The team is currently working on 4 main areas:
- Free DLC
- Patch 13
- PTE (test) build
- Long-term changes to the game core for replays, saving, and server checking.
The free DLC and Patch 13 are scheduled for release in February. I'd like to point out that the Baltic Battalion DLC is not just a specialization that was available in the single-player campaign. It's a full-fledged specialization, expanded to 38 unique models.
Regarding the announced PTE build, we've achieved some good results. About half of the planned work has been completed. We expect to begin open testing in February. After receiving your feedback, the team will focus on fixing bugs, further calibrating, and then releasing the build to the main game.
During the test version, a comprehensive rebalancing of air defenses, anti-overkill mechanics, and aircraft timers was performed. CAS planes were reworked. The balance of cruise and ballistic missiles was revised. Significant changes were made to tank characteristics, and a separate rebalancing of transports and infantry was carried out. This should strengthen the interaction between different unit types and shift the gameplay focus toward combat units rather than non-contact methods of destroying the enemy. Accordingly, a global rebalancing of all artillery was carried out, reducing its average rate of fire per match. Additionally, the game mode is being refined to increase the significance of all match stages.
Some of these changes have been unanimously accepted as "unquestionably successful" —they will be included in Patch 13 without prior testing. For those decisions that are considered controversial, we will need your help and feedback to adapt them to our audience.Undoubtedly, the test build is moving in the direction of eliminating the main irritants for our audience.
We sincerely hope that you enjoy these upcoming changes as much as we do. We look forward to sharing more details about all the changes!
Sincerely, the Steel Balalaika team