After bringing back one of its legendary franchises earlier this year with Commamdos Origins (you can read our review here) publisher Kalypso is bringing back another of its franchises, announcing Sudden Strike 5 today.

While Sudden Strike may not have been as dormant as Commandos was, it's still been 8 years since we last saw a game in the series. With Sudden Strike 5 players will return to the World War II theatre to take control of troops across 25 missions in the real time strategy game. Developer Kite Games is back at the helm for this 5th instalment.

Players will be able to control over 300 units with 190 vehicles and 110 infantry across those 25 missions as well as customize their commanders. Commanders will have unique skills that will help depending on your playstyle.

An open beta is already open for registration and the game will launch in 2026 on Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5 and PC. Kalypso has said they will be at Gamescom next month so we can expect to see more then.

Sudden Strike 5 Features

• Command massive battles: Sudden Strike 5 delivers a truly immersive strategy experience 25 missions across huge, diverse maps and the highest unit counts ever seen in the series, setting the stage for large-scale tactical warfare."¯
• Deploy a vast arsenal of WW2 units: Command over 300 authentic units - including more than 190 vehicles and 110 infantry units - such as the Sherman tank for the Western Allies, the Messerschmidt Bf 109 for the German troops, and the T-34 for the Soviet troops."¯
• Shape your strategy in dynamic mission gameplay: Utilize unprecedented strategic freedom by choosing your own tactics, units, and objectives to complete the mission goals. Seize and defend key locations like Field HQs, Supply Depots, and Train Stations to gain critical advantages, while using recon, sabotage, alternative routing, and smart unit combinations to outmanoeuvre your enemies."¯
• Adapt your tactics with customisable commanders: Choose the Commander that best fits your playstyle and tactics - whether offensive, defensive, or more tactical. Each brings unique skills that can turn the tide of battle, such as deploying smoke grenades to provide cover on the battlefield or boosting the accuracy of your artillery."¯"¯
• Take full control of the battlefield: Extended camera options let you zoom out for full strategic oversight or zoom in for a closer look at the frontline action, giving you better control over every aspect of the battlefield."¯
• Challenge yourself and others: Test your strategy against real opponents or AI enemies across multiple difficulty levels, offering competitive PvP challenges."¯"¯