Artistic Overhaul: A Sneak Peek at Thunder at our Gates
Welcome, commanders! We are thrilled to pull back the curtain on the creative work fueling our upcoming DLC, Thunder at our Gates. Today, we’re diving into the visual evolution of the game, featuring:
- Refreshed Focus icons
- Stunning character portraits
- Detailed 3D assets
- An immersive new loading screen
Stick around until the end for an exclusive preview of the new Achievements arriving with this expansion.
Focus Icons
Our artists have been busy crafting a fresh set of iconography for our key nations.
Australia
Indonesia
Siam
Character Portraits
Take a look at these beautifully rendered figures joining the roster.
Australia
Indonesia
Siam
Ship Captains
Atmospheric Loading Screen
Your journey begins the moment the loading screen fades in, and this update sets a somber, new tone. While we typically favor high-octane battle scenes, we’ve pivoted for this release. Inspired by the Battle of Milne Bay, this piece captures a rare, quiet moment—young soldiers pausing for a photograph that will eventually find its place in the history books.
3D Art Showcase
Slurpen_paradox here! I’m excited to walk you through the new 3D assets added for Thunder at our Gates.
We’ve overhauled the infantry for our spotlight nations: Australia now boasts a fully reworked model paired with period-accurate weaponry, while Siam receives a distinct, unique unit model. Indonesia’s default models have been high-res polished, and we’ve introduced a specialized militia unit to boot.
The skies are busier than ever. Given the historical significance of the Australian Air Force, we have added a massive selection of aircraft. Indonesia and Siam also receive their own diverse aerial fleets. Since Indonesia operated under Dutch influence, we’ve ensured a thematic connection by updating both nations’ plane models with specialized camouflage patterns to distinguish them on the map.
Let’s move from the clouds to the terrain:
We’ve also diversified our Army Headquarters assets. Generals will now appear with unique flair, right down to their specific sidearms.
Before I sign off, here is a glimpse of the iconic Cataract Dam, now featured on the Australian map!
New Achievements
What’s a major expansion without fresh challenges? Whether you’re looking for a swift victory or a deep, grueling campaign, these new objectives will test your strategic mettle. How many will you collect?
Note: Achievement names and requirements are subject to final balance adjustments at launch.
- A Bridge too Far: As the UK, have Bernard Montgomery’s Army HQ take Rotterdam.
- A Succulent Chinese Meal: As Australia, own and control a Chinese core state.
- ANZAC: As Australia or New Zealand, have an Army HQ in Greece and ensure Greece remains independent until 1945.
- Et Tu, Paulus?: Successfully capture an enemy Field Marshal.
- From Rags to Admiral Stripes: Promote a Ship Captain to Admiral.
- Grand Siam: As Siam, force the capitulation of 4 nations within a single year.
- Hail to the King: As Siam, form Greater Thailand before King Ananda turns 15.
- Hunt for the Desert Fox: Capture Erwin Rommel.
- Java-Script: As Indonesia, research Advanced Computing while holding your capital in Java.
- Maphilindia: Form Maphilindo and seize control of all Indian core states.
- No One Will Notice the Difference: As Indonesia, station the advisor Gustav Adolf Ilgen in Stockholm.
- Old Zealand: As New Zealand, own and control both Brabant (Zeeland) and Sjaelland (Zealand).
- The Rightside Up: As Australia, seize Jan Mayen.
- Saving Private Bryansk: Capture a General stationed in the state of Bryansk.
- Thai Fighters: As Siam, recruit 10 Aces.
- ThaiTanic: Sink Siam’s pride of the fleet as any nation.
- The 7th State: Integrate New Zealand as Australia.
- The Man of Medan: Sink 100 convoys as Indonesia.
- Waltzing Matilda: Field 25 Heavy Tank Battalions as Australia.