Broken Arrow is a real-time strategy game focused on modern combined-arms warfare between American and Russian forces. The Russian Guard expansion adds a new specialization to the Russian faction, expanding options for players who want to field elite security units, reserve infantry, armored vehicles, and layered support assets in large-scale battles.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on building and commanding battlegroups through a deck system that lets players select specializations and customize unit compositions. Russian Guard draws from Rosgvardiya formations, BARS reservists, Spetsnaz Alpha and Vympel teams, FSB snipers, and Border Guards. These infantry elements pair with reconnaissance vehicles, armored transports, and heavy armor such as reactivated T-62 and T-72A tanks alongside newer platforms like the Tigr, BPM-97 Vystrel, Typhoon-K, and unmanned Uran-9.
Fire support comes from systems including the 2S43 Malva, 9K512 Uragan-1M, 9K58 Kama, and TOS-2 Tosochka. Air defense layers incorporate the Pantsir-S1, Tor-M1-2U, S-400 Triumf, and Tigr Gibka. Helicopter options range from the Ka-50 Black Shark and Ka-60 Kasatka to the Mi-8AMTSh-VN, while fixed-wing assets include the MiG-31BM, MiG-31K, Yak-130, Tu-95, An-26, and stealth S-70 Okhotnik. Players manage these assets across urban streets or elevated industrial terrain, balancing massed armor pushes with precise artillery and air cover.
Game Modes
Single-player content includes a narrative campaign with missions set in the Baltic region. Skirmish mode pits players against AI opponents on multiple maps, now including the new Daugavpils urban battlefield and Coal Mountain industrial site. The expansion supplies a dedicated AI army for skirmish matches and two scenarios built around Russian Guard forces. Multiplayer supports matches up to 5 versus 5, where deck choices and unit coordination determine outcomes in objective-based fights.
New Maps and Scenarios
Daugavpils emphasizes dense urban combat across a border city layout that rewards close-quarters infantry tactics and short-range anti-armor weapons. Coal Mountain places artillery positions on high ground overlooking industrial facilities, favoring long-range fire support and defensive air coverage. Both maps integrate into existing skirmish and multiplayer rotations while hosting the two dedicated Russian Guard scenarios.
Is It Worth Playing?
Broken Arrow delivers responsive unit control and satisfying combined-arms combat that rewards careful deck construction and positioning. The Russian Guard specialization brings fresh variety to Russian forces through its mix of reservist mass and elite special operations elements. Ongoing DLC releases continue to expand the roster and map pool. Players who enjoy detailed real-time strategy with asymmetric factions and large-scale engagements will find the expansion a natural addition to the base experience. Those seeking lighter or faster-paced titles may prefer other genres. The game remains available on PC with active development support.
