Each month, we will release a preview focusing on a few factions present in the game. These will feature some historical background, their role in the war and in the game, and a number of units essential to these factions. These previews are meant to give a deeper insight into the game's mechanics, and advise those who know little about the First World War about the major events and their objectives in the war.

Faction Preview
Episode 1 

The German and Austrian Empires

Most people remember the First World War by the stalemate in the trenches. The war on the Eastern Front, where three Great Empires clashed, is much less known. This is the front where Hindenburg & Ludendorff won their great victories over the Russians, where the Brusilov offensive of 1917 nearly wiped out the entire Austrian Empire, and where the dramatic conclusion of the theatre unfolded through the Russian Revolution.

The Balkan Front

The First World War begins when Austria declares war on Serbia, after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. The Serbian capital Belgrade is right next to the Austrian border, but is protected on its left flank by a stroke of difficult terrain, defended by the bulk of the Serbian army. On turn one an Austrian army is deployed on the opposite side of this stroke, but in a bad position for launching an effective attack. Russia - Serbia's ally - mobilizes to the East, forcing the Austrian army to split and face both opponents.

Historically, the initial Austrian attacks turned into a disaster. The Serbians held on to their mountain defences and repulsed all attacks causing severe losses to their enemy.

 
The Austrian Infantry lacks efficient Commanders, limiting their offensive capabilities.

If the Russians can keep the pressure on the Austrian armies, Serbia is likely to hold out for some time. Historic events promise this region to be a turbulent one: In May 1915 Italy declares war on Austria, in September the Bulgarians join the Central Powers and in August the next year Romania takes the side of the Allies. These events will often lead to a shift in the balance of power several times throughout the game. The Austrian Empire will struggle to keep all enemies at bay, relying heavily on Germany's support.

The Balkans and the Eastern Front - Summer 1914
New UI features include a permanent minimap and resources display. The combat prognosis from the previous Commander games is still available, providing estimated combat results between the selected and target unit.

A War on Two Fronts

The German Empire is surrounded by enemies: The French to the West, the Russians to the East.

The German 1914 strategy, the Schlieffen Plan, determined that France should be wiped out quickly, while the Russians, expected to mobilize slowly, would be dealt with next. But while their armies were stalled right before Paris could be reached, the Russians already invaded Prussia.

Attrition from the Belgian invasion and the deployment of massive French reserves right before the gates of Paris will make a quick victory in the Western Front neigh on impossible. Once this short front-line becomes entrenched, there is little hope for a breakthrough until significant technological improvements can break the stalemate.

Early Infantry have severe difficulties attacking entrenched positions without significant Artillery support.

At this point, Germany should focus its attention on the Eastern Front. This long front-line, with terrain less suited for deep entrenchment is ill suited for a definite stalemate. Neither side can deploy enough troops to secure the entire length of the front. As a result, players must choose which areas to concentrate their armies, while other regions remain vulnerable to counter attack. Both sides will attempt to break through the weak points in the enemy defences, while trying to respond to and contain enemy breakthroughs as quickly as possible.

While the Germans are outnumbered, their eastern army comes with a powerful Commander: General Von Hindenburg, providing significant combat bonuses to all nearby units. This will give them the edge during the first months of the war. However, the player will soon be forced to redeploy forces from the Western front to reinforce his armies in the East. The Austrians, while capable of providing significant amounts of units, lack efficient Commanders. If victory is to be achieved on the Eastern front, a large German contribution is required.

Fog of War is no longer optional in the game settings, but a vital element of the gameplay.