Dev Diary: Reimagining the Panzergrenadier for 2044
My personal 'World War 2044' project started as a Dieselpunky concept art series, blending German WWII aesthetics with modern-day equipment. This design is an update and further refinement of my earlier ‘German Empire 2044’ concept art—I always love reimagining these designs through a 21st-century lens.
The Concept: Modern Warfare, Classic Roots
Few forces on the Western front in this timeline are as feared as the German heavy 'Panzer Lehr'. Outfitted with the best the Kaiserreich can manufacture, Panzergrenadier forces are prepared for a wide variety of missions with modular equipment and heavy drone support.
Carrying the squad’s ammunition, drones, and a full set of plate armor requires immense stamina. Drones, in particular, have proved pivotal in the brutal trench fighting in the Ardennes.
Grounded Design & Inspirations
I've taken tons of inspiration from Battlefield 1, V, and 2042. The art for those games is incredible, and the character design is just "chef’s kiss." To keep the project relatively grounded, most of the gear here is also directly photobashed from existing airsoft kits and cosplays.
Technical Breakdown: The Helmet & Rig
The equipment is designed to be modular and functional:
-
Helmet: Features Velcro strips for patches, a Picatinny A.R.C. rail for accessories, and various helmet attachments.
-
Protection: Includes a specialized Kevlar cowl for neck and lower-face protection.
-
The "Stielhand-Drone": You’ll probably notice the rig features what look like MP44 Kurz magazine pockets. There's a reason for that: they are actually drone pockets! As the saying goes in 2044: "Everyone’s a hero, until Germany rolls out the Stielhand-Drone Granate!"
Support the Project
A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters! They help keep this project going and even make cameo appearances in our art and sketches.
To truly 'beat the algorithm' and stay updated on this alt-history world, be sure to follow us across all our channels: X, IG, TikTok, and YouTube.