Many strategy games envision a scenario where the Cold War escalated into direct conflict, depicting battles between Soviet and NATO forces across Europe and other regions. Broken Arrow, however, focuses on a contemporary setting, portraying the Russian Federation and its military capabilities as they are today.
When you play as Russia in Broken Arrow, you will need to utilize small, specialized units to achieve success. This gameplay style can be unforgiving, so if you’re unsure about which units to use, consider these recommendations—they offer reliable performance, especially when you’re uncertain of your opponent’s strategy.
Recon
Russia’s Recon units feature a mix of infantry, vehicles, and drones that can compete with U.S. forces. You may want to adjust their configurations in the Armory to suit your playstyle perfectly.
PDSS
The PDSS are among the best infiltration units in the game. Their high Stealth allows them to get close enough to unleash devastating fire on infantry and light vehicles during ambushes. Their solid Armor rating and smoke defenses help them escape without taking losses.
Additionally, PDSS units can operate in water and paradrop, making them a threat wherever they are needed.
The main drawback of the PDSS is their inability to mark targets with laser precision, but their lethality often makes this unnecessary.
Orion Drone
While you can equip Russia’s drones with weapons, their primary role is observation and laser guidance. The Orion excels in this area, offering an impressive optics range. It’s wise to keep at least one Orion airborne to maintain constant surveillance on enemy movements.
Infantry
Russian infantry squads usually consist of four to eight soldiers, often focusing on a heavy weapon. They need cover, so it’s best to deploy them in vehicles or fortify them within buildings right away.
Desantniki
Desantniki stand out among Russian infantry in Broken Arrow because they have significant numbers. They’re not much more expensive than specialized units, so having a few extra soldiers can be crucial when holding a position.
While primarily engaged in infantry combat and targeting light vehicles with grenade launchers, Desantniki also wield a rocket launcher, making them a formidable deterrent against tanks and helicopters.
Shturmoviki
Although Shturmoviki lack the firepower of heavier Russian squads, their grenade and rocket launchers can still deal significant damage. They’re one of the cheaper infantry options at only 50 points, making them a good choice for holding positions until reinforcements arrive.
Vehicles
The Russian preference for powerful tanks continues in Broken Arrow, making it a great experience for tank enthusiasts.
T-90
The T-90 is an economical choice, being slightly slower and less armored than larger models like the T-90M and T-72B3, yet it delivers comparable firepower at a reduced cost.
T-14 Armata
If you have the resources, the T-14 Armata offers everything needed to dominate in tank warfare. Its main gun can typically destroy most ground targets within one or two shots, and it comes equipped with two machine guns and robust active countermeasures for self-defense.
However, deploying the T-14 is costly, at nearly 400 points. Make sure you can safeguard it, especially against aerial threats. The most affordable radar vehicle available is the Biryusa, costing an additional 80 points.
Support
While Russia’s support vehicles can be pricey, they are worth the expense for the added capabilities they provide.
PTS-4 Duplo
This amphibious transport can carry a substantial amount of vehicles and infantry, enabling you to navigate areas obstructed by water without resorting to an air drop. Just remember to protect its advance with smoke rounds or an escort, as it lacks stealth and other defensive features apart from its Kord HMG.
2S19M1 Msta-S
Artillery can change the course of a battle if you set up your fire mission correctly. A single Msta-S can be greatly effective. You will need forward units, preferably recon, to mark targets, but once the shells begin to rain down, the enemy will have to retreat or face heavy casualties.
Helicopters
Russian helicopters are efficient workhorses, providing excellent air support at a reasonable cost.
Ka-52 Alligator / Ka-52K Katran
Both the Alligator and Katran are the fastest helicopters in the Russian fleet and have the same cost. The main difference is their weaponry; the Katran delivers higher armor penetration but has fewer missiles, while the Alligator boasts more ammunition, allowing it to engage longer but may struggle against heavily armored targets.
Your choice between them will come down to preference. However, the Alligator should usually suffice against any threats.
Mi-8MTV-2 Pchela
The Pchela is an excellent transport helicopter for carrying infantry and has some capacity for vehicles as well. With decent speed and some self-defense capabilities, it can generally reach its destination without assistance, yet it’s wise to clear the area beforehand to ensure a safe drop.
Aircraft
Russian aircraft emphasize air dominance, offering a broad range of fighter planes compared to bombers and gunships. Ensure that enemy radar units are dealt with to maximize your effectiveness, as adequate resource allocation is essential for conducting successful aerial missions.
MiG-35
The iconic MiG is known for its incredible speed and array of weaponry; a squadron can eliminate nearly any target on the battlefield. However, this effectiveness comes at a premium, as each aircraft costs over 400 points, and their limited fuel means they cannot remain in the air for extended periods. The effective strategy involves striking hard and fast before retreating.
Tu-22M3
This bomber delivers an impressive payload for its cost, equipped with three Kh-32 munitions capable of obliterating nearly any target from above. Additionally, it’s quicker than the more expensive Tu-142, allowing it to reach targets more promptly.
The 唔nly notable drawback of the 22M3 compared to the 142 is its smaller fuel tank, which might limit its ability to strike deeper into enemy territory. Technically, it also has five fewer hit points, but in the context of Broken Arrow, that health advantage is often moot since planes are already quite fragile. Overall, the combination of extra speed and larger bombs for a lower cost makes the Tu-22M3 a compelling choice.
