Penal Suggestion

One of the major issues with soviets in COH2 is their core infantry.

TL DR
1. Soviets lack non-doctrinal CQC squad
2. Penals get 40MU 3x PPSH-41 upgrade
3. Game = Balance after this suggestion.


In alot of ways conscripts may appear to need to be buffed but the potential with this is that they could be far too powerful when combined with other specialized infantry. It's an issue a lot of other soviet players seem to ignore when discussing balance. Conscripts are one of the rare "flexible" soviet units. As such they should have less up-front combat potential. I'm saying leave conscripts "as-is". OMG SHOCKING.

Soviet core non-doctrinal infantry:
Combat engineer - Rifle (flamethrower upgrade)
Conscript - Rifle (no non-doctrinal upgrade)
Penal Squad - Rifle (flamethrower upgrade)

German Core non-doctrinal:
Pioneer - SMG (Flamethrower upgrade)
Grenadier - Rifle (LMG42 upgrade - effective at all ranges)
Panzer Grenadier - MP44 (highly effective at mid-close range, good at far) can be upgraded with Schrecks


As you can see Germans actually have a distinct non-doctrinal close quarters advantage with regard to their core/non doctrinal infantry upgraded with non-doctrinal abilities. Not to mention that they also have a clear long-range advantage due to higher accuracy. I'm not suggesting that we do not consider doctrinal upgrades/units entirely. Only that in terms of infantry weapons excluding the flamethrower(which is risky and unreliable, although it can be highly rewarding) soviets are at a clear disadvantage for close quarters combat if their commander doesn't provide shocks or PPSH-41 for cons.

I think what could improve infantry combat balance the most is a well rounded Penal squad. Currently it's a bit of an oddball - carries rifles that are good at long range but yet the squad can be upgraded with a flamethrower? and throws "melee range" uber-grenade?? And oorah! is unlocked at vet2??


Simple suggestion.
Allow penals to upgrade with 3x ppsh for 40MU ability non doctrinal.


The whole purpose of this suggestion is simply to give soviets a NON-doctrinal close combat infantry. It may seem to overlap somewhat with doctrinal shocks and doctrinal PPSH41 upgrades for conscripts, but remember - THOSE are CHOICES. There are a lot of soviet commanders that are severely limited by the lack of a close quarters squad in their lineup. And soviets are also limited by having to wait 2 or 3 CP to even get close quarters squads.

Please realize that this upgrade only improves Penal's performance vs its soft counters. Hard counter like scout car/half track (or any vehicle for that matter)/MG 42 will still counter Penal's very well.

How about no?
There are ppsh for cons if you want more CQC oriented unit that bleeds horribly.

Nope. I´ll prefer having the ol Penals long range DPS rather than making them more CQC. If you want more CQC just get the flamer.