Tannenberg

Offical Boxart

Release Date:	November 17, 2017 (Early Access) February 13, 2019 July 24, 2020 (PS4 & Xbox One)
Developer:	BlackMill Games
Publisher:	M2H
Series:	1914-1918 WW1 Game Series
Platforms:	Microsoft Windows OS X Linux PlayStation 4 Xbox One
Genre:	First-Person Shooter

Tannenberg is a standalone expansion and sequel to the multiplayer shooter Verdun, and thus the second part in the WWI Game Series by Blackmill Games. It was inspired by the 1914 Battle of Tannenberg - one of history's most iconic cauldron battles. This time the authentic battles take place on the Eastern Front, where the Central Powers were fighting Russia. Compared to the Western Front, the bad in the First World War here was not static trench warfare, but more mobile and dynamic, which is also reflected in the gameplay of Tannenberg In new multiplayer modes, up to 64 players are to compete against each other. Players can use a selection of authentically modeled equipment brought into the field by the Russian Frontovik and Cossacks, Latvian riflemen, or the Romanians, or join the Central Powers to serve in a K. u. k. Trupp of Austria-Hungary, in the German Infanterie, or with the Bulgarians.

Similar to the Western Front, which was released in 2015, the "Maneuver" mode is the heart of the battles, with battles staged across different sectors of the map.

The battlefields of the Eastern Front offer plenty of variety: from swampy marshlands to barren mountain ridges to denser forests, everything is there, and the squad mechanics seem solid as well: each squad consists of four soldiers who are set to their role (e.g. officer, grenadier, rifleman, etc.). Each soldier brings an experience value to their squad, which also fulfills one of four roles on the battlefield, unlocking new uniforms as the game progresses to match the war's progression. Only the NCOs can give specific orders to their squad, and there is also a neat communication system to communicate enemies and attack directions to their own soldiers.

Like Verdun all weapons have been carefully designed based on research in the literature and, where possible, real weapons used in the reenactment of war. The weapon mechanics remain largely the same. The only differences are that there are only bolt action rifles as the main weapons. Machine guns can only be used stationary near flag points. In addition, three single-shot rifles were introduced.

The following weapons appear in the video game Tannenberg:

Pistols

Colt M1911

The third stage of the armament of the Leitnants and Grenadieris of the Latvian Riflemen squad have access to the American M1911 Pistol. The use of this pistol was not uncommon on the Eastern Front of WWI, since Russia ordered a large stock of it via the United Kingdom. Some pistols from that order can be visually recognized by the Cyrillic text on the side of the frame which can be translated as "English order" - a detail that is sadly absent on the in-game model.

Colt M1911 - .45 ACP

A Latvian officer holds his in-game named "U.S. Automatic Pistol .45 M1911".

Aiming.

Removing the used magazine. The slide is only seen in a backward position when taking the magazine.

Pushing in a full one. Note the lack of the trigger discipline.

Releasing the slide.

Frommer Stop

The Frommer Stop is available when unlocking the third Tier for the K.u.K. Trupp's grenadier class, the Gránátos. The in-game K.u.K. Trupp only consists of Hungarians (K.u.K. stands for Kaiser- und Königlich, Imperial and Royal, and is the abbreviation for the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary), which should distinguish them from the German allies.

Frommer Stop - .380 ACP

A Hungarian officer holds a "Frommer Stop".

Aiming.

The empty magazine falling out into the left hand.

Inserting a fresh one.

Rechambering.

Luger P08

The Luger P08 is a sidearm only usable for the German Infanterie squad member, the Richtschütze. Despite this, the Bulgarian third stage Leutenant and second stage Ghrnatohvurgatsch can also be equipped with a Luger Pistol.

Luger P08 - 9x19mm Parabellum

Holding the "Pistole Parabellum 1908 Luger".

Aiming down the sights.

About to press in a full magazine.

Rechambering the Luger.

Mauser C96

The Mauser C96 is an available pistol for the German Empire (Feldwebel and Grenadier) and the Bulgarian officer class.

Pre-War dated Mauser C96 - 7.63x25mm Mauser

A Bulgarian Leutenant armed with his German supplied "Mauser C96 Broomhandle".

Aiming.

Inserting a full 10-round stripper clip. The reloading can only be done when the magazine is empty.

The removed clip in his left hand.

Roth-Steyr M1907

The Roth-Steyr M1907 pistol came into the game with the March 2018 update. It is only used by the Gránátos after selecting the second rank.

Repetierpistole Modell 1907 - 8x19mm Roth-Steyr

Holding the "Roth-Steyr M1907" pistol.

Aiming.

Sending new rounds into the magazine.

Rechambering the Roth-Steyr.

Steyr M1912

The Altiszt and Irányzó classes of the K.u.K. Trupp can use the Steyr M1912 at the first stage of armament. At the first stage, the Romanian Subofițer NCO is also armed with this pistol.

Repetierpistole Modell 1912 - 9x23mm Steyr

An Austro-Hungarian officer with a "Steyr M1912 Steyr-Hahn" pistol.

Aiming.

Locking back the slide with the thumb safety.

Thumbing in a new stripper clip.

Compared to BF1 and BFV, the non-empty reload is done by pressing in loose rounds one by one.

Clicking the slide forward with the right thumb, similar to the Colt M1911.

Revolvers

MAS Mle. 1892

The Mle 1892 Revolver is available with the May 2018 Romanian update for the Subofițer, Vânător, and Grenadier classes. The Romanian use of this revolver comes from the French military mission (1916-1918) to aid it in fighting the Central Powers.

Revolver d'ordonnance modèle 1892 - 8x27mmSR

A Romanian NCO with his French "Revolver de 8mm modèle 1892".

Aiming.

Ejecting the full cylinder.

Feeding the cylinder with single rounds...

...and patting it back into position.

Clicking in the cylinder. Note the Manufacture D’Armes De St. Etienne markings near the screw.

Nagant M1895

The Nagant M1895 with accurate rounded front sight is used by both Russian squads, the Cossacks (Tier II Razvedchik and Prorivayuschiy) and Frontovik (Tier I Unter-Ofitser and Tier III Grenadyer). It is also the first usable sidearm for the Latvian Leitnants, StrēLnieks, and Grenadieris before unlocking the Colt M1911 pistol. The Tier I equipment of the Bulgarian Kartechar support gunner also includes a Nagant 1895.

Nagant 1895, produced 1920s - 7.62x38N

A Russian officer with his "Nagant M1895" revolver near a fortress of Przemyśl.

Looking through the rounded front sight.

Taking out the ejector rod,...

...letting free a single round,...

...loading in a new round...

...and bringing back the ejector rod.

Rast & Gasser 1898

The Rast & Gasser 1898 is exclusively available for the Austro-Hungarian Altiszt NCO class after unlocking the Tier III equipment.

Rast & Gasser Modell 1898 - 8x27mm Gasser

Holding the "Rast & Gasser M1898" revolver in one of the fortresses of Przemyśl.

Aiming.

Opening the loading gate.

Ejecting a spent round.

Reichsrevolver M1883

At the second Tier of the Richtschütze, the Reichsrevolver M1883 can be used as the only revolver for the Germans in-game.

Reichsrevolver Modell 1883 - 10.6x25R

A German soldier under the command of Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen with his "Reichsevolver M1883" in Romania.

Aiming.

Cocking the hammer.

Opening the loading gate.

Ejecting a spent round.

Thumbing in a new round.

Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Model

The Smith & Wesson No.3 Russian Model appears in-game as "the Smith & Wesson No. 3" and is available for both Russian officer and gunner classes. Two squad roles of the Bulgarians, the Kartechar and Ghrnatohvurgatsch, are also able to use a Smith & Wesson revolver.

Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Model - .44 Russian

Holding the "S&W No.3" revolver.

Aiming.

Cocking the hammer after firing a shot.

The empty reload is done by inserting 2 rounds each into the cylinder.

Rifles

Arisaka Type 30

The Japanese Arisaka Type 30 rifle was brought into the game with an update and can be equipped with the Type 30 bayonet. As a part of the shortage of rifles during the start of WWI, Russia supplied/purchased around three hundred thousand "Rifle, Magazine, .256in Pattern 1900" rifles from Great Britain. This appearance in British service was because of the 1902 Anglo-Japanese Alliance. It is available for the Latvian Riflemen and Russian Frontovik squad.

Arisaka Type 30 - 6.5x50mm Arisaka

A Russian infantryman with his British supplied "Type 30 Arisaka" rifle.

Aiming with the typical hook safety in your face.

Inserting a 5-round stripper clip.

Putting a single round into the chamber.

Arisaka Type 38

The improved Arisaka Type 38 was added with the 2019 "Latvian Expansion". Even though it still uses the 6.5x50mm cartridge, it is strengthened and fitted with a dust cover. In 1914, Russia purchased a huge stock from Japan and in 1916, Britain, called "Rifle, Magazine, .256in Pattern 1907", also sold a large number to Russia as well. Another purchase was the 7x57mm Mexican Arisaka rifles, which weren't delivered to Mexico in 1911 due to the Revolution. Despite the improvements, it has the same stats as the Type 30.

Arisaka Type 38 - 6.5x50mm Arisaka

The "Type 38 Arisaka"rifle in the hands of a Latvian rifleman. Note the dust cover.

Aiming.

Reloading a stripper clip.

Berdan No. 2

The single-shot Berdan No. 2 Rifle came into the game with the release; available for the Bulgarian Tier III Kartechar and Russian Strelok classes. It appears as the "Berdana obr. 1870G Berdan II" and has an M1870 bayonet. During the First World War, this rifle was given to second-line units to overcome the great weapon shortage.

Berdan No. 2 (M1870) - 10.75x58mmR

During the 1917 Kerensky offensive, a Russian soldier is armed with the Berdan rifle.

Aiming.

Pulling back the bolt-handle.

Inserting a 10.67x58mm round.

Berthier Mle. 1907/15

The Berthier Mle. 1907/15 is also an available rifle for the Romanians after reaching the third stage for the Vânător support class.

Fusil Berthier Modèle 1907/15 - 8x50mmR Lebel

Holding the "Fusil Mle. 1907/15 Berthier".

Aiming.

About to reload the rifle while prone.

Gewehr 1888/05

The updated Gewehr 1888/05, which is able to use Mauser stripper clips instead of en-blocs, is the last unlockable rifle for the German Schütze. The G88/05 can be equipped with a Seitengewehr 98/05 which is correct since the G88 did not have a standard bayonet. Much older bayonets were also used such as the SG 71, 71/84, and 88/98.

Gewehr 1888/05 - 7.92x57mm (8x57 IS)

The "Gewehr 88/05 Kommissionsgewehr" in-game.

Aiming.

A semi-submerged Mauser stripper clip in the chamber. Note the notch at the end of it.

Single round reloading.

Karabiner 88

The Karabiner 1888 carbine version of the earlier Gewehr 1888 can also be used by the German officer and support roles. In the Rifle Deathmatch mode, it is one of two rifles that could be equipped with a Goerz 3X Custom scope.

Karabiner 1888 - 8x57mm (Patrone 88 or M/88)

A German Feldwebel equipped with his "Karabiner 1888" fighting to establish a Baltenland.

Aiming.

The gun can only be reloaded when empty with a Patronen 88 en-bloc. Note the differently modeled chamber compared to the G88/05.

A Kar. 88 fitted with the scope.

Using the iron sights on the scoped variant.

Lebel Mle. 1886 M93

The French Lebel 1886 rifle came in with the Romanian update for the rifleman class only. Having a magazine capacity of 8 rounds, the reload time is the highest of all rifles in-game.

Fusil Lebel Modèle 1886 - 8x50mmR Lebel

The "Lebel Mle. 1886/93 Lebel" in the hands of a Puşcaş.

Aiming.

Wasting some time to fill the 8 rounds into the magazine.

Martini-Henry M1879

The Bulgarian rifleman can use the Martini-Henry rifle. It appears as the "M1879 Peabody-Martini" and can be equipped with a British P1876 bayonet. On the right side of the receiver, it has a "Română Arma Md. 1895" stamp.

Martini-Henry Mark II (1877-1881) - .577-.450 caliber

A Bulgarian soldier in Ukraine holds his Peabody-Martini rifle, captured during the Balkan Wars.

Aiming.

The ejected flying shell is visible during the reloading.

Lying in a new round.

Preparing the rifle for the next shot by working the Lever-Action.

Mauser Gewehr 1898

The Mauser Gewehr 1898 is a playable rifle for all German Infaterie units. It is also the first gun unlocked in the Rifle Deathmatch mode in which it can be either equipped with a 20-round Grabenmagazin (trench magazine) or a Goerz 3X Custom scope.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

An Infanterist holds his "Gewehr 1898", ready to fight off the Russian steamroller in East Prussia.

Looking through the Lange Visier.

Inserting a full 5 round stripper clip.

Seitengewehr 98/05

The fixed SG 98/05 bayonet is seen while putting in a single round into the chamber.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 with Visar 2 3/4x scope - 7.92x57 mm Mauser

Scoped Gewehr in-game.

Looking through the scope.

Gewehr 1898 with dust cover and Grabenmagazin - 7.92x57 mm Mauser

The melee attack animation shows the attached Grabenmagazin.

Mauser Karabiner 98AZ

The Mauser 98AZ Artillery Carbine appears as the "Karabiner 98AZ" and is selectable for the German Schütze, Richtschütze, and Grenadier classes. Like in Verdun, the fire rate is higher than the Gewehr 98.

Karabiner 98AZ - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Holding the "Kar. 98AZ".

Aiming.

Feeding the chamber with a 5-round stripper clip. Note, only the Grenadier class' Kar98AZ has a bayonet.

Mannlicher M1888-90

The Mannlicher M1888-90 rifle is available for the Austro-Hungarian K.u.K. Trupp and the Bulgarian squads. It bears the designation "Infanterie Repetiergewehr M.88-90".

Repetiergewehr M1888/90, System Mannlicher - 8x50mmR Mannlicher

A Bulgarian soldier with his M1888-90 rifle.

Aiming.

Chambering while aiming.

Placing the en-bloc.

M90 Carbine

The carbine variant of the M88-90 is available exclusively for Bulgaria. It is referred to as "Karabina Mannlicher obr. 1890G" and can be equipped with an M1917 "Ersatz" bayonet. Its stopping power is a bit less effective than the rifle variant, but it can score with its faster fire rate.

Kavallerie Repetier-Carabiner M1890 - 8x50mmR Mannlicher

Holding the "Karabina Mannlicher obr. 1890G".

Aiming.

A good view of the 5-round 8x50mm en-bloc.

Mannlicher M1893

The Mannlicher M1893 rifle came in also with the Romanian update and is called "Pusca Romana Model 1893" in-game. Unlike the other Mannlicher rifles in-game, it has a strengthened turning-bolt action but uses the "en-bloc" system. It can be equipped with an M1893 bayonet and is playable for all Romanian classes.

Pușcă cu repetiție Mannlicher, model 1893 - 6.5x53mmR Mannlicher

A Mannlicher M1893 held by a Romanian soldier.

Aiming.

Opening up the chamber with the straight bolt handle.

Inserting the en bloc.

Carabine Md.1893

The carbine version of the M93, issued to artillery and cavalry units, is also available for the Romanian Subofițer and Grenadier classes. It gives the player character more mobility.

The "Carabina Romana Model 1893" in-game.

Aiming.

Using the turned bolt handle to open the chamber.

About to set in the en-bloc.

Mannlicher M1895

All Austro-Hungarian classes can use Mannlicher M1895 as their standard first rifle which appears as the "Infanterie Repetiergewehr M.95" in-game. It is also available for the two Bulgarian Voinik and Kartechar classes.

Infanterie Repetier-Gewehr M.95, System Mannlicher - 8x50mmR Mannlicher

An Austro-Hungarian soldier holds his Steyr rifle with fixed M95 bayonet.

Aiming.

Working the straight pull bolt action while aiming.

Reloading what is only done when the gun is empty.

Stutzen Carbine (Hybrid)

A hybrid Stutzen Carbine is available exclusively for the K.u.K. Trupp's support gunner at Tier III with an M95 bayonet. The in-game model is an interwar cut-down variant of the long rifle, which however chambered in the period correct 8x50mmR.

Repetier-Stutzen M.95/30, System Mannlicher - 8x56mmR Steyr

The "Repetierstutzen M.95" of the Steyr rifle in-game. Note the side-mounted sling swivel directly attached to the barrel band which is a feature of the WWI modified Karabiner Stutzen. The in-game model also has an unused under-mounted sling swivel on the buttstock.

Aiming. The front sight has an attached ring on the barrel which is only present on post-1930 short rifles.

Reloading an en-bloc clip with accurate 8x50mmR Mannlicher rounds. Also, note the rear sight which is from a long rifle; the WWI Karabiner and Stutzen variants have smaller sights. The longer handguard is another feature of a carbine/short rifle.

A view of of the receiver during the running animation. The "Budapest M95" markings are visible.

Mosin Nagant M1891

The Mosin Nagant M1891 is available for all Russian Frontovik squad members and the Romanian Vânător support gunner.

Mosin Nagant M1891 with attachable M91 bayonet - 7.62x54mmR

A Russian soldier on a snowy Polish landscape holds his "Mosin-Nagant M1891" equipped with an M91 bayonet. Note the hex receiver.

Aiming.

Relading a new stripper clip.

The Mosin Nagant on a promotional picture.

M91 Dragoon

The Dragoon variant is only issued for the Russian Cossacks squad in-game. The fire rate and reload time are slightly better than the M91 infantry variant.

Mosin-Nagant M1891 Dragoon Rifle - 7.62x54mm R

A Cossack with his "Mosin-Nagant M1891 Dragoon" rifle.

Aiming.

Reloading.

An official render of the Mosin Nagant M1891 Dragoon.

Mosin-Nagant M1907 Carbine

The Cossacks and the Latvian Riflemen have access to the Mosin Nagant M1907 Carbine.

Mosin Nagant Model 1907 Carbine - 7.62x54mm R

The "Mosin-Nagant M1907 Carbine" in the hands of a Cossack.

aiming.

Using the severed bolt handle to open the chamber...

...and putting in a 5-round stripper clip.

Vetterli-Vitali M1870/87

The Swiss-Italian Vetterli-Vitali M1870/87, added with the Latvian Update, is playable exclusively for the Romania rifleman and appears in the game with its real name.

Vetterli-Vitali M1870/87 - 10.35x47mmR

A Puşcaş holds his Vetterli-Vitali rifle. Note the striking ring of the M1887 bayonet.

Aiming.

Placing in a new magazine...

... and taking it away with the attached string.

Loading in a single round.

Werndl M1873/77

The single-shot Werndl M1873/77 came into the game with a free update for the K.u.K. Trupp. Appears as the "Werndl M1873/77" and has an M1877 sword bayonet. Its reload time is more quickly than the Martini-Henry.

Infanteriegewehr Modell 1873/77, System Werndl/Holub - 11.15x58mmR

A Tier III Honvéd rifleman wields his Werndl rifle.

Aiming.

Cocking the hammer a bit.

Opening the chamber.

Removing the spent round with his finger.

Pushing in a new 11.15x58mm round.

Closing the chamber.

Fully cocking back the hammber.

Winchester Model 1895

The Russian modified Winchester Model 1895 appears as the "Winchester M1915" and is available for both Russian and Latvian squads.

Winchester Model 1895 (Russian Contract) - 7.62x54mmR

A Russian soldier during the 1916 Brusilov Offensive is armed with his Winchester rifle.

Aiming.

The Lever-Action mechanism in motion.

Reloading with a Mosin-Nagant stripper clip.

Machine Guns

Unlike Verdun, machine guns in Tannenberg are only available as stationary heavy defense weapons with shields and 250-round ammo boxes. So these are the only automatic weapons in the game.

Maxim MG 08

The Maxim MG08 is the standard stationary heavy machine gun for the German Empire and appears as the "Maschinengewehr 08".

Maxim MG 08 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

The Maxim in the reveal trailer has a Panzermantel with shield.

Looking at a fixed MG08 which has a mounted sled shield.

Manning the machine gun.

Maxim M1910

The Maxim M1910 is the Russian Empire's emplaced MG. Appears simply as the "Maxim Machine Gun".

Maxim M1910 with 'Sokolov' wheel mount & shield - 7.62x54mmR

Fixed Maxim MG in-game.

Manning the machine gun.

Left side.

An official render of the Maxim M1910.

Schwarzlose M.07/12

The Schwarzlose M.07/12 is the heavy machine gun for the Austro-Hungarian, Bulgarian, and Romanian forces. The in-game model is a post-WWI Romanian variant with an extended barrel and cooling jacket chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser.

Mitraliera Schwarzlose M.07/12 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Schwarzlose M.07/12 positioned at an artillery redoubt near Przemyśl in-game.

While the armored jacket is inspired by the German Panzermantel, the shield is from a Škoda M1909 machine gun, also known as the Salvator-Dormus mod. 09.

Manning the machine gun.

Getting rid of the ammo belt.

Bringing up a new one.

Getting it in place.

Pulling the charging handle three times.

Vickers Mk. I

British Vickers machine guns can be seen mounted in Russo-Balt Type Armoured Car.

Vickers Mark I - .303 British

The water jacket and the muzzle coming out of the car.

Hand Grenades

F1 Mle. 1916

The French F1 Mle. 1916 is the standard grenade for the Romanian Infantry squad.

F1 Mle. 1916

A "Grenade Mle 1916 Billant F1" grenade being thrown by a Romanian soldier.

Handnebelbombe

The Handnebelbombe smoke grenade was added with the 2019 "Latvian Expansion" and is available for the Central Powers. Appears as the "Type N Nebelbombe".

Handnebelbombe

A Feldwebel pulls the ring of the smoke grenade.

M1912 Lantern Grenade

The M1912 ''Lantern'' Grenade is only available for the Cossacks.

M1912 "Lantern" grenade

Throwing a Lantern Grenade.

M1917 Chemical Hand Grenade

The M1917 Chemical Hand Grenade appears as the "M1917 Chemical Grenade" and is playable for two Cossacks classes. It was added with the 2019 "Latvian Expansion".

M1917 Chemical hand grenade

A Cossack unscrews the cap of his M1917 Gas Grenade.

Model 15 Stielhandgranate

The Model 15 Stielhandgranate is the standard grenade for the German Empire and Bulgaria.

Stielhandgranate Modell 15

A Bulgarian soldier awaring of Cpt. Conan readies his "Stielhandgranate M15".

Model 16 Stielhandgranate

Like the previous game, the Model 16 Stielhandgranate appears incorrectly as the "Stielhandgranate M17" and is only available as a Geballte Ladung. Despite this, some player characters have single M16s hanging on their belt.