Strategy and Wargaming

Paradox Sets Date for Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven

crusader-kings-iii-newWrite New Histories of East Asia in All Under Heaven, Coming This Month

From the Great Wall to the great temple cities of Indochina, from the foothills of Mount Fuji to the river valleys of China, an infinite array of new adventures and stories awaits you in All Under Heaven, the largest expansion for Crusader Kings III to date. The newly expanded map presents a rich and colorful setting for imperial ambition, sacred duties and shadowy scheming with detailed representations of medieval China, Japan and Southeast Asia.

Coming on 28 October, All Under Heaven takes Paradox’s celebrated grand strategy role-playing series to entirely new settings, unseen in any previous Crusader Kings game. Keep a steady hand on the regional hegemon or manage the tumult of dynastic change in China. Revere the Yamato emperor and his regent in Japan, or pursue the path of the samurai warlord. Build a monumental temple facility in the jungles of Southeast Asia and compel weaker kingdoms to pay tribute to your greatness.

All Under Heaven also introduces Japanese as a supported language for Crusader Kings III, further expanding the international audience that has grown to support this royal game.

Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven Announcement Trailer

Features of Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven include:

China: The Mandate of Heaven

  • Ascend to the highest tier of power with the new Hegemony title, reigning supreme over all empires in the Chinese region.
  • Navigate the Dynastic Cycle, a living system of stability and chaos. Exploit periods of instability to rise to power and reshape the political landscape.
  • Explore the Celestial government system, unique to China. Earn Merit through deeds or the Imperial Examinations, gaining favor and influence.
  • Manage the Imperial Treasury to fund Great Projects, defend against disasters, or expand your influence with statecraft and might.

    • Japan: Rise of the Shogunate

  • Take control of a Japanese house and forge your destiny. Rise through the intricate courtly system to become a mighty Shogun or Kampaku regent.
  • Strengthen your position through alliances, intrigue, and ritual, or unite the houses through the strength of your samurai armies; which path you take is for you to decide.
  • Lead the Imperial Yamato house to restore power to the Emperor, ushering in an age of imperial grandeur.
  • Experience the rich cultural traditions of Japan, where honor and scandal intertwine, shaping the lives of lords and vassals alike.

    • Southeast Asia: God-Kings and Temple Empires

  • Rule as a Devaraja with the Mandala Government, uniting tributaries into vast, temple-centered empires.
  • Pay tribute to the God King by performing Tributary Missions as a Tributary ruler, increasing favor with your subjects.

    • Explore the Silk Road, new Starting Bookmarks and Historical Flavor

  • Thrive along the expansive Silk Road by profiting from the wealth and innovations of China, even if you are far beyond its borders.
  • New historical starting bookmarks bring fresh perspectives and new challenges. Play as iconic characters from the past or forge your unique path.
  • Immerse yourself in Asia’s cultural, artistic, and historical nuances with new throne rooms, events, and traditions.

    • And much more

    Crusader Kings III: All Under Heaven will be available on 28 October 2025 for the suggested retail price of $29.99/£24.99/€29.99. It is also available as a part of the Crusader Kings III: Chapter IV expansion pass.

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

    Crusader Kings III Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    Win the War in the Asia-Pacific in Hearts of Iron IV: No Compromise, No Surrender

    hearts-of-iron-iv-no-compromise-no-surrenderNew Asia-Pacific Themed Expansion Leads of Hearts of Iron IV Expansion Pass

    Before the war exploded in Europe, Asia had been fighting aggression for two years. Japan’s efforts to build an empire in China and the neighboring countries led to a prolonged war of attrition that would topple regimes across the region. In No Compromise, No Surrender, Hearts of Iron IV players will face new challenges as they rewrite the history of humanity’s greatest conflict.

    No Compromise, No Surrender is a new expansion pack for Hearts of Iron IV, Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame set in the years around World War II. With a focus on the Asian nations, No Compromise, No Surrender adds new game mechanics, deeper strategy and added historical flavor to Nationalist China, Communist China, Japan and more. It will reinforce your army on 20 November 2025.

    Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass 2 Official Announcement Trailer

    Highlights of Hearts of Iron IV: No Compromise, No Surrender include:

  • Japan Focus Tree: Seize control of the Pacific, shatter Western dominance, and usher in a rising sun, red dawn, or other unique paths as you reshape the Pacific in an image of your choosing.
  • Communist China Focus Tree: Drive out the old order, unite the people and lead the nation towards its rightful ascendancy as you balance enemies within and without.
  • Nationalist China Focus Tree: Rally the republic, crush the warlords and bring your nation back from the precipice. Choose one of several paths towards victory against the hostile Empires in your war of resistance.
  • Philippines Focus Tree: Defend the islands, defy the invaders and establish independence for your nation. Explore alternative histories and work with those you once considered foes; leverage your access to abundant natural resources, and lend your support to those who most benefit your situation.
  • New Military Doctrines: Shape, manage, and ultimately reform the armed forces according to your battlefield requirements with unique doctrines that accompany a rework of the core doctrines system.
  • Expanded Factions System: Wield greater control over allied countries with new and expanded Faction Rules and defined goals of your alliance.

    • Additional supporting features and quality-of-life updates, such as new Naval Special Projects and updates to Naval Combat with improved carrier mechanics.

    Hearts of Iron IV: No Compromise, No Surrender will be available on 20 November 2025 for the suggested retail price of $29.99/￡24.99/€29.99 or as part of the Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass 2.

    The components of the Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass 2 are:

  • Seaplane Tenders (Instant Unlock): Dominate the Pacific Ocean with the Instant Unlock Bonus Seaplane Tenders; adding unit art for an often-forgotten class of ship – Japanese, Australian and American seaplane tenders.
  • No Compromise, No Surrender: Mould new paths in history for Japan, China and the Philippines in No Compromise, No Surrender, an Expansion for Hearts of Iron IV. Seize a greater depth of control over factions, forge new military doctrines and steer towards a new future for the Pacific and beyond.
  • Warships of the Pacific (Cosmetic Pack): Command the seas with Warships of the Pacific, a new Cosmetic Pack for Hearts of Iron IV. Warships of the Pacific includes unit art for new seafaring vessels; from nimble destroyers to mighty battleships, representing iconic warships from multiple nations across the globe.
  • Thunder at Our Gates: Step into the heart of command in Thunder at Our Gates, a Theater Pack for Hearts of Iron IV. Expand on the art of organizing a campaign with new features such as military headquarters and navy captains, as well as unique new content for nations caught between rival empires; Australia, Siam and Indonesia.
  • Peace for Our Time: Peace for Our Time is a Focus Pack created in collaboration with veteran modders of the Hearts of Iron IV community, adding new alternate history tracks for Czechoslovakia. Stand firm as a lone democracy or government-in-exile, ignite a socialist revolution to replace the failed middle path, or rally nationalist forces to establish a new kingdom of Bohemia.

    • The Hearts of Iron IV: Expansion Pass 2 is available now for the suggested retail price of $48.77/￡40.99/€48.77.

    For more information please visit the official Hearts of Iron IV website, or via the games Steam page.

    Hearts of Iron IV Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    War in Spain 1936-39 Announced

    war-in-spain-1936-39The wargame is set to be released on January 22nd, 2026

    During Wargamers annual celebration, Home of Wargamers 2025, Matrix Games presented War in Spain 1936–39. This release marks the debut of a new wargame engine, designed to preserve the depth and authenticity cherished by the grognard community, while introducing significant improvements in realism, playability, and scope. The first title in this new series, War in Spain 1936–39, captures the intensity of the Spanish Civil War with a deep attention to detail. Developed by an international team of experts, the game has been meticulously researched to the highest standards of historical accuracy, encompassing logistics, land, sea, and air units.

    Players will be able to engage with nine campaigns of varying length and scope, playable against the computer opponent, in hot-seat mode, or via play-by-email. The game’s map scale of 5 nautical miles per hex delivers an immersive operational and strategic experience. With orders of battle and combat resolution modeled down to the individual vehicle, aircraft, gun, and squad level, the game covers the conflict in extraordinary depth.

    From division-level operations down to brigades, regiments, battalions, and even company-level engagements, the game offers an authentic recreation of one of history’s hardest-fought conflicts. Players will command forces and equipment from Spain, the Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, and other nations that shaped the course of the war on land, at sea, and in the air.

    Find out more about War in Spain 1936-39 on its official webpage.

    Strategy and Wargaming War in Spain 1936-39 | Donster | |
    Combat Mission Cold War: British Army of the Rhine DLC Now Available

    combat-mission-cold-war-british-army-of-the-rhineMatrix Games is thrilled to announce a major addition to the Combat Mission: Cold War franchise. During Home of Wargamers 2025—the annual event highlighting the most anticipated wargames of the coming months and years—the company unveiled its brand-new DLC. Excitingly, fans won’t have to wait: the DLC is available immediately, bringing fresh content and new tactical challenges to players worldwide.

    The newly announced and just released British Army of the Rhine DLC expands the acclaimed tactical simulator with additional vehicles, units, and armies, building on the base game’s focus on the Fulda Gap and the hypothetical clashes between the US Army and the Warsaw Pact.

    Combat Mission Cold War – British Army of the Rhine Gameplay Trailer

    Starting today, Cold War enthusiasts can take command of three new armies.

  • British Army of the Rhine (BAOR): Field iconic UK vehicles and weapons including the FV432 series, Swingfires, Strikers, Scorpions, Scimitars, and the mighty Chieftain tank.
  • Canadian 4th Mechanized Brigade Group (4 CMBG): A distinctive NATO force featuring Centurion and Leopard C1 tanks, Lynx 25mm vehicles—and even the last flamethrowers ever deployed by NATO in Europe.
  • Soviet VDV/Airborne Forces: Elite paratroopers backed by BMD infantry fighting vehicles and specialized equipment, creating new tactical threats on the battlefield.

    • The BAOR DLC also features three full campaigns—one for each new faction (UK, Canadian, and Soviet Airborne “Lost Company”)—as well as dozens of standalone scenarios that let players experience the full spectrum of Cold War tactical warfare. In addition, it introduces a brand-new region: the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Canada, offering challenging terrain perfect for custom battles and even “Blue on Blue” engagements.

    Whether players prefer armored assaults, infantry maneuvers, or combined-arms operations, Combat Mission: British Army of the Rhine delivers an authentic, deeply tactical wargaming experience.

    Combat Mission: British Army of the Rhine is available now on the DLC’s official webpage.

    Combat Mission Cold War Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    WEGO World War II: Overlord Now Available

    wego-world-war-ii-overlordMatrix Games has released WEGO World War II: Overlord, the operational-level wargame that recreates the iconic Allied invasion of Normandy and the campaign that followed. Step onto the beaches of Normandy and lead your forces through one of history’s most decisive campaigns.

    With 14 scenarios ranging from D-Day landings to the breakout from Normandy, dynamic weather, and authentic airborne and seaborne operations, Overlord delivers the most immersive WEGO experience yet.

    WEGO World War II: Overlord Gameplay Trailer

    Following in the footsteps of Stalingrad and Desert War, this new chapter in the WEGO series brings enhanced tactical depth, historical accuracy, and the unique simultaneous turn-based gameplay that sets the series apart.

    You can is now available to purchase on the WEGO World War II: Overlord webpage.

    Strategy and Wargaming WEGO World War II: Overlord | Donster | |
    Slitherine Announces Update 1.0.10 ‘Everyone Fights!’ for Broken Arrow

    broken-arrowJune 2025 saw the launch of Broken Arrow, and with thousands of copies sold, this is just the beginning for developer Steel Balalaika Studio and publisher Slitherine, who have both been hard at work perfecting the ‘Everyone Fights!’ Update 1.0.10, available now for Broken Arrow via Steam.

    Watch the Broken Arrow Update 1.0.10 – “Everyone Fights!” Trailer HERE.

    What is coming with Update 1.0.10?

    Player feedback continues to be crucial and is meticulously monitored by Steel Balalaika and Slitherine teams. The point of players leaving matches with no consequence is one that is flagged most notably, and will no longer be an issue with this latest game patch.

    In the standard matchmaking mode, a system of progressive penalties is in place, meaning that if a player quits a match with no reconnection, a temporary ban will be in place from joining new matches. Each repeated violation will increase the penalty duration, ranging from 2 minutes for the first offence up to 3 hours for systematic leavers.

    With this new system, Broken Arrow aims to reduce the number of matches where teams are left at obvious disadvantages, ultimately making the battles a more enjoyable gameplay experience for everyone involved.

    This isn’t the only upgrade in 1.0.10, far from it. Alongside deserter penalties, Broken Arrow will also see the implementation of the surrender option mode. When victory is long past the horizon and only defeat remains, players can look to end matches early with this option, allowing them to move on to the next match and put their focus into new battles.

    The surrender option also grants players greater control over the flow of a match and the time spent in each foray. This mode will be available in all current game mode inclusions and allows teams to end a battle on their own terms, without the additional penalties. The match is simply recorded as a loss for one side and a victory for the other.

    Other 1.0.10 changes:

    On top of the aforementioned improvements, Broken Arrow will also receive an abundance of amendments, bug fixes, brand new dynamic battle music, new and improved models for certain units, several new customisation options, and improved controls. Other highlights include:

    Balance Improvement

    · New tools to analyse player habits

    · Factions’ win rates rebalance

    · US Specialisations interoperability improvements

    New Models

    · Improved models for BMD-4 family of vehicles

    · Upgraded armor customisation

    · M4A1 URG-I Rifle

    The battle pushes on, and so does Broken Arrow. Future updates will see further performance enhancements based on player feedback, and the developers will continue to iron out issues and improve overall factors of the game.

    For more game information please visit the games website or its official Steam page.

    Broken Arrow Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    Three WWII “Combat Mission” Classics Arrive on Steam Today

    combat-mission-beyond-overlordToday, SNEG, Ltd., curator and publisher of treasured classic PC games, is distributing Combat Mission: Beyond Overlord, Combat Mission II: Barbarossa to Berlin, and Combat Mission 3: Afrika Korps on Steam for PC for $5.39 USD after a limited-time 10% discount. A bundle of all three games is available for an extra 20% discount.

    YouTube Trailers: Beyond Overlord | Barbarossa to Berlin | Afrika Korps

    The iconic Combat Mission franchise was created by Battlefront and is now being developed and published by wargames specialists Matrix Games. Featuring turn-based “WeGo” gameplay, all players deploy their units, issue commands, and then watch as the results unfold in real-time, with outcomes determined by realistic elements such as behavioral logic and physics.

    All three games feature various community-created mods and scenarios (see each game’s features for the included content.

    For fans of the entire series, a Combat Mission bundle is now available on Steam This bundle includes, but is not limited to, these three new SNEG titles.

    Combat Mission Classics Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    Headquarters: World War II – Urban Warfare Free Update

    headquarters-world-war-iiUrban Warfare update is now live and delivers six new maps, each designed to push your tactical decision making to the limit:

  • Flankpoint: Fight through a small city center with flanking routes and elevated defensive positions.
  • Riverpoint: Two hills and a winding river split the battlefield into chokepoints and contested ground.
  • Greenline: Tight streets for ambushes meet a wide central park where infantry dominate.
  • Operation Deepline: Forests, waterways, and city streets combine for layered tactical approaches.
  • Ridgeline Conflict: A mix of verticality and dense urban zones creates long-range duels and close combat chaos.
  • Shattered City: Navigate ruins, alleys, and open intersections where positioning is everything.

    • Whether in Skirmish or Multiplayer, these maps bring fast-paced, high-stakes urban combat that will challenge even veteran commanders.

    AI Improvement

    One of the most requested improvements from the community was to make the AI more challenging and lifelike. With this update, we’ve completely reworked how the Skirmish AI makes decisions:

  • Improved Overwatch Response: AI now balances risk and opportunity, no longer freezing under enemy overwatch fire.
  • Enhanced Pathfinding: Units will push closer to objectives, even when allies or obstacles are in the way.
  • Smarter Flag Captures: AI prioritizes units that can reach flags this turn and avoids blocking its own reinforcements.
  • Multi-Objective Strategy: Instead of focusing on a single flag, AI now manages multiple objectives with shifting priorities.
  • Flag Defense Logic: AI evaluates when to hold or abandon a flag, optimizing garrison unit composition.
  • Heroes in Skirmish/Multiplayer: AI can now assign and use Heroes, making non-campaign matches more engaging.
  • Transport Unit Logic: AI knows when to deploy infantry via trucks, bringing them faster to the frontlines.

    • These improvements make the AI more unpredictable and lifelike, ensuring every encounter feels fresh.

    Find out more about Headquarters: World War II at the games official website or via Steam. A new Urban Warfare tournament has been announced and you can get more details and sign up HERE.

    Headquarters: World War II Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    Crusader Kings III: Coronations Released

    crusader-kings-3The pomp and circumstance of royal celebrations come to life in Coronations, a new event pack for Crusader Kings III. This pack, included in the Chapter IV expansion pass for the game, gives your kings and emperors the choice of proclaiming their majesty and legitimizing their rule through a new activity and related events. Coronation ceremonies offer new opportunities for earning prestige and inciting envy in Paradox Interactive’s popular grand strategy role-playing game set in a deeply researched medieval world.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Coronations Release Trailer HERE.

    Key Features of Crusader Kings III: Coronations include:

    New Activity: Coronations

  • Legitimize your rule through grand coronations that will impress your vassals and neighboring rulers
  • Maneuver around faction members and detractors, hopefully forging a magnificent coronation from dangerous circumstances
  • Bring together your vassals for a grand ceremony to celebrate your new rule of the realm

    • Oaths

  • Take an oath after your coronation and declare an objective for your rule
  • Access new decisions with unique rewards to suit every playstyle

    • Crusader Kings III: Coronations is available now on Steam for the suggested retail price of $4.99/£4.29/€4.99. It is also available as part of the Crusader Kings III: Chapter IV Expansion Pass. More information about Crusader Kings III is available on the official Crusader Kings III website or on its Steam page.

    Crusader Kings III Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |
    ICBM: Escalation | United States of Annihilation – Announcement + Beta

    icbm-escalationSlitherine Software today announced United States of Annihilation, the next DLC for ICBM: Escalation. This new campaign explores an alternate history where the United States rises from WWII determined to impose its will on the entire world.

    The DLC is now entering beta, and they are inviting players to sign up and help them test before release. Your feedback will be essential in shaping the final version.

    Sign up for the beta HERE.

    ICBM: Escalation Strategy and Wargaming | Donster | |