The Royal Italian Army should not be treated as a sub-faction in Enlisted.
Italy possessed enough real vehicles, weapons, artillery pieces, elite units, and even late-war prototypes to fully cover Tier I-IV and partially support Tier V, just like other factions already present in the game.
A common argument against Italy is the supposed lack of high-tier equipment, but this issue already has precedents in Enlisted itself, especially with prototype or limited-production vehicles already used in other factions, including Japan. Italy has more than enough material to receive the same treatment.
Here is just one possible example of an Italian armored branch:
Tier I
- FIAT 3000
- L3/33
- L3/35
- L6/40
Tier II
- M11/39
- M13/40
- M14/41
- AB41
- Semovente 47/32
Tier III
- Semovente 75/18
- Semovente 75/32
- Semovente 75/34
- AB43
- M15/42
- Semovente 75/46
Tier IV
- P26/40
- Semovente 90/53
- Semovente 105/25 “Bassotto”
- P43 Prototype
Tier V
- P43 Bis
- P43 Ter
- Semovente 149/40
- Semovente 105/43
Italian self-propelled guns also used advanced EP and EPS ammunition (Effetto Pronto and Effetto Pronto Speciale), giving them strong anti-tank capabilities for their era.
Italy also fielded numerous anti-aircraft and artillery systems:
Anti-Air
- Breda 20/65 Mod. 1935
- Scotti-Isotta Fraschini 20/70
- Cannone 75/46 AA
- Cannone 90/53 AA
Anti-Tank and Dual Purpose
- 47/32 “Elefantino”
- 75/46
- 90/53
Field Artillery
- Obice 75/18
- Obice 100/17
- Obice 105/28
- Obice 149/19
Beyond equipment, Italy had many iconic and highly recognizable units that would offer unique gameplay and customization opportunities:
- Bersaglieri
- Alpini
- Folgore Paratroopers
- San Marco Marines
- X MAS
- Armored Divisions
- Motorcycle Bersaglieri
- Assault and Sabotage Units
Historically, Italian forces fought in major campaigns such as Tunisia, El Alamein, the Eastern Front, Cephalonia, Sicily, and the defense of the Gothic Line. Whatever opinions people may have about wartime Italy, the courage and combat record of many Italian units are undeniable and deserve representation.
Italy would not only add historical depth to Enlisted, but also a completely different aesthetic, tactical style, and progression experience compared to existing factions.
The playerbase is there:
- Italian players,
- military history enthusiasts,
- WWII collectors,
- and people interested in underrepresented armies.
Italy is not lacking content.
Italy is lacking representation.