Major Tom's Manual to Ardennes Assault

Manual for kraut destruction and battlefield management.

If I'm missing out on some information, please type it out on the comments section. Thanks :D
This is also my first guide. Soooo.
3 Stars! :D Good enough for me, thanks guys!
Edit: 4 Stars! Really appreciate it guys!

Introduction to the Battlefront

Welcome to the frontline! I hope you had your breakfast and ready to head out.
To start off, the Germans have started their counter offensive and started moving their two panzer divisions to Bastogne and Elsenborn! And soon... Antwerp. As we speak, they have already captured back most of the territory! So be prepared to fight them back.

Anyway with General Winter here, out men are going to get cold and air support grounded, but once it's clear they will be at your disposal.

The Battalions (Dog Company)

General Patton is busy at the south, so HQ dispatched us 4 Companies
These are the four companies:

Dog Company/Support

Abilities

• Man the Defenses
  Infantry in cover will receive defensive bonuses for a short duration.
  Costs 20 Munitions
  
  
• Affects units in frontline sectors (player-owned sectors adjacent to enemy ones)
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Man the Defenses)
  Increased Accuracy	Affected infantry also gain a bonus to accuracy for the duration of the ability. Costs 5R Ability cost increased by 10
  Take less damage	Affected infantry will take less damage for the duration of the ability. Costs 5R Ability cost increased by 10
  All Player-Owned Sectors	This ability now affects infantry in cover within ANY player-owned sector. Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 15
  All Sectors	This ability now affects infantry in cover within ALL sectors on the map. Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 20
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of activating Man the Defenses Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of activating Man the Defenses Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Assault Engineers
  Calls in a squad of Assault Engineers to the battlefield. Assault Engineers specialize in short range combat and building field defenses.
  Costs 280 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Assault Engineers)
  Add a Flamethrower	Units are equipped with an M2 Flamethrower Costs 10R
  Increase Squad Size	Unit size increased to five-man squads Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 50
  Build Faster	Units can construct defenses faster Costs 5R
  Vector Target	Units can now designate artillery targets Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 20
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of dispatching Assault Engineers Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of dispatching Assault Engineers Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• 105mm Off-Map Artillery
  Orders 105mm Artillery Batteries to fire on a location, saturating the area with high-explosive shells.
  Costs 110 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (105mm Off-Map Artillery)
  Suppression	The shells will burst into more shrapnel, suppressing nearby infantry Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 10
  Additional Shells	The artillery barrage fires additional shells Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 40
  Incendiary Barrage	The artillery barrage now includes incendiary rounds Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 15
  Longer Burn Time	The damage caused by the fire persists for a longer period before burning out Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 10
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in a Artillery Barrage Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in a Artillery Barrage Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Anti-Tank Overwatch
  Orders Artillery Batteries to target vehicles in the indicated area
  Costs 40 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Anti-Tank Overwatch)
  Barrage Stun	Any vehicles hit by artillery (but not penetrated) will be temporarily be stunned Costs 10R Ability cost increase by 10
  Increased Penetration	Shells get increased armor penetration, capable of damaging heavy armor Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 15
  Extended Barrage 1	Additional shells are fired throughout the barrage Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 10
  Extended Barrage 2	Even more additional shells are fired throughout the barrage Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 10
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of Activating Anti-Tank Overwatch Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of Activating Anti-Tank Overwatch Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
  
  Specializations
• Cheap Team Weapons
  All Team weapons cost less to train.
  
• Company Advancement
  The Support Company earns company veterancy faster.
  
• Bazooka Supplies
  The Support Company begins the game with the Bazooka Weapon Rack unlocked.
  
• Abundant Team Weapons
  All team weapons take up less population.
  
  Units
  
• Assault Engineers
  
• M1 75mm Pack Howitzer
  

Baker Company

Baker Company/Mechanized

Abilities

• Combined Arms
  Infantry and Vehicles who are near one another coordinate to improve their combat effectiveness
  Costs 20 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Combined Arms)
  Increased Range	Vehicles and Infantry can support each other from a greater distance Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 15
  Suppress Team Weapons	Nearby enemy HMGs and AT guns become temporarily suppressed, unable to fire Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 20
  Infantry Sprint	Infantry benefiting from Combined Arms sprint to keep up with vehicles Costs 5R
  Vehicle Rate of Fire	Vehicles benefiting from Combined Arms gain increased rate of fire Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 30
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of activating Combined Arms Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of activating Combined Arms Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Off-Map Cavalry Riflemen
  Calls in a squad of specialized Cavalry Riflemen mounted in an M3 Halftrack to the field. Cavalry Riflemen are armed with close-range Thompson submachineguns
  Costs 450 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Off-Map Cavalry Riflemen)
  Add a BAR	Cavalry Riflemen come equipped with an M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle Costs 15R Ability cost increase by 20
  Add a LMG	Cavalry Riflemen come equipped with an M1919A6 Light Machine Gun Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 40
  Tank Awareness	Cavalry Riflemen detect nearby tanks, and show their position on the minimap Costs 10R
  StG 44 Infrared	Cavalry Riflemen can upgrade to a stolen German StG 44 assault rifle with attached Infrared scope Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 30
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in Cavalry Riflemen Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in Cavalry Riflemen Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Time on Artillery
  Calls in a concentrated off-map artillery barrage on a target location
  Costs 40 Muntions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Time on Artillery)
  Tighter Concentration	The size of the target area reduces, concentrating the barrage more Costs 5R Ability cost increase by 15
  Barrage Stun	Any Vehicle hit by the artillery will be temporarliy stunned Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 20
  Extended Barrage 1	Additional shells are fired throughout the barrage Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 15
  Extended Barrage 2	Further additional shells are fired throughout the barrage Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 15
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in the Artillery Barrage Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in the Artillery Barrage Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Armoured Support
  Orders Artillery Batteries to target vehicles in the indicated area
  Costs 700 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Armoured Support)
  M10 Tank Destroyer	Replaces the first stuart for a M10 Tank Destroyer Costs 10R Ability cost increase by 50
  M4A3 Sherman Bulldozer	Replaces the M10 with a M4A3 Sherman Bulldozer Tank Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 180
  M10 Tank Destroyer	Replaces the first stuart for a M10 Tank Destroyer Costs 10R Ability cost increase by 50
  M4A3 Sherman Bulldozer	Replaces the M10 with a M4A3 Sherman Bulldozer Tank Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 180
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in Armour Support Costs 20R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in Armour Support Costs 25R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  Specializations
  • Grenade and LMG supplies
    The Mechanized Company begins each mission with Grenades and the LMG weapon rack unlocked.
    
  • Backbone of the army
    The Mechanized Company takes less company strengh damage from squad losses.
    
  • Priority Fuel
    The Mechanized Company recives a higher fuel income.
    
  • Frontline Combat
    Infantry fighting in sectors adjacent to enemy-owned territory are more effective.
  Units
  
  • M3 Half-Track
    
  • M10 'Wolverine' Tank Destroyer
    
  • Cavalry Riflemen

Able Company

Able Company

Abilities

• Airdrop Paratroopers
  Calls in a squad of Airborne Paratroopers on a target location. Paratroopers can specialize at long or short ranged combat with weapon upgrades
  Costs 380 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Airdrop Paratroopers)
  Blind Drop	A P-47 Thunderbolt flies ahead to scout out the area, allowing airborne to drop in the fog of war Costs 5R Ability cost increased by 20
  Suppression	A second P-47 performs a strafing run, trying to suppress any enemy at the drop zone Costs 5R Ability cost increased by 25
  Add a HMG	A .50cal HMG drops alongside the Paratroopers to provide ground support Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 40
  Add a Second Squad	A second Paratrooper squad drops alongside with the first Costs 25R Ability cost increased by 200
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in Paratroopers Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in Paratroopers Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Strafing Run
  A P-47 Thunderbolt will strafe the target position with machine gun fire. Effective vs Infantry and light vehicles
  Costs 50 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Strafing Run)
  Rapid Response	The P-47 flies quicker to designated target Costs 5R
  Wing Man	An additional P-47 is deployed to the designated target Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 35
  Evasive Maneuvers	The pilot to attempt evasive maneuvers to try and avoid being hit by AA fire Costs 5R
  Quick Recovery	If the P-47 is shot down, this ability will be available to call in again immediately Costs 5R
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in a Strafing Run Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in a Strafing Run Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Supply Drop
  Drops a supply crate on the target location, which can be picked up by allies forces
  Costs 225 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Supply Drop)
  Add a Munitions Crate	Drops in a second Munitions Crate alongside the first Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 50
  Add a Bazooka	The second munitions crate drops bazookas when retrieved Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 75
  Add a Fuel Crate	Adds a fuel crate to the drop, alongside the munitions crate Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 100
  Add an AT gun	Adds a 57mm AT gun to the drop, alongside the crates Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 75
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in the Supply Drop Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in the Supply Drop Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Rocket Run
  A P-47 Thunderbolt will strafe the target position with rockets. Effective vs light armour
  Costs 75 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Rocket Run)
  Rapid Response	The P-47 reaches it's designated target with greater haste Costs 5R
  Wing Man	An additional P-47 is deployed to strafe the designated target Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 70
  Use AP Rockets 1	The P-47s fires Armour Piercing rockets, more effective against medium armour Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 25
  Use AP Rockets 2	The P-47s fires even stronger Armour Piercing rockets, more effective against all armour classes Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 25
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in a Rocket Run Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in a Rocket Run Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  Specializations
  • Infiltrate Pathfinders
    Airborne Pathfinders can be called in on a target building- if unoccupied, they will spawn from that building and exit.
    
  • Fast capture
    Airborne units can capture and decapture territory faster than other companies.
    
  • Assassinate
    Airborne Pathfinders gain the Assassinate ability- allowing them to take down specific targets.
    
  • Extra Manpower and Munitions
    The Airborne Company begins each mission with bonus Manpower and Munitions.
  Units
  
  • Paratroopers
    
  • Pathfinders

Fox Company

Fox Company

Abilities

• Deploy Rangers
  Calls in a squad of Rangers to be deployed to the battlefield. Rangers are an elite unit trained in all aspects of combat, such as marksmanship and demolitions.
  Costs 400 Manpower
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Deploy Rangers)
  Recon Training	Rangers are better trained in reconnaissance tactics, increasing the line of sight of the squad. Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 40
  Survival Training	Rangers are better trained in field combat tactics, making them better at evading damage. Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 50
  Add Bazookas	Rangers are equipped with two bazookas, increasing their capability to destroy vehicles. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 100
  Pilfered Equipment	The Rangers replace their Bazookas with captured Panzerschrecks and Bundle Grenades, which are more effective. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 50
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of deploying Rangers Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of deploying Rangers Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 20%

  
  
• Company Requisition
  Command Releases additional support, providing additional manpower.
  
  
• Grants 800 Manpower.
  
  Costs 100 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Company Requisition)
  Fast Deployment	For a brief period, infantry squads and reinforcements can be dispatched to the field much faster. Costs 5R Ability cost increase by 10
  Free Reinforcements	While the ability is active, infantry squads can be reinforced with no manpower cost. Costs 10R Ability cost increased by 70
  Additional Support 1	Company command provides an additional 150 manpower. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 25
  Additional Support 2	Company command provides an additional 150 manpower. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 25
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of activating Company Requisition Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of activating Company Requisition Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 15%

  
  
• M83 Cluster Bombs
  Scatters a number of M83 Cluster Bombs across the target area. Each bomb has an anti-handling device, making them act as mines.
  Costs 80 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (M83 Cluster Bombs)
  High Density Explosive	The cluster bombs are packed with high density explosive increasing the area of the blast. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 10
  Anti-Vehicle Cluster Bombs	Larger ordnance in the cluster bombs makes them more effective against vehicles. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 15
  Larger Drop Area	More cluster bombs are dispersed over a larger target area. Costs 15R Ability cost increased by 25
  Impact Detonation	You can choose to use M129 fuses, causing the cluster bombs to detonate on impact. Costs 10R
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of dropping M83 Cluster Bombs Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of dropping M83 Cluster Bombs Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 15%

  
  
• Pinpoint Artillery
  A small artillery support battery fires a pre-ranged round very accurately at the designated target.
  Costs 80 Munitions
  
  

  Upgrades	Details (Pinpoint Artillery)
  No Warning	With the help of additional spotters, the artillery battery no longer will use ranging smoke and is better able to surprise enemy targets. Costs 5R
  Larger Caliber Shell	The artillery battery fires a larger 155mm shell at the target, increasing the blast radius. Costs 20R Ability cost increased by 50
  Quick Response	Reduces the time it takes for the artillery battery to fire at the designated target. Costs 5R Ability cost increased by 10
  Designated Battery	A battery is attached to the company, allowing unlimited access to artillery support. Reduces the ability cost and and removes the ability cooldown. Costs 20R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 1	Reduces the cost of calling in Pinpoint Artillery Costs 10R Ability cost reduced by 10%
  Cost Reduction 2	Further reduces the cost of calling in Pinpoint Artillery Costs 15R Ability cost reduced by 15%

  
  Specializations
  • Veteran Medic
    Squads that are Vet 1 heal slowly out of combat.
    
  • Grenade Supplies
    Grenades are unlocked immediately at company HQ and grenade abilities have reduced cost.
    
  • Extra Capacity
    Squads can carry two additional special weapons.
    
  • Officer Rally
    Officers can halt the retreat of all soldiers.
  Units
  
  • Rangers
    
  • WC51 Military Truck w/ .50 Cal HMG

Meta-Map

The Metamap. Truly a Commander's best friend.This will be where you command the 3 Companies to attack or trap the Germans. The metamap also contains information on the kraut strength at a location, where the number of symbols means the harder it is to capture the area.

Company Customization

As you finish missions you gain Requisition Points these points are used to improve your company's abilities.
Requisition Points can also be used to reinforce your company strength, but loses some of your company veterancy experience.
Extra Requisition Points are added to your final score at the end of the campaign.

Events

Sometimes your company will encounter some events, some are good some are bad. Like for example: Your company spots a caged puppy down the road. Release it? [F*ck Yea!/Let it die]
As you release the puppy, a ambush occurred. -10 Company Strength, +1 Puppy.
Are you going to let your men die for a puppy?!

Recovering from a attack

After a tough battle, your company will lose a few men, and to replenish them you neither:

1. Reinforce them with Requisiiton Points
   
2. Leave them to idle.
   eg: Able company is on standby in friendly/enemy territory. Fox Company attacked Leningrad and finished. Able company will recover back 5 company strength w/o losing experience.

Attacking/Trapping

Originally posted by Sun Tzu:

“Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the Attack.”

Attack

Attacking back those krauts is the only thing we can do, and to do it efficiently we will need intelligence!
The sitrep should tell you what you should be expecting, use this to your advantage and send it which company you think is the best suited for.

Trapping

When you clear out an area of those krauts, they tend to split themselves and to their own territories and reinforce them, making it more difficult to attack that sector.
This is where Trapping comes in. Surround the sector that you're going to attack with your 3 companies, so when the enemy retreats they will meet the other companies then their allies.

Objectives

Objectives

Each missions has different objectives. Some involves holding down Victory points, some about securing air drops and some are about destroying the enemy's with vehicles. They are what you need to win. Simple.

Side Objectives

These are what that matters if you want that medal.
These medals improve your final score. There are only 3 side missions and all of them are random on each mission.

• Help stranded allies in a building
  These can reinforce your company for 15%! Very good for lategame.
  
• Help HQ recover German intelligence
  Gives you more requisition points
  
• Destroy disabled tank
  Gives you 15% company experience.

Score Breakdown

Score Breakdown

• Surviving Companies: 2000/each
  
• Remaining Requisition Points: 150/Point
  
• Company Strength: 15/Point
  
• Veterancy Ranks: 500 Points/vet
  
  

  Mission Completion Medals

  Gold Medal : 500 Points/medal
  Sliver Medal : 250 Points/medal
  Bronze Medal : 125 Points/medal
  
  You'll need:
  5000 Total Points to get the Bronze Ardennes Assault Medal
  10000 Total Points to get the Sliver Ardennes Assault Medal
  20000 Total Points to get the Gold Ardennes Assault Medal

Rewards!

Rewards

You will recive the following: Intelligence Bulletins, Skins and Faceplates

Dog Company

Intel Bulletins

• Cheap Team Weapons
  -M1 AT, M1 Howitzer, 50 Cal are 5% cheaper.
  
• Abundant Team Weapons -M1 AT, M1 Howitzer, 50 Cal are 8% Faster to Build.
  
• Bazooka Stores
  -Bazooka upgrade costs 10% less.
  

  Skins

• L/M/H Dog Company Skin
  
• L/M/H Winterized Dog Company Skin
  

  Faceplates

• Ardennes Assault Bronze/Sliver/Gold - Dog Company

Baker Company

Intel Bulletins

• LMG Supplies
  -Unlocking the M1918A2 BAR costs 10% less.
  
• Backbone of the Army
  -Riflemen & Rear Echelon Troops train and reinforce 10% faster.
  
• Priority Fuel -Fuel Caches are 5% Cheaper and 10% faster to build.
  

  Skins

• L/M/H Baker Company Skin
  
• L/M/H Winterized Baker Company Skin
  

  Faceplates

• Ardennes Assault Bronze/Sliver/Gold - Baker Company

Able Company

Intel Bulletins

• Fast Capture
  -Pathfinders and Paratroopers capture and decapture territory 5% faster.
  
• Assassinate
  -Pathfinders have 5% increased sight range and 2% increased accuracy.
  
• Extra Munitions
  -Munitions Caches are 5% Cheaper and 10% faster to build.
  

  Skins

• L/M/H Able Company Skin
• L/M/H Winterized Able Company Skin
  

  Faceplates

• Ardennes Assault Bronze/Sliver/Gold - Able Company

Fox Company

Intel Bulletins

• VeterinaryVeteran Medic
  -WC51 Ambulance's healing ability recharges 10% faster
  
• Officer Rally
  -The Lieutenant, Captain and Major reduce the suppression taken by nearby infantry units by 6%
  
• Grenade Supplies
  -Riflemen, Lieutenant and Paratrooper grenades cost 7% less to use and recharge 5% faster.
  

  Skins

• L/M/H Fox Company Skin
• L/M/H Winterized Fox Company Skin
  

  Faceplates

• Ardennes Assault Bronze/Sliver/Gold - Fox Company

Note: You only receive what you play.
You will only get the rewards from the companies you played

[Dogmitry E. Puplushka]

Like Gauny, skin unlocks didn't work for me either. I wanted to get those heavy vehicle skins but it didn't unlock even with gold.

[Gauny]

I just finished AA for second time, mainly for dog company rewards and I got nothing, no skins, no bulletins and no faceplates. Hard difficulty, gold medal, 25631 points. Any ideas?

[Flaming Hailstorm]

What are your recommendations for the choice of companies at the very start of the campaign?
Is the airborne company particularly useful in any of the missions despite lacking advantages for armored units? I dislike resorting to airstrikes in RTS games, but dropping troops behind enemy lines or pathfinder things can be helpful in certain situations...

[Armored Baron]

Could you please add that the Sherman call-in from Baker Company is a 105 Sherman instead of the regular 75mm Sherman because some people might be confused, thanks in advance.

[尋覓交配對象~害羞哦]

Ardennes Assault Save Edit Bonus vs 5 Cross enemies
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1640390330

[RIZAs]

@daywalker bonus point

[Day Walker]

Hi great guide, but there is an other bonus objective kill VIP officer . do you know what you'll get for achieving that objective.

[loadedstorm88]

The part where you mention Attacking & Trapping, the trapping would be more successful when setting up your companies in the "Blue Sector" surrounding and blocking the enemy so your not loosing any strength points.

[Kwak]

Do you get more awards if you play on Bronze/Gold. Or to have less people died?

[Skip]

"The Battalions" bro they are companies, not battalions, it's literally in the name.