Enlisted: Best Soviet Squads Guide

What's up, gamers! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Enlisted, specifically focusing on the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to Soviet squads. If you're looking to dominate the Eastern Front or just want to build the most effective fighting force the Motherland has to offer, you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down the best Soviet squads, what makes them tick, and how you can best utilize their unique strengths to crush your enemies. So grab your ammo, check your Mosin-Nagant, and let's get started on crafting the ultimate Soviet arsenal in Enlisted.

Understanding the Soviet Strengths in Enlisted

Before we jump into specific squads, let's talk about what makes the Soviet Union's forces shine in Enlisted. Generally speaking, the Soviets often excel in areas like heavy firepower, resilience, and large numbers. While you might not always have the most advanced bolt-action rifles in the early game, what you do get is a ton of well-trained soldiers who can take a beating and dish it out even harder. Think of the iconic T-34 tank – a symbol of Soviet industrial might and battlefield tenacity. This philosophy carries over to their infantry squads. You'll find plenty of options for unleashing devastating barrages of automatic fire, and their soldiers often seem to shrug off wounds that would put other nationalities down for the count. It's this combination of raw power and stubborn endurance that makes Soviet squads a force to be reckoned with. We're talking about squads that can lock down key objectives with sheer suppressive fire, squads that can close the distance and overwhelm enemy positions with aggressive assaults, and squads that can provide crucial support with their specialized roles. The beauty of the Soviet tree is its versatility. You aren't pigeonholed into one playstyle. Whether you prefer to play aggressively, tactically, or a bit of both, there's a Soviet squad that's perfectly suited for your needs. We'll be exploring some of the most impactful squads, but keep in mind that understanding these core strengths will help you adapt and excel with any Soviet squad you choose to field. It’s about leveraging that inherent Soviet toughness and firepower to maximum effect, turning the tide of battle one well-aimed shot or explosive charge at a time. The game rewards smart play, and knowing your squad's strengths is the first step to playing smart.

The Infantry Squad: The Backbone of Your Army

Let's start with the absolute foundational element of any Enlisted army: the Infantry Squad. For the Soviets, this is where you build your core. You're going to be fielding these guys a lot, so getting a good early-game infantry squad is crucial. One of the standout early Soviet infantry squads is the Shtrafbat (Penal) Squad. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Penal troops? Really?" But hear me out, guys. These squads, while perhaps not the most elite in terms of training, are often armed to the teeth and surprisingly durable. They have a high soldier count, meaning you've got more bodies to throw at the objective, and they often come with solid automatic weapons like the PPSh-41 or the DP-28 light machine gun. The sheer volume of fire these squads can put out is incredible. They are perfect for pushing objectives, overwhelming entrenched enemies, and generally creating chaos on the battlefield. Their resilience is also a major plus. They seem to have a higher tolerance for incoming fire, which means they can often survive engagements that would decimate less hardy squads. Think of them as your shock troops, the ones you send in to break enemy lines. Their downside? Well, they might not be the most accurate, and their morale can be a bit... unpredictable. But in the heat of battle, that relentless hail of bullets often matters more than pinpoint accuracy. For mid to late game, you'll want to look at specialized rifle squads that have access to better equipment and more trained soldiers. The key here is synergy. A well-equipped rifle squad with good NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) can become incredibly potent. Look for squads with soldiers who have higher stats in areas like aiming speed and recoil control. These soldiers, when grouped together, can lay down sustained, accurate fire that can suppress entire enemy positions. Don't underestimate the power of a few well-placed soldiers with good rifles. They are the glue that holds your line together and the hammer that breaks down enemy defenses. Remember, versatility is key. Having a mix of squads allows you to adapt to different situations. An infantry squad might be your go-to for general assaults, but you might need a specialized squad for a specific task. Always be evaluating your needs on the battlefield and deploying the right squad for the job. The Soviet infantry tree offers a fantastic variety, so experiment and find what works best for your playstyle!

The Machine Gun Squad: Locking Down the Battlefield

Next up, we have the Machine Gun Squad, a critical component for any Soviet player who likes to control the flow of battle. These guys are your area denial specialists, the ones who can turn a contested courtyard or a vital chokepoint into a deathtrap for the enemy. The quintessential Soviet machine gun squad often features the iconic DP-28 light machine gun, and for good reason. Its pan magazine might look a bit quirky, but it holds a good amount of ammo, and the weapon itself is remarkably stable when deployed. When you place your machine gunner in a good position, ideally behind some cover with a clear line of sight, they can suppress enemy advances with relentless fire. This suppression isn't just about dealing damage; it's about disrupting the enemy. Pinned-down enemies are easy targets for your other squads or can be flanked with ease. The DP-28's sustained fire makes it perfect for this role. Furthermore, Soviet machine gun squads often come with additional soldiers who can provide covering fire or even act as backup gunners, ensuring that your position remains deadly even if your primary gunner goes down. As you progress, you'll unlock squads with even heavier machine guns, like the Maxim M1910, which boasts an incredible rate of fire and is an absolute beast for clearing out buildings or defending entrenched positions. The key to effectively using a machine gun squad is positioning. You want to find a spot that offers good cover but also a wide field of fire. Avoid being too exposed, but don't hide so much that you can't effectively engage the enemy. Think about angles of approach for the enemy and try to cover them. These squads are also excellent for supporting your assaults. Lay down suppressing fire on an enemy position while your assault squads move in. It's a classic tactic that works wonders. Don't be afraid to reposition if your current spot is no longer effective or if the enemy starts focusing too much fire on you. Adaptability is crucial. A well-placed machine gun nest can completely shut down an enemy push, saving your team precious tickets and securing vital objectives. So, if you enjoy controlling the battlefield and punishing aggressive enemies, make sure you invest in and learn to master your Soviet machine gun squads. They are absolute game-changers!

The Tank Crew: Unleashing Armored Might

No Soviet army is complete without its Tank Crew, and Enlisted features some legendary armored vehicles. For the early game, the T-26 is your workhorse. It's nimble, relatively well-armored for its tier, and packs a punch with its 45mm gun. It's perfect for learning the ropes of tank combat, flanking enemy infantry, and even taking on other light tanks. As you advance, you'll unlock iconic tanks like the T-34 series. These tanks are the epitome of Soviet armored warfare: sloped armor that deflects shells, powerful guns, and a good balance of speed and protection. The T-34/76 is a fantastic all-rounder, capable of engaging most threats it encounters. Later on, you might get access to the T-34/85 with its even more potent 85mm gun, capable of taking on heavier German armor. When commanding a Soviet tank, remember its strengths. Soviet tanks are often about aggressive, mobile warfare. Use their speed to flank, get into advantageous positions, and avoid getting bogged down. Aim for weak spots on enemy armor – usually the sides, rear, or turret ring. And for the love of all that is holy, communicate with your crew! If you're playing with AI, make sure they are set to appropriate tasks, like gunner or driver. If you're playing with other players, coordinate your attacks. A lone tank can be effective, but a coordinated tank force is unstoppable. Don't forget about anti-tank infantry! While your tank might feel invincible, keep an eye out for enemy engineers with anti-tank rifles or grenades. A good tanker is always aware of their surroundings and uses cover effectively. Use the environment to your advantage – buildings, hills, and terrain can provide crucial cover and ambush opportunities. Mastering the Soviet tank tree in Enlisted means understanding how to leverage their mobility and firepower to dictate the pace of the battle. Whether you're providing mobile artillery support, spearheading an assault, or hunting down enemy armor, Soviet tanks are a vital part of your arsenal. So get out there, get behind the controls, and show the enemy the might of Soviet engineering!

Specialized Squads: Mortars, Anti-Tank, and More

Beyond the core infantry, machine gun, and tank units, the Soviet arsenal in Enlisted boasts a variety of specialized squads that can turn the tide of any engagement. One of the most crucial is the Mortar Squad. These guys are your indirect fire support, capable of raining down explosives on enemy positions that are hidden from direct view. Mortars are fantastic for flushing out entrenched infantry, destroying enemy fortifications, and providing crucial support to your advancing troops. They excel at attacking objectives that are heavily defended but inaccessible to direct assault. The key here is indirect fire. You need to learn how to use the mortar's trajectory to lob shells over obstacles and into enemy positions. While they might not be the most glamorous units, a well-utilized mortar squad can be incredibly disruptive to the enemy and provide invaluable support to your team. Then you have the Anti-Tank (AT) Squad. These soldiers are equipped with specialized weapons designed to take down enemy armor. In the early game, this might be an anti-tank rifle like the PTRD or PTRS, which can be surprisingly effective against lighter tanks or the side/rear armor of heavier ones. As you progress, you'll unlock squads with anti-tank rocket launchers or even dedicated AT guns. These AT squads are absolutely essential for countering enemy armor threats. If you see an enemy tank rolling onto the battlefield, deploying your AT squad is often your best bet. Make sure to position them in areas where enemy tanks are likely to advance or where they can get good flanking shots. Another vital specialized squad is the Flamethrower Squad. These terrifying units can clear out buildings and trenches with their streams of fire, making them excellent for urban combat or close-quarters engagements. While they are typically vulnerable at range, their effectiveness in clearing out fortified positions is unparalleled. Remember, guys, these specialized squads aren't meant to be on the front lines taking direct fire. They are support units. Use them strategically, position them wisely, and they will significantly enhance your overall combat effectiveness. Mastering these specialized Soviet squads in Enlisted means understanding their unique roles and how they complement your main force. They are the force multipliers that can give you that crucial edge in a tough fight. So don't neglect them; embrace their specialized power!

Building Your Ultimate Soviet Loadout

Now that we've covered some of the best Soviet squads in Enlisted, let's talk about building your ultimate loadout. It's not just about picking the best squads; it's about how you combine them and equip them. For early-game Soviet play, a solid core would be an Infantry Squad (perhaps the Shtrafbat for early aggression), supported by a Machine Gun Squad to lock down key areas, and a Tank Crew with a reliable T-26 or similar. This gives you a good balance of offense, defense, and armored support. As you progress, you'll want to diversify. Consider adding a Mortar Squad for indirect fire support and an AT Squad to counter enemy armor. The key is synergy and adaptation. You need to have squads that can work together. For example, use your machine gunners to suppress enemy positions while your infantry assaults them. Use your mortars to soften up a heavily defended objective before your tanks roll in. Always consider the map you're playing on and the enemy factions you're facing. Different maps will favor different squad types. Urban environments might call for more assault and flamethrower units, while open fields might benefit from heavy machine guns and tanks. Facing the Germans? You'll likely want more anti-tank capabilities. Fighting the Allies? Their armor might be less of a threat, so you can focus more on infantry engagements. Don't forget about upgrades! Upgrading your soldiers' stats, their weapons, and your vehicles is crucial. A fully upgraded squad is vastly more effective than a stock one. Invest in perks that enhance your soldiers' effectiveness, such as increased weapon handling or faster reload times. For your weapons, prioritize accuracy, recoil control, and damage. For your tanks, focus on armor upgrades and better firepower. The meta in Enlisted is always evolving, so staying informed and being willing to experiment is key. Don't be afraid to try new squad combinations or loadouts. What works best for one player might not work best for another. The ultimate Soviet loadout is one that you are comfortable with, that fits your playstyle, and that consistently leads you to victory. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep fighting for the Motherland! The Soviet Union has a deep and rewarding progression, so take your time, enjoy the journey, and remember that victory is achieved through smart tactics and overwhelming firepower. Good luck out there, commanders!