Strategy and Wargaming

Matrix Games has released a new update for its RTS game Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2. The version 01.04.05 update brings several fixes to the table, along with some minor feature revisions.

You can download the update HERE.

The main highlights for this update come down to the following major areas:

Bug fixes. Some highlight bug fixes are…

More updates include the following:

You can read the full changelog HERE.

To find out more about Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2 and to purchase the game, visit the games official webpage.

An announcement post on Steam reveals the soon to be released DLC Fire & Steel, for Company of Heroes 3, the World War II action/strategy sequel from Relic Entertainment. Click here to visit the Fire & Steel Steam page to add to your wishlist.

Company of Heroes 3: Fire & Steel is a Battlegroup DLC pack consisting of four Battlegroups for Multiplayer and Co-Op/Skirmish vs AI. That means each faction in the game will receive a new Battlegroup! These supplemental forces consist of powerful units and abilities to enhance your forces and employ new tactics and strategy.

These Battlegroups may well be our most exciting post-launch content to date. Firstly, each battlegroup contains one super-heavy tank, each of which are franchise classics, and have been highly requested by the CoH3 community. The M26 Pershing, Churchill Crocodile, King Tiger, and Elefant Tank Destroyer are all making their return.

The Fire & Steel DLC pack will release in late February 2025 and will be priced at US $24.99.

Watch the Company of Heroes 3: Fire & Steel Trailer HERE.

For more information about Company of Heroes 3, head to www.companyofheroes.com.

Slitherine Software today announced that Headquarters: World War II – Ardennes will release on February 18th. If you’re eager for a sneak peek of the DLC, you can sign up to the closed beta here.

Headquarters: World War II – Ardennes is the second DLC for Headquarters: World War II, a fast-paced turn-based strategy game where your battlefield tactics are as important as your army management skills.

EXPERIENCE TWO BRAND-NEW CAMPAIGNS

Engage in the clash of titans in two gripping campaigns—one for Germany and one for the US. Battle through 16 challenging encounters set against a stunning winter backdrop.

PLAY AS BOTH SIDES

Command both German and US troops in a thrilling narrative that shifts perspectives. First, lead the German offensive through the rugged Ardennes, then switch gears to orchestrate the Allied counterattack. Relive the key moments of history from both sides.

COMMAND NEW UNITS AND STRATEGIES

Unlock 12 additional unit models, including advanced US and UK tanks capable of facing off against the finest German armour. Use these new assets to craft your winning strategy in both campaign and skirmish/multiplayer modes.

UNFOLD THE NEXT CHAPTER

After covering the Normandy landings in the main game and the battles of Operation Market Garden in the first DLC, you can now dive into the events of December 1944. As the Allies fight to push back a desperate German offensive, you’ll advance closer to Berlin while facing fierce challenges along the way.

Slitherine Software has released a brand-new “What If” scenario video for ICBM: Escalation. This time, tensions rise between India and China, as a buildup of Chinese forces and nuclear missiles near the Tibetan plateau threatens regional stability. Players will experience the consequences of two critical decisions: a surprise airstrike to neutralize the threat or a pre-emptive nuclear strike that spirals into catastrophic global conflict.

The latest video dives deep into the high-stakes strategy and decision-making that defines ICBM: Escalation. Each choice brings unpredictable outcomes, challenging players to consider not just military objectives, but the far-reaching consequences of their actions.

Watch the full scenario video and see the devastating possibilities unfold. What would you do?

ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS game that plunges players into the high-stakes world of global warfare, where every decision could tip the balance between survival and annihilation. Command vast armies, develop cutting-edge technology, and wield the most devastating weapons ever created to ensure your faction’s supremacy. Whether by conventional forces or through nuclear firepower, you’ll need to conquer or obliterate your enemies to secure dominance in a volatile global arena.

Matrix Games has released a new video and article on the British Vehicles in the now available RTS Armored Brigade II. Read the article and watch the British Vehicles trailer HERE.

As the inventors of the tank the British Army are veterans of mechanized warfare. Building on the experience of World War 2, the British developed some of the first main battle tanks after abandoning their previous system of separate infantry/cruiser tanks.

While the decline of the British empire and economic factors often hamstrung military spending, the United Kingdom still managed to maintain a very effective fleet of vehicles.

Building on the success of its acclaimed predecessor, Armored Brigade II elevates the wargaming experience by skillfully blending accessibility with tactical depthall within a new, more immersive 3D graphic landscape. This finely-tuned balance makes it an ideal choice for both newcomers and veterans of military wargames. Engage in a simulator that offers both pausable real-time and turn-based gameplay, where every decision counts. Authentic, detailed gameplay captivates players of all levels, immersing them in a world where strategy and realism converge.

At the heart of the game are the command and control dynamics. Orders and information take time to be received and executed, influenced by factors such as training, doctrine, distance from HQ, and communication within formations. This system creates tense moments, especially when waiting for orders during critical situations. Players have the flexibility to issue orders to formations using a mix of general commands and specific Standard Operating Procedures. Engage in combat under a variety of weather and lighting conditions, each realistically affecting combat capabilities and tactics.

We are happy to report that the new update version that has been in Open Beta is now FULLY RELEASED.

This new update includes a number of fixes and tweaks, as well as some of the first fixes and updates for the Skirmish AI, in regards to the AI sometimes ‘stalling’ in its attack during Skirmish games.

This is the first part of the AI updates so expect more AI improvements in the coming weeks (mainly focused on Skirmish & MP, but will have some effect in the campaigns too).

A full changelog for the update is HERE.

Find out more about Headquarters: World War II at the games official website or via Steam.

After debuting as a preview in the open beta, the legendary Hawker Hurricane, a pivotal force in the Battle of Britain, has officially landed in the main game as a new playable RAF fighter!

For those who missed our latest update: we introduced a beta branch, accessible to all Early Access players, where we test work-in-progress content before it reaches the core game. The Hurricane was the first feature added there, but the beta will remain open throughout the Early Access journey of the game, with frequent content updates.

Pilots, this is your call to action! Help shape the future of Scramble by sharing your feedback and battle replays. Join our community on Discord to share your experiences with other players and stay informed about upcoming content: https://discord.gg/2hPRMJ6bhU

Before you take off, check out our latest video showcasing the Hurricane’s main features and read a few curiosities about the workhorse of the Battle of Britain.

Read the changelog HERE.

The Hawker Hurricane’s impact on aviation history

The Hawker Hurricane played a critical role in the Battle of Britain, accounting for an impressive 60% of the RAF’s air victories during the conflict. Though the Supermarine Spitfire often steals the spotlight, the Hurricane was the backbone of the Royal Air Force, known for its reliability and combat effectiveness against enemy formations in nearly every major theatre in the Second World War.

Built with a steel-tube fuselage covered in fabric, the Hurricane was able to endure significant damage while remaining operational. Its thick wings allowed for remarkable maneuverability, making it ideal for tight dogfights. This robust construction also made it easier for ground crews to repair, keeping it battle-ready for longer.

Beyond the battlefield, the Hurricane remains a cultural icon, frequently celebrated in historical documentaries and airshows. Its contributions to the RAF’s success have secured its place in aviation history, inspiring generations of war historians and flight enthusiasts.

Tactical Tips for using the Hurricane in Scramble: Battle of Britain

In Scramble: Battle of Britain, the Hurricane is faithfully recreated to reflect its wartime strengths. Its durability and steady gun platform make it perfect for delivering precise strikes against enemy bombers and fighters alike. The aircraft’s exceptional maneuverability gives players the edge in close-quarters combat, holding aim steady in the heat of battle.

While the Spitfire remains famed for its speed and sleek design, the Hurricane excels in resilience and firepower. Its reliability makes it particularly effective against bombers, while the Spitfire’s speed often makes it better suited for interception roles. Your choice of aircraft depends on whether you value durability and sustained firepower or speed and interception tactics.

The addition of the Hawker Hurricane lets you experience first-hand the power and resilience of this legendary aircraft. Take to the skies and see if you can turn the tide of battle, just like the heroes of 1940.

Visit the games official website for game information, or via Steam.

Slitherine has announced Platoon Commander, its latest Real-Time Wargame currently in development. The game focuses on the German advance toward Moscow in the fall and winter of 1941. It combines real-time tactical battles with a turn-based campaign map. You can make decisions about the pace of the advance, switch to defensive strategies when necessary, and manage your army, considering weather conditions and the passing of time.

Watch the Platoon Commander Announcement Trailer HERE.

The demo offers a significant experience of Platoon Commander’s first mission, where players step into the role of a German Commander during the autumn of 1941. Tasked with capturing and holding a Soviet village, players will customize their platoons by choosing a mix of infantry, armor, and artillery to defend against the inevitable Soviet counterattack.

You can access it by visiting the Platoon Commander Steam page and clicking on the “Download” button. The demo will be available for one week, so don’t miss your chance to experience this World War II RTS. Click here to read first tutorial of the demo.

Take command as a platoon leader in some of the most decisive battles of World War II. Platoon Commander is a Real-Time Strategy game focused on the German advance toward Moscow in the fall and winter of 1941. It combines real-time tactical battles with a turn-based campaign map. You can make decisions about the pace of the advance, switch to defensive strategies when necessary, and manage your army, considering weather conditions and the passing of time.

The goal for the German forces is to breach Moscow before winter conditions make further progress impossible, whereas the Red Army will need to defeat the invaders. Will you lead the Wehrmacht to Moscow before winter closes the door, or rally the Red Army to hold the line until reinforcements arrive?

Gird your loins and sharpen your steel because, a full quarter century since the studio’s inception, Firefly is ecstatic to announce Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition! Following Stronghold: DE in 2023, which has sold over half a million copies, Firefly can now reveal their best-selling Crusader title will return with a new definitive edition releasing this year on July 15th 2025!

This fan-favourite entry in the BAFTA-nominated Stronghold series has been rebuilt with the game’s original developers adding brand new content, elevated graphics and extensive player-requested features.

“We have tried to go beyond what our players expect,” said Nick Tannahill, Studio Head at Firefly Studios and Stronghold series veteran of 13 years. “This is their favourite game and it deserves to be remastered in all its pre-rendered isometric glory, but with plenty of extra bells and whistles! We would not be doing this were it not for those still playing multiplayer, designing maps and creating mods, like the awesome Unofficial Crusader Patch, so I can’t wait to hear what they all think of our upcoming public demos. We really are dedicated to taking our time with Stronghold and acting on feedback whenever possible.”

Watch the Stronghold: Crusader Definitive Edition Reveal Trailer HERE.

In Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition, players dominate the greatest frontier of the medieval age, waging brutal war across timeless battlefronts and sieging epic fortresses, to relive the glorious clashes that have shaped human history. Journey across the heart of the medieval world and take part in the legendary Crusades for the holy land.

Witness the struggle of wills between Richard the Lionheart, King of England, and Sultan Saladin ibn Ayyub, spearhead of the Islamic domain and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. Command war-honed Crusader warriors as they brave the merciless desert sands, then, as Saladin, lead a mighty army drawn from every corner of the Middle East and repel the invading zealots.

Travel back to the legendary crusades for the holy land, now expanded with 8 new playable units, 4 fresh AI lords to face off against and never-before-seen campaigns. Wishlist Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition now on Steam ahead of the game’s full release on July 15th 2025 and play the demo today!

Slitherine Games has released the V105 update for ICBM: Escalation, its grand RTS game. Click here to view the changelog.

ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS game that plunges players into the high-stakes world of global warfare, where every decision could tip the balance between survival and annihilation. Command vast armies, develop cutting-edge technology, and wield the most devastating weapons ever created to ensure your faction’s supremacy. Whether by conventional forces or through nuclear firepower, you’ll need to conquer or obliterate your enemies to secure dominance in a volatile global arena.