Fallschirmpioneer Squad

The Fallschrimpioneer Squad is a Wehrmacht infantry unit. In skirmishes, it is only available exclusively as a call-in unit with the Luftwaffe Battlegroup. Unlike most units, they are deployed via air-drop and can be deployed anywhere on the map except the enemy HQ territory, similar to the Wehrmacht and USF .

Available immediately at 0 CP cost, the Fallschrimpioneer is essentially a more specialized, stronger, and expensive version of the default . Like Pioneers, they are one of few Wehrmacht units capable of repairing damaged vehicles/structures, constructing defences and resource caches, as well as laying mines. Unlike Pioneers however, they have access to different weapon upgrades, are deployed quite differently, and due to their stronger combat prowess can afford to be a bit more direct in fights. Also unlike Pioneers, they do not have extra sight range nor increased detection range.

Compared to Pioneers they have far better durability, thanks to having a higher 95 health per model, as well as a squad size of 4 instead of 3. Offensively, they are armed with rifles with a standard damage curve. This means they technically deal the best damage per second (DPS) at close range compared to longer ranges, but this is generally not recommended as they are vulnerable due to their low squad size. Compared to regular Pioneers they perform far better beyond close range, allowing Fallschrimpioneers flexibility in engagements. Compared to the they out-perform them at all ranges except max range. Compared to USF they only out-perform them at long range. Compared to the UKF they only out-perform them at closer ranges of below 18 meters.

Fallschrimpioneers are capable of constructing almost anything a Pioneer can, including defenses, resource caches, and mines. If the Luftwaffe Relay Point Battlegroup perk is unlocked, they unlock the ability to construct the anywhere (including enemy territory) which is a camouflaged structure that allows reinforcement of nearby Fallschrimpioneers and the .

By default they come with Minesweepers and the Wire Cutters ability. When the Minesweeper is toggled on, a squad member will forgo using his weapon (and thus reducing overall DPS) to equip a minesweeper that will allow the squad to detect and remove mines/traps. The Wire Cutters ability allows them to destroy a targeted barbed wire. They also come with the Satchel Charge active ability, allowing them to spend Munitions to throw a powerful explosive that explodes after a relatively lengthy delay of a few seconds. This large delay means it generally is ineffective against wary opponents and thus is usually intended for anti-structure duties. However, the explosion is quite powerful and can easily wipe out infantry clustered together (especially in garrisons), and can even destroy stationary vehicles. See abilities section for more info.

At veterancy level 1 they gain the Airborne Spirit passive, granting them increased capture rate (not decap rate) and passive healing when out of combat.

The main strength of Fallschrimpioneers is their early game prowess. By going with the Luftwaffe Battlegroup, a Wehrmacht player has the option of utilizing these units immediately as an early game unit. As they can be para-dropped in at nearly any location, this gives the player options on utilizing them to best effect. It is common to see players para-drop them aggressively very early on in order to thwart the opponent's map control. This is especially possible by building defenses like Sandbags quickly after deploying, allowing them to hold the line and fight back effectively early on. By doing this, they can stall out quite well, buying valuable time and intel for the Wehrmacht player while delaying the opponent's territory capture. Of course, care must be taken when and where they are deployed, as para-dropping infantry are vulnerable during the drop animation (cannot move, attack, or do anything until fully landed).

Their Satchel Charge ability in particular can be quite powerful since it is available by default. While it has an expensive Munitions cost, it is a great tool especially against weapons teams and garrisons, giving them another potent edge in early skirmishes.

It is important to note that Fallschrimpioneers come with Minesweepers and Wire Cutters for free. This can be especially powerful as it means one can counter enemy mines practically immediately at game start, or at the very least discourage opponents from building them which in itself is very powerful.

Later past the early stages, Fallschrimpioneer scale poorly in terms of combat although one can spend Munitions on upgrading them with more powerful weapons. They can gain the MG 15 Light Machine Gun which generally boosts their DPS at all ranges, though it cannot fire on the move. Alternatively they can be upgraded with the GrB 39 Grenade launcher, which deals area damage and is most effective against stationary infantry clustered in cover or garrisons.

While Fallschrimpioneer are basically stronger but more expensive Pioneers, keep in mind they have access to different upgrades and have a different damage curve. The main thing they lack is the ability to access Flamethrowers comparatively, and can fight comfortably at longer ranges. Aside from their strengths, they do come with the downside of more expensive costs including call-in cost, higher upkeep, population, and reinforce costs, on top of being exclusive to a certain Battlegroup.

If Luftwaffe Relay Point is unlocked, this unit can enable an interesting form of sneaky forward reinforcement and frontline defensive tactics, as once constructed the Relay Point acts as a camouflaged reinforcement point specifically for Fallschirm units.