No other faction has suffered so much, endured so many casualties, had so much land razed, or resources plundered, yet the SSU survives, and it is stronger than ever. Now, the SSU seeks to not only defend the motherland, but also to crush its enemies. When the SSU flexes its muscle, the world will feel its wrath!

Fantasy Flight Games is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of a bold new faction for Dust Tactics ! When the Sino-Soviet Union invades Dust Tactics games, players will have access to new squads, vehicles, and strategies to crush their enemies under boot. In the first month of releases, the SSU receives fives expansions that makes this faction immediately playable. In addition, Operation “Zverograd” adds the SSU’s first hero and introduces rules for airborne units to Dust Tactics . Surely, with so many tantalizing new models and rules, your games of Dust Tactics will never be the same.

Soar into battle

Operation “Zverograd” delivers rules for flying units, and the SSU is the first faction to benefit from this exciting technology. The SSU Airborne Transport swoops onto the battlefield and delivers extra firepower to wherever it’s needed most. With the Carry Capacity ability, this transport should prove to be invaluable to the SSU commander who needs to reinforce his lines at a moment’s notice. The SSU Airborne Transport even comes with an entire squad of Chinese Volunteers , so generals immediately have auxiliaries to move about the battlefield! Having the first flying unit in the game is sure to give the SSU an advantage, and create never-before-seen tactics.

Achieve a new level of battlefield mobility with the SSU’s heavy emphasis on speed. Many of their units have the Scout skill, and their flying transport adds even more logistical options. This bloc is adept at the art of the rapid attack, which lets them catch flat-footed opponents off balance. Beyond that, they have effective new assault weapons and thunderous guns, allowing you to tailor your force to your playing style.

A city with a secret

With scenarios, background information, and all new rules, Operation “Zverograd” unleashes the SSU into the Dust Tactics environment. The city of Zverograd was once the jewel of Communist Russia, but after rumors of an valuable mystery under the streets of the city arose, the Axis and Allied armies attacked, hoping to claim the prize for themselves. Now the city is devastated, but the fighting continues. The SSU has committed every resource to the defense of Zverograd, as the secrets contained within could turn the tide of the war.

In this campaign expansion, players are introduced to the first SSU hero Koshka Rudinova and her walker “Grand’ma.” Koshka is a top operative in the SSU special forces, and she has won many awards and titles for her service. She has customized “Grand’ma” to her precise specifications, so now this walker incorporates a long-ranged 45mm Howitzer along with a brutal, but short-ranged, Sulfur Thrower. If “Grand’ma” is destroyed during the game, Kosha emerges from the wreckage and continues to fight by herself. This walker/hero pairing is a versatile threat at any distance on the battlefield, and Koshka’s flexibility on the battlefield makes her a fitting first hero for the SSU.

A host of options

The SSU also receives three infantry units: the SSU Command Squad , the SSU NKVD Close Combat Squad , and the SSU NKVD Battle Squad . These soldiers are among the most battle-hardened in the world. Many of them have waged war through the harsh Russian winters with only the bare minimum in supplies and ammunition. Leading the way is the SSU Command Squad . They are similar to other command squads, but one of its members carries a potent Power Tool to add additional anti-armor capabilities. In addition, the rank and file troops of the SSU come ready to fight to protect the motherland. The SSU NKVD Close Combat Squad hurls Molotov Cocktails at oncoming troops and tanks, while the SSU NKVD Battle Squad is a strong all-around unit that is equipped with two tactically flexible DPM machine guns.

In the technologically advanced world of Dust , no army would be complete without potent walkers to support its troops. At one point in the war, the SSU walkers were vastly inferior to their Axis and Allied counterparts, but now these vehicles are more than capable of going toe to toe with their rivals. The SSU walkers are a mixture of stolen technology and inventive engineering upgrades. The KV47 Walker , the mainstay of the SSU walkers, backs up infantry forces with three different configurations: Nadya, Natalya, and Natasha . The Nadya is built for brutal close assaults with its twin Sulfur Throwers, and it is sure to intimidate infantry and walkers alike. The Natalya rips up anything foolish enough to get close to it with its dual Circular Saws. Last, the Natasha variant provides long-rang support with its two 45mm Howitzers, giving the SSU some welcomed firepower.

The invasion begins

The SSU enters the fray with a bang in the second quarter of 2012! And since every one of these SSU Dust Tactics expansions will be available at launch, you’ll be ready to assemble your force right away. Watch the FFG website for upcoming previews of the awesome new SSU units, and visit our SSU website for more information. In the second quarter of 2012, prepare to defend the motherland.