Strategy and Wargaming

2026 is proving to be quite the remarkable year for anniversaries. While Panzer Corps prepares to celebrate its 15th Anniversary on July 11th, the United States of America marks the most extraordinary milestone on July 4th: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

This year also marks the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, two of the most famous American engagements of World War II. As we reflect on these historic anniversaries, we could not help but notice another fitting connection: the legendary 82nd Airborne Division fought in both of them. From the skies over Normandy to the frozen forests of the Ardennes, the “All American” Division was at the forefront of some of the most important battles fought by the United States in Europe.

As proud as we are of the Panzer Corps franchise reaching fifteen years, our anniversary is but a drop of water in the ocean compared to the quarter millennium history of an entire nation. So, in our own small way to help mark and commemorate this special year for the United States, we wanted our next Elite Campaign to pay tribute to one of the most famous formations in American military history: the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, the “All American” Division.

There were many worthy candidates for our choice for the next Elite Campaign. From the armored spearheads of the 1st Armored Division “Old Ironsides” and the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels,” to the hard-fighting formations of Patton’s Third Army, America fielded no shortage of iconic units during the Second World War. However, after the heavy tank battles featured in our Ghost Division and Soviet 1st Guards campaigns, we felt it was time for a change of pace. An Airborne Division offers a completely different flavor of combat, and no American formation embodied it better than the 82nd Airborne.

And once we closely examined and researched the combat record of the 82nd, we knew we had found our star. From Sicily and Italy, to the skies over Normandy on D-Day, to Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge, the 82nd Airborne was present at every single one of these major American engagements fought on the Western Front of the European Theater. The result is truly an action-packed journey through some of the most famous battles of World War II!

We’ll be revealing much more information about Elite: All American in the days ahead. For now, you can check out the link below for additional details and screenshots.

Panzer Corps 2: Elite – All American Store Page

Wishlist the DLC on Steam.

Slitherine has announced that “Battleplan“, its latest World War II strategy game, will be releasing on July 14. Prepare to take control of armies and tactically draw up your plans in some of World War II’s largest battles. Relive history and dictate your path to victory.

Battleplan Release Date Announcement Trailer

Battleplan is a historical, WW2 real-time strategy game of unparalleled realism and simulation. Fight across massive battlefields created from real-world geographic data. Create your army by customizing your order of battle and chain of command. Draw directly on the map to create elaborate plans, and watch your officers carry them out.

Wishlist Battleplan today on Steam.

Many of the mightiest medieval rulers feared the judgment of an even greater power. But that greater power is also a distant one, its will only interpreted and imposed by mortals that claim to speak with divine authority. This is a semi-divine power that can be turned to mundane ends. The Church can be just one more avenue to glory and prestige. On 30 September, you can experience the drama and power of the medieval church in Crusader Kings III: By God Alone.

By God Alone, an upcoming core expansion for Crusader Kings III, introduces new ways to engage with religion and church politics. Focusing on the development of Christian leadership through the medieval era, By God Alone allows you to play theocratic landholders such as archbishops or even the Pope, guiding your flock, increasing church power and fattening your purse.

The expansion also adds many new ways for characters to interact with their religion, with new faith-based activities and a reworking of rites and tenets. You can follow the straight and narrow or defy the religious authorities and bend the faith to your own will. But beware. Mortal concerns and earthly power are not all that matters.

Crusader Kings III: By God Alone Announcement Trailer

Crusader Kings III: By God Alone includes:

• Playable Theocracies: Take control of landed realms headed by an archbishop or even the Pope himself. As the Papacy, new resources of power and wealth will be at your disposal.
• The Christian “Situation”: A new persistent Situation for Christian realms, allowing actions and decisions connected to the development and progress of the Faith. You can participate in Ecumenical Councils to decide on religious tenets and beliefs.
• Heresies: Religious rites that diverge too much from the standard Faith steal power and wealth from the Church and may be declared heretical, forcing you to either conform or rebel.
• The Great Schism: In the 867 game start, the Christian church will eventually reach a crossroads for the faith. This can result in the Great Schism, separating Western Catholicism from Eastern Orthodoxy.
• Monastic Holy Orders: Centers of both research and theological power, Monastic Holy Orders offer potent bonuses to those who host their headquarters. Chief among their offerings is spiritual fulfilment, for their prayers protect secular rulers from eternal damnation.
• Changes to Religious Tenets: Revisions to the tenet system in Crusader Kings III now center characters’ relationships to their faith and what is appropriate behavior within that faith. Follow heretical beliefs that push the boundary of what is accepted or have your personal preferences adopted and accepted through internal church politics.
• Spiritual Fulfillment system: Traits, actions and religious tenets work together to paint portraits of characters’ inner spirit and spiritual life. Sinful or virtuous actions are not merely a concern for stress, but can also affect relationships with God and concerns about the afterlife.
• Archdioceses: New clerical titles that have religious authority over a geographical region independent of the secular rulers’ lands.
• College of Cardinals: The Pope can appoint cardinals across Christendom. But, the struggle between secular and religious authority never ends – secular rulers can use their power to influence the appointment of Cardinals and the direction of the Church.
• Dynamic Holy Sites: Faiths can now dynamically change their holy sites as they grow and change over time.
• Cathedrals: Cathedrals can become the focal point for reverence of specific saints or other holy figures, leading to them becoming Holy Sites.
• Puppets: In order to interact with the political machinery of the church, secular rulers will be able to puppet clerical characters so they can act on their behalf.

And more!

Crusader Kings III: By God Alone will be available on 30 September 2026 and is part of Chapter V for Crusader Kings III. It will also be available as a standalone purchase the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.99/€19.99.

More information about Crusader Kings III is available on the official Crusader Kings III website or on the games Steam page.

Matrix Games have announced that Brian Kelly’s WEGO World War II: Desert War, will be out on Steam June 22nd. WEGO World War II: Desert War is an operational level, ground-centric wargame which captures the drama of North Africa during WW2. The game allows the players to recreate the epic tank battles between the Allies and Axis powers for the control of Libya and Egypt.

The game centers on real historical scenarios as well as ‘What If’ scenarios allowing players to feel the ebb and flow of battle. Command air, land and naval forces in 12 scenarios that explore the action from the Italian Invasion of Egypt in 1940 to Rommel’s defeat at El Alamein in late 1942.

Matrix Games has released a new set of screenshots for Decision Point: Battlegroup Operational Simulator, its tactical wargame about intent, action, and reaction. Players issue NATO-standard, intent-based orders using authentic AAP-6C terminology, marking clear objectives and operational guidance directly onto real-world terrain maps. Subordinate units interpret and execute these plans autonomously in real time, adapting dynamically to terrain, threats, and evolving battlefield conditions.

Check out the screenshots on the Matrix Games news site. More game information is available on Steam. Decision Point: Battlegroup Operational Simulator is scheduled for release in 2026.

Kraken Studios, known for its WarPlan series and Kingdom Dungeon and Hero, is excited to announce that the updated demo for Total Victory: World Conflict 1939-1945 is now available on Steam. In this new preview, play as Germany’s Afrika Korps in the Operation Sonnenblume Scenario and experience your first taste of naval combat.

Command Key Players of WWII from 1939 to 1945
Pulling inspiration from classic wargames, such as ADG’s World in Flames, SPI’s ETO, and others, Total Victory is a grand strategy wargame that allows players the chance to experience the entirety of World War II in a variety of different ways. It combines moderate complexity and divisional-level strategy with historically inspired units and production. Play as any major nation from the Axis, Allies, or Comintern. Manage production, military units, and prominent historical commanders. Lead land, naval, and air forces against rival nations.

Realistic World Map and Tile-Based System
In Total Victory, a modified Mercator map with NATO symbols or, colorful silhouettes icons, highlights military units unique to each nation. Manage the deployment of a wide range of period-based military units used throughout the war, each with unique attributes. Use land units such as infantry, armor, paratroopers and marines to engage the enemy from the front lines, and select from a wide variety of aircraft models to attack from above. Command carriers, battleships, cruiser, destroyer, and submarine groups in land, air, and sea operations. Monitor your nation’s overall manpower and oil, as they could be crucial to the war’s outcome. Ore fuels the industry that produces war materials for steel, tanks, aircraft, and support units. Through continued research, explore over twenty technological advances that unlock new units, combat enhancements, and intelligence to enhance your nation’s military power.

Strategy-First Gameplay
Total Victory replaces the pain of endless menu-clicking, often found in other popular RTS games, with an easy-to-use interface. With an automatic reinforcement and supply mechanic, players can now focus more on making strategic decisions rather than unit upkeep. Players can also enjoy multiple ways to play. Battle against an AI opponent and enable add-on bonuses for rival alliances in readiness, production, and more for an increased challenge. Exchange your latest moves through PBEM or play pass-and-play on a single PC against a friend in Hotseat mode.

New Scenario Available for Steam Next Fest
Command the Afrika Korp in “Operation Sonnenblume,” the new North Africa 1941 scenario launching in the Total Victory Steam Next Fest demo. Taking charge of German and Italian forces against a formidable British defense, you must master a grueling operational campaign that tests your strategic endurance, patience, and timing of attack with limited forces. The scenario begins with Rommel on the move in March of 1941 and ends in December of 1941. This scenario introduces naval assets for naval support and critical resupply for units on the coast.

Try the updated preview of Total Victory: World Conflict 1939-1945, now available on Steam.

New Theater Pack for Hearts of Iron IV Highlights Australia, Siam and Indonesia

Japanese expansion into the southwest Pacific would be a crippling blow to the Allied powers of World War II. Control of the seaways and regional resources will determine the fate of Asia and perhaps the world. In Thunder At Our Gates, you can take on the challenge of directing regional opposition to the advancing Empire with new focus trees and historical flavor for three nations.

Hearts of Iron IV: Thunder At Our Gates Official Release Trailer

Available today, Thunder At Our Gates is a new Theater Pack for Hearts of Iron IV, Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy wargame about the years around the Second World War. In this pack, you can explore new ways to either resist or submit to imperial aggression, playing as Australia, Siam or the Dutch East Indies/Indonesia.

Thunder At Our Gates also includes new ways to organize the leadership of your armies and navies.

This Theater Pack is accompanied by a free update that includes many game changes, including the Regimental Support feature, introducing new ways to attach support units to your divisions, including several new regimental support companies.

Hearts of Iron IV: Thunder At Our Gates is available now on Steam for the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.75/€19.99.

Understanding terrain is crucial for a commander, and the ability to read a map is crucial for tactical operations.

Terrain influences movement and combat. To gain this knowledge, a commander must utilize the tools at their disposal. Knowledge of terrain will allow units to maneuver and fight.

What types of terrain are there in the game and where can they find information?

First, look at the colors.

Map Colors.

Maps are colored. These colors allow you to determine whether the terrain is forest, open ground, road, or water/river. They also indicate whether the terrain is high (the darker the brown, the higher the terrain) or deep (the darker the blue, the deeper the terrain).

Terrain Types:

Road

A military saying goes: “War is fought along roads.” Roads are the easiest to traverse for both infantry and tanks. But they are also usually the strongly defended. Units move quickly along the road, but they can also fall into ambushes.

Forest

Forests slow down infantry movement and prevent tanks from operating. They limit visibility, but also make your own units less visible. This allows you to approach closer to your target. In forests, it’s easier for the enemy to conceal units from aerial observation.

Ground

Ground means open terrain, you can see far away, but your own units are also visible from a distance.

Built-Up Area

Built-up areas in the game refer to several or a dozen buildings clustered together in one place. They can also refer to towns or cities. Fighting in urban areas is difficult. Tanks are particularly vulnerable to fire, so they require infantry cover.

Steep Slope

The slopes of some hills are so steep that it is very hard for infantry climb them. Climbing exposes troops on observation and fire from hilltop. Climbing troops fire accuracy drops. Steep slopes are unvailable for tanks. To push tanks on tophill the road must be used.

Water

Water is the part of the map that belongs to the sea. Water represents shallow water. This has tactical significance because a support ship/destroyer cannot enter this part of the map; it is inaccessible to them. Water surrounds islands and can vary in width.

Deep Water

Deep water is the part of the map that a fire support ship/destroyer can navigate.

There are several tools for working on the map and gaining knowledge of the terrain.

River

A river is an obstacle for both tanks and infantry. Some rivers won’t be traversable for your units and a bridge will be required to cross it. Pay attention to the intel. A seemingly small stream can block your troops.

There are several tools for working on the map and gaining knowledge of the terrain.

Colors

Looking at the colors allows you to roughly understand the type of terrain on the map and at a given point.

Ruler

This allows you to measure distances. Take a ruler and place it on a spot on the map.

Elevation Measurement

In the MAP TOOLS/TOOLS tab, select the tool for obtaining information about the terrain and its elevation. After turning it on, moving the cursor will display terrain and elevation information.

Displayed coordinate system

You can use the highlighted coordinate system to help you orient yourself on the map. In the MAP TOOLS/TOOLS tab, select the coordinate system icon.

Wishlist the game on Steam.

Today we are excited to share that Veterans: Napoleonic Wars will take part in Steam Next Fest, running from June 15 to June 22. During the festival, players will be able to try a free demo of the game directly on Steam and get their first hands-on experience with the Italian Campaign of 1796–1797.

To mark the occasion, we have also released a brand new trailer for Veterans: Napoleonic Wars.

Brandish your bayonet and step into the boots of a frontline general. No base building, no idle time. Just thousands of soldiers, tens of battalions on screen at once, and the smell of gunpowder in the air.

What’s in the Next Fest demo:

• Real-time combat focused entirely on battlefield tactics, inspired by the first Italian Napoleonic campaigns
• Historically accurate line, column, and square formations
• Unit morale, fatigue, and line of sight that directly shape every engagement
• Dynamic weather, drifting smoke, and fog of war that alter visibility round by round
• Cavalry breakthroughs, flanking maneuvers, and desperate melee charges when the ammo runs dry

Steam Next Fest is the best moment so far to try the game, share feedback with the team, and help shape the experience ahead of Early Access. We hope you will join us on the battlefield.

Wishlist the game on Steam now.

Firefly Studios has announced Stronghold 4, the latest installment of its Stronghold ‘castle sim’ series. A demo is to be released on June 23rd, and the game is now available to Wishlist on Steam.

Stronghold 4 Announcement Trailer

Immerse yourself in a cinematic campaign, hone your siegecraft with new mechanics in skirmish mode and customise your castles with a wide selection of castle pieces and cosmetics.

Follow the tale of Penryn of Wethel as his simple shepherd’s life is upended and he is forced through trial by fire to become the leader he sees within himself.

Feel the impact of a living medieval world on your castle economy and siegecraft, as you battle against hostile outlaws, rival lords and the elements themselves, with the bloody sieges and grand warfare of Stronghold feeling more epic than ever before!

New Features

• DISCOVER THE ORIGINS of Stronghold and live the tale of Penryn of Wethel, in this narrative prequel with new music from Robert L. Euvino.
• ASCEND TO GREATNESS in a cinematic 22-mission campaign, featuring original larger-than-life characters alongside familiar favourites.
• CUSTOMISE YOUR CASTLE with cosmetics and feudal details. Balance honour, taxes, food and more to keep peace amongst the peasantry!
• SHARPEN YOUR SIEGECRAFT with unique tactical military structures and units as well as popular classics like moats and tunnelers.
• CONQUER THE BATTLEFRONT using enhanced medieval war mechanics, forcing you to consider weather, army composition and more.
• MARCH WITHOUT FEAR into a fully-featured skirmish mode with 8 fearsome CPU opponents at launch!
• CARVE YOUR OWN LEGEND through additional solo modes and content including a full skirmish trail, free build and custom skirmish modes.