May Modpack Update

After a month of hard work from the tech team, the newest modpack update is now available on the repository for download (2.75GB). This update includes a number of significant changes, such as the removal of CUP, the addition of many new playable factions, the new platoon structure, a rework of vehicle inventories, cTab changes, changes to radio protocols and more. Due to the gameplay impact, all members are advised to check the Field Manual for the latest tactical information. Read on for more details of the modpack update.

First up is the unfortunate but neccessary removal of CUP Units, Vehicle and Weapon packs. As much variety as these packs added, they introduced a number of serious bugs that hurt our gameplay. As a result of its removal, a number of previously removed mods have been reintroduced, such as RobertHammer's M4/M16 Pack and TF47 Launchers. Some new mods have also been introduced, including Real Armor Mod for improved vehicle damage behaviour, HLC's G36 pack and the successor to PMG PMC Services - Theseus Services.

In order to replace some of the variety lost via the removal of CUP, we have now created our very own BWI Units mod. This small mod adds a number of uniforms and playable factions such as Norway, Finland and the UN, as well as some non-playable hostile factions such as Iran and Somali Pirates. All loadouts in the Armory have been overhauled for improved accuracy and variety, based on the unit type, faction and era. Almost every weapon available in our modpack is now used in a loadout somewhere, ensuring that we have continual weapon variety in missions.

With this update we are moved to the new Flexible Platoon Structure that was initially unveiled over a month ago. This includes changes to both the available roles and the distribution and usage of radio devices. We expect there will be a period of adjustment for all players as we shift to this new structure.

Our previously released BWI Resupply addon has received an update, giving all resupply boxes a lick of paint to help players easily distinguish them in the field. Alongside this we have also created a small addon that alters the cargo space and inventory capacities of all vehicles (which will now spawn empty). The resupply boxes now take up 1-4 cargo slots depending on the size of the crate, and all vehicles have been adjusted to have more representative space for crates. Our FOB and Medical Tent system has been improved too, now deploying from large cargo crates via ACE interaction.

cTab has received a minor update, developed by the Black Watch tech team. The MicroDAGR will now display the Blue Force Tracker markers, making it considerably more useful to fireteams. A number of additional marker types have been added to all device, providing more options for on-the-fly planning and communications. Related to this is the addition of a group ID selection tool, found under "Team Management" in the ACE self-interaction menu, which allows team leaders to select the ID that will appear for them on cTab.

Finally, several mods have received updates, including ALiVE. We believe this has now resolved all of the issues previously experienced with ALiVE and hope to see missions utilising it again soon.

That is still far from everything that has changed, and the modpack and template changelogs contain full details of all changes included in this update. Those interested in more behind the scene information can also check out the Github milestones for both the modpack and addons development.

Thanks to everyone on the tech team who worked on this modpack, and also thanks to the members who contributed translations for the resupply boxes!