About WWII Online
v.1.37.2 released on April 2023 (readme)
v.1.37.2 released on April 2023 (readme)
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Game Patches & Updates (210)
News related to patches and game features in production and slated for an upcoming release.
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Game Servers (145)
Updates and news regarding game server operation and maintenance.
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Development Notes (198)
Items posted by a Producer related to feature and tech development for the game. Often these items are not yet associated with a scheduled patch or update.
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Reports & Announcements (815)
Official community reports and announcements posted by Community Managers.
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Community Events (133)
This category will display news and information about in-game special events.
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Community Members (48)
Check this category for news and notes about members of the Battleground Europe community.
22nd Anniversary & Full Steam Release
Happy Birthday to WWII Online as it turns 22 years old today (Est. June 6th 2001)! Over the years our game has seen a lot, good and bad, but we have endured. Congratulations to the WWII Online community and all past and present RATS who have paved the way to this moment. We're on the way to doing big things, and our next big initiative is to transition our store page on Steam from Early Access --> Full Release on Thursday, July 6th 2023. This will result in a large number of players joining the game and today we wanted to lay the plan out for you to prepare as a community for all of these new players. Please continue reading as it has specific details on this and to see some legacy videos and artwork as we reflect on 22 years of the game. S!
Readme: Version 1.37.3.0
WWII Online is releasing version 1.37.3.0 on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 at 6PM Server Time (PST). Downtime is expected to be 1 hour. This includes several new updates to terrain in terms of fixes, new structures and towns, camo netting from combat engineers, visual and sound effects for heavier caliber weapons, and a new "Fallen Rat Memorial." There are more features and fixes within, keep reading to find out more!
Campaign 195 Briefing & Free Unlocks
Tonight we start Campaign 195 and it includes several changes. We are opening up several weapons available as free unlocks for the duration of the campaign to our Free Players in an effort to showcase these weapons in a live scenario and increase the server population. We are also looking at rolling back to a simplified 4 Tier system (Tier 0, 1, 2 and 3) to avoid confusion and keep the transition of tiers smooth. The theme for this campaign is squad development - rebuild your squad by bringing folks back and helping new players! Please continue reading to learn more about that and the settings for Proximity Attack Objectives, which will be featured for the first time for a whole campaign, and welcome aboard our two new Side Commanders!
Join Discord tofollow developmentjoin play testsbecome a community member
BEWARE: WWII Online is a simulator, classified as a serious game with a mature community. You cannot play this game solo and cooperation between all online players is required to create action and achieve objectives. The game recommends at least [b]10 hours of practice[/b], sticking with game veterans or an active squad. Your game session should ideally last more than 1 hour since player-led operations require time and patience.
Reasons to play WWII Online
Free Trial Account (NO CARD required)
Receive access to the WWII Online trial which offers you 30 days of full game access.
After the 30 day trial, you will then have continued free game access with a limited combined arms playset so you can continue to participate in battles. At no time will this equipment be nerfed or capable of performing according to historical properties.
At any time you can subscribe to a paid subscription and unlock more weapons and vehicles.
WWII Online is designed a subscription-based game, it is not your typical free to play micro-transaction game.
WWII Online Information
Physics Based PVP Combat
WWII Online offers a variety of weapons and vehicles to choose from in every combat scenario. Play as an infantryman, bomber, panzer tank or drop in as a paratrooper.
Combined arms combat can be found across the entire scope of our world at war.
More about Physics Based PVP CombatReal Players - Real Time
Every single air craft, infantryman, tank, truck and naval vessel is a REAL person in REAL time operating the vehicle! You will embark on very challenging game play that is both exciting and compelling.
If you think you have what it takes to go against our players, sign up and show up. We guarantee that you'll be tested and become a better FPS player by mastering our game.
More about Real Players - Real TimeCombined Arms
Make history come to life or change it completely as WWII Online demonstrates the scale of combined arms warfare in a breathtaking gaming experience.
Choose to pilot fighters and bombers, command tanks, run supply or mission creation trucks, captain and crew naval vessels, or fight on the field and in the towns as an infantryman or paratrooper capturing enemy territory.
More about Combined ArmsOne Server - On a MASSIVE Scale
WWII Online is a massive scale WAR going on 24/7 driven by players. There are absolutely no zones, you can fly your aircraft from one end of the map to the other without despawning.
Hundreds of players can end up in the same fight or supporting that battle in the Army, Air Force or Navy.
This scale and combined arms realism is the core that makes WWII Online stand out from everything else on the market.
More about WWII Online
All combat is alongside live players in the same zone-less 300,000 sq km game world where every vehicle or weapon is controlled by a real person.
You have the option to either join existing squads or create a new one with your friends. Create your own command structure and plan how you will conquer the enemy.
Physics Based PVP Combat
Combat Realism
Realism is taken to a new level - This isn't another arcade-style WWII shooter! Our weapons and vehicles are modeled utilizing historical data after hundreds of hours of research.
The game's designers came to WWII Online from award-winning MMO combat flight simulation titles and have carried over a dedication to realism and simulation style game play whenever possible.
Simulation
A proprietary physics engine powers an advanced, component-based damage model for vehicles that simulates the actual components found in WWII units. In addition, we accurately model armor thickness down to the millimeter and flight models for aircraft down to every surface and control for a true-to-life simulation. Even the ballistics are precisely and accurately modeled for each type of bullet or round in the game.
All of these elements provide realism, creating a skill-based simulation where players must learn to properly employ the weapons and equipment available.
The video seen below helps explain damage and ballistics modeling in the game and gives you a taste of the simulation style gaming experience in WWII Online.
Damage Model Explained
The below video was created with a previous version of the game's graphics engine and does not represent the current graphical presentation.
Real Players - Real Time
Massively Multiplayer (MMO)
All combat is alongside live players in the same game world where every vehicle or weapon is controlled by a real person. The game world is a single zone-less map set at half scale of the European Theater between 1939-1944. From this map, the game provides winnable campaigns that are completely player-controlled and non-scripted. Some campaigns have lasted for more than two months before a victor was decided.
Teamwork
We believe that, more than in any other MMO game, effective teamwork is a requirement for victory in WWII Online. Click a button below to learn more about an area of interest.
Missions are the foundation of tactical play!
You select which country and which branch of service you wish to play during each game session. Choose Army, Air or Navy for the American, British, French or German forces and then select one of the variety of player-created mission-types such as area attack, area defense or point attack.
In all cases, missions provide a group to join, with a common goal. With experience, you may even find yourself leading a mission against enemy forces.
Squads (Guilds) are player-created from within the game.
The game allows you to search for squads that specialize in areas such as armor, air, support and general combat. They are also defined by language and regular times of play.
You can try out any squad before becoming a full member and once you do, you'll find yourself part of a regular group of players that may become online friends.
Lead and Command REAL players on your side!
A rank and experience based system known as "High Command" allows players to get involved in the leadership of campaigns, controlling strategy by directing armies and brigades to operate in specific areas of the map.
With this comes the control of supply (available weapons and vehicles for use in action) and even placing attack objectives against enemy forces. The teamwork required for various levels of the leadership structure is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the game, but it comes only with proven combat and leadership experience.
Allied Forces VS German Forces
At the top level, this MMO provides an Allied versus Axis conflict with American, British and French forces fighting against German forces for dominance in WWII Western Europe from 1939 through 1944.
Combined Arms
WWII Infantry, Tanks, Air Forces & Navy
WWII Online offers a huge variety of play! With over 100 historically accurate WWII vehicles and weapons modeled from the period between 1939 and 1944, you can compete for and against American, British, French and German forces.
Army Persona
The Army Persona allows you to play as an Infantryman, Tank, Anti-Tank or Anti-Aircraft gun, drive trucks, deploy mobile spawn points and create missions.
The backbone of your forces success is the Army persona while the Airforce and Navy provide much needed support to the war.
The ARMY persona is the backbone to success!
The Army persona provides the most options for units to select from. Infantry are the only unit ingame capable of capturing facilities important to the tactical and strategic effort.
INFANTRY
Utilize WWII infantry weapons like light machine guns, sniper rifles and mortars. Take the fight to enemy tanks. Patrol the countryside scouting for enemy anti-tank guns. Fight in town against enemy infantry units.
ARMOR AND SUPPORT VEHICLES
Crew one of the many armored vehicles, such as the SdKfz 232 and Daimler Mk. I scout cars. Hunt tanks with QF 17 Pdr or PAK 40mm. Take out the enemy's air force using Bofors and Flak. Help your side by driving a support truck from a British Bedford to an German Opel.
TANKS
Command tanks, there is a wide selection to choose from, with iconic tanks such as the Panzer, Matilda and Char.
Airforce Persona
The Airforce Persona offers many different avenues of game play. Command bombers and support frontline efforts, or go on long factory bombing raids that impact the entire war effort.
Fly as an Ace fighter or dive bomber and maintain air superiority for your attack objectives!
Power from above, support the war effort!
Rally ace pilots to destroy enemy fighters and bombers to support ground forces. WWII Online is heavily reliant on effective communication and teamwork. Knowing where to be at the right time is essential to not only getting kills yourself, but empowering the ground forces with more field advantage.
FIGHTER PILOT
Pilot iconic Fighter planes such as the BF-109 or Spitfire. Each fighter has its own unique capabilities that are known by many ace pilots. For example, Allied fighters have a slower climb rate but can turn more effectively then German fighters.
BOMBER PILOT (OR BOMBADIER)
Go on short or long range missions as a Bomber pilot or bombadier. You can crew bombers (only two players per vehicle) enabling the Pilot the ability to focus on flying while the bomber can keep your six o'clock clear from fighters.
TRANSPORT PILOT (C47 & JU52)
Pilot a transport plane and get your paratroopers from the Airfield to the frontline battlefields. Watch for enemy fighters, they know you are a prime target because of all the paratroopers on board. You must fly with stealth in mind as you do not have adequate defenses.
Using teamwork, you can arrange an escort of fighter(s) to support your mission, but more planes make you more noticeable to the enemy.
Naval Persona
Our Naval game offers different types of missions. As a Destroyer you will engage the enemy on the high seas, or act as a shelling platform in the Zeeland islands.
As a freighter you will load, transport and deliver weapons and vehicles giving your team a tactical advantage.
The mightiest guns in the entire game!
There's nothing quite as devastating ingame as the sound of 5x 128mm deck guns blasting away at enemy ships or land.
DESTROYER CAPTAIN
As a destroyer captain you will be on the high seas seeking and destroying enemy destroyers threatning your lines. You may also be called as a supporting asset by the Army providing Sea-Land bombardment with your main guns. You are a HVT (high value target) for bombers, use your AA guns to blast them down.
TROOP TRANSPORT CAPTAIN (FREIGHTER)
Troop Transports (TTs) require skill and patience. You will be using the HOIST function to lift up player vehicles and infantry on board your ship. You are responsible for all HOIST operations and safely transporting much needed assets to Zeeland Island battle zones.
FAIRMILE B RIVERINE (PATROL BOAT)
The most accessible and often used Naval asset is the Fairmile B (FMB). All across the frontlines this riverine can support frontline actions by using its beastly 2lbr Anti-Tank gun or its excellent double barrel Anti-Aircraft cannon on the back deck.
This patrol boat has been outfitted to handle a variety of combat situations, and in the hands of an experienced captain can provide devastating effect to any persona.
Screenshots & Artwork
WWII Online Press Kit
Playnet, Inc.
Playnet Leadership
Playnet, Inc. is owned and operated by Matt "Xoom" Callahan - who first started playing the game as a player back in 2002. He is responsible for the daily flow of business, which ranges from operations, strategic planning, legal and everything in between. He continues to play the game and stays close to the players, often championing their requests and concerns to the team.
For business inquiries, please reach out to Matt directly on his LinkedIn as seen below.
Cornered Rat Software
Cornered Rat Software is a team of game developers coming together from across the globe to develop and operate, "WWII Online," and, "WWII Online: Chokepoint."
Our mission is simple: To provide an amazing service that is truly compelling and so memorable, you'll keep coming back for more! We like to do things a little differently around here, as you'll find us in our games and talking with our players very openly about our shared passion for our products.
CRS is the exclusive software developer for WWII Online, tasked with providing all services required to upkeep and improve the game. This includes; sales, marketing, distribution, game and web development, production, server infrastructure, maintenance, upgrades, community management and customer support.
CRS Leadership
The CRS leadership team is responsible for managing the overall daily functions of the business and maintain the vision and direction of the game, "WWII Online," and, "WWII Online: Chokepoint."
Operations Team
The Operations (Ops) team ensures the highest health of our network and systems. While they're mostly behind the scenes, they're responsible for keeping things online and intact. Constant moderation of our systems and maintaining the highest level of security is their overall focus.
Development Team
The Development (Dev) team has a very wide role in our organization. This is home base for our programming team and they're often in the game's client, host or other supporting architecture actively working to improve the player's experience. They work hand-in-hand with the Ops team in situations relating to the health of our assets.
Production Team
The Production (Prod) team is tasked with ensuring the best possible game play experience for our players. This means they'll be introducing or fixing content, eliminating bugs, introducing new features or functionality and everything else relating to players "playing" in the game.
Community-Development Team
The Community-Development (Comm-Dev) team works to provide our community with new tools that report on the Campaign's status, personal statistics and managing squads from out of game. They'll work to empower and help other community members build tools relevant to the out of game engagement for our users.
Community Management Team
The Community Management (CM) team manages and grows our volunteer organizations. They act as the link between our development teams and the community to actively communicate back and fourth to ensure a healthy relationship exists. They're responsible for keeping our game healthy for all users, and remove / ban cheaters.
Game Management Team
Business Team
The business team actively engages our existing players with compelling content that keeps them coming back and working to acquire new players into the game. Their tools consist of the latest social media and the community sites.
Quality Assurance Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team ensures that all new development receives an initial hands on look prior to distributing to the end users. They will test, report and advise our team on anything that will negatively affect a user's experience.
Volunteer Programs
WWII Online thrives off of players stepping up and helping to do more, that is actually pretty core to our community relations. We have found that many of our best people come from within as they typically have an already existing strong grasp of not only the game but also the depth of our community and its core values. Below are some options for you to consider joining some of our volunteer programs directly serving the game's operations as either a technical or non-technical person.
Have questions, ready to help? E-mail jobs@corneredrats.com
Non-Technical Roles
If you're a regular player and would like to help the cause, here are a couple of programs that we have to offer.
High Command Officer
By being an HC officer you will facilitiate awesome game play for all players. You will lead players in battle and help formulate the strategy for your side. Each time you login to the game, you will be a leader for your entire side. You act as an ambassador for CRS to your side and act as an indirect extension of our team.
ALLIED OFFICER APPLICATION | AXIS OFFICER APPLICATION
Marketing Team
Help the team by raising awareness of the game to others. You'll be on the frontlines engaging with people outside of our forums and helping the team with any important new initiatives.
We have several positions available on the team!
We are currently looking for individuals with experience with Google Analytics, Google Adwords, Search Engine Optimization, and/or managing social media advertising. If you're interested in helping in this capacity, please send an email to marketing@corneredrats.com
We are also looking for individuals who have experience in corporate communication, social media community management, copywriting, or other creative roles in a marketing environment. If you can help out the team with these tasks, please send an email to marketing@corneredrats.com
Community Management Team
The Community Management team is in the trenches with the players helping to keep the playerbase connected with the development team so we can deliver on the fixes and features that make WWII Online perform well. Veteran players without technical experience, who know our community and what makes it tick are best suited for these roles.
- Assistant Community Manager
- Supports Community Manager
- Assigned as liaision of Axis or Allied side
- High Command Recruitment Officer
- Actively works to boost HC strength
- Oversees Officer Candidate School
- Host Squad Coordinator
- Coordinates with Squads to boost their numbers
- Advocates for Squads internally
- Training Corps
- Creates training documentation
- Creates and facilitate live training exercises on game servers
- Forum Moderator
- Enforces Terms of Service on forums
- Assists with moderation / light administration functions
Technical Roles
You'll need anywhere from moderate to heavy technical skills here. Significant experience required for programming and system administration, be ready to show us what you've got. You may not have all of the skills listed but if you think you can contribute in some other way we'd really like to hear from you.
To apply to any of these roles, please e-mail your resume / experience / any relevant information about you.
Mail to: jobs@corneredrats.com
Development
Ready for the ultimate programming challenge? Managing all of this code isn't for the faint of heart, even some of our most experienced people are challenged every day. You'll need to be proficient in C++ and be a strong self starter. On the programming team you will be working with the Host and Client depending where we need you. You'll start on an isolated task and work your way up proving your proficiency. There will be fun implementations and technical debt clean up. Consider joining this team with the knowledge there's lots to fix and it's not strictly "features."
Operations
Our operations team is responsible for keeping the servers online, backing things up and improving our network and infrastructure. AKA, kind of a big deal.
System Administrators
- Strong working knowledge of Debian Linux
- Strong skills in Perl scripting
- Familiarity with virtualization (Proxmox knowledge is a bonus)
- Working knowledge of BIND, postfix, apache, cron
- Familiarity with administrating LDAP
- Knowledge of Nagios is a plus
Networking
- Strong background in basic routing & switching
- Familiarity with firewall concepts, IP tables and security
- Thorough knowledge of Cisco IOS
- Familiarity with GNS a plus
Community-Development
If you're a web developer and/or like building tools to show campaign events / statistics, this is the place for you! Our Comm-Dev team provides community tools like WireTap, the Gazette, Combat Statistics, the WebMap and Squad Tools. They're actively working on many projects and increase the out of game enjoyment factor for our players.
Quality Assurance
If you know our game well and are ready to help put on a tester hat to diagnose issues, create a way to replicate and report them properly, we'd really like you to join our QA team. Technical skills do help but lack thereof is not necessarily a barrier to getting involved. Our QA team is an essential component of our game development process, as new changes brought in by developers need to be tested to verify they're working properly. When someone types a bug report, you are the first line of defense to isolate the issue and report it to our team.
Apply to the Quality Assurance team and fill out this questionnare.
Sound Engineer
We'd like to improve many of our sounds, whether it is the aircraft machine guns or the introduction of new equipment. If you have some sound engineer skills and enjoy war gaming, we're looking for you!