How are scenarios in the RH41 Revised Edition designed? From historical context and gameplay decisions to the final scenario briefing, this update takes you inside our scenario design process.
Campaign Opening – Historical Background:
Late June 1941.
Following the opening blows of Operation Barbarossa, German forces of Army Group Centre push eastward toward Bialystok. Armoured formations have already advanced beyond the city, threatening to encircle the remaining Soviet units. To keep the momentum, infantry divisions must now secure crossings over the Narew River and open the route for the follow-on forces.
South-west of Bialystok, elements of the German 7th Infantry Division are tasked with seizing key villages, roads, and bridges near Suraż. Their objective is clear: force a crossing of the Narew and enable the advance on Bialystok.
Opposing them, battered Soviet formations of the Western Military District attempt to stabilise the collapsing front. With reduced strength but determined resistance, Soviet rifle units prepare defensive positions west of the river, supported by the remnants of armoured elements. Their mission is not victory, but delay — buying precious time for the Red Army to regroup.
This opening scenario sets the tone for the campaign: fast-moving German assaults, stubborn Soviet defence, and decisions whose outcome will shape every battle that follows.
How We Design Campaign Scenarios in RH41 – Revised Edition
One of our core design goals for the RH41 Revised Edition campaign was to ensure that every battle feels connected — and every decision matters.
Rather than following a fixed sequence, the campaign is built around linked scenarios. The result of one battle determines which scenario is played next, allowing the campaign to branch naturally based on player performance. Success, failure, or partial objectives all influence how the campaign unfolds.
At the same time, every scenario can be played as a standalone game. Players who want to explore a specific map, situation, or tactical challenge can jump straight into a single scenario without committing to the full campaign.
For those who enjoy exploring alternative outcomes, the system also supports non-historical play. When scenarios are played outside their historical order, faction roles can be swapped:
the Blue faction represents the Allied forces, while the Red faction represents the Axis forces.
Some reinforcement units listed in the scenario briefings are based directly on the historical campaign. When playing an alternative history campaign — or when swapping factions in a standalone scenario — these units can easily be replaced. Simply use the unit’s point value to select an appropriate substitute of the same unit type, preserving balance while maintaining the scenario’s original intent.
Below, you can see how a typical RH41 scenario is structured — from historical background and objectives to setup, reinforcements, and victory conditions.
This is only the first step.
In the next updates, we’ll explore more scenarios, design insights, and the ideas behind the RH41 campaign system. Follow along to discover what lies ahead.
https://gamefound.com/en/projects/sound-of-drums-gmbh/assault-red-horizon-41-rev-edition/updates/6