Safe changes to
German Mechanized Doctrine to make it good and to help it stand out from other commanders:
- Replaced the LMG Grenadier Sd.Kfz.250 with the regular 250 to make it more affordable and less redundant (you'd probably start with 3-4 Grens with this commander anyway);
- Stuka Smoke Drop kept as it synergises well with mechanized assaults: serving as recon, to smoke up enemy defences during an assault or to cover a retreat;
- Spotting Scopes replaced with Emergency Repairs to help (light) vehicles keep up the momentum;
- LeFH replaced with Combined Arms ability to emphasize the mechanized theme. Could be a copy of the USF one, or it could get some unique buffs.
- Command Panzer IV kept to keep power level in check (mostly because of how powerful the Combined Arms ability is), and because its passive durability buff to all units would synergize quite well with the mechanized combined arms theme.
Changes to
Mobile Defense Doctrine. I'm a bit wary to touch this commander, just because the Puma is so damn good for Ostheer, and it risks the commander being used 9/10 matches again. But if we were to take the gamble:
- Puma to T2, no BP3 requirement. Total cost (T1 included) would be 120 fuel, which is now similar to OKW. Should be fine timing wise. Puma now has stock smoke;
- Panzer Tactician replaced with Stuka Smoke Drop to reduce synergy of light vehicles with the Puma;
- Osttruppen Reserves replaced with the Sd.Kfz.251 Mobile Observation Post package as it fits well with the mobile defense theme, as it'd allow you to spot enemy build-ups or assaults early;
- Command Panzer IV replaced with a version of Hold The Line! to further prevent the old Puma into CP4 synergy (beyond the tech requirements for the CP4 already in place) and to give the commander a more unique ability. I considered adding the Panzer 4 ausf.J (in line with the western reinforcements theme) but P4J + Puma would probably instantly make it a top meta pick.
Changes to
Festung Support Doctrine:
- Mortar Halftrack replaced with Heavy Fortifications;
- Relief Infantry replaced with a version of the Forward Supply Station (8-10CP). Helps Ostheer with desperately needed mid to late game repairs. Instead of reinforcing and retreating (potentially problematic with Ostheer's heavy support weapon style), the structure can cast a number of defensive abilities. Like the British Forward Observation Post;
- Stuka Smoke Drop, LeFH 18 and Sector Artillery kept as they are all good abilities that fit well with the defensive theme of the commander.
Safe changes to
Festung Armor Doctrine:
- Command Panzer IV replaced with Panzer IV Ausf.J in line with the heavier armor theme and to help make this commander more unique compared to Fortified Armor Doctrine;
- Pak 43 replaced replaced with Panzer Commander to help put emphasis on armor and to help make this commander more unique compared to Fortified Armor;
- Railway Artillery replaced with new ability "Defensive Panzer Tactics". Somewhere 5-10 CPs, 60s duration, 120-180 munitions, gives moderate buffs to all vehicles operating in friendly territory to help defend it. Something like +10 sight range, -20% reload, -20% target size;
- Panzer Tactician and Hull Down kept because they are good abilities and in line with the theme. Hull Down may need to be replaced with something else (perhaps keep Pak 43) as it might prove too powerful in combination with the Defensive Panzer Tactics ability.