Update 1.0.7.7

After an extended development period, Update 1.0.7.7. is finally here, with the Kharkov map, UI improvements, Soviet 1941 updates, a new air pricing formula, some sweet quality of life improvements and a crucial fix to one of the most insidious CAOS combat bugs we have ever uncovered.

Kharkov Map:

Welcome to the Eastern Front! Kharkov is our first historical USSR map and it is a wholly unique experience that differs dramatically from existing maps due to its sheer size. Kharkov combines the mobility of the Russian Steppe with the powerful defensive anchors of fierce urban combat, and the logistical threat of inadequate infrastructure. We have meticulously modeled the region as close to history as we could get using pre-war Soviet maps, and the result is a beautiful nightmare. In some sectors you will fight for dense industrial suburbs, in others you'll be mired in marshes and thick forests, and sometimes there is hardly a settlement to be found for dozens of kilometers and nary a paved road in sight. Your flanks will be vast, your spearheads overextended, and the roads never seem to lead where you need them to...so dive in and enjoy the hospitality of the Soviet Union!

Kharkov also prototypes a few new changes coming to other large-scale maps in the future, namely a slower reinforcement tempo to give breakthroughs more time to expand before defender counter-attacks, and a highly experimental Army + (approximately 11 divisions) starting point level.

Soviet 1941 Overhaul:

Update 1077 also brings a host of revisions to Soviet forces in 1941 to better reflect the chaotic state of the Soviet Armed forces at the beginning of Operation Barbarossa. The Soviet 1941 OB has been expanded, but units now deviate far more from their official tables of equipment and training levels are lower. When played strictly historically, the Soviet 1941 OB tends to either strangle its opponent through sheer volume of force and Zone of Control locks… or collapse spectacularly. However, unshackled from the training and morale limitations induced by the Great Purge and constant re-organizations in custom scenarios, the Soviet military can be truly dangerous. Just take a quick look at some of the graphs below to see just how dangerous the Soviets can become if they are fighting on an even footing.

Unit revisions and additions

Armor/Mech:

Updated tank type allocation in the 2nd and 5th tank divisions to better match strength reports on the eve of war.

Brought motorized infantry battalions of the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th tank divisions up to ToE strength, as these units were relatively close to establishment personnel strength.

Added armored car recon companies to tank regiment HQs where appropriate.

Added 15th Motorcycle Regiment, from the 1st Mechanized Corps (Leningrad).

Lowered training levels of most KV and T-34 equipped units from recruit to conscript, stemming from extremely limited training available to crews on new vehicles, due to Soviet security concerns.

Lowered training levels of infantry and artillery in mechanized and motorized divisions from recruit to conscript, as Soviet mechanized forces suffered from most of the same officer and NCO shortages as standard rifle divisions.

Infantry:

• Infantry divisions re-organized in accordance with their June 22 OBs. This places most infantry divisions at roughly 85% ToE strength, further modified by equipment, organizational, and manpower, variations according to the Front they are subordinate to.

• Added 168th Rifle Division (Leningrad), a near war-time establishment infantry division.

• Added 117th Rifle Division (STAVKA Reserve) a 2nd line reserve division, near full peacetime establishment, but