Steel Division: Normandy 44 Patch Notes - Back In Black

Appearing as if from nowhere, a lot could be said about Eugen Systems' Steel Division: Normandy 44 from its sudden announcement back in March. Now feature ready and already in the hands of RTS-affectionados, it's time to look forward to a brighter future - one befitting classic real-time strategy fans.

Our review of Steel Division: Normandy 44!

Emma Once Quizzed The Game's Marketing Manager For A Lengthy Interview

Launching in the middle of May, Steel Division: Normandy 44 released to particular high praise - though not without its criticisms. Great success, however, typically means a long life. And a long life is usually superseded with continuous updates to keep things fair and square across those multiplayer battlefields. In light of that, welcome to another signature GameWatcher patch page. We'll try our darnedest to keep you in the know about the latest Steel Division: Normandy 44 changes. Knowing is half the battle, you know.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 Patch Notes - Back In Black Update

The seventh patch for Steel Division is possibly the last patch before the big co-op campaign map pack is released, and introduces 6 new units that Eugen have detailed here, 2v2 Attack/Defense scenarios, and more. See below for the full changelog. Eugen do note, however, that Mods may have to be updated before they work with the new patch.

SIX NEW UNITS:

2 infantry units:

Volontaires (2e DB)

Ox & Bucks (6th Airborne)

2 vehicles:</li>

Sherman IC Firefly (1. Pancerna)

10,5cm leFH18 ausf Lorraine (21. Panzer)</li>

1 artillery gun:

leFH 18M (716. Infanterie)

1 plane:

F-6C (3rd Armored)

</ul>

BREAKTHROUGH SCENARIOS:

Cheux and Colombelles maps are now playable in 2v2 games.

Fixed a bug preventing to save Breakthrough solo games.

In games versus AI: destruction points to reach by the defenders have been changed to fit AI level

Improved AI in Breakthrough games: it now has a more complex attacking or defending behavior

BREAKTHROUGH BALANCING:

Moved long-range artillery (except mortars and MLRS) from phase A to phase B for the Attacker

Existing player's decks are still valid but will be automatically modified</li>

IMPROVEMENTS:

Loading a quicksave (F8) now displays the save menu

In the Battlegroup lists, a filter allows players to display only "classic" or Breakthrough decks

FIXES:

“FX quality” is now correctly set on insane graphics preset (Game needs to be restarted)

Fixed some lag and speed problems while observing 10vs10 games

Fixed some rare desynchronizations

Fixed some rare crashes

UNITS BALANCING:

Global

Unified Sherman gun accuracy and AP (5acc, 11AP)

Renamed all Allied Firefly by "Firefly Vc" because of the new polish "Firefly Ic" (free new unit)

3rd Armored Division

Added packs of 6 veteran Sherman 75 in phase C

4th Armored Division

Increased Hellcat price from 100 to 110

Increased M4 (75) Abrams price from 130 to 145

2nd Infantry Division

Reduced Sherman DD XP by one step in phase A

Guard Armored:

Increased Tempest fighters XP by one step

1st Special Service Brigade

Increased Sherman DD price from 110 to 125

21. Panzer

Moved PzH39 to support tab as direct fire unit

Increased PzH39 frontal armor from 3 to 4

Replaced PzH39 by 105mm Lorraine in its role

Reduced Brummbar FAV from 14 to 12

Reduced Brummbar gun accuracy from 5 to 3

Reduced Brummbar gun power to match other 150m gun

Changed Brummbar availability (1x1 in A, 2x2 in B)

16. Luftwaffe Feld Division

Reduced 88mm flak veterancy by one step in phase A

Regrouped Bef Stug in a single pack of 2 in phase C

Steel Division: Normandy 44 Patch Notes - The Division Bell Update Released

Paradox Development Studio has released 'The Division Bell' update, which is the fourth patch for Steel Division: Normandy 44. This patch is all about divisions and balancing, which was created with the help of the community. Modders should be warned that they'll need to generate and upload their updated mod to make it compatible with this new version.

Here's the full patch notes below:

Changelog:

10v10 GAMES TIME LIMIT

All 10v10 games will now last 30 minutes instead of 40.

FIXES :

Fixed AB M1919 MMG units servant model.
Fixed a bug when sounds could sometimes become scratchy, especially when zooming on motorized units.
Fixed orders feedbacks display when units are moving in formation.
Fixed US, British and French officers' portraits.
Fixed the Storch rear turret.

BALANCE:

Reduced US Greyhound price to 80.
Reduced Recon staghound price from 110 to 90.
Reduced Jeep .50cal price from 35 to 30.
Increased Tri polsten price from 70 to 80.
Increased CMP tri polsten price from 75 to 80.
Reduced Humber AA price from 50 to 40.
Reduced Crusader AA Mk2 price from 80 to 70.
Increased M1919 HMG range from 500 to 600m.
Increased M1919 HMG HP from 3 to 4 (ranger and AB version as well).
Increased Vickers HMG range from 500 to 600m.

Reduced Flamethrower price from 25 to 15
Increased BAR rounds from 200 rounds per gun to 260.

101st Airborne Division

Increased Glider rifles availability from 6 to 8.
Increased one level of veterancy to .50cal Jeep
Increased AB bazookas accuracy from 7 to 9.
Removed Recon greyhound from phase C.
Increased Recon greyhound availability to 3 per pack in B.
Reduced AB engineers price from 35 to 30.
Added 2 single cards of wolverine in phase B.

3rd Canadian Division

Packs of 1 veteran 17pdr proposed in phase C.
Reduced Canadian 17pdr price from 120 to 100.
Reduced WASP price from 40 to 30.
Reduced Canadian flamethrower price from 20 to 10.
Increased Stormtroopers price from 20 to 25.

2nd Infantry Division

Increased Rifles availability in phase A from 4 to 5.
Increased Rifles availability in phase B from 6 to 7.
Increased Rifles availability in phase C from 8 to 9.
Added a pack of 2 veteran 57mm gun in phase A.
Added a pack of 2 veteran 76mm gun in phase C.
Increased Marauders bazooka accuracy from 7 to 9.

1. Pancerna

Aligned characteristics and price of the polish Mustang Mk.III with the American P51-D (we thought the Mk.III had the early Allison engine)
Added one veterancy level to Dragoni.
Changed phase A 57mm in carrier changed from 3 rookies to 2 veterans.
Added one veterancy to 17pdr in HT in phase C.
Reduced Polish 17pdr price from 120 to 110.
Reduced fire support Staghound price from 85 to 75.

3rd Armored

Removed one slot of ARTY.
Removed one slot of RECON.
Added two slots of TANKS.
Increased Phase A income to 70.
Removed one pack of Jumbo from phase B and C.
Reduced M4A3(75) price from 150 to 130.

6th Airborne

Increased Mosquito pathfinder price from 170 to 190.
Removed one pack of Mosquito pathfinder.
Added Single Typhoon with bomb in phase A.
Removed Staghound from phase C,
Increased Staghound's availability per pack in phase B from 1 to 2
Reduced Airlanding Rifles price from 25 to 20.
Reduced Carrier Recce price from 40 to 30.
Reduced Flamethrower price from 25 to 20.
Increased availability of Recce in Jeep from 4 to 5
Increased availability of Recce in Humber Mk.3 from 3 to 4.

15th Scottish

Removed one pack of Churchill V from phase B
Added one pack with of Churchill V in phase C
Increased Humber AA availability to 3 per card.
Reduced Churchill IV price from 130 to 120.
Increased CMD Curchill VII veterancy by one level.

2e DB

Increased Voltigeurs availability to 4 per pack.
Reduced French greyhound price to 85.
Reduced Greyhound RBFM (fire support tab) price reduced to 60.
Reduced Lance Flamme price from 20 to 15.

Guards Armored

Increased Achilles veterancy by one level.
Reduced Stuart VI price from 90 to 80.
Cromwell VII regrouped in a single pack of 3 in phase B and a single card in phase A.
Reduced Sherman V price from 140 to 130.
Reduced CMD Sherman V price from 150 to 135.
Increased Firefly availability in phase B from 1 to 2 per pack
Increased Firefly availability in phase C from 2 to 4 per pack
Moved veteran Firefly to a single card in phase B.

Reduced BMW R75 price from 35 to 30.
Reduced IG 18 accuracy from 4 to 3.
Reduced Ju-87D (with 4x50kg bombs) price from 110 to 100.
Reduced Flammenwerfer price from 25 to 20.
Reduced Fs-Flammenwerfer price from 25 to 20.

91 Luflande

Moved BMW to phase A and availability changed to a single pack of 4.
Increased grenadier with faust to 5 per card.
Increased Grenadie Führer availability from 3 to 4.
Reduced Pionier availability from 6 to 5.
Removed PzH lorraine.
Removed one pack of Beo Scwim from phase A.
Removed one pack of Beo Kübel from phase C.
Removed one pack of Hs-123 from phase B.
Increased FK 39 rate of fire (we have a display bug so it still indicates 5rpm but it's 8 like a pak40).

17.SS

Increased Marder III availability in phase B to 4 rookies or 2 veterans.
Removed Marder III from phase C
Removed Sk18 from the deck.

352. Inf

Removed on pack of veteran Jagdpanther from phase C to avoid the spam in 10v10.
Reduced SPW 204 (f) CDM price to 75.
Added one elite Pak38 in phase A.
Added one elite Pak40 in phase B.
Changed Marder II packs from 3 rookies to 2 veterans
Added 2 Packs of 4 Marder III in phase B.

3.Fallschirmjager

The weapon of the Scharfschütze was changed for a G43 with scope (same stats as the Lee Enfield).
Reduced HS-129 of one pack in phase B and phase C to avoid spam in 10v10.

12. SS

Reduced pionier to 5 per pack in phase B.
Increased MG42 to 4 per pack in phase B.
Reduced Panzer IV J price from 130 to 125.

716. Infanterie

Added a pack of 1 Bef Pz35 in phase A.
Reduced Panzer B2 price from 110 to 100.
Reduced Flammenpanzer B2 price from 110 to 85.

21. Panzer

Increased Flak38 availability from 2 to 3 per pack.
Increased U304 flak availability from 2 to 3 per pack.
Increased flakpanzer gepard availability from 3 to 4 per pack, veterancy increased by one step.
Reduced UE630 Pak price from 35 to 30 points.
Reduced U304 Pak price from 45 to 35 points.
Reduced Panzer IV C price from 80 to 70.

Panzer Lehr

Reduced Sdkfz 250/10 price from 40 to 35.
Reduced Puma price from 110 to 100.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 Patch Notes - When the River Runs Deep Update

Paradox Interactive and Eugen Systems have today released the third update for Steel Division: Normandy 44, which was developed with the help of selected members from the community. The update has been named 'When the river runs deep' and greatly improves the game's stability and enhances the modding experience for designers.

The next update that Eugen Systems works on will aim to help with the balance of individual divisions, which will also be made with the help of the community. Here's the full patch notes below for the 'When the river runs deep' update:

Changelog:

Meta:

Infantry takes much less suppression while moving and can fire on the move with rifles, making assaults and maneuver easier to achieve.
Veterancy bonus of unit with 2 and 3 stars toned down. Each level brings a smaller bonus than the previous instead of a constant cumulative value. Accuracy bonus remains +1 per level.
Infantry flamethrowers power reduced drastically.
Anti aircraft weapons lethality globally increased.
Veteran and Elite planes dodge bonus removed.

New map variant:

New 1v1 & 2v2/3v3 variant of Odon map.

Upgrades:

New thumbnails for several machine gun units.
New thumbnails for Carpiquet & Sainte-Mère-Église variants.
It is now possible to give attack orders through objective panel in the single player campaigns' missions.

Modding:

Improved localization options (maps' name, campaign texts, options).
Improved outdated mod detection (avoid to ask for unnecessary update).
Added a backup feature for mods. Every upload will now generate a backup.
Updated modding manual and added some template helpers.
Added a pop-up on the next launch after a crash to disable all mod.
Added a less intrusive pop-up for outdated mods.

Fixes:

Fixed the display of points scored when destroying enemy units in Destruction mode.
Fixed some crashes occurring when changing graphic options.
Fixed a crash while canceling a ranked game, what caused a loss of ELO points.
Fixed freezes occurring when deactivating some sound devices during a game.
Fixed a freeze occurring when launching a Quick Load (F8 key) while there is no quick save available.
Fixed some mods compatibility problems after downloading a patch.
Fixed a rare crash occurring when watching a replay from an older version of the game.
Fixed some disconnection problems in 10v10 games.
Fixed a bug when the game did not respond anymore after turning sound on/off with an audio device.
Fixed some other rare crashes.
Fixed some pathfinding problems.
Fixed the display of the AI income in hard and very hard in each phase in the score panel.
Fixed the motor sound of the Schwimmwagen and Kubelwagen.
Fixed the firing sound of the SdKfz 251/21.
Fixed a bug when some infantry units were consuming smoke grenade ammunitions while attacking enemy vehicles with hand grenades at short-range.
Fixed a bug when an armored unit could sometimes turn its front armor toward an enemy it did not see.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 - The Duellist Update

We've arrived at the second major Steel Division: Normandy 44 update. Two new map variants both available for 1v1/2v2/3v3 skirmishes. And they're available in Ranked play, too! So make sure to familiarise yourself with these new versions.

Changelog:

New Map Variants

Saintre-Mere-Eglise - Duellists

In the 2v2/3v3 version, on the contrary, you will have to share the main road with your allies to reach the town.

Carpiquet - Duellists

Airfield which now covers a wider part of the map

10v10

Carpiquet and Pegasus Bridge are now available in 10v10

All 10v10 engagements can now be fought in two additional modes: Axis vs Axis and Allies vs Allies

You will have the possibility to enjoy Steel Division: Normandy 44 in Spanish.

Each player can host his own dedicated server!

General Fixes

Fixed a bug preventing the s.FH396(r) from firing at its maximum range.

Fixed a bug regarding the Besa HMG's AP value.

Fixed a bug hiding an allied unit's ghost' name & weapons.

Fixed a bug instantly removing a dead infantry unit in a city block, instead of having it greyed first like others.

Fixed a freeze sometimes occurring when deactivating some sound peripherals.

Fixed a crash occurring with towed units.

Fixed a bug allowing planes to fly through mountains after a diving attack.

Fixed a crash for invited players occurring when the search started while looking for someone to invite.

Fixed a bug displaying empty players' name with "NEUTRAL" in replays.

Fixed a plane behavior bug: when one loses its target before entering on-map, it now exists the map through the proper air corridor.

Fixed a display bug displaying "LIVE" on a replay.

Removed the ability to save a game after having surrendered, which resulted in a corrupted save.

Fixed the "Level up" display in French.

Fixed a display bug in the "lost password" window.

Fixed the Destruction mode's hint.

Fixed the AT rockets' hint.

Fixed some rare crashes or freezes.

Fixed a score display bug in the final German solo mission.

Once a solo mission is complete, the next one is automatically selected in the missions' list after the debriefing screen.

Balance

Generic

Decreased number of shots fired by 203mm & 210mm off-map artillery from 15 to 12.

Increased off-map 356mm & 380mm artillery observers' price from 160 to 180.

Reworked vetted autocannons which do not get RoF bonus anymore.

Decreased (and standardized) "Ammo" loadout for flamethrowers.

Decreased TNT explosives' suppression.

Decreased artillery observers' range of vision from 1300 to 1000m.

Decreased recon planes' refueling time.

Increased all planes' repairing time.

Decreased AA supply consumption.

Reworked bombers' drop pattern, which is now more dispersed when the plane is suppressed.

Increased single AA 20mm (FlaK38 & Polsten)'s efficiency

Allied

Increased M5A1/Stuart VI & Staghound' accuracy by 1.

Increased 25-pdr & Sexton's Rate of Fire.

Fixed the M15's .50 range (which was inferior to the other AA .50).

101st Airborne

Increased M22's accuracy increase by 1.

Increased M22 aiming time from 3 to 4 seconds.

6th Airborne

Fixed the Paratroopers' speed.

Axis

Decreased ammo loadout for SPW 222, SPW 231 & SPW 232 from 300 to 180 rounds.

Decreased FlaK 88mm's suppression.

Steel Division: Normandy 44 - Hotfix Version 82132

Well this was probably expected. You can rarely have update a starategy game of this calibre without a few issues slipping through the net. It's World War II, after all. Old tech!

Changelog:

Fixed some rare crashes, one of them occuring while loading a saved game

Fixed a display error on the game search screen (when launching a quick or a ranked game)

Fixed freezes happening when spectating a game

Fixed 10v10 spectating

Steel Division: Normandy 44 - 'And Justice For All' Balance Update

We'd love to give this a patch number that's easy to remember - and to line up with other patch note sequences - but Eugen Systems just aren't feeling it. the 'And Justice For All' update sounds like a content patch. It isn't. It's just another balance update. Take a look.

Changelog:

Key Improvements

Enhanced performance

Added new interface option: Text Size

Improved the Quick Play and Ranked games, which now allow to search for different game sizes at the same time (i.e: from 1vs1 to 4vs4)

Added four new music tracks

Increased the deployment phase time in 10v10 games, now 3 minutes instead of 2

Improved multiplayer menu navigation: players won't be kicked back to the main menu when failing to join a game

Improved deck building menu: double-click on a pack will add/remove it from the deck

Modified multiplayer disconnection condition, should now be limited to players with oldest computers. Please contact us if disconnection problems remain in multiplayer.

General

Fixed the displayed statistics in the "Favorite Units" board (starting from this patch - older and incorrect stats will not be taken into account)

Fixed the diplayed map size in the game list for games with Observer mode activated

Fixed a graphical glitch in Caumont L'Eventé map

Fixed a bug when the game sometimes froze when shutting down the game's window while in Observer mode.

Fixed gunners hands' position fixed on Königtiger(H), Pz IV Beo, SdkFz 251/2, SdkFz 251/16

Removed the sniper rifles ability to fire on the move

Fixed XP gain when surrendering

Fixed censored & uncensored hints on division leaders' hints

Fixed unit category availability in deployment menu when reinforcement arrows are lost

Fixed replays unlocking achievements

Fixed minor errors in French translation

Fixed "Smooth LOD transition" & "Dynamic Lights Quality" options, now properly saved

Fixed pathfinding in "Move Fast" mode on Pegasus map

Fixed the "Disable Weapons" button, now deactivated ALL weapons of the selected units

Fixed a connection error when the network cable is unplugged when launching the game (that means you can now plug the cable back when the game's launched and play online)

Anti-tank canons accuracy is now affected by stress

Single-Player Campaign

Improved single player HUD

Improved "compose your battlegroup" voice in the german missions 2 and 3

Improved the detection of the MG by the recon section in tutorial 4

Improved the persistance after the third German mission, captured and evacuated enemy supply trucks are now available for the fourth mission

Improved the 17.SS counter attack in the fourth American mission, now uses its Ju 87G

Fixed a rare bug that could prevent the "Destroy the 88s" objective from starting in the first US mission

Modding

Added specific campaign progress in modded game

Added an option to have mod automatically activated when relaunching game

Added localization database to mod folders

Added soundTag icon to ModCenter

Added Auto-refresh and manual refresh Mod list in the ModCenter

Added back mod rating in ModCenter

Balancing

Global

AAA now prioritize ground attack aircraft over fighters unless they are evacuating

Reduced recon planes price

Reduced supply trucks quantity in most divisions

Reduced HMG suppression at close range (lethality remains high, beware!)

Reduced Mortar crew ammunition loadout

Reduced HMG resilience:

MG-34 : 5 -> 3

MG-42 : 6 -> 4

M1919 : 7 -> 3

Vickers : 5 -> 4

M2HB HMG : 6 -> 5

Allies

Increased 203mm observation post price to 140

Reduced 25pdr dispersion (sexton is affected)

Increased Universal carrier bren ammunition loadout from 180 to 300

Added Humber Mk.3's AP3's back

Reduced Humber Mk4 price from 80 to 75

Reduced Staghound AA price from 60 to 50

Increased M2HB sections price from 40 to 45

Reduced Daimler AC price from 80 to 70

Reduced Daimler little john price from 100 to 85

Increased Churchill Crocodile flamethrower ammunition from 40 to 100

Reduced Bren groups price from 15 to 10

Reduced Command carrier price from 20 to 15

6th AB

Increased Tetrarch turret speed (fast chassis + slow turret created problems)

Added 2 packs of 1 elite AB 6pdr in phase A

15th Scottish

Moved Recce with Humber Mk-3 from phase A to B

Reduced Churchill OP price from 140 to 120

Guard Armoured

Reworked Infantry tab (seeing by yourself will be faster)

Replaced Cromwell OP by a Sherman V OP available in phase B

Stuarts from phase A now come in packs of 5

Added 2 packs of 1 tempest in phase A

Increased Typhoon AT XP

Reduced M5 Half track price from 20 to 15

Removed Cromwell V from phase B, now available in two packs of 3 in phase A

Reduced Cromwell VII price from 140 to 120

Changed Cromwell VII availability from 1 pack of 3 to 2 packs of 2

Inverted Cromwells' AP and HE shells repartition

Reduced Sherman V price from 150 to 140 (command version unchanged)

3rd Canadian infantry

Staghound AA are now available in 2 packs of 4 veterans in A

Increased RAM II price from 120 to 140

Moved Tri polsten from phase A to B

Reduced Elite CMP tri polsten to a single pack

Increased Crusader AA Mk.2 availability from 3 to 4 per pack

A packs of 2 elite Crusader AA Mk.2 is available

Reduced M8 Greyhound price from 100 to 90

Reduced Ford GPA (OP and transport version) speed

3rd Armored

Reduced Sherman M4A3(75)W price from 160 to 150

Added 2 packs of 3 veteran M5A1 Stuarts in phase A

Reduced Sherman M4A3E2 Jumbo side an rear armor ( 12->10 / 10 -> 9 )

Reduced Rosie the rocketeer price from 100 to 85

101st Airborne

Reduced M22 Locust price reduced from 70 to 65

Increased AB engineers price increased from 30 to 35 availability reduced to 1 packs of 4 rookies and 1 pack of 3 veterans

Increased Ford GPA OP price from 150 to 160

Increased M8 Scott availability from 3 to 4 per pack

Reduced 37mm gun availability by one per pack

Reduced Phase A P-51D mustang with 250lb bombs availability to 1 per pack

Increased Grasshopper veterancy to veteran

2nd Infantry

Increased RGR support price from 20 to 25

Increased RGR marauder price from 30 to 35

Pancerna

Added two packs of two Wolverines in phase B

Moved Sherman V OP from phase C to B

Increased Jeep Z NKM availability per pack from 3 to 5 in phase A, removed from phase B

Reduced Sherman V price from 160 to 150

AXIS

Improved Flak 38 and Flakvierling efficiency

Added more realistic ammunition loadout on infantry

Increased IG18 stealth from bad to medium

Increased Scwimmwagen Beo (observation post) price from 130 to 140

Increased Panzerwerfer price from 110 to 120

Reduced Hs 129 B1 and Ju-87G AP from 12 to 9

Reduced Hs 129 B3 AP from 18 to 16

3. Fallschirmjäger

Panzer L6 :

Reduced RoF, now fire bursts of 12 rounds

Increased ammunition loadout to its IRL value of 396

Increased price from 50 to 60

Increased Fs-Pionier price from 30 to 40

Reduced I.Pak 41 Gerlich in unarmed Kubel XP from Elite to veteran

Reduced I.Pak 41 Gerlich in Kubel MG availability from 3 to 2

Reduced Fs-Scharfschütze rate of fire from 10 to 8 RPM

Increased Fs-Scharfschütze ammunition loadout from 3 to 30

Replaced LW-Jäger lose one MG-42 and panzerfaust by faustpatrone with less accuracy

Increased Fs-AAA units veterancy to veteran

Increased LG42 XP by one step

Reduced 120mm mortar availability from 3 to 2 per pack

116th Panzer

Removed Ju-87G from phase A

Increased Panzer III M price from 105 to 110

Removed SPW 234/3 from phase B (they only had 3 IRL)

Steel Division: Normandy 44 - Patch 80629

The first post-release patch for Eugen Systems' newest real-time strategy title doesn't change all that much. Mostly focusing on localisation fixes and a few typos, you're likely not going to get much from this. It takes time to identify and quantify balance issues after launch, so those will start to trickle out further down the line.

Changelog: