WARNO Nemesis Air Assault is a real-time strategy expansion for the PC game WARNO that adds two specialized air assault divisions to the 1989 alternate history World War III setting. Players command elite helicopter-supported forces in tactical battles that emphasize rapid insertion, combined arms coordination, and specialized infantry tactics.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around selecting and customizing a division deck before deploying forces across maps that reward positioning and timing. Air assault divisions excel at vertical envelopment, using helicopters to ferry infantry and provide close support while ground vehicles handle sustained engagements. The U.S. 101st Airborne Division fields updated aero-rifle squads, Green Berets, Delta operators, and a range of helicopters including the MH-47D Chinook, AH-6H Little Bird, MH-60A DAP, and AH-64A Apache ATAS. Support comes from the Gama Goat series, M274 Mule, and the M252 82mm mortar.
The opposing Soviet 56th Separate Air Assault Brigade draws on Afghanistan War veterans and brings improvised equipment such as DSh infantry, Spetsnaz GRU teams armed with captured NATO weapons, Okhrana squads, RPO Rys and RPG-16 launchers. Battlefield modifications include the ZSU-23-4M2 with PSNR radar, LuAZ amphibious jeep, weapon-equipped BTR-70 variants, tracked GM-TU vehicles, the heavy M-240 240mm mortar, MiG-27 anti-tank variants, Mi-24P anti-air gunship, and Mi-8PPA jamming helicopter. These elements create distinct playstyles centered on mobility and surprise rather than heavy armor.
Game Modes
Skirmish mode allows single-player practice against AI opponents using the new divisions. Matches test deck building and execution on varied maps where helicopter routes and landing zones become critical decision points. Online multiplayer supports head-to-head battles where players pit the American or Soviet air assault battlegroups against each other or other available divisions.
Customization occurs before each match through deck editing that mixes core units with the new additions. This system encourages experimentation with helicopter-heavy compositions or mixed infantry and vehicle builds suited to the chosen faction.
The New Divisions
The U.S. 101st Airborne Division represents a late Cold War evolution from pure paratroops to a fully air-mobile formation augmented by special operations elements. Its strength lies in versatile helicopter assets and elite light infantry capable of rapid redeployment. The Soviet 56th Separate Air Assault Brigade offers a contrasting approach built around hardened veterans and field-modified equipment that prioritizes adaptability over standardized doctrine.
Both divisions introduce fresh unit models and weapon variants that expand tactical options in every engagement. Players can mix these assets into existing battlegroups or build entirely new ones focused on air assault principles.
Is It Worth Playing?
The expansion appeals to players who enjoy detailed real-time strategy with an emphasis on combined arms and faction asymmetry. Those already familiar with WARNO will find immediate value in the two new divisions and their unique vehicles and helicopters. Newcomers benefit from the focused content that highlights mobility and special forces tactics without requiring mastery of every prior unit.
Community feedback highlights the interesting unit designs and distinct playstyles, though some note that success depends on adapting to helicopter management and map awareness. The DLC integrates directly into existing skirmish and multiplayer sessions, extending replayability for fans of the core experience.
