Steel Balalaika has confirmed that the test build is over half complete, with public testing slated to begin this April. This isn't just a minor tuning pass; the team is conducting a full review of core mechanics, unit balance, and the overall pace of matches. If you've felt that certain weapon roles were overlapping or that the tactical flow was slightly off, this rework is designed to address those specific pain points.
One of the most significant changes focuses on the air game. The update introduces a comprehensive rebalance of air defense systems and aircraft timers. Perhaps most importantly for high-level play, an "anti-overkill" mechanic is being implemented. This should prevent the frustrating scenario where multiple expensive missiles are wasted on a single, already-doomed target, allowing your batteries to manage threats much more efficiently.
The ground game is seeing equally drastic shifts. Tank stats are being overhauled to better define their roles on the battlefield, and infantry transport functionality is being expanded. We are also looking at a significant adjustment to cruise missiles, which should help normalize their impact on the match pace. These changes suggest a move toward more deliberate, tactical engagements rather than the artillery-dominant stalemates that can sometimes plague the current meta.
For players who prioritize deck specialization, these reworks mean your existing builds will likely need a total teardown once the PTE goes live. The shift in weapon roles and unit efficiency will almost certainly open up new viable build paths while nerfing some of the current over-performing strategies.
Soren