The 1. SS-Panzerdivision is coming to Steel Division By Joe Robinson

As Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s first anniversary draws near, Eugen have revealed a few more details as to what the free ‘First Blood’ update will entail.

We know from last week’s tweet that the two free divisions coming to the game are the 1. SS-Panzerdivision, and the 1st Infantry Division. In addition to that, two Ace models are also going to be unlocked.

Still a bit lost trying to get to grips with Steel Division? Our Beginner's Guide will sort you out.

With a week to go, a new blog post on Eugen’s website looks in-depth in the history and make-up of Germany’s new division, Waffen-SS, 1. SS-Panzerdivision “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler“ (Or LSSAH for short).

The division’s history takes it to most theatres of WW2, from Poland and Greece, to Russia, Italy and in 1944 it found itself resting in Belgium before the allies invaded Normandy. At this point in time the Division is in a bit of a decline – it’s missing a quarter of its fighting strength, with existing replacements of dubious quality and/or loyalty. In game terms this translates as follows:

RECON: half the division’s armored scouts were missing, but LSSAH was among the first to receive a full complement of Pumas.

half the division’s armored scouts were missing, but LSSAH was among the first to receive a full complement of Pumas. INF: a mix of elite & veteran infantry and disheartened SS-Volksdeutsche pressed in large number in its ranks. The elite Ostkampfer are represented by SS-Stosstrupp with MP-44.

a mix of elite & veteran infantry and disheartened SS-Volksdeutsche pressed in large number in its ranks. The elite Ostkampfer are represented by SS-Stosstrupp with MP-44. TANK: more tanks and/or less expensive than a regular Panzerdivision, although many of them are downgraded Panzer IV J.

more tanks and/or less expensive than a regular Panzerdivision, although many of them are downgraded Panzer IV J. AT: few towed anti-tank guns, but assault guns in the AT tab instead as Panzerjäger StuG. Meaning the StuG do not come in competition with tanks for TANK slots but can be taken in addition to them.

few towed anti-tank guns, but assault guns in the AT tab instead as Panzerjäger StuG. Meaning the StuG do not come in competition with tanks for TANK slots but can be taken in addition to them. SUPP: with no fire support half-track delivered before or during the campaign, LSSAH has to rely on towed IG 18 or Grille in that role.

with no fire support half-track delivered before or during the campaign, LSSAH has to rely on towed IG 18 or Grille in that role. AA: more Flak 88mm than a regular Panzerdivision but missing almost all of its Flak 37mm guns.

more Flak 88mm than a regular Panzerdivision but missing almost all of its Flak 37mm guns. Economy: LSSAH’s economy is quite low in A, then rise abruptly in B and remain the same in C.

Post Normandy, the division took part in failed Ardennes offensive, and would then be sent back out east to try and stem the tide of the advancing red army. It would eventually surrender to the Americans on May 8th, 1945 in Steyr, Austria, although elements of the division participated in the Soviet’s Siege of Berlin.

The ‘First Blood’ DLC is due out on May 17th, 2018.