that didn't actually exist).
  

Happy New Years!

We are excited to be back, and we're coming in hot! This update brings a large number of balance tweaks to a number of levels, as well as plenty of long awaited bug fixes and gameplay adjustments.

Of note, Ten Aard has been converted to Advance and has had many parts of the level detailed with new defensive positions.



In addition, Rederitz has been extended, adding a new town beyond the final bridge to fight for!



We are planning some very big things for 2023, including the addition of the Italian faction. We can't wait to get it in your hands!

Maps

[h2]Butovo Advance[/h2]

• Fixed incorrect Waffen SS roles on the map, now uses Waffen Heer.
  
• Increased Axis tickets (map is currently ending in about 50 minutes on a full server, should be closer to 60 minutes for a battle of this scale).
  
• Added some additional cover around the North Woods objective approach.
  
• Vehicles can now drive through all wooden fences.
  
• Reduced respawn timer for Sd.Kfz. 251 from 120 to 90 seconds.
  

• Main supply cache maximum reduced from 8000 to 4000 for both teams.
  
• Resupply rate for both teams brought down from 500 to 250.
  
• Added an extra Pak 38 so that both "lanes" can be covered.
  
• Added anti-tank construction limits.
  

• Renamed the map from Champs to Champs d'Agonie (the original name of the map!)
  
• Reworked the map to be part of the Normandy breakout around St. Lo, now features Panzer Lehr and US 3rd Armored Division.
  
• Fixed a number of potential game-breaking objective progression bugs.
  
• Increased US Radio Operator roles to 2 and added pre-placed radios for Axis.
  

• Added more cover for Allies at the first objective area, especially on the flanking fields and forest to the right (Allied perspective).
  
• Reworked the minefields to provide more spawn protection to the Allies at the start.
  
• Allowed the Allies to use their armor from the start, rather than be unlocked after capturing the first objective.
  
• Made the middle town objectives recapturable.
  

• Optimized the map through additional anti-portals, reduced static cull distances, BSP optimization and bringing in fog by about 100 meters.
  

• "Intersection" and "Road to Schmidt" objectives now deactivate when both are captured by the Axis, preventing situation where capturing them in the wrong order could cost the Axis team their objective spawn.
  

• Added anti-tank construction limits.
  

• Added new objective "Rederitz West", extending the map beyond the final bridge objective.
  

* Increased Allies tickets.
* Reduced King Tiger max spawns from 3 to 2.

* Fixed a bug where capturing the initial objective group in a certain order could break map progression.

* Converted the map to the Advance game mode.
* Reworked objectives, objective spawns and danger zone.
* Added anti-precap minefields to the map.
* Added several new locations and interiors.
* Added new trenches and defensive positions.
* Added pre-placed radios around the map.

• The MG42 hipfire recoil has been increased.
  
• Minor tweak to the M1 Garand's recoil animation to momentarily obstruct the peep sight, in line with other similar rifles.
  
• Self-loading rifles (e.g., Garand, SVT-40 etc.) will now be more difficult to control when firing rapidly.
  

• The Pakwagen (Sd.Kfz. 251/22) now requires a tank crewman to operate and can now be locked similar to other vehicles.
  

• Constructed grenade crates and Panzerfaust boxes are no longer locked to the opposing team.
  
• Players will now only have their weapons locked on team-kills unless they have had a previous team kill within the last 30 seconds.
  
• Anti-tank guns can now only be constructed on earthen terrain.
  
• * Disabled placement of all constructions within the danger zone to curb spawn camping, blocking entrances, and other unfair play involving logistics deep behind the lines.
  
• Ammunition crates are now visible to the enemy team when inside the enemy territory.
  

• Fixed a bug where the wrong error message would be shown while trying to dig while prone.
  
• Reduced the cooldown on fire support markers from 10 seconds to 3 seconds.
  
• Fixed a bug where squad assistants could not user the spotting menu from within vehicles.
  
• Fixed a bug where the Commonwealth Radios did not have Mills bombs in their loadouts.
  

Year by year, bird by bird, we're adding new chapters and goodies to our Halloween vault. This year is not an exception and Halloween is coming back in style with a new survival map and a fresh supply of apocalyptic weapons.

Make sure to hop in the game this week to not miss it!


Flugplatz Survival

This is the latest (but not the final) chapter in our survival story, which continues from where we left it last year at Haunted Pariserplatz.

After successfully escaping Berlin, our survivors arrive at an airfield in hopes to catch their last ride out of the desolate hellscape.

The map will lead our heroes through zombie-infested forests, pools of green radioactive sludge, and treacherous ruins of the abandoned airfield. The escape is coming, but they'll have to work hard as a team to earn it.



For those who missed the last year's event: Survival is the unique game mode only available on Halloween, where one team tries to escape the apocalypse, while another wants to have them for dinner.


Clubs and Maces

A fine assortment of implements for bashing and smashing has arrived, and now available to the Army of the Dead. Groovy!




Gert Potsdam II

Mad Reich scientists didn't just spend all their time figuring out how to populate the world with zombies, they also made a perfect weapon to dispatch them. Turns out, if you combine German ingenuity, British thriftiness, and a PhD in advanced physics, you can make bigger holes in things. And that's precisely what everyone needs.




Halloween Maps

All haunted maps are back in roster this week:

• Haunted Pariserpatz Survival
  
• Haunted Hattert Advance
  
• Haunted Fury Advance

New Weapons
[h2]Nagant M1895 (BraMit)[/h2]
This is a silenced revolver (yes, you read that correctly) used by Soviet scout and reconaissance troops.

[h2]Mosin M91/30 (PE)[/h2]
This is the well-known Mosin M91/30, but with a PE scope, providing more magnification.

Weapon Changes

• The Enfield No.4 Mk.I (T) (No.32) has had it's scope zeroed to fire at the center middle post at 100m.
  
• Sped up some transition animations for the MG34 and DP27.
  
• Adjusted firing sounds for the Bren & Fallschirmjgergewehr 42.
  
• Increased Bazooka M9A1 penetration from 102mm to 126mm.
  

• Fixed a bug where the Bren carrier was still using the old Bren model.
  
• Fixed a bug where the Bren carrier's third person firing sound was always the distant variant.
  
• Fixed a bug where the ZB-30 was using the Bren's interface icon.
  
• Fixed a bug where it was possible to cancel the ironsight animation on AT weapons by switching the firing range.
  
• Fixed a bug where an explicitly given shovel item would appear as wirecutters in the deploy menu.
  

• Removed the server-side behavior that would increase respawn times if the server was performing poorly.
  
• Increased respawn penalty timer for Allied automatic rifleman roles from 5 seconds to 14 seconds (now in line with German counterpart).
  

Its finally here!

This update brings the long-awaited anti-tank weapon overhaul, the addition of new weapons, and a large number of gameplay tweaks.

It has been a long hard road to get this update out, as weve had to develop new skills, tools and processes on top of creating all of the new assets.

This release brings us ever closer to our long-standing quest of completely overhauling all of the infantry weapons to a higher standard.

Overhauled Weapons
The following weapons have had their models, textures and animations completely overhauled. Not only the first-person models have been updated, but the third-person animations for these weapons have also been completely redone! We now have a skilled third-person weapon animator, so look forward to more upgrades to the third person animations in the future.

[h2]M1A1 Bazooka[/h2]

• Model, textures and animations have been completely remade.
  
• Reload duration has been reduced from 17 seconds to 8.3 seconds.
  
• Melee has been removed.
  
• Sights have been properly re-calibrated.
  

• Model, textures and animations have been completely remade.
  
• Reload duration has been reduced from 11 second to 9 seconds.
  
• Increased weapon sway.
  
• Reduced projectile spread considerably.
  
• Melee has been removed.
  
• Added 2 new skin variants (dunkelgelb and snow)
  

• Model, textures and animations have been completely remade.
  
• Can now be deployed on its monopod similar to machine-guns.
  
• Must be deployed in order to reload.
  
• Reload speed has been reduced from 12 seconds to 5 seconds.
  
• Melee has been removed.
  

• Model, textures, animations and sounds have been completely remade.
  
• Melee has been removed.
  

• Many weapons have had their rate of fire adjusted to better match their real life counterparts. In general, you may notice many sub-machine guns now fire very slightly slower.
  
• The MG42 can now be fired from the hip after being readied.
  
• The MG34 can now be fired from the hip without needing to be readied.
  
• The DP-27 can now be fired from the hip without needing to be readied.
  
• The DP-27 magazine now visibly spins as the magazine is emptied, allowing for the user to see roughly how much ammo is left a glance.
  
• Rocket weapons now use the SwitchFireMode (default X) command instead of the Deploy (default N) command to change the firing range. This change was made to accommodate the fact the PIAT can now be deployed.
  
• Added a new contextual hint that tells the player how to switch firing ranges on weapons that support it.
  
• Slightly lowered the horizontal recoil of the Fallschirmjgergewehr 42.
  
• Slightly lowered the fire rate of the Maschinenpistole 38/40/41.
  
• Added a recoil curve to the M1 Garand, so rapid successive shots will increase the recoil per shot.
  
• The Fallschirmjaegergewehr 42 can no longer be resupplied by friendlies. (This change is made because unlike the BAR and Bren, German squad doctrine did not require each member of the squad to carry ammunition for the weapon).
  
• All sniper rifles have had their sights zeroed for 100m. This should alleviate the feeling that sniper rifles consistently shoot too low.
  
• Many weapons have had their names changed to be more specific (e.g., sniper rifles will now display the name of the scope type being used).
  

• The mechanic where ammunition supplies would decrease as the round progressed has been removed.
  
• Squad leaders can now use their shovels so long as a squadmate is within 50 meters of them (increased from 25 meters)
  

Fixed a bug where players who were in vehicles or on anti-tank guns wouldnt be counted as a nearby squadmate for squad leaders trying to use their shovels to build.

• The APDS accuracy has been dramatically improved, in line with real-world data.
  

• The map voting system has been changed so that each player gets 1 vote, instead of voting power being a function of the players score. Legacy patrons are still granted extra voting power based on patronage tier, though the patron system will be phased out and replaced later this year.
  

• Fixed issue with the Panther entering an unspawnable state after Axis captured Pena River.
  
• Reworked final objective to be easier for Axis to capture.
  
• Reduced Axis ticket gain from capturing Pena River and North Woods objectives.
  

• Fixed an issue that prevented Allied mortar operators from deploying around the starting area.
  

• Fixed an issue where teams would be unable to mark targets for artillery thoughout most of the map.
  
• Fixed an exploit that could allow users to get outside of the map bounds.
  
• Increased Allied tickets slightly.
  
• Replaced flag statics on the map with new models from Matty.
  

• Added missing Radio Operator role to Axis team.
  
• Replaced anachronistic Wirblewind with Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (20mm Armored Car).
  

• Fixed missing weapons for US Radio Operators.
  

• Added territory nodes to both main spawns to allow for infantry to spawn in vehicles near the main spawn.
  
• Replaced Greyhound with Stuart and Easy 8 Sherman with M4A3 76W.
  
• Reduced intensity of artillery for both teams.
  

• Expanded protection minefield for allied spawns to prevent spawn killing.
  
• Increased tickets for both teams significantly.
  
• Fixed a bug where many materials had incorrect impact effects.
  
• Fixed an issue where certain doors could not be destroyed with satchels.
  

• Updated lighting, terrain and objects on the map.
  
• Increased objective capture speed and reduced players needed from 8 to 6.
  
• Replaced G41 with SVT38 for Axis roles.
  
• Moved M34 grenades from Rifleman to Combat Engineer roles.
  
• Reduced amount of Axis SMGs available.
  

• Swapped teams so that Axis are now attacking.
  
• Reworked objectives with new volumes and requirements to be more similar to Wanne.
  
• Added M18 Hellcats replacing previous US M10 Tank Destroyers.
  
• Added StuG 3 Ausf.G Assault Guns and Sd.Kfz. 251 Halftracks to Axis.
  
• Added objective spawns for both teams.
  
• Added additional spawn protection minefields for both teams.
  
• Added Radio Operators for both sides.
  
• Increased fog distance slightly to give better visibility on the map.
  

• Removed large watchtowers from the map.
  
• Removed bunker blast door at airstrip.
  
• Fixed issue where players could respawn instantly in some cases.
  
• Removed grenades from Soviet Carbine Rifleman role and reduced role availability to 3.
  
• Added additional objects and changed terrain to provide more cover in certain areas.
  
• Replaced MP40 with MP41 for Axis Squad Leader role.
  
• Reduced time needed to capture objectives.
  

• Implemented new Volkssturm Machinegunner role with ZB30.
  

• Added missing Radio Operator role to Axis team.
  

• Removed objectives neutralisation requirement, but halved capture rate (objectives will take the same amount of time to capture, but double neutral situations will be impossible).
  
• Increased objective lock down timers from 4 to 8 minutes.
  

• Reworked danger zone to reduce situations where team lines would be too close to an active objective.
  

• Cambes en Plaine Clash (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Fury Clash (superseded by Advance version)
  
• German Village Defence (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Godolloi Push (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Hedgerow Hell Clash (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Jurques Day Two Advance (generally considered to be a worse version of the original)
  
• Noville Push (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Pariserplatz Push (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Reichswald Push (superseded by Advance version)
  
• Winter Stalemate Advance (the Clash version plays better)
  

Attention!

After listening to feedback from the community, we have decided to reinstate the squad leaders' shovel privileges that were revoked in a previous update. Squad leaders are now given a shovel just like everyone else. However, as a squad leader, you will not be able to use your shovel for building unless you have at least one squadmate near you.

As for what's on the horizon: the team is getting ready to finally launch the much anticipated (and very late!) update that will see a number of major overhauls to the visuals of many weapons, particularly the anti-tank launchers such as the PIAT, Panzerschreck and Bazooka. The next time you hear from us, it will be with something big!

The full details of this update's changes can be seen below.

Squad System

• Squad leaders are now issued shovels again, reverting a change made in v10.6.0.
  
• Squad leaders can only use their shovel for building if a squad member is within 25 meters.
  
• Unbuilt constructions will be automatically torn down and have their construction points .refunded to the nearest cache if placed by a squad leader that loses their squad leader status. This is an explot mitigation measure.
  
• Squad leaders can no longer be automatic riflemen (e.g., BAR, Bren gunners).

• Added tunnel between Personnel Bunker and Hangar.

• Fixed a bug where the KV-1 was not able to be spawned.
  
• Replaced with Panzer III Ausf.L with the Panzer III Ausf.J.
  
• Removed the requirement to "clear" objectives and lowered the capture speed.

• Slightly increased Allied tickets.

• Increased anti-air gun limit timer to 30 minutes.

• Removed grenades for all roles
  
• Added an objective to the center of the map (the team that holds this at the end of the round will win)
  
• Reduced time limit from 20 minutes to 15 minutes

• Slightly increased Allied tickets.
  
• Increased Axis lockdown timers on all objectives from 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

• Restored Sturmgewehr 44s to German Assault Trooper roles.
  
• The King Tiger will now unlock after the Germans capture the Woods objective.

• Added new overview.
  
• Fixed a bug where objectives could break if certain objectives were recaptured.

• Fixed a bug where active objectives could be inside an active minefield.
  
• US roles now are using the autumn variants.

• The map has been converted from Defense game mode to Advance game mode.

• Barbed wire fences are now destroyable with satchels.
  
• Increased the number of Combat Engineer and Anti-Tank roles for the US.
  
• Increased number of US avaialable artillery strikes.
  
• Increased the kill timer on minefields from 2 seconds to 10 seconds.
  
• The Higgins boats now spawn further away from a minefield.
  
• Fixed various terrain and collision bugs.

• Added an interface option for changing the Mute Menu keybind (default F3).
  
• Chambois has had its Map Size changed from Medium to Small.

Hello again! We're back with another update, and this one is high-impact!
Squad Leader Changes
We are making some long-requested changes to the squad system. These changes are intended to discourage "lone wolf" squad leader behavior that leaves the squad leader either absent from the front-lines or distracted trying to fulfill a job tied to their chosen role.

• The squad leader no longer gets a shovel to build (the squad leader can still place constructions for squad members to build)
  
• Squad leaders can no longer occupy the following roles on Advance & Clash game modes:
  
  
  
  • Mortar Operator
    
  • Radio Operator
    
  • Anti-Tank Soldier
    
  • Sniper
    
  • Machine-Gunner
    

• Command text chat channel is now unavailable for squad leaders without subordinates
  
• You must have at least 3 squad members in order to call for off-map artillery
  
• All vehicles can be used as team-wide infantry spawn points so long as the vehicle is behind your team's safe zone
  
• If a vehicle is not in the safe zone, it can still be used as a spawn point for the first 20 seconds after it spawns
  
• "Permanent" spawn vehicles can no longer be spawned on if they are behind the enemy's safe zone
  
• Players killed within 7 seconds after spawning on vehicles will disable spawning on the vehicle for 30 seconds (note that the Higgins boats are excluded from this rule)
  

• Enemy map markers will now fade away slowly over time, making it easier to see which marks are most recent
  

• Added a new summer camouflage pattern for the M4A1 Sherman 76(W)
  

• Error messages are now displayed when the player tries to join a voice channel they do not have permission to access
  

• Fixed a bug where players could be left in the command voice channel after dropping the role of squad leader
  
• Fixed a bug where some radios would not be visible on the map
  
• Fixed a bug where squads would sometimes be unable to create rally points after the round was reset
  

• Fixed a bug where progression could be deadlocked after the Axis recaptured the first objective
  
• Replaced early version of Cromwell with late version
  

• Brightened the map slightly
  
• Replaced all 2D trees with 3D ones
  
• Balanced tank loadouts by giving Allies more Fireflies and Achilles
  
• Added mipmaps to all textures previously missing them
  
• Added a number of radio around the map
  

• Fixed a bug where the Axis would lose their vehicle objective spawns after capturing a certain objective
  
• Reduced all Soviet KV type spawns by 1
  

• Disabled Flak 88 construction
  
• Tightened gun limit restrictions for Axis
  
• Reduced the capacity of the Axis main base supply cache from 8000 to 4000
  

• Fixed a bug where the Allied main cache was absent
  
• Fixed a bug where the ladder at Courimette Farm would not work
  
• The M16 Halftrack no longer counts against the team's vehicle limit
  

• Fixed a bug where the bridge objective could become disabled and deadlock progression
  

• Added missing Corporal and Sergeant roles for the Allies
  
• Added Radio Operators for both teams
  
• Gave the allies a Cromwell 95mm for bunker-busting
  
• Fixed incorrect weapon loadouts
  

• Objectives captured by the Axis will be locked down for 270 seconds
  
• Objectives recaptured by the Allies will be locked down for 30 seconds
  

• Expanded the final objective volume to include the village area
  
• Added a Soviet supply cache near the final objective
  

Quality of Life
A new system has been added that will invalidate the player's spawn point selection upon death if a more desirable spawn point becomes available.

The list of spawn point desirability is listed below, in descending order of desirability:

• Paradrop
  
• Squad Rally Point
  
• Platoon HQ
  
• Objective Spawn
  
• Progression Spawn (Push-style spawn points)
  
• Main Spawn
  

• Fox Green Defence now has correct information on the map voting screen
  
• Fixed a bug where guns constructed by the enemy team could count against your own team's gun limit
  

v10.5.3 has been released!

This update brings a number of bug fixes and numerous level tweaks and updates. Below are a list of all the changes.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a bug where vehicle respawn times could grow out of control after the maximum number of active vehicles was increased during the round (this caused the bug on Cambes en Plaine where Shermans could not be spawned after capturing the first objective)
  
• Fixed a bug where players that dropped the squad leader would be kicked from leadership roles on maps where those roles were not restricted
  
• Fixed a bug where it was impossible to kill drivers of the following vehicles with small arms:
  
  
  
  • Sd.Kfz 251 (and all variants)
    
  • T60
    
  • KV-1E
    
  • SU76-M
    
  • BA-64
    
  • BT-7
    

• Level designers can now set a custom limit to the amount of supply points at main caches.
  

• Reduced max supply count of the Axis main cache from 8000 to 4000
  
• Prevented Axis main spawn from changing after a certain objective was captured
  

• Fixed terrain issues
  

• Increase Achilles spawns by 1
  
• Reduced Jagdpanther spawns from 6 to 4
  
• Increased Baron-sur-Odon lockdown time from 5 to 15 minutes
  
• Changed all trees to lower-poly versions
  
• Changed German roles from Panzerlehr to Waffen SS
  
• Added more cover and detail at Road to Baron-sur-Odon
  
• Various graphical bug fixes
  

• Added new overview
  

• The number of tickets for both teams now scales with the player count
  

• Removed German main supply cache
  
• Prevented construction of vehicle ammo
  
• Reduced IS-2 spawns from 6 to 4
  
• Reduced Pakwagen spawns from 3 to 2
  
• Reduced Soviet artillery strikes from 4 to 2
  
• Reduced Open Blitz (Logistics) spawns from 3 to 2
  

• Added progressive minefields for both teams
  

• The number of tickets for both teams now scales with the player count
  

• The round will now end after 75 minutes has elapsed
  

• Added wire obstacle fences to last objective
  
• Added foxholes and moved cover between Trenches and Road Approach objectives
  

Hello again!

This update brings a new Advance version of the popular map Cambes en Plaine! In future updates, we plan on converting more Clash maps to Advance as we feel the maps tend to flow better and have a better sense of progression. The Clash versions will still be available while we see what players prefer.

This update also has some loadout changes and a huge list of map changes and fixes, all of which can be seen below.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a bug where the paratrooper radio call-in would not work.
  

• The M1897 shotgun now has tigher spread and does slightly more damage.
  

• The M3 Greasegun and Springfield are no longer available by default for US Radio Operators and Tank Hunters.
  
• The M1 Garand is now available by default for US Combat Engineers.
  
• Replaced the Thompson 20rd. with the M3 Greasegun for US Corporals.
  
• Soviet Tank Hunters no longer have access to the explosive satchel on every map.
  
• Adjusted availability of default Mosin Nagant variants on many Soviet roles.
  
• Soviet Assault Troopers now have access to the PPD-40 on most maps.
  
• German Radio Operators now have grenades.
  
• German Combat Engineers no longer have access to the Gebalte Ladung on every map.
  
• German Tank Hunters no longer have access to the Gebalte Ladung on every map.
  

• New Advance version is now available.
  

• Added advancing minefields for both teams.
  
• Fixed Causeway objective spawn locations.
  
• Decreased Axis Machine-gunner roles from 3 to 2.
  

• Adjusted lighting to be less off-putting.
  
• KV-1E now properly activates on objective capture.
  
• Reduced the players required to capture the first two objectives from 8 to 6.
  
• Decreased Axis Machine-gunner roles from 3 to 2.
  
• More obstacle constructions are now available.
  

• Fixed a bug where the map would always end in a draw if the time limit was reached.
  

• Changed game mode to Domination.
  

• Reduced artillery for both teams.
  
• Fixed objective bugs that were preventing Bridgehead and Church from closing.
  
• Fixed some holes that allowed players to get under the map.
  
• Added more cover for Guard's House objective.
  
• Added more tanks and tank slots to make the map suitable for the armoured server.
  
• Added sandbags around Church objective to give defenders more cover to hold objective.
  

• Baron-Sur-Odon is now recapturable.
  
• Re-balanced tank loadout.
  
• Edited objective layout and added a new objective.
  

• Fixed missing last objective.
  
• Added more cover around the map.
  
• Replaced incorrect winter hedges with summer ones.
  
• Removed objective spawns due to persistent spawn camping.
  
• Added more radio triggers.
  

• Changed game mode to Domination.
  

• Changed game mode to Domination.
  

• Added objectives spawns for Allies.
  
• The Allies now have 2 Churchill tanks.
  

• Added missing overview.
  
• Increased Allied artillery strikes from 2 to 4.
  

• Added missing overview.
  

• Changed objective flow in the final caps so that only 2 objectives are open at once instead of 3.
  

• Fixed a bug where the Allied victory song would be from a different faction.
  
• Fixed Axis main spawn issue that could cause tanks to spawn inside each other.
  
• Added SdKfz. 10/5 and SdKfz. 251 for the Axis.
  
• Reduced Tiger spawns to 2 but made 1 unlock just before Bridge objective.
  
• Removed duplicate Axis mortar role.
  

• Fixed a bug where the minefield timers were too short.
  

• Disabled construction of howitzers.
  

Hello, folks! We are back with another quality-of-life release that brings a number of much requested changes and a number of fixes to maps.

We are excited for the coming weeks, as we have a large amount of new content that is nearing completion. We can't wait for you to get your hands on it. Keep an eye out for it soon! In the meantime, here is the change log!

Gameplay

• Fixed an exploit where players that were previously squad leaders could maintain their restricted role after leaving a squad or making someone else the squad leader (players that lose their SL status will be switched to the first unlimited non-leader role, typically Rifleman)
  
• When reloading, the player will now prioritize loading the fullest magazine available
  
• Removed the requirement that a certain percentage of reinforcements be lost in order to initiate a vote to retreat
  
• Air-burst grenades will no longer do less damage than grenades that have landed on the ground
  
• Fixed the construction placement radius of the Flak 88 to match it's footprint
  
• Eliminated the disparity between the fire rates of the G41, G43 and M1 Garand (all weapons are now capable of firing 4.65 rounds/second)
  

• Removed the "Extra Large" map category, as the voting category was too restrictive
  

• Added Radio Operator roles to over a dozen of maps that were missing them
  

• Fixed a bug where objective progression could become deadlocked
  

• Increased capture time on all objectives
  
• Added Koenigstiger, Stummel, Sd.Kfz 10/5, Pakwagen, Hetzer and StuH 42 for the Axis
  
• Added Achilles for Allies
  
• Reduced the amount of Tigers from 2 to 1 and the number of Panthers from 6 to 3 for axis
  
• Reduced the amount of M3A1 Stuarts from 2 to 1
  
• Reduced the amount of Sherman Fireflies from 5 to 4
  
• Added some spawns to reduce travel times
  
• Fixed some floaters & terrain holes
  
• Increased brightness and fixed some lighting issues
  
• Added some new buildings and statics to Road to Caen, Haut, Railway Yard and South Farm
  
• Fixed a visual bug where binoculars would be displayed incorrectly
  
• Removed some low quality trenches
  
• Replaced a number of low quality trees with higher quality ones
  

• T34/76 and Panzer IV tanks are now unlimited
  
• The ISU-152 now unlocks earlier
  
• Added objective vehicle spawns
  

• Fixed a bug where objective progression could become deadlocked
  

• Added a construction restriction volume at the rear of the Flakturm
  

• Fixed an issue where some objectives would not lock after being captured by the Allies
  
• Significantly reduced the lock timer when Germans recapture some objectives
  

• Fixed a bug where objective progression could become deadlocked
  

• Restored halftrack MDVs for both teams
  

• Removed the first two objectives
  
• Removed Vehicle Pool from constructions
  
• Combined Myshkova Intersection & Bridgehead into one objective
  
• Added objective spawns & pre-cap minefields
  
• Revised roles, vehicle loadout & artillery
  
• Static radios are now functional
  
• Replaced low-poly trees with higher quality ones
  
• Replaced static AT guns with usable ones
  
• Added Radio Operator for the Germans
  

• Fixed a bug that caused an invisible wall around the Axis main spawn
  

• Fixed a notorious floating hedge
  
• Increased the number of artillery strikes available for both teams
  
• Removed pistols from American Rifleman roles
  

Our elves have been busy in the workshop this holiday season!



Introducing a brand new map, Les Champs de Losque! This is the first map by community member Cpt. Caverne. We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the map's beta test earlier in the year and provided helpful feedback! We will monitor how the map plays and squash any bugs or game-play issues that might surface in the coming days.

In addition to this brand new map, a new Clash version of Jurques has also been slipped in your stocking!

You can see the full change log below.

And now for a personal aside:

It's around this time of year that we reflect on how we are so grateful to be able to work together and build on a game that has endured for over 13 years. The gaming landscape has changed so much since 2008, and it's an increasingly rare thing that a small dedicated group of people would continue to volunteer their precious time and talents to build upon and improve this free mod.

Thank you to all of our developers and players, past, present, and future.



We hope you all stay warm and safe this season.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

New Maps

• Jurques Clash
  
• Les Champs de Losque
  

• Added some weak artillery for Allies.
  
• Gave Axis a single Panther that unlocks in the middle of the map.
  
• Removed Allied ticket gain from capturing objectives.
  
• Set tickets to use the scaling system.
  
• Fixed Axis spawn hint that would cause players to fall on spawn and break their legs.
  

• Implemented three lines of anti-precap minefields.
  
• Reduced Axis tickets factor to 27 from 30.
  
• Reduced Axis respawn interval by 5 seconds to help prevent them from losing momentum as easily.
  
• Fixed incorrect victory music for the Allies.
  
• Fixed typo in the Intersection objective name.
  
• Added a basic map description and preview image for practice mode.
  

• Hand-tuned the danger zone to make more sense.
  

• Fixed an exploit that would allow players to get under the map.
  
• Placed some spawn hints on the other side of the Reichstag to help prevent the Allies getting bottlenecked in their spawn at the beginning of the round.
  

• Added a new objective at the bridge, plus new defensive emplacements to go with it (extended trench line, new bunker, cleared some trees and added some new cover for the Allies).
  
• Added anti-precap minefields behind each objective.
  
• Expanded minefield protection around initial Allied spawn.
  
• Implemented anti-tank gun limits.
  
• Reduced Allied respawn interval to 10 seconds from 30.
  
• Reduced Allied ticket bleed rate slightly.
  
• Rebalanced roles and tank loadouts.
  
• Removed a bugged minefield from the final objective.
  
• Gave both teams additional artillery strikes and added several static radios around the map.
  
• Fixed a bug with some fluid surfaces.
  
• Added new raindrop emitters to the river and other bodies of water.
  
• Fixed some bugged objective progression dependencies.
  

• Reduced respawn interval of both teams from 20 seconds to 10 seconds.
  
• Gave Allies a small amount of artillery and a radio operator.
  

• Fixed incorrect victory music for the Allies.
  

• Fixed a bug where AT launchers could fail to spawn a projectile.
  

Hey, everyone!

We got a couple of maps in store that are ready to receive their "trial by fire" before getting released into the wild. This Sunday @ 7 PM UTC we'll be running a beta test which will include the new Les Champs-de-Losque and the continuation of the battle for Jurques.

Check the instructions below on how to participate. Everyone is welcome to join!


Jurques Clash


Les Champs-de-Losque Advance

[h2]How to participate in the beta testing?[/h2]

Launch the game and join the beta server.

After the event, don't forget to switch back to the normal version. You can do this by selecting `None` in the drop-down menu.

Make sure to join us on Discord to share your thoughts about the upcoming features and report any bugs you find in the beta release. We appreciate your feedback!

See you on the testing grounds,
Darklight Games

[h2]Cagny Recon[/h2]



Today's weekly update includes a new rendition of the Armored Cagny map that only features light and fast moving vehicles. This version of the map was brought to you by an ace tanker and the menace of the armored server Klunk.

Worth noting that Allied teams on both Cagny maps have been switched to the British faction which is historically correct for the setting,


[h2]Rabenheck[/h2]



Another notable change was Rabenheck Advance. Apart from a number of bug fixes, the map has been updated with a new Bridge objective and additional encampments in its vicinity.


[h2]Full changelog[/h2]

# Vehicles

- [Stummel] Fixed the bug where players could enter non-existent passenger seats.
- [Stummel] Fixed the bug where non-crewmen could enter the gunner's seat.

# Maps

## Armored Cagny Recon Advance
- Added a new variant of Cagny with light/recon vehicles only (Author: Klunk).

## Armored Cagny Advance
- Reworked the map to use the correct British faction for Allies instead of US.
- Updated minefield timers to not kill players instantly.
- Replaced missing mipmap field textures with proper version from DH packages.
- Various bug fixes.

## Rabenheck Advance
- Added a new objective at the bridge.
- Added defensive emplacements near the bridge (extended trench line, new bunker, and extra cover).
- Cleared out some trees and added extra cover for the advancing team.
- Added anti-precap minefields behind each objective.
- Expanded minefield protection around initial Allied spawn.
- Implemented AT gun limits.
- Reduced Allied respawn interval to 10 seconds.
- Reduced Allied ticket bleed rate slightly.
- Re-balanced roles and tank loadouts.
- Removed a bugged minefield from the final objective.
- Gave both teams additional artillery strikes and added several static radios around the map.
- Added new raindrop emitters to the river and other bodies of water.
- Fixed bugs in objective progression.
- Fixed volume issue that could make it difficult to blow up the destructible part of the Siegfried line dragon's teeth.
- Various minor bug fixes.

## Simonskall Push
- Reduced respawn interval of both teams to 10 seconds.
- Gave Allies a small amount of artillery + a radio operator.

## Kommerscheidt Advance
- Implemented three lines of anti-precap minefields.
- Slightly reduced Axis tickets.
- Decreased Axis respawn interval by 5 seconds to help prevent them from losing momentum as easily.
- Fixed wrong victory music group for Allies.
- Fixed typo in the Intersection objective name.
- Added a map description and preview image for practice mode.

## St. Marie-du-Mont Advance
- Fixed wrong victory music sound group for Allies.

## Flakturm Tiergarten Defence
- Added some weak artillery for Allies.
- Gave Axis a single Panther that unlocks in the middle of the map.
- Removed Allied ticket gain from capturing objectives.
- Set tickets to use the scaling system.
- Fixed Axis spawn hint that would cause players to fall on spawn and break their legs.

## Pariserplatz Defence
- Fixed an exploit that would allow players to get under the map.
- Placed spawn locations on the other side of the Reichstag to help prevent the Allies getting bottle-necked in their spawn at the start.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

A new weekly patch has been released! Check the changelog for details:

# Vehicles

## BT-7
- Removed the intermediate positions in the turret that made the tank wonky to operate.
- Fixed the appearance of the destroyed mesh.
- Fixed the speeds of wheels and treads.

# Maps

## Konigplatz Push
- Made team ratios even.
- Reduced respawn intervals to 10 seconds.
- Reduced tank counts for both teams.
- Gave Soviets a small amount of artillery.
- Added a limited amount of artillery for Soviet team.
- Added static radios.

## Cheneux Advance/Push
- Added satchel charges to US Combat Engineer role.

## Bridge Assault Push
- Fixed roof textures.

## Armored Tractable Advance
- Added new tanks for both sides.

## Armored La Feuille Advance
- Allowed HQ and VP construction.

## Dom Pavlova Event
- Added a special version of Dom Pavlova for a community event (you can find more details about the event on Discord).
GitHub

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

The weekly patch is out!

This update focuses on fixing a few visual bugs and updating Flakturm Tiergarten to sort out a number of gameplay issues it had.

Flakturm has been known for its harsh first objective that would often turn into a meat grinder and leave Allied team locked at their main spawn. In this iteration, along with other tweaks, the initial part of the map has been expanded to give both teams more room to wiggle.

Check the full changelog for details:

# Bug fixes

- Fixed missing textures on 3rd person RPG-43 mesh.
- Fixed missing destroyed overlays (burnt effect) on various German vehicles and static meshes.
- Fixed a bug where a player's off-map fire support marker would disappear if an "artillery hit" marker was created afterwards.

# Maps

## Flakturm Tiergarten Defense
- Expanded the initial part of the map (the University building and its nearby street are now accessible).
- Re-balanced tank loadout.
- Changed the objective layout and spawn point locations.
- Removed a number of destroyable walls in Hertzalle to improve the flow in that area.
- Added extra cover at crucial locations.
- Added more accessible rooms at Sportsplatz Entrance objective.
- Reduced the amount of Allied assault troopers to 4.

## Stavelot Push
- Fixed the incorrect season setting (affects barrel overheating, and other miscellaneous mechanics).
GItHub

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

A small hotfix has been released, fixing a few bugs and balancing issues discovered after the previous release.

Check the changelog for details:

[v10.2.668]

## Haunted Pariserplatz Survival
- Fixed incorrectly set team ratio values in the previous patch.
- Set new team ratios to +50%/-50% in favor of Zombie team.


[v10.2.667]

# Vehicles

- [Stummel] Fixed the bug where players could enter non-existent passenger seats.
- [Stummel] Fixed textures on the destroyed mesh.
- Fixed the bug that made all half-track based vehicles drive slower since the previous release.

# Maps

## Haunter Pariserplatz Survival
- Reduced capture times on first 4 caps.
- Increased resupply volumes sizes.
- Changed team ratios to 60/40 (Zombies/Survivors).
- Removed 1 SMG from Survivor team for low player counts.
- Added more pickups in objectives.
- Adjusted zombie spawn locations.

## Haunted Hattert Clash & Haunted Fury Clash
- Reduced the amount of Berserker roles to 3.

## Armored Fruhlingserwachen Clash
- Set tickets to infinite (map will end via caps or time limit), fixing an issue where a team could run out of reinforcements early and not be able to spawn until the map time limit ran out.

## Armored Lemberg Clash
- Fixed a field texture that was missing mipmaps.
- Increased round timer from 45 minutes to 60.
GitHub

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Keep your eyes open and grab an extra pair of clean underwear: zombies are coming back to the battlefield this Halloween!

At Darklight Games we like to dabble in dark arts, and we couldn't miss out on the opportunity to sneak some spooky stuff into the game once again. This year's Halloween event includes:

• A new map: Haunted Pariserplatz Survival.
  
• Haunted Hattert and Haunted Fury maps making a return.
  
• Unique Halloween vehicle skins and zombie characters (available on Haunted maps).
  
• Spooky zombie voice lines.
  
• And more

• Armored Arad Clash
  
• Armored Balaton Clash
  
• Armored Bautzen Clash
  
• Armored Cagny Clash
  
• Armored Celles Clash
  
• Armored Freyneux Advance
  
• Armored Fruhlingserwachen Clash
  
• Armored La Feuillie Clash
  
• Armored Preaux Clash
  
• Barashka Clash
  
• Cambes-En-Plaine Clash
  
• Champs Advance
  
• Cheneux Advance
  
• Fury Clash
  
• Hattert Clash
  
• Kommerscheidt Advance
  
• La Gleize Advance
  
• Nuenen Clash
  
• Ogledow Clash
  
• Putot-en-Bessin Advance
  
• Stavelot Push
  
• Stoumont Advance
  
• Valko Advance
  
• Wanne Advance

• Reduced players max stamina by 20%. This change drops the maximum distance a player can cross in one go to 200 meters.
  
• Temprorary increased shovel damage for the duration of the Halloween event.
  
• Fixed the bug where internal squad orders were shown on compass for everyone on the team.
  
• Made half-tracks to be treated as armored vehicles in the code (half-tracks now use the same damage model as armored vehicles).

This is a weekly patch that includes recent bug fixes and miscellaneous small updates.

Check the changelog for details:

# Artillery

- Reduced the global limit of available artillery guns to 3.
- Fixed the bug where artillery markers weren't visible in singleplayer mode.

# Weapons

- Replaced PPS-43 sound with the original Red Orchestra sound that more closely resembles its real counterpart.
- Reduced PPS-43 rate of fire to 650 RPM (was 700).

# Vehicles

- Fixed the bug where Soviet gunsights were missing a range setting readout.

# Miscellaneous

- Fixed the voice muting feature.
- Fixed the bug where admins could overrun rally points while in "bogeyman" mode (invisible).

# Maps

## Hurtgenwald Advance

- Fixed broken spawn protection minefield that activated too early.
- Increased lockdown timer on trench objectives to 720 seconds (was 360).

## Odessa Push

- Fixed broken group objective reliances that prevented objectives from progressing if capped in a certain order.

## Putot-en-Bessin Advance

- Increased Allied tank crewman count to 3,
- Capped team vehicle limit at 2 and made the M7 Priest ignore the limit (allows Allies to use the Priest and still have 2 tanks active as before).

## Rakowice Advance

- Temporarily fixed issue with off-map artillery strikes being marked as "unavailable".
- Increased time before anti-precap minefields will kill you.

## Targnon Push

- Added gloves to German roles that were previously missing them, such as Squad Leaders and Engineers.
GitHub

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

In the previous release, we've started updating and expanding our STEN lineup, which included the reworked Mark II and the new Mark III. Today their younger and better looking sibling has arrived!

The Mark V is now available to our British airborne units, and you can find it on Pegasus Bridge, Oosterbeek, and various Operation Market Garden maps.


The new SMG is sporting a unique feature: a small detachable bayonet.


Armored Frhlingserwachen Clash

Old Red Orchestra veterans might remember the vast plains of this map from the days of old. In this update, Frhlingserwachen is ported to DH and joins the ranks of the Armored Server maps.




Other Changes

[h2]Artillery[/h2]

• Increased distance at which artillery splashes are considered too far off-target and not displayed on the map. The value has been bumped to 150 meters.
  
• Increased lifespan of fire requests to 5 minutes (previously 2.5).
  
• Artillery spotters can now see the hit markers for artillery splashes within range of their marked targets.

• Reduced artillery gun costs to 1500.
  
• Fixed the bug that allowed limited constructions (e.g guns) to be replenished past the maximum amount.
  
• Set the maximum amount of allowed artillery guns to 4 per team.

• Adjusted proportions on STEN magazine models.
  
• Updated textures on all STENs.

• Fixed the bug that made character faces disappear on dead bodies with winter head-gear.

• Reduced M7 Priest resupply delay to 10 seconds.

• Increased Allied tickets.
  
• Removed ticket bleed from Allies (map ends when all objectives are taken).
  
• Gave Allies a little more tank variety (Sherman Jumbo and 105).
  
• Set missing Win music.

• Fixed bugs related to objectives.
  
• Increased Soviet artillery amount.
  
• Added a radio to both team's main spawns.
  
• Set Soviet ISU-152 count by 1.

• Reworked objectives and objective volumes.
  
• Reworked tank loadouts and made tanks unlock after the first 2 objectives are taken.
  
• Gave Allies an AT role to help clear Pillboxes and Pak guns at range.
  
• Increased Allied respawn speed.
  
• Increased Axis tickets slightly.
  
• Added spawn protection minefield to Allies.
  
• Added objective spawn for vehicles once Pak bunker is taken.

• Reworked no-arty and restriction volumes around Axis main to be less restrictive.

• Reduced Allied respawn timer.
  
• Increased Axis respawn timer at the bridge.
  
• Increased Allied team ratio slightly.
  
• Reduced Axis assault trooper role by 1.

• Fixed anti-portals that could cause graphical issues near Allied main spawn.

• Made first objective not re-capturable.
  
• Removed wall along the road behind the Church.
  
• Replaced destroyed half-track static with Panther.
  
• Added AT gun limits.
  
• Disabled vehicle pool constructions.
  
• Reduced the amout of logistic trucks to 2 for both teams.
  
• Added a respawn penalty to Allies at the final objective.

• Fixed static radios.
  
• Added artillery strikes for Allies.
  
• Disabled AT gun constructions.
  
• Removed duplicate Axis Squad Leader role.
  
• Reduced setup phase timer.
  
• Other minor fixes.

• Added pre-placed AT guns into the bunkers on the final objective line.
  
• Implemented AT gun construction limits to reduce gun spam.
  
• Made the Pz.IV spawns unlimited, but with a slightly increased respawn timer.
  
• Increased tickets for both teams slightly.
  
• Increased ticket bleed for Soviets when both final objectives are taken.
  
• Added a small ticket bleed when a single one of the final objectives is taken in order to pressure Soviet team to counter-attack.
  
• Disabled collision on tiny rubble props in the trenches that causes players to bounce erratically.
  
• Disabled Karma collisions on static fences so that tanks can drive through them (a temporary change before proper destructible fences are put in place).
  
• Added artillery triggers to various static radios on the map.
  
• Added few destroyed vehicles on the approach to the final objective line to give Axis a bit of cover

• Updated Axis spawn points.
  
• Changed respawn intervals for both teams.
  
• Adjusted ticket counts.
  
• Reduced Axis tank count.
  
• Reduced the maximum number of AT guns for Axis.

• Reduced map brightness.
  
• Fixed bug where vehicles would fly at last objective.

• Fixed bug that made Axis logistics non-functional.
  
• Reduction of logistic trucks to 2.
  
• Deactivated logistics until Hill objective is taken.
  
• Fixed several weird holes on the map at last cap.

• Added pre-placed AT guns.
  
• Added objective deactivation on the first 2 caps.

• Fixed collisions in trenches.
  
• Fixed the bug where some of the rocks had no collisions.

At long last, the artillery overhaul is ready! The new system has been designed from the ground up to be significantly easier and much more enjoyable to use!

The primary changes are:

• All squad leaders are now capable of marking artillery targets
  
• Artillery pieces now have spotting scopes and range tables
  
• Artillery targets now display the range of the targets
  
• Kill feed messages are now sent to artillery operators for artillery kills
  
• The Artillery Observer role has been removed

• 75mm Pack Howitzer M1
  
• 76mm regimental gun M1927
  
• 7.5 cm leichtes Infanteriegeschtz 18

• Squad leaders can now instantly spawn on rally points that have one spawn remaining.
  
• Command voice lines are now available to all squad leaders (previously only available to Sergeant roles).
  
• Renamed the surrender feature to Retreat so players wont have to make the hard choice between pride and common sense. Theres no shame in a tactical retreat!

• New impact effects for .50 caliber and PTRD bullets.

• Added volumetric epaulets for soviet and polish models
  
• Updated Brodie helmet with improved visuals and added a snowy variant.
  
• Fixed misaligned wrists on character animations.
  
• Fixed 3rd person shovel animations.

• Tiger Tank turret font armor has been reduced to a more accurate value, allowing it to be penetrated by the heavy armor piecing rounds of late-war Allied armor.

• Reduced reverb on firing sound effect.
  
• Miscellaneous animation fixes.

• Reduced sight bobbing in the idle iron-sighted animation.

• Added mini-parachute model.
  
• Miscellaneous sound and animation fixes.

• Reduced damage radius from 22 meters to 18 meters.

• The Panzerfaust may no longer be fired from the hip.

• Added a trench network stretching across the entire right side of the map.
  
• Added more cover all around the map.
  
• Removed armored vehicles.
  
• Added a physical minefield on the right side of the first objective.

• Added objective spawns.
  
• Removed all but one of the pre-placed Platoon HQ constructions.
  
• Limited anti-air and anti-tank gun constructions.
  
• Limited active tanks counts and crewman.
  
• Removed several Axis heavy tanks and reduced armor counts for both teams.
  
• Reduced Allied player count bias from 60% to 55%.
  
• Reduced view distance.
  
• Reduced supply amount.
  
• Reduced reinforcements for both teams.
  
• Objectives no longer give reinforcement rewards
  
• Objectives are no longer able to to be recaptured, and will no longer neutralize first.
  
• Objectives take longer to capture.
  
• Level ends with Allied victory if last objective is taken.
  
• Removed the random artillery on the last objective.

• Merged Soviet anti-tank and sapper roles.
  
• Reduced Soviet assault roles from 8 to 6.

• Removed German armored vehicles.
  
• Added German Mortar Operator role.
  
• Added German Radioman role.
  
• Reduce German spawn time by 5 seconds.
  
• Reduced Soviet T-34 and BT7 reinforcements.
  
• Added a single Soviet KV-1.

• Added Axis spawn protection.

• Added Axis main spawn protection.

• Increased fog distance.

• Reduced round time to 14 minutes.

• Reduced Soviet Machine-gunner rules from 3 to 1.

• Removed Axis respawn bonus.
  
• Shifted team ratio in favor of the Germans.

• Removed German logistics trucks.
  
• Added German Panzer IV. Ausf. J.

• Plugged the infamous "noob hole" with a dead Tiger a memorial to all players that got stuck there.
  
• Fixed some Soviet roles being the early-war type.
  
• Merged Soviet anti-tank and sapper roles.
  
• Added Soviet SU-76 and lend-lease Sherman M4A2(76)W.
  
• Removed ISU-152.
  
• Reduced reinforcements and respawn times for a variety of other armored vehicles.

• Reduced German spawn time.

• Added Axis main spawn protection.

• Added Soviet amoeba camouflage sniper role.

• Moved final Allied spawn to a safer area to prevent spawn-killing.

• Fixed the bug where one of active objectives ended up in a minefield area.

• Fixed minefields
  
• Reduced team ratio for Allies.
  
• Opened up one of the hedges for an easier access from Axis main spawn to the AT Gun objective.
  
• Fixed spectator cameras.

• Added more trenches.
  
• Added a cellar in one of the houses at the last objective.
  
• Various minor bug fixes.

Updating levels for today's event.

v9.13.2 Changelog

# Maps

## Arnhem Bridge Push (credit to Mad Death Hound)
- Added x2 6pdr AT guns in the same spots they were in the real battle.
- Reworked lighting and skybox to make the map sunny/day time.
- Increased fog distance.
- Changed fog colour and fixed bugs with the fog
- Added more detail to the "bridge-end" house.
- Re-named all the objectives.
- Added more destroyed vehicles to the bridge.
- Added smoke and fire actors on ruined vehicles.
- Added more boats.

## Ginkel Heath Push
- Reworked lighting and fog.
- Added 2 new barn buildings (credit to 20mmNormandy/Pvt Winter for the long barn).
- Added some miscellaneous static details to the map.
- Added some new fire and smoke emitters.
- Added several Flakvierlings and a single Flakwagon.
- Reworked roles for both teams.

## Oosterbeek Advance:
- Swapped sides: Allies are now defending.
- Removed tanks from the Allied team.
- Reworked objectives and added 1 new objective.
- Re-balanced roles.
- Added spawn protection minefields to both teams.

GitHub


v9.13.3 Changelog

# Maps

## Arnhem Bridge Push
- Lighting fixes.
- Disabled bloom.
- Fixed missing spectator camera.

## Ginkel Heath Push
- Lighting fixes.

GitHub

Hello, everyone!

The new update is looming on the horizon. This Saturday @ 7 PM UTC we'll be running a final beta to get a feel for how the new artillery system will fare in a live game.

The beta test will feature live rounds on Road to Isigny and Stoumont where squad leaders and artillery-men will have to leverage the new indirect fire system to get the upper hand. Mortars and new constructible artillery guns (M116 Pack Howitzer and LeIG18) will be at your disposal.

Don't miss out on the action!



[h2]How to participate in the beta testing?[/h2]

Launch the game and join the beta server.

After the event, don't forget to switch back to the normal version. You can do this by selecting `None`.

Make sure to join us on Discord to share your thoughts about the upcoming features and report any bugs you find in the beta release. We appreciate your feedback!

See you on the testing grounds,
Darklight Games

Changelog

# Visual Effects
- [Bullet impacts] Optimization pass.
- [Bullet impacts] Updated sprites for metal impacts.
- [Bullet impacts] Redone wood and cloth impacts.

# Maps
## Kriegstadt Advance
- [Bugs] Fixed the bug that prevented loading the map (removed bad reference to a missing package in a blocking volume).
- [Bugs] Fixed Axis objective spawn hints on the Bank objective.

## Jurques Advance
- [Bugs] Fixed Axis minefields to disable artillery protection south of the town.

## Gun Assault Push
- [Level] Added a new objective ("Trenches").
- [Gameplay] Minor balance fixes.
- [Bugs] Fixed loading screen.

## Leningrad Push
- [Gameplay] Changed spawns so they push defenders back when objectives are captured and not on cleared.
- [Gameplay] Changes to vehicle roster to fix bottleneck near Axis spawn:
* T-34 is active initially.
* KVs activates after the first objective.
* Heavy KV activates after the second objective.
GitHub

Hey, everyone! The new update is live!


M3 Grease Gun

Our to-do list for overhauled Allied weaponry has shrunk once more. Thanks to Mechanic, our new animator Aarn, and other team members who helped along the way, Grease Gun has a received a complete visual rework.

Its characteristics remained unchanged though; if this was your favorite weapon in the game, youll feel right at home.


Notice the dirt puffs on the ground!


Bullet Impacts

Bullet impacts have received a major step up in quality. Small arms fire now generates a much more distinct and realistic-looking effects. Youll notice them right away as dirt will shoot high up in the air, and chips and bits will fly off wooden and rocky objects.


Unique impact effects include: wood, dirt, snow, plants, rock, concrete, paper, brick, blood, water, sand, and more.


Jurques Advance

Finally, this update takes us to Jurques, a small French town near Caen. Jurques Advance is a medium-to-large sized advance map, which boasts detailed French suburbs, wide grassy countryside, Churchills, Jagdpanthers, and plenty of Bawbag! to go around.

Some of you got familiar with Jurques during Beta. Thanks to your feedback, weve been able to identify and fix a bunch of issues, and get it ready for the release!






Full Changelog

# Weapons
- Replaced M3 Grease Gun model, animations, and sounds with new revised versions.

# Constructions
- Introduced limits to the amount of construction types a team can build.

# Vehicles and guns
- Added new Pantherturm AT gun (disabled Panther; static asset placed by mappers).
- Added missing periscope to the BT-7 gunner's position (currently uses the same periscope overlay as the T-34, both of which need to be replaced in the future).
- Fixed broken ammo hit points on the BT-7.

# Effects and Audio
- Overhauled bullet impacts for every material type (dirt, concrete, sand, etc.).
- Added new victory songs for German team.

# Bug fixes
- Fixed key-bind hints shown when interacting with AT guns.
- Fixed the bug that allowed players to go into iron-sight view during first-draw animations (while unfolding stocks, etc.).
- Set appropriate material types in every texture package (DH).

# Maps
## Jurques Advance
- Added to the roster!

## Rederitz Advance
- [Gameplay] Added tank support for Allied team.
- [Gameplay] Removed Watchtower and Flak 88 constructions.
- [Level] Expanded flanks.
- [Level] Added more cover.
- [Level] Increased the chance for some obstacles to spawn broken.
- [Level] Miscellaneous minor fixes.

## Butovo Advance
- [Gameplay] Added another final objective.
- [Gameplay] Activated ISU-152 earlier (+2 available).
- [Gameplay] Added +1 heavy KV-1.
- [Level] Added trenches.

## St. Marie-du-Mont Advance
- [Gameplay] Reduced Allied respawn interval for the first objective slightly.
- [Gameplay] Implemented AT gun limits.
- [Vehicles] Put a limit on Sherman tanks for the Allies, now 12 max spawns.
- [Level] Added 2 new flanking routes for Allies to enter the town itself.

## Gun Assault Push
- [Gameplay] Added a starting "gimme" objective to give Axis some time to defend the bridge.
- [Gameplay] Reworked spawn points slightly to hopefully improve the flow of the map.
- [Gameplay] Gave Axis a single PzIII N as per the old version of this map.

## Dead Man's Corner Push
- [Gameplay] Removed Geballte Ladung from Axis tank hunter class.
- [Gameplay] Reduced Allied reinforcement interval.
- [Level] Added blocking volumes to various hedges around the map to prevent people from climbing on top and laying in the shrubbery.
- [Level] Moved some Allied spawns to hopefully give more cover.

## Armored Krivoi Rog
- [Gameplay] Changed tank loadouts to make the map a little more authentic and balanced.
- [Level] Added spawn protection minefield to Allied main spawn.
- [Bugs] Defending side set to "none" (Clash map).

## Hedgerow Hell Advance
- [Gameplay] Implemented AT gun limits.

## Pariserplatz Defence
- [Gameplay] Implemented AT gun limits.
- [Gameplay] Reduced Axis supplies.
- [Gameplay] Reduced both team's tank counts (Allies down to 2 max active and Axis down to 1 max active).
- [Bugs] Miscellaneous.

## Winter Stalemate Clash
- [Bugs] Fixed a bug where half-tracks and logistic trucks counted towards the vehicle limit.
- [Level] Moved the Center objective volume to be more balanced.
- [Level] Added radio triggers to the map.

## Kommerscheidt Advance
- [Gameplay] Tweaked tank loadouts.
- [Gameplay] Gave Allies more artillery to compensate for their inferior tanks.
- [Level] Added artillery triggers to various static radios on the map.

## Stoumont Advance
- [Level] Removed default Allied HQ.
- [Level] Added anti-precap minefields to protect Allied spawns.
- [Level] Added objective spawns for Allied on the final cap.

## Dom Pavlova Advance
- [Gameplay] Added objective grouped bleed for the last 3 objectives.
- [Gameplay] Increased capture rate.
- [Gameplay] Increased allies respawn by 5 seconds.
- [Gameplay] Reduced reinforcement tickets by -2 for both sides.
- [Level] Added objective spawns for Axis.

## Kriegstadt Advance
- [Gameplay] Added new Pantherturm to the map.
- [Gameplay] Reworked an existing building near the Hotel objective to give Axis a better defensive position.
- [Gameplay] Implemented new AT gun restrictions.
- [Gameplay] Rebalanced roles.
- [Gameplay] Reworked Axis tank loadout, Axis now get significantly fewer tanks and several unlock progressively as objectives are taken.
- [Gameplay] Disabled Watch Tower construction to reduce exploiting.
- [Level] Moved several pre-placed AT guns.
- [Bugs] Miscellaneous bug fixes.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Hey everyone,

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the largest sea and airborne operation in history and weve prepared a special release for the occasion. The main focus of this update is upping the quality of long-standing DH content, introducing new Normandy maps, and adding a few quality-of-life features.

Come look at what we have in store!


Willys Jeep & GMC CCKW

The Willys Jeep and GMC CCKW have been completely re-modeled and re-textured, vastly surpassing the old models in quality and detail. Since both vehicles are featured extensively on Soviet and Commonwealth battles as well, each vehicle now also has faction-specific skins.

Be on the lookout for more full re-models and vehicle replacements in the future!






M1 Garand

The visuals for this iconic weapon has been reworked from the ground up with a beautiful new model and handling animations. The rifle behaves identically to the old one, but now players will no longer lose their bullets on partially expended clips. In other words, bullets pulled from partially expended clips will be automatically combined into a full clip to be reloaded later.

Keep an eye out for more complete weapon overhauls in the future as we continue to upgrade the visuals and feel of the Allied arsenal.




Pegasus Bridge Advance

The location been meticulously and faithfully recreated from every old photograph and reference we could get our grubby hands on. All the notable landmarks are there: Caf Gondre, miscellaneous houses and bunkers, a functional Pak-38 Tobruk gun guarding the crossing, and of course the iconic bridge itself.

This is a medium-sized Advance map, and so will be perfect for between 24 and 64 combatants.






Hedgerow Hell Advance

In this iteration, Hedgerow Hell has received a lot of detail work and has been expanded with new areas. Another significant change to the map is its conversion to Advance game mode, which will give the map a fresh new perspective and momentum.






Map search feature

As our map roster grows, finding maps on the voting screen can be cumbersome. To solve the problem, weve added a nifty search bar for quickly looking up your favorite maps!




Full Change Log

[h3]Weapons[/h3]

• Remastered M1 Garand model and animations.
  
• Added a feature that allows M1 Garand users to keep ammo after partial reload.
  
• Updated G41 reload animations, iron-sight view, and added a bayonet.
  
• Corrected SVT-41, G41, and G43 rifle animations to keep the bolt open.
  
• Added alternative SVT/AVT-40 reload animations (6 in total).
  
• Changed SVT-38 to use stripper clips and single rounds instead of magazines.
  
• Reduced M1 Carbine reload speed.
  
• Resized the M1928 drum mesh (the old one was too big).
  
• Adjusted BAR texture color.
  
• Other minors changes to various weapons.

• Adjusted third-person bolt-action reload animations to be in sync with first-person animations.
  
• Updated third-person shovel animations.
  
• Added a new third-person animation for M1 Garand reloads.

• Fully reworked GMC CCKW truck and Willys Jeep (with lots of new variants).
  
• Added Pak-38 w/ Tobruk housing (unique gun for Pegasus Bridge map)
  
• Reduced BA-64 maneuverability.

• Added a search bar to the map voting screen.
  
• Updated voting limits for all maps.

• Fixed a long-standing Red Orchestra bug where firing a weapon would spontaneously switch to a recently acquired item, if that item was picked up during reload.
  
• Fixed a bug where auto-fire weapons in single-shot mode would play incorrect animations after releasing the fire button.

• New map!

• New map!

• Added 4 rifleman roles for Allied team equipped with SVT-40.
  
• Allies can now have 2 Universal Carriers active at the same time.
  
• Miscellaneous bug fixes.

• Added minefield protection for Axis.
  
• Added 2 assault roles for Axis.
  
• Shrunk down Town Hall objective.
  
• Moved Allied objective spawns farther back.
  
• Moved anti-precap minefields farther back.
  
• Optimization pass.
  
• Added Panzerfausts for Axis sergeant roles.
  
• Adding more cover around first three objectives.
  
• Made Panzer IV and Sherman 75mm spawns unlimited.

• Made first objective non-recapturable for Allied team.

• Reduced the amount of Axis supplies.
  
• Added extra cover and a static radio at Junction objective.
  
• Boosted Allied artillery.
  
• Reduced the number of Panzerfaust pickups.
  
• Miscellaneous minor changes to the map layout.

• Slightly rebalanced tank loadouts.
  
• Increased Allied and Axis max logistic trucks to 3.
  
• Reduced BA-64 spawns to 2 and increased respawn timer.
  
• Miscellaneous bug fixes and tweaks.

• Fixed objective bug.
  
• Increased Allied reinforcements.
  
• Added Axis objective spawns.

• Added Greyhound armored car to Allies with 4 spawns.
  
• Increased Stuart spawns to 5.
  
• Increased Allied and Axis reinforcements by 2.

• Fixed a bug where Allies could spawn tanks inside main spawn corridors.

• Buffed allies: more tanks, more artillery, logistics, two Churchills, more Combat Engineer roles, new loadouts for SLs.
  
• Weakened Axis: limited logistjc trucks to 5, removed one tank hunter role, removed one MG role

Heyo!

As the next release is closing in, we'll be running a beta test to iron out all the kinks and hear your feedback on the upcoming updates.

Come and join us this Friday @ 7 PM UTC to try out the new M1 Garand and the overhauled Hedgerow Hell map. Everyone will be issued a mandatory Garand without exceptions!




[h2]How to participate in the beta testing?[/h2]

Launch the game and join the beta server.

To revert back to the normal version, select `None`.

See you on the testing grounds,
Darklight Games

Your head is so big because youre smart, dummy!

Have you ever left your subordinates alone in a heat of a battle, or abandoned your squad leader when he needed you the most? How about neglecting your assistant duties? If the answer is yes, that means youre a tactical genius! You got places to be, big fish to fry; youre playing 5D chess while them fools are playing checkers. Theres just no time for all that nonsense.

To fit all the intricate plans youre cooking up in your head, you must have an enormous cranium. So enormous in fact, that it might get a bit unwieldy. But worry not, when enemies will see your mighty balloon heading their way, they will surely surrender right away.

Weve added a nifty indicator right next to the compass to help you keep track of your ever growing intellect. Keep an eye on it!

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Heyo, everyone! The new release is live!

Rhine River

Originally, Rhine River was never meant to be more than a quick sketch of a map, but despite its "blank slate" appearance, the map managed to gather interest among players. In this release our level designer Bckis went on and gave Rhine River a massive visual overhaul, transforming it into a proper DH map.

The overhaul includes enormous detailed forests, lively terrain, expanded town areas with enterable buildings, and all kinds of new points of interests scattered across the map (bunkers, forest camps, etc.).









Flakturm Tiergarten

Flakturm received a nifty visual update and been expanded to include new areas. The battle now carries into Zoo Tower interior where Polish troops will have to fight its stubborn defenders all the way to the top floors







Sneaky Rally Points

There's been an important gameplay change to our rally point system: squad leaders can no longer place rally points inside enemy-controlled territory\. Rally points that end up being swallowed by the encroaching Danger Zone will still be usable (and visible to enemy team) like they used to.


For a full list of changes check GitHub release page.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Hello there! The new update is live!

This release brings a fresh new Advance map to our collection. The new map features snowy landscapes of rural Poland and the village of Rederitzone of the few strongholds positioned at the main line of Pomeranian Wall.

Rederitz Advance is a mix of trench lines, woodsy areas, and house-to-house fighting; all packed into a lengthy, but straightforward Advance layout. This is our second map to include Polish Peoples Army, which now takes it's official place among Darkest Hour factions.

The update also includes a boatload of map fixes and other various updates; look below for a detailed list.

It's worth mentioning that some of our community members left their mark on the development of this level. We'd like to thank Rolandz and Rotzlffel for giving us a hand with testing and ironing out major bugs on Rederitz before the release.







Change Log

[h2]Maps[/h2]

Rederitz Advance

• New map.

• Updated map overview to include new farmhouse and forest areas.
  
• Increased interval timer between artillery calls to reduce artillery spam.
  
• Re-balanced ticket progression.
  
• Slowed the capture rate of the "Lower Wanne" objective.
  
• Moved Axis respawn time modifier to activate when "Defensive Line" objective is captured, increasing base Axis respawn interval to 18 seconds.

• Re-balanced tanks on the map using historical unit information (Credit to Ts4EVER for the research).
  
• Re-balanced objective layout, capture speeds and role loadouts.

• Fixed the bug where Axis half-tracks would never activate.

• Fixed bug where lockdown on middle objective would only activate when it was recaptured, not on first capture.
  
• Increased lockdown timer on middle objective to 6 minutes and slowed capture speed.
  
• Decreased respawn timer on logistic trucks to be in line with other maps.
  
• Made Panzer III Ausf. J and BT-7 spawns unlimited.

• Fixed bug where players would get stuck on stairs leading out of Soviet spawn on final objective.
  
• Fixed the bug where blocking volumes prevented artillery from functioning on the map.
  
• Added single artillery strike for Soviet team.
  
• Placed usable radios in Allied and Axis main spawns.
  
• Increased respawn timer on KV-1S to 90 seconds (was 60).
  
• Added spawn protection minefields to Axis main spawn, and progressive minefields to protect Soviet forward spawns.
  
• Moved Axis main spawn into a safer location.
  
• Created a new first objective near Axis main which unlocks a new spawn point.
  
• Changed objective volumes on "AT Position" and "Searchlight" to encompass the entire buildings, but switched the capture type to require the objectives be cleared.
  
• Increased round timer to 35 minutes (was 30).
  
• Fixed the bug that allowed Axis to spawn 3 tanks simultaneously.
  
• Re-balanced roles on both teams.
  
• Changed resupply volumes to give ammo every 20 seconds instead of every 2 minutes.

• Added new snow camo skins for the Marder, King Tiger and Jagdpanther.

• Added new snow camo skin for King Tiger.

• Evened out team balance ratios.
  
• Extended "Trenches" objective to cover more of the capture area and slowed the capture speed.
  
• Added cooldown timers to artillery on both teams.
  
• Gave Axis one additional MG role and moved StG 44 to assault trooper roles.

• Made Panzer III Ausf.J and BT-7 tank spawns unlimited.

• Added Marder III Ausf. M (snowy variant)

• Added Axis vehicle spawn that activates after "Central Square" objective.

• Role changes.

• Role and reinforcement adjustments.

• Fixed the bug where Axis reinforcements wouldn't drain at the final objective.
  
• Updated map overview.
  
• Balancing adjustments.

• Set Axis logistic truck to a reasonable spawn time (80 secs).
  
• Minor bug fixes.

• Added an additional logistic truck for Allied team (activates after Ruins objective).
  
• Minor bug and exploit fixes.

• Fixed an "off-map" exploit.

• Marder III Ausf.M: Added new camo variants.

• Added grey Polish tunic.
  
• Minor changes and improvements for Polish uniforms.

• Added Polish "merch" (interface art, flags, etc.).

Hello, everyone!

We hope you're having a great 2021 so far. As our first release this year, we're excited to present you the new and updated BAR, a range of beautiful new M1 Carbines, and some other goodies.

Weapons

[h3]Browning Automatic Rifle M1918A2[/h3]

In this update BAR received a complete rework and it never been looking sexier! It's characteristics were updated as well, making it more controllable and a joy to shoot.

Fun fact: the bipod on the new BAR uses procedural animation and swings around with your movements.



[h3]M1, M1A1, and M1/T17 Carbines[/h3]

The trusty Carbine comes in 3 variants, including a converted selective-fire version (T17). Just like BAR, this rifle was reworked from the ground up, and takes the spot as one the most well crafted weapons we got in the game.

The models for BAR and the Carbine were designed by our community member and a talented 3D artist eksha.



[h3]Volkssturmgewehr 1-5[/h3]

This German ersatz semi-automatic assault rifle was developed in late 1944 as dwindling materiel and manpower put pressure on wartime industries to make cheaper and more primitive weaponry. It might not be the prettiest "gewehr" on the field, but it might just save your life!



[h3]Miscellaneous[/h3]

• New Kongsberg Colten M/1914 pistol available for German troops.
  
• Sweeping changes to all weapon gun sight pictures to improve feel and consistency.
  
• All scoped (Textured and 3D) were updated to have proper magnification and field-of-viev.
  
• Reduced spread on all rifles.

• Added new farm near the final objective.
  
• Added south-facing windows to Manor and the nearby garage.
  
• Added snowy variants of the King Tiger and the Sd.Kfz. 251 Half-track.
  
• Added new M1/T17 carbine to Allied Corporal role.
  
• Hetzer now unlocks when Woods objective is captured.
  
• Implemented experimental ticket progression: Axis now start with 350 tickets and gain significantly more by capturing objectives, up to a maximum of 800 tickets for all objectives captured.

• Scaled down the downed glider to a sensible size.

• Valko Advance
  
• Kriegstadt Advance
  
• Konigsplatz Push
  
• Fallen Heroes Clash
  
• Armored Studzianki Clash
  
• Armored Bautzen Clash

• Fixed the bug with Panzer IV F1 shells flying on wacky trajectories.
  
• Fixed the bug where pre-placed HQs would prevent players from building new HQs nearby after their destruction.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

A new map will be joining our roster just in time for the holiday season. Some of you might be familiar with Road to Isigny, an old DH classic that's been off the radars for quite some time. Today it makes a comeback all brand new and shiny.

The town of Isigny-sur-Mer was liberated by Allied forces on 9th of June, 1944 by a conjoined effort of 175th Infantry Regiment and 747th Tank Battalion. This map follows the advance of US troops along the road leading to the town, featuring a grassy terrain with lots of vegetation, borrow ditches, and lonely houses for players to take cover in.

In this update, Road to Isigny received a complete rework and was expanded to accommodate the Advance game mode. Hurry up to the servers and check it out!









See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

A small update containing bug fixes, map updates, and some new sound effects.

[h3]Weapons[/h3]

• New Panzerfaust firing sounds.
  
• New explosion sounds for Panzerfaust, Panzerschreck, and PIAT projectiles.

• Fixed incorrect textures on Axis radio operators.
  
• Fixed the "black texture" bug on the Sd.Kfz. 234/1 (snowy variant).

• Added a new location leading up to Kaschade Offices.
  
• Moved the "anti-precap" minefield behind Fleminstrasse a bit further.

• Fixed the bug with the invisible ceiling hovering over the town.
  
• Added watchtower constructions.
  
• Slightly increased the draw distance.

• Fixed the bug where Axis main spawn would end up inside the Allied territory in the endgame.
  
• Changed the icon for the airborne spawn.

• Adjusted team ratios and available tanks.

• Changes to the tank balance and the objective layout.

• Updated to include new vehicles.

As the Halloween event concludes, we are back with another patch featuring various fixes and incremental updates. Check out the logs for the details:

[h3]Changelog v9.9.5[/h3]

### Bugfixes

* Fixed the bug where players would spontaneously crash during map changes.
* Fixed the LOD issues with player characters.

### Miscellaneous

* Squad member numbers are now displayed in chat messages next to their name.
* Increased reload times for AT guns, SU-76, and Marder by a slight margin (up to 0.9 seconds).
* Reduced the chance of field caps appearing on WH characters.

### Maps

* Carpiquet Airfield Advance:
- Allowed Allies to spawn an additional Sherman tank.
- Gave Allies 2 additional artillery strikes.
- Fixed the bug that allowed Axis to build AT guns on rooftops.

* Rakowice Advance:
- Added a T-60 light tank to the Soviet vehicle pool.
- Added objective spawns for Axis.
- Minor bugfixes and adjustments.

* Prussia Push:
- Fixed the Dugout spawn point dropping players into the void.

* Leningrad Push:
- Added a minefield protecting Allied main spawn.
- Minor balance adjustments.

* Barashka Advance:
- Fixed the visual bug with terrain covering the trenches.

[h3]Changelog v9.9.4[/h3]

### Weapons

* Adjusted the recoil patterns on PPSh-43, PPSh-43, MP-41r, PPD-40, and M712 Schnellfeuer to make them more controllable and consistent when firing in short bursts.

### Maps

* Lyes Krovy Push:
- Reduced Axis respawn times.

[h3]Changelog v9.9.3[/h3]

### Vehicles / Guns

* Reduced the prevalence of the "shatter gap" effect and added a physically-based randomness to the shattering calculations system. The shell shattering will less likely to occur in the game due to this effect.
* Fixed inaccuracies in armor slope values for KV-1, T-34 (76/85), Panther (D), and Pz. III (J/L) tanks.

### Characters

* Added a small chance for WH squad leaders, radio operators and snipers to spawn wearing a field cap.
* New additions to Soviet outfits:
- Green amoeba camouflage.
- 1942/1944 leaf pattern camouflages.
- Padded coats.
- Naval pea coats.
- Naval caps (4 variants, one for each fleet)
* Introduced rank variety between different uniform variants for Soviet troops.
* Other minor additions, fixes and adjustments to Soviet character models and textures.

### Maps

* Added Rakowice Advance.

* Carpiquet Airfield Advance:
- Optimization pass.
- Fixed various visual bugs.
- Changed lighting and removed haze.
- Replaced static Axis HQs with objective spawns.
- Re-balanced roles and constructions for both teams to better reflect historical situation.
- Added limited Panther G tanks to Axis; added limited Sherman Firefly tanks to Allies.
- Increased view distance by roughly 50-75 meters.
- Removed ticket bleed from all but the first objective.
- Set Refueling Area objective to be inactive at start.

* Hurtgenwald Advance:
- Expanded minefields protecting Axis main spawn.
- Slightly increased reinforcements for both sides.
- Fixed the bug where some objectives were uncapturable.

* Bridgehead Advance:
- Added Corporal roles for both teams and a Radio Operator role for Allies.
- Added a Churchill tank (available after capturing the Honnopel objective)

* Leningrad Push:
- Reworked the final objective.
- Re-balanced roles and vehicles for both teams to better reflect the alleged setting of the level.

* Olkhovatka Advance:
- Increased the amount of available artillery for Axis.
- Allowed Axis to spawn +1 extra vehicle.
- Reduced the number of available KV and T-34 tanks, and made the BT-7 unlimited.

* Lyes Krovy Push:
- Introduced the new Soviet camos.
- Reduced the respawn times for Axis.

* Cholm Advance:
- Minor adjustments to vehicle availability for both sides.
- Added several pre-placed Pak-38 guns.

* Krasnyi Oktyabr Push:
- Reduced reinforcements for both teams.
- Added some greatcoat uniforms together with standard tunics.

* Black Day July Advance:
- Replaced Soviet uniforms for ones with more accurate insignia for the period.
- Added RPG-43 to Soviet loadouts.
- Increased the limits on maximum active vehicles for the Soviet team.

* Valko Advance:
- Added StuG III Ausf.G to the Axis vehicle pool.
- Added off-map artillery support for both sides.
- Replaced Soviet uniforms for the "late war" variants.

* Gorlitz Push:
- Added SU-76 to the Soviet vehicle pool.
- Added static Panzerfaust crates.
- Moved the Allied spawn to protect it against spawn camping.
- Minor adjustments to vehicle spawn limits for Soviets.

* Berezina Advance:
- Fixed logistic truck respawn times and added an extra one for the Allied team.

* Kriegstadt Advance:
- Separated German artillery into two stages: one activating after Kaschade Offices, and the second one after Ruins (both consist of three strikes).

* La Gleize Advance:
- Added a Radio Operator role for the Axis team.

* Stoumont Advance:
- Added a lockdown timer for the first objective (5.5 minutes).

* Kryukovo Push:
- Reduced the team ratio difference (Axis team is now less outnumbered).

* Flakturm Tiergarten Push:
- Minor balancing and character uniform changes.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Game

When theres no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.

The Allied forces having been victorious at the end of the war in May 1945 find their battle is not quite over! Some months later, on Halloween night 1945 the last remnants of the Allied forces in Europe get reports that the Nazi undead have begun to emerge from their graves!

There will be one last battle to fight with the outcome deciding the fate of humankindthe Final Reich will be the end result if the Allies are beaten.

Join us this Halloween (Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November) for some Nazi Zombie killing fun on the newly arrived Haunted Hattert and Haunted Fury maps![/b]



We'll see you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Hi, everyone!

We have received numerous reports about reinforcements depleting too fast on Armored maps, and after reviewing the issue, we've decided to scrap ticket costs for vehicles completely.

This system did provide very little benefit for the gameplay, and was unjustly punishing teams for mistakes of a few players in control of valuable assets. Losing a vehicle does not cost reinforcements anymore.

Apart from changes to the reinforcement system, this patch includes several map updates and fixes. Here's the full changelog:

[h3]Maps[/h3]

• La Cambe Advance:
  
  • New objective layout!
    
  • Reworked Axis main spawn.
    
  • Added proper minefields.
  
  
• Cambes-En-Plaine Clash:
  
  • Fixed a floating static mesh.
    
  • Fixed the fog range being trippy at lowest settings ("white screen" issue).
    
  • Fixed sergeant roles spawning with 2 sets of binoculars.
    
  • Captured Bren Carrier no longer counts towards the vehicle limit.
  
  
• Hurtgenwald Advance:
  
  • Swapped Allied roles to autumn counterparts.
    
  • Extended the minefields.
    
  • Rebalanced the team ratio numbers in Allied favor.
    
  • Reduced the fog range.
  
  
• Kriegstadt Advance:
  
  • Fixed the terrain visibility in incorrect places.
    
  • Increased reinforcemets for both sides.
    
  • Added radios on main spawns.
  
  
• Riga Docks Push:
  
  • Disabled bullet collision on a few fences.
  
  
• Poteau Ambush Advance:
  
  • Deleted a floating emitter.
    
  • Changed the skins of some of the foxholes for a better blend.
    
  • Disabled collisions on impassable bushes.
  
  
• Klin1941 Advance:
  
  • Reduced logistic truck respawn times.
  
  
• Makhnovo Advance:
  
  • Removed HQ behind the Church objective.
    
  • Reduced logistic respawn times to ~1 minute for both teams.
  
  
• Butovo Advance:
  
  • Reduced logistic truck respawn times and added +1 more to each team.
  
  
• Nuenen Clash:
  
  • Halftracks are no longer counted towards towards the vehicle limit.

• Removed reinforcement costs on all vehicles.

• Fixed radio confirmations for artillery calls not working in multiplayer.
  
• Fixed an issue where US and Commonwealth tankers would have incorrecly textured first-person sleeves.

This small patch focuses on fixing a couple issues with the last release. We've also optimized the CambesEnPlaine map, which received a significant performance boost.

[h3]Changelog[/h3]

Maps

• Cambes-en-Paine Clash:
  
  • Optimization pass.
    
  • Added 1 armored personnel carrier for each team.

• Fixed interface art for SU76 and T60.
  
• Fixed an issue where some weapon icons could appear blurry.
  
• Fixed an issue where low fog settings would result in zero visibility on certain maps.

Greetings everyone! After a few months since the last update, we are back again with a new massive release that features new vehicles, weapons, map updates, and more.

Let's have a look at it.

Vehicles



In the never ending effort to bring you new goodies to play with, our team members AAZ and Shurek have cooked up a sizeable addition to the game. This update includes 10 new armored vehicles that you'll be able to use on the battlefield!

[h3]New[/h3]

• BA-64
  
• T-34/76 (M42 and M43 models)
  
• SU-76M
  
• BT-7
  
• Panzer III Ausf. J
  
• Panzer IV Ausf. G (early)
  
• Panzer IV Ausf. F1
  
• KV-1E
  
• T-60
  
• M4A2 Sherman

• SVT-38
  
• MP-38
  
• Volkssturmkarabiner 98 (VK.98)

• M1928 Thompson, C96, M712, Sten, PPS-43, Korovin: New sounds.
  
• Mosin-Nagant: Received new, improved sights.

• Lyes Krovy Defence
  
• Krasnyi Oktyabr Defence
  
• Hurtgenwald Advance
  
• Grey Ghosts of War Stalemate
  
• Bridge Assault Stalemate

• Kriegstadt Advance: Opened up a previously blocked street before Kaschade Offices.
  
• San Valentino Advance: Gameplay and visual fixes.
  
• Omaha Beach Push: Fixed the bug where players were unable to call artillery.
  
• Gorlitz Push:
  
  • Opened up more streets.
    
  • Fixed exploits and minor bugs.
  
  
• Poteau Ambush:
  
  • Smoothed out the hill next to the town to make it look more realistic.
    
  • Added AT gun constructions.
    
  • Various fixes and adjustments.
  
  
• Putot-en-Bessin Advance:
  
  • Removed reinforcements bleed.
    
  • Removed first objective.

• Amoeba camouflage for Soviet troops.
  
• Volkssturm uniforms.

• Pak-38 Anti-Tank Gun

• Adjustment of all health/damage related tank properties and shell characteristics for more consistency and to better reflect their real life counterparts.
  
• Reduced the amount of damage AT guns receive from armor-piercing shells.

• Fixed the bug where certain maps caused clients to be stuck on the connection screen (thanks to the folks from the oldunreal.com forum for the solution).

Say hello to the Springfield M1903A1a long awaited addition to our bolt action rifle roster!



Despite being phased out during World War II in favor of M1 Garand, this rifle saw an extensive use in Pacific, African, and European theaters, as some of the U.S. front-line troops retained the M1903 and continued to use it alongside the M1 Garand.

In the game it will be available in all U.S. Combat Engineer kits, and as a part of the rifleman's loadout for the U.S. Army Rangers (Hill 400, Pointe du Hoc, and other maps).


BONUS: New Kar98k variant


Can you spot the difference?

As a little something extra, we have a surprise for our nit-picky sharpshootersan optional variant of
a Kar98k rifle without a front sight hood. If you choose to go for this option, it should allow for a better visibility, but might make the sights harder to acquire. Let us know which one you prefer!


Change log

Weapon additions:
- Springfield M1903A1.
- Kar98k (w/o sight hood).
- New M712 Schnellfeuer visuals, animations and sounds.

Weapon additions (previously removed due to technical difficulties):
- Nagant M1895 revolver.
- Browning Hi-Power pistol.
- ViS pistol.
- M34 grenade.
- Mauser C96 pistol.
- Korovin SMG

Vehicle smoke launchers:
- Projectiles are now visible with the human eye.
- German smoke projectiles begin emitting smoke upon launch.
- Smoke ammo count now shown on Puma's HUD.
- Custom surface impact effects.

Backblast effects:
- Fixed issue where elements of the backblast particle effect for the Bazooka and Panzerschreck were firing in the incorrect direction.
- Added backblast particle effect to the Panzerfaust (has been missing for a while).

Hetzer:
- Fixed gunsight magnification and FOV (should be same as Stug).

Maps:
- Donner: Replaced Enfield No.4 with the new Springfield rifle
- Dom Pavlova: Minor fixes.
- Kasserine Pass: Minor fixes.

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Hello, everyone! As you may already know, a couple weeks ago we have released the Fury map, which turned out to be quite an attraction with its lovely scenery and a kickin replica of the tank. In case someone missed the news or just in for a treat, we also prepared this amazing trailer for the occasion.

The trailer was directed and produced by a community member and our good friend ChrisMo44, and it's a first one in the line up of videos featuring our latest and upcoming maps.

Enjoy the show, and see you on the battlefield!

[previewyoutube=bJUAnOQVIiY;full][/previewyoutube]

Theres a new map wed like to show you, and this one is quite special!

We present to youthe Fury!



This brand new map is a loving homage to the original 2014 movie and was closely inspired by the events and locales depicted in it, from the aftermath of the Tiger encounter, to the iconic crossroads of the final showdown. All this scenery was made possible by our talented level designer Dolas, who already treated us in the past with another beautiful map Rabeneck!




Easy Eight
But this is not all of it! The map also features a functioning replica of the Fury tank, crafted with love for details by our community members Mechanic and Napoleon Blownapart.

This is a unique tank, and its only available once during the game. Take a good care of it!


Psst, the wooden logs on the sides function as additional armor and can be blown off the tank!

We also have a regular Sherman M4A3E8 Easy Eight variant present, which will see action on other levels as well. In fact, its already been added to a number of armored maps, namely:

• AlteZiegelei Stalemate
  
• Celles Clash
  
• Freyneux Advance
  
• Preaux Clash
  
• Raid to Bastogne Advance
  

This patch brings us a couple changes to HEAT projectiles (which can now penetrate spaced armor) and a new take on our latest map!

Meet La Fire Day Advancea continuation to the night variant that takes place during a German counterattack the following afternoon.



Changes
[h3]Maps[/h3]

• New map La Fire Day Advance.
  
• Added an option to call a paradrop via a radio on La Fire Advance (the night version).
  

• HEAT projectiles now penetrate armored skirts (schrzen) at angles below 45 degrees.
  
• New vehicle hit effects for HEAT projectiles.
  
• Vehicle reload sounds can only be heard by nearby players and the crew inside.

A new update is out and we have something exciting to show you!

La Fire
Our master level builders, Razorneck and Kashash, have come up with another beauty of a map: La Fire Advance. It was in the works during the last few weeks, and we are excited to see y'all finally trying it out.

The map follows the battle for the La Fire bridgea key point over the Merderet river that US troops were tasked to seize during airborne landings in Normandy on June 6th, 1944.



Other changes
[h3]Maps[/h3]

• Fixed reinforcements bug on Armored Freyneux Advance.
  
• Minor tweaks and fixes for some of the maps.
  

• Tank cannons now deal more consistent amounts of damage (removed damage randomization).
  
• Improved visuals of hatch fires.
  
• Corrected KV-1s top speed (it's slightly faster now).
  
• Armored side-skirts (Schrzen) now stop PTRD rounds.
  

As we had to temporarily remove some of the new goodies to fix a number of game breaking bugs, we are happy to announce that all of the recent additions are now back in the game!

This patch also brings a little quality of life update for squad leaders: they now receive mandatory smoke grenades (if their squad is large enough).


Change log
For the full list of changes that were brought back, check the v9.5.0 announcement:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/DH/announcements/detail/3094470492875605816
[h3]Additional changes:[/h3]

• Squad leaders can receive smoke grenades regardless of their class (excluding tank crewmen and mortar operators). A squad leader is required to have at least 4 members in his/hers squad for a regular smoke grenade, and 6 members for a colored one.
  
  
• Fixed a bug with the inventory that made it impossible to switch weapons on some of the axis classes.
  

In our efforts to bring back all the goods that were introduced in the previous major updateand to conclude our hunt for the game breaking bugs that were brought along with itwell be running beta testing events starting this Friday at 8 PM GMT. Feel free to join us!

[h3]How do i participate?[/h3]
To join the testing, you will need to switch your game to the pre-release branch. This is done by going to the Darkest Hour: Europe 44-45 properties in your Steam library, opening the BETAS tab, and selecting the Pre-release testing branch in the drop-down list.



Once that's done, run the game and connect to the Official BETA TEST Server #1.

You dont have to wait for the event to try out the pre-release version: the testing server is up and running, and you can join in at any time. If you encounter any crashes, please report them on our Discord. This will help us a lot in rooting out the bugs before the release.

Dont forget to switch back from the pre-release branch (by selecting the "opt out" option) if you want to connect to regular servers!

[h3]Changes[/h3]
To see the list of changes for the upcoming update, check out the v9.5.0 announcement:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/DH/announcements/detail/3094470492875605816

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Unfortunately, our latest build ended up highly unstable, and we had to revert to the last stable version, which is v9.4.5.

The servers have been restarted now. If you have trouble connecting, make sure your game has been updated in Steam (if the update does not initiate, try verifying the game files).

Apologies for the inconvenience!

After the 9.5.0 release, we've been receiving a lot reports about frequent game crashes, as well as issues where a number of maps would inexplicably crash the game servers. After exhaustive investigation, it was determined that these issues are likely caused by some sort of bug in the games engine code which we are unable to properly diagnose nor directly fix (as modders, we cannot edit the engines underlying engine).

In order to restore stability and resolve these game-breaking issues, we have decided to revert a significant portion of the new additions introduced in the v9.5.0 update.

This step back is a temporary measure, and we will be incrementally reintroducing all the new weapons and uniforms in the days to come.

We apologize for the inconvenience!

See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

Happy new year to all! Were hitting the ground running in 2020 with a huge update!

Weapons
As part of our continuing effort to improve and expand our weapon roster, this update sees the largest addition of new weapons since the games release. This has largely been made possible by our animator AAZ. If you see him in game, thank him for the new hardware!
[h2]New Weapons[/h2]

• Pistolet wz. 35 Vis
  
• Mauser C96
  
• Browning High Power
  
• Nagant M1895 Revolver
  
• Beretta Model 38
  
• PPSH41 (Stick Magazine)
  
• Maschinenpistole 41(r)
  
• M1928 Thompson (20rd/30rd/50rd)
  
• Gebalte Ladung
  
• Korovin 41
  

• M1A1 Thompson has new animations, texture and sounds
  
• Maschinengewehr 34 has new firing sounds
  
• Gewehr 43 has new firing sounds
  
• Mauser C96 Schnellfeuer has been replaced by the semi-automatic version
  

• Riga Docks (Push)
  
• Tula Outskirts (Push)
  

• Myshkova River
  
• Black Day July
  
• Tank Clash At Bastogne
  
• Road to Leningrand
  
• Debrecen
  
• Wanne
  
• Butovo
  
• St. Marie du Mont
  
• Makhnovo
  
• Ten Aard
  
• Olkhovatka
  
• Kriegstadt
  
• Radar Advance
  

• Changed the main menu music and background image
  
• The text messages accompanying voice commands (eg. [VOICE] Basnett: Go, go go!) made by squadmates will have their names appear in green
  
• Surrender votes can now be initiated earlier and require less votes to pass
  
• Removed Rhine River Clash (RIP)
  
• Reduced the supply cost of the M1937 and M1942 anti-tank guns to 700 and 800, respectively
  

• Fixed a bug where the combat and support point icons were not displaying correctly
  
• Fixed a bug where the KV1-S did not have a proper preview image on the vehicle selection screen
  
• Fixed a bug where the Sd.Kfz. 251/22 (Pakwagen) did not have a proper preview image on the vehicle selection screen
  
• Fixed an oversight which gave the Jagdtiger insufficient armor
  

We hope everyone is having a good holiday season! We, of course, never rest, so here's some more goodies to put under your tree.

New Maps

• Wanne (Advance)
  
• Battle in House (Holiday Fun Map)
  
• Kruokovo (Push)
  

• Squad leaders can now place rally points unassisted within friendly territory
  
• Increased the squadmate rally point assist radius from 15m to 25m
  
• New tank destruction emitter with cook-off
  
• Fixed spawn points not working on Celles due to earlier gameplay logic change
  
• The AVT-40 barrel can now overheat
  
• Makhnovo is back!
  

We're proud to announce the latest addition to our armor lineup, the fearsome Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind"!



This vehicle is pretty much exactly what it looks like: a Flakvierling AA gun on top of a Panzer IV chassis. The vehicle was produced in small numbers during the war and was primary used for anti-aircraft duties. However, with its high rate of fire, the Wirbelwind can make mincemeat out of infantry and light vehicles caught out in the open, so don't underestimate it!

The Wirbelwind can be found on the following maps:

• Balaton
  
• Bridgehead
  
• Cambes en Plaine
  
• La Gleize
  
• Ogeledow
  
• Stoumont
  
• Valko
  
• Champs
  

White Phosphorous
At long last, Darkest Hour now has true white phosphorous (WP) smoke rounds!



Apart from looking like a million bucks, the WP projectiles will also ignite enemies unfortunate enough to be next to the blast. The round also leaves a choking haze that will kill infantry that stay in it for too long, making it a great area denial weapon.

Due to the relative rarity of these rounds (and for balance reasons) you will not be able to resupply WP rounds from logistics trucks or vehicle resupply points.

The white phosphorous rounds have replaced the generic "smoke" round for the Churchill Mk. VII, Cromwell, Sherman 75mm variants, Sherman Jumbo and Sherman M4A3 105mm.

Weapon Adjustments
As part of our never-ending quest to improve the weapons, we have done a pass of small changes that can be summarrized in a few key points:

• Sub-machine gun spread has been slightly reduced
  
• Weapon sway has been adjusted to better reflect a weapon's weight and bulkiness
  
• Increased the bash & stab range
  
• Attaching a bayonet now has a greater effect on weapon sway
  
• Adjusted the field-of-view of some weapons to afford a better sight picture
  

• Added AVT-40, a fully automatic version of the SVT-40.
  
• Added Soviet 45mm AT gun.
  
• Increased mortar resupply interval from rally points to 30 seconds.
  
• Reduced the rally point "establishment" counter from 15 to 10. Squad leaders should no longer need to worry about abandoning their rally points when placing them on the move.
  
• Allied binoculars now have a unique skin.
  
• Squad signals and name tags are now hidden when looking down a 3D scope.
  

• Fixed a bug where squad rally point timers were not being reliably reset on round restart.
  
• Fixed a bug where German Combat Engineers had no weapon on Black Day July.
  
• Fixed a bug where the PPS43 sight was misaligned.
  

We're back again with another big update! v9.3.0 has a lot of things that have been in the works for a long while, so let's get to it!

St. Marie du Mont
The (in)famous Razorneck has put the finishing touches on St. Marie du Mont, the equally famous sleepy Normandy town that saw fighting on D-Day. This map has been a long time coming, and we're excited to see you in the fields!



Enfield No.2
As part of our ongoing overhaul of all Allied weapons, GarlicAAZ has done a tremendous job revamping the model and animations on this neglected part of the arsenal. It's now a joy to use, give it a shot!



Maps
* New Armored Maps: Panzerschlact, Eidhoven, Belgium
* Updated map overviews for a number of maps

Vehicles
* Fixed rendering issues where some vehicle periscopes allowed players to see through smoke
* The chance of vehicle fires breaking out is now dependent on the characteristics penetrating projectile.
* Updated tank obliteration effects.
* DT29 hull machine-gun overlay is now back.

Miscellaneous
* Surrender voting no longer assumes a "No" vote for non-voters.
* New historically accurate binocular reticles.

See you on the battlefield!

We're back again, this time with an update that's slightly different from the usual! This time, we're focusing on some much needed love for Soviet armor, and the improvement of some explosion and impact effects.



The Highlights

• Added map DH-Armored_La_Feuillie_Clash.
  
• New explosion and smoke effects when vehicles are obliterated by rounds cooking off.
  
• New shell shatter effects.
  
• New bullet impact effects on players.
  
• Reduced the reload times of Soviet tank cannons.
  
• Improved the armor penetration capabilities of Soviet tank cannons (they
  were all under-performing compared to real-life counterparts).
  
• Added APCR round to T34/85.
  
• Fixed a bug where the Hetzer was unable to be resupplied.
  

A new tank server has launched! The server will only have armored and combined arms levels in rotation. A big thanks to the Good Guys (GG), Real Panzer (RP), Backis, Patison, and everyone else who helped to get things done. Try it out this weekend! Longer view distances (up to 4 km!!!!), lots of tanks, rallies, contructions, and nostalgic levels that have been improved!

See you on the battlefield!

At long last, v9.1.0 is released! This feature update brings a lot of cool stuff weve been working on the last few months. The change log is extensive, but has pretty GIFs, so read on!

Weapon Overhaul
This release sees the first fruits of our efforts to significantly upgrade the visuals and animations of virtually all Western Allied weapons, and generally weapons that werent already included in Red Orchestra: Ostfront. Our primary goal in this effort is to make all the weapons feel consistently polished and satisfying to use, as well as taking the opportunity to tweak and upgrade various weapon mechanics.

The first weapon on the list to get the full treatment is the Enfield No.4 which now looks, feels and sounds great!

All of these changes would not have been possible without the efforts of GarlicAAZ, whose animation talents have been put to good use, enabling us to fix and improve so many things we previously were unable to.

3D Scopes
After a very long hiatus, 3D scopes are back!



We made the decision to exclude 3D scopes from DH all the way back in v6.0 due, in part, to the wild inconsistency of the weapon animations and them generally feeling unpolished. In retrospect, this was probably a wrong-headed decision, and one that were happy to reverse.

You can enable 3D scopes in the games graphics settings.

Bolt-Action Reloading
All bolt-action rifles can now be reloaded with individual rounds! This means that, on weapons like the Mosin Nagant and Karabiner 98k, you will no longer need to expend 5 rounds in order to perform a reload.



This feature wouldnt have been possible without the hard work of Dan06, who got this feature across the finish line and worked out a number of the bugs.

While we were re-working the bolt-action reload system, we also took the opportunity to fix a mechanical error that had gone largely unnoticed for years. When you open the bolt on a bolt action rifle, the loaded round will now be ejected. For example, if you take a single shot with a rifle, cycle the bolt, and then reload, you will need to insert 2 rounds into the weapon in order to fill the magazine to capacity.

Pistols
Pistols are now much more accurate, but have increased sway. We have changed how the pistols look when sighted and removed the zoom when sighted. Overall, pistols should now be significantly more effective.

Automatics
Accuracy Changes
All automatic weapons are now more accurate, but will potentially have more recoil (see below). This makes automatics more responsive and intuitive to shoot, since there is less randomness to contend with.

Recoil Changes
All automatic weapons have had significant changes to recoil. The strength of recoil is no longer constant. Instead, recoil strength is now based on a curve, where longer consecutive shots result in more recoil. This promotes the use of short bursts, since firing constantly will make the weapon significantly harder to control. This should raise the skill cap and promote more authentic and sensibile usage of automatic weapons.

Reduction in Numbers
We feel the changes to accuracy will make automatics much more deadly in the hands of a skilled soldier. To counteract that, and the problem of automatic weapon proliferation, weve dialed back the availability of automatic options from a number of roles.

Overheating
The FG42, Bren, BAR can now overheat like other the Machine Guns.

Suppression Changes
The suppression system has been tweaked to reduce the strength of involuntary flinches you experience the more you get shot at. In other words, the more a player receives involuntary flinches in a short time, the less strength those flinches will have. At the same time the player will receive more weapon sway. This adjustment essentially trades flinches in for additional weapon sway. If a player stops receiving fire for some time, the sway and flinch strength resets to normal.

The idea here is to make overcoming sustained suppression possible for brave and skilled players; flinches are impossible to overcome, but additional sway is not. We will monitor how this affects the game and make changes based on player feedback.

Satchel Charges
Satchel Charges have always been a hot topic of debate. In recent past, we adjusted Satchels to not be very effective against tanks. However, based on community feedback, we have made some changes.

We now have 2 different satchels, small and large. A small satchel is meant to be roughly half the explosive power of the large. A large will be very effective against tanks, but must be placed under the tank, near the tracks on the side, or over the engine vent. A large satchel well placed will be able to destroy or disable the heaviest tanks. A small satchel may require more precise placement or require a second charge to get the job done.

Combat Engineers will now spawn with one small satchel. The plan is to later have a different model for the small and large satchels and allow players to combine 2 small satchels into 1 large.

Satchels can also now reliably damage or destroy Obstacles and Constructions, even through walls. This means Satchel Charges can now destroy barbed-wire fences, wooden fences, and will be more predictable in their effectiveness.

Anti-Tank Gun Rotation
At long last, anti-tank guns can now be fully rotated in-place!



Smaller guns like the AT-57 can be rotated by a single soldier, while larger guns like the PaK-43 need multiple soldiers in order to be rotated.

To rotate an anti-tank gun, simply walk up to one and press the command menu key (default: CAPSLOCK).

Overview Map Changes

• Friendly anti-tank guns are now visible on the map.
  
• Friendly danger zone boundary is now visible on the map.
  
• All vehicles that venture deep into the opposing teams territory will have their precise location visible on the map. This is done to counteract vehicles being used for extreme behind-the-lines sabotage, making it easier to combat such tactics. Anti-tank guns, supply caches and platoon HQ locations are spotted in the same manner.
  

• Can now be cut by wire-cutters
  
• Added a unique placement sound
  
• Added an intermediate stage (has wooden pikes, but no wire)
  
• Added a cut stage (when cut by wire-cutters)
  
• Increased supply cost from 25 to 100
  
• Increased construction time from 2 to 4 digs
  
• Deconstruction with the shovel takes significantly longer while the wire is intact
  
• Can no longer be damaged by grenades
  
• Improved collision so players cannot dive over them
  

This Easter Sunday (April 21st) will be the first annual Easter Egg Hunt in Darkest Hour! Everyone can participate!



The player who finds the most eggs will be announced the winner of the event!

The event will last all day Sunday and the rules are simple. Find an egg and destroy it, if there are 32 or more players on the server (must be an official server), the game will record that you found an egg. We will be using the official server statistics to keep track of how many eggs players have found. Players can destroy eggs by shooting them, hitting them in melee, explosives, or running them over.

The current plan is to have eggs hidden on "Official" maps (non-WIP maps). However, some levels require more than 32 players, so those will not have eggs.

Before Sunday (early morning EST), players can submit egg paintings!



The egg-painting contest will allow players to submit paintings for the eggs players see in the levels. You can find more details regarding the Egg Painting Contest in the #egg-painting-contest discord channel.

See you on the battlefield!

Rabenheck (Advance)
Today sees the release of a brand new map, Rabenheck, by community member Dolas!



Rabenheck, or "Raven's Hedge", depicts the bitter fighting of the Hurtgenwald in late 1944, during the ill-fated Operation Queen.

This map will be playable for the first time on Sunday during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest event! Be sure to Join the Discord to stay up to speed on monthly events and all things DH!



Ten Aard (Clash)
In addition, last week saw the release of another incredible map, Ten Aard, by long time contributor Kashash!



Ten Aard depicts the fighting in the eponymous town during the Battle of Geel in northern Belgium, an oft-overlooked engagement taking place during Operation Market Garden.

Click here to see a "before an after" video showing the map compared to its real-life counterparts, to get a sense of the incredible amount of work and attention to detail that has been poured into the map.

In addition, we've managed to slip in a couple of quality of life changes and tweaks:

• Squad assistants now have access to the Command channel
  
• Resupply points are now displayed on the situation map
  
• Resupply points cost more to deploy, but now last longer
  
• Fixed a bug where vehicles could end up permanently reserved
  

Strap your helmets on tight! This update is going to blow your mind! We have put our heads together to make Darkest Hour even more a thinking man's shooter!

Darkest Hour has always been a thinking-man's-shooter, but after this update, players will grow their cranium to unlimited proportions. Making headway in Darkest Hour will require players to be more headstrong.

However, let's not get ahead of ourselves, here is the change log!
Players will get smarter more quickly by achieving kills
New players will have an easier time killing veteran players on killing sprees
Players will now be able to rename their squad to 20 characters long, instead of 16

Do not let the update get to your head. As always, see you on the battlefield!

Darkest Hour: Europe 44-45 v9.0 has been released!

This release is a ceremonial one, and a milestone in the games development, punctuating all of the work that has been done over the last year and a half. In that time, we have added and refined a number of new features and content including squad rally points, constructions, the new Advance game mode, and well over a dozen new maps!

New Trailer
We are usually pretty humble about our releases, but this time weve gone all out and put together a cinematic trailer. We hope you will enjoy it (and send it to those who might also enjoy it!)



A Momentous Occasion
Today is also the 13th anniversary of Red Orchestra: Ostfront! To mark the occasion, we have enlisted the help of Tripwire Interactive to help get the word out to publications about all the hard work we have been doing, which should help bring in some new recruits! Whats more, Tripwire Interactive has permanently reduced the price of Red Orchestra: Ostfront!

We would also like to thank our community and players, old and new, for giving us the inspiration and drive to continue to improve and expand one of the longest running WW2 games of all time. We have lots more in the works, and we look forward to delivering new features and content in the coming weeks and months!

If you love what we do and want to support the games continued development, consider supporting us via Patreon. We also encourage everyone (new players especially!) to join our Discord community and join with your fellow soldiers in the mess hall!



See you on the battlefield,
Darklight Games

This update we are releasing a number of new features, including Danger Zones, Hot Rally Points and the Rally Point Indicator!

This update is a big step towards our version 9.0 milestone coming in just a little over a month. A big focus for 9.0 will be to solidify the features added in 8.0 and to better convey the games mechanics to new players. Without further adieu, here are the highlights!

Danger Zone
The danger zone is essentially a dynamically calculated marker of enemy territory based on objective ownership. The primary use of the danger zone, currently, is to mark rally points inside the danger zone as hot. The location of hot rally points will be automatically marked on the map for the opposing team to call attention to deep flanking squads.



This mechanic was developed as a response to the metagame shifting towards extreme behind-the-lines play which could make battles feel unfocused as well as putting defending teams at an extreme disadvantage. As always, the mechanics are always subject to change based on how the mechanic affects the gameplay and player feedback.

This feature was developed primarily by community member and ace squad leader Dirty Birdy, and we are really excited that he has lent us his talents.

Rally Point Indicator
We have added a new rally point indicator to the HUD for squad leaders! This handy little guy gives you at-a-glance information about your ability to place rally points. Here is a rundown of the kinds of information it conveys:

• If your squad has no rally points, the indicator will flash red.
  
• Displays the reason why placement may not be possible (eg. missing squadmate, cooldown etc.)
  
• When all placement conditions have been satisfied, the icon glows and displays a one-button prompt to place a rally point (will be useful for new squad leaders!)
  
• The indicator displays a yellow warning symbol when you are in the danger zone.
  

• In an effort to stop grand theft logi, only Squad Leaders and Assistants can spawn and drive Logistics vehicles
  
• Low Reinforcement messages appear less often, but are now accompanied by a unique sound
  
• Tweaked the rules for activating objective spawns; objective spawns will generally be much further away from the frontlines, hopefully resulting in less instances of spawn killing.
  
• Changed the banned and session kicked messages to be less confusing
  
• Added the server name to the scoreboard
  

• Added ability to start kicking idle players once enough players are connected
  
• Added a command which unlocks the 10,000 Bps network speed cap
  
• Added a location string, so players can know where the server is located on the server browser
  

• Players who are forgiven for a team kill will now have their weapons unlocked if they have a past team kill which was punished
  
• Shooting a friendly soft vehicle will play an upsetting sound (to warn players against doing it)
  
• Removed the ability for players to damage the engine of friendly vehicles
  
• Added weapon locking for destroying friendly vehicles
  
• Added a message for when a player destroys a friendly vehicle
  
• A player who kills a friendly vehicle can no longer switch teams for 25 minutes
  
• Added a death message (Andy Kaufman) when a player destroys a friendly vehicle
  

• Doubled the health of all sandbag constructions
  
• Dragons Teeth health increased from 750 to 1000
  
• Dragon's Teeth now take less damage from HE splash
  

• All work in progress maps now have a kill zone under the terrain
  
• Klin updated
  
  
  
  • Decreased number of reinforcements
    
  • Added windy snow emitters
    
  • Brightened the dark sky
    
  • Removed bloom and reduced the brightness of players
    
  • Fixed many other issues
    
  
  

• Salaca updated
  
  
  
  • Improved the Objective Spawns
    
  • Adjusted the end objectives locations and renamed
    
  
  

A small update released early this morning. Here are the...

Changes:

• Radar updated, several improvements, added objective spawns
  
• Slight damage and radius increase to satchel charges
  
• Moved smoke grenades to slot 4
  
• Moved shovel/wirecutters/satchels to slot 7
  
• Changes to Klin, Salaca, and Myshkova
  

• Fixed a bug on Hurtgenwald where players would be slain up on the hill
  
• Fixed a bug where players couldnt pick up satchels
  
• Fixed a bug with objective spawns which could crash the server
  

Got a hotfix for client crashes during level load and more!

Changes:

• Updated the main menu to fix a client crash
  
• Added mortar observers to Stoumont Advance
  
• Removed Ami Go Home from Axis song list
  
• Moved Satchel Charges from slot "7" to slot "4"
  
• Moved Smoke Grenades from slot "2" to slot "7"
  
• Added slots as bindable keys on the control settings page
  
• Objective Spawns now have their own map icon (a square)
  
• Added objective spawns to Putot (objective spawns will work on Advance now)
  
• Netspeed changes:
  
  
  
  • New default is 10000
    
  • Users with less than 10000 netspeed will be updated to 10000
    
  • Adjusted netspeed values in the settings
    
  
  
• Several fixes to Putot
  

We are back at it! Here are the changes:

The Good

• New Main Menu
  
  
  
  • New background image
    
  • Handles different aspect ratios (4:3 & 16:9) better (no longer stretches image)
    
  • Now has a frame limiter (to help prevent coil whine on your hardware)
    
  
  
• Added a control for toggle run (no default bind, can be bound under Controls > Movement)
  
• Fixed a bug where constructions would be virtually immune to direct HE impact damage.
  
• Added an experimental feature to Hattert_Advance we are calling Objective Spawns
  
  
  
  • The nearest linked secured objectives act as a spawn point for the team
    
  • If no issues occur we will implement this feature on more Clash maps
    
  
  
• Increased the options for internet rate (now has experimental 30000 rate option)
  

• Squad Leaders now receive 25 instead of 50 points when a squadmate spawns on their rally point. This change was made because squad leaders would almost always massively out-score the rest of their squad due to the high point value of players spawning on rally points.
  

• Removed DH_ATWeapons.u package
  
  
  
  • This package has been deprecated since v6.0 and was kept around for backwards compatibility with custom levels. However due to a bug in the UT2004 engine, it was discovered to be creating invalid references and data in map files which could lead to larger file sizes, instability, and made maintenance on these levels more difficult.
    
  
  
  
• Note To Server Administrators!
  
  
  
  • Custom levels that reference DH_ATWeapons.u will now require DH_ATWeapons.u as a custom file on the server. Either that, or the custom levels will need to be updated to remove these references (Contact [DH]Theel on our Discord for more information and instructions). You can download the DH_ATWeapons.u package here. Place the file in your servers DarkestHour/System folder.
    
  
  

We hope everyone had a good holiday break. 2019 is going to be a big year for Darkest Hour. We plan on polishing features we are happy with and making changes to features we are not. A big focus this year will be on brand new maps!

Here is a recap of changes to DH in 2018:
2018 started with v8.0 (squads + construction + Advance) being just released in late 2017.

• By February, we added Assistant Squad Leaders and more constructions.
  
• In March, we had the frag grenade update, which reduced starting grenades to 1, max carriable to 3, and added grenade boxes.
  
• In April, we had changes to soft vehicles so they no longer instantly explode; giving soldiers a chance to bail out once the vehicle becomes disabled.
  
• We saw the 10th anniversary of Darkest Hour in June!
  
• In July, we had new construction (Dragons Teeth and Panzerfaust Crates) and a complete overhaul to the scoring system.
  
• In August, we saw improvements to blood and hit impacts on players.
  
• In September, we added a zoom-able overview map.
  
• In October, Theel launched his Patreon campaign.
  
• In November, he launched the London high performance server.
  
• Finally, in December we improved on the in-game chat and added squad merging.
  

We're back at it again! This update's a bit of a hodge-podge, but the tl;dr is that we've added a new squad merging functionality, a couple new work-in-progress maps, and made some balance changes, including a change that should make light vehicles much more fragile.

New Stuff

• Added DH-WIP_MyshkovaRiver_Advance
  
• Added DH-WIP_Klin1941_Advance
  
• Added a new control for placing a Rally Point (default key is: J)
  
• Added a new splash screen
  

• As a squad leader, right-click another squad leader on the squad menu and select Request to Merge
  
• The squad leader that sent the merge request will become the new squad leader
  

• Changes to soft vehicles (cars, trucks, halftracks):
  
  
  
  • Increased damage from small arms fire
    
  • Vehicles are now more easily disabled
    
  • Reduced engine health on cars and trucks
    
  • Halftracks now climb up slopes more effectively
    
  
  
• Updated DH-WIP_Cholm_Advance
  
  
  
  • Axis now have a new approach for the final objective
    
  • Second to last capture (Stronghold) can be captured from the ground level.
    
  • Added a couple weapon pickups
    
  
  
• Changes to several constructions:
  
  
  
  • Panzerfaust Crate:
    
    
    
    • Raised cost from 750 to 850
      
    • Lowered Panzerfaust count from 4 to 2
      
    
    
  • Increased cost of Grenade Crate from 300 to 400
    
  • Increased cost of Supply Cache from 250 to 500
    
  • Increased cost of Watchtower from 750 to 900
    
  • Platoon HQs can no longer be crushed by vehicles
    
  • Platoon HQs now take more damage from grenades and satchels
    
  
  
• All vehicles have had their reinforcement cost reduced
  
• Levels weapon pickups no longer respawn by default
  
• Reduced the high player count requirements for voting larger Advance levels
  

• Fixed a bug where most functionality was broken in the Admin mutator.
  

We're back at it again! This time bringing a big quality-of-life improvement to the chat system.

While typing, you are now able to cycle through chat modes by pressing the Tab button!



Since the RO1 days, there has been three buttons for initiating chat in certain channels (team, global, vehicle). When we added the squad chat channel, we had to take up another keybind on our already crowded default key mapping. The old system is just not tenable for extensibility and is very be cumbersome to use (e.g. accidentally hitting the wrong button and needing to hit escape and try again).

Additionally, you can now simply hit your Enter key to start typing a message to your previously selected chat channel! Please note that backwards compatibility is maintained if you prefer to use the old system instead.

Here are a few more notable tweaks and additions:

• There is now a colored line drawn between the player and the squad's current order marker on the situation map (this should help highlight the orders more prominently)
  
• All anti-tank guns now must be placed at least 15 meters from each other.
  
• All anti-tank guns have had their supply cost increased (in some cases significantly) in an effort to reduce AT gun spam.
  
• Increased the "block" time penalty for spawn kills on Platoon HQs from 15 to 30 seconds in an effort to reduce repeated spawn killing.
  
• Increased the duration of the " Have Won The Battle!" message from 5 seconds to 15 seconds.
  
• Fixed a bug where players would be told to wait for 5 seconds before voting for another map before they had voted for any maps.
  
• Fixed a bug where the crescent sandbag construction could seem to disappear if it was in your peripheral view.
  

Event This Thursday! @ 4pm EST (9pm GMT) @ Darklight Games London Server (185.38.151.35)



New London Server! Thanks to past and present Patrons, the new high-performance server has arrived! This server uses an i7-7700k processor, the best marketable CPU for single-threaded applications. This is also a dedicated server, not a virtual server, meaning the processing power is not shared. This means we can easily host multiple 64 player servers without seeing the tick rate drop!

This server is not cheap, but we also got a very good deal. While the Patrons do pay for it, I want to be as responsible as possible with that money. This means that we promote the server and try our best to see that it is actually used. However, I also want to be fair to the community and not just use my developer authority to dictate player choice.

Ultimately, it is the player's responsibility to choose which server to play on. So we have decided AGAINST doing a server white list, which would allow us to select which servers would show up on the server browser by default. However, it is our responsibility to give players accurate and useful information in making that choice. We hope to figure out a fair and accurate way to inform players of how a server performs and indicate that on the server browser. Until then, we can only inform players in announcements and ask that players choose responsibility, especially on weekends.

Though there is no noticeable incentive for players to play on better performing servers. What we can offer is the London server will be running metrics; which is statistics of kills, deaths, damage types, and other information that we plan on making public via a web tool.

Why London? DH has many European and North American players; ideally, we would have two server locations. However, until we can consistently fill multiple servers on weekends, one will have to do. That means selecting the best affordable location to make everyone happy.

Let's play on the new server tomorrow night, prime time! Come join around 4pm EST (9pm GMT) Thursday the 15th, try out the server and get an early weekend Darkest Hour fix!

See you on the battlefield,
Theel