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eSim Games "Mark.V" logo, 2004

Introduction

Welcome to the SB Wiki. This wiki is for Steel Beasts and Steel Beasts Professional Personal Edition content providers who are interested in sharing knowledge on these simulations.

• If you would like to contribute to the SB Wiki, please refer to the community portal to see if there are any articles that need creation, collaboration, or maintenance. If you are searching for information in the SB Wiki, then the Main Page is where everything is linked together. Either navigate from this page, use the search feature on the left side of the screen, or go to the Index at the bottom of this page to view all articles or view articles by category.

Using the simulation

Steel Beasts is a virtual simulation of contemporary armored and mechanized combat, focusing on small-unit tactics. It models individual weapon systems in detail yet is able to keep track of several company teams in a single scenario.

Steel Beasts places the user in the position of a crew member of a virtual fighting vehicle, such as a main battle tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, or a support / reconnaissance vehicle, within a mission. Missions (also called scenarios) can be played in solitaire mode against the computer, or in network mode against (and with) other users and computer controlled units over a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

Missions are created on a contour map using context-sensitive menus and click and drag techniques. Once created, a mission can be played from the commander’s, gunner’s, or driver’s position (or from an observer’s position) looking out into the virtual 3D battlefield, in combination with a contour map. Individual missions can vary widely in complexity, from simple, in which the user might be just the gunner in a single tank, to large and complex, in which the user might assume command over a company or more of a mechanized task force. It all depends on what the mission designer has created.

Steel Beasts features a variety of armored and unarmored vehicles, as well as infantry. The technical strengths and limitations of fighting vehicles from different nations are accurately modeled to allow the user to learn how an opponent might employ his weapons and to respond appropriately.

Executing a mission

Training sessions in Steel Beasts, whether networked or not, are centered around the individual mission, which can be divided into three distinct phases: the planning phase, the action phase, and the after action review (AAR) phase. Click on the links below to read more about these phases.

The Planning Phase

After opening a mission, the Planning Phase of the simulation begins. The planning phase is essentially the phase where both sides create a plan of execution for a mission.

The Action Phase

Once planning is complete and the user (or host) chooses to begin the mission, the Action Phase begins. The Action Phase is essentially the execution phase of the mission. It is where the action plays out and the battle is fought. Through the use of real world tactics and strategies, the user(s) attempt(s) to gain an advantage and administer a defeat on the enemy.

The After Action Review (AAR) Phase

Once the mission is complete, or the mission timer has expired, the user(s) will be taken to the After Action Review Phase. This phase is essentially where the participants can observe the flow of the mission through the use of playback controls and evaluate the movements of both sides and discuss what went right and what went wrong.

Multiplayer

Multiplayer is the act of connecting with and playing either with or against other humans in Steel Beasts. This form of play is much more challenging and rewarding than playing against the AI. In most cases, you will need to Configure your Router/Firewall in order to join a network session, and you will also need voice over IP software to communicate with others. Teamspeak is the current voice over IP software used by most of the community.

Network Session

A network session in Steel Beasts is very similar to an offline session (single player), except that more than one tank and crew position can be occupied by users. Both cooperative and competitive engagements are possible.

Community organized events

The Steel Beasts community frequently organizes and hosts multiplayer events. No current multiplayer event is officially sanctioned or organized by eSim Games, so although anyone in the community can indeed participate, participation is a privilege and not a right. It is up the the host or point of contact (POC) of the various multiplayer events to ultimately decide who should and should not be allowed to participate.

Scenario design

Steel Beasts provides an integrated mission and map editor to create and modify maps and missions. The scenario design page will help you with tips and tutorials on how to create a mission in Steel Beasts.

Technical database

The technical database is where you will find all the technical information regarding the vehicles, ammunition and various other specifics relating to Steel Beasts.

Vehicle information

Tanks
Personnel Carriers
Trucks
Others
Choppers

All vehicles

Ammunition information

Ammunition

Armour information

Spall liner

Miscellaneous information

Vehicle timeline

Index

Want to look through all the articles in the SBwiki? Use the indexes below to search for find an article you want to read about, or use the search feature to the left (be sure to click the "Search" button if you want to search for something and not "Go").

• Complete index

• Articles by category

• Popular pages