Stoßtruppen Squad

The Stoßtruppen Squad (transliterated to "Stoss-struppen") is an elite Wehrmacht infantry unit. In skirmishes it is available from the . It can also be deployed as part of Battlegroup call-in abilities, specifically the Mechanized Assault Group from the Breakthrough Battlegroup (deploys a transporting a Stoßtruppen Squad), or the Stug Assault Group from the Mechanized Battlegroup (deploys a transporting a Stoßtruppen Squad) .

Arguably the most elite non-Battlegroup exclusive unit in the game, Stoßtruppen are absolute powerhouses with incredible durability and anti-infantry firepower. They have the highest individual model health in the game at 120 each, although with only a relatively small squad size of 4. They also are one of very few infantry units with armour (the other being the DAK ), making them deceptively tougher against most infantry. In this case, their 1.25 armour value means many small arms only have an 80% chance of penetration against them.

In terms of offensive firepower, each squad comes with 3 special G43 rifle variants, while one member comes equipped with a special LMG variant (unlike most units, they can also fire this weapon on the move). This combination allows Stoßtruppen to deal impressive and consistent damage per second (DPS) at practically all ranges except for some noticeable reduction at long range. As of result, they generally outdamage a equipped with 2 BARs as well as the at all ranges. However specialized close quarter elite units like the and can still outdamage the Stoßtruppen at close ranges of 13 or less meters.

By default this unit has access to the Stick Grenade Assault ability which orders all squad members to throw a frag grenade each at the target location, and Red Phosphorus Grenade ability, which throws a grenade that creates a sight-obscuring smoke cloud that also deals lingering damage to infantry in its area of effect.

At veterancy level 1 this unit gains the Shock Assault ability, which when activated grants several combat bonuses but reduces movement speed, and makes the squad immune to suppression for the duration.

If the Stoßtruppen Assault Package perk from the Mechanized Battlegroup is obtained, this unit can be upgraded with Ambush Package, replacing the entire squad's weapons with StG 44 assault rifles that greatly boost their close range effectiveness but worsens their performance beyond 15 meters compared to the default Stoßtruppen loadout. They also gain the ability to camouflage alongside gaining ambush bonuses from attacking from camouflage.

Overall, this unit lives up to its name of "stormtroopers". They are very capable of fighting directly against practically any infantry on the field, especially due to its consistent damage at vast majority of ranges. Since most infantry will lose or at least suffer heavily in a head on fight, this makes Stoßtruppen useful for holding the line or capable of independent skirmishing away from support. Their grenade abilities allow them some flexibility to storm entrenched positions and dislodge weapons teams.

As a downside, Stoßtruppen are among the most expensive units in the game with very high production cost, upkeep, and reinforce cost. In addition, because they are so specialized against infantry, they do not pose any threat to most vehicles and thus will need help dealing with armoured targets. To help alleviate Manpower costs, utilizing the Squad Merge ability of the can be incredibly helpful.

If the appropriate Battlegroup perk is obtained, giving them Ambush Package changes the dynamics and makes them incredibly brutal ambushers, capable of wiping out squads very quickly when played right. The massive increase in DPS at close range allows them to even outperform Rangers and Commandos, despite having a lower squad size. However, compared to regular Stoßtruppen they lose a lot of the consistent damage at further ranges, further emphasizing the need to make use of camouflage.