1CGS Unveils Extended Support for Il-2 Sturmovik as Korea Hits Steam

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Attention all pilots on this channel: we have an update regarding IL-2. With the arrival of spring and melting snow, 1C Game Studios has announced its plans for 2026, and it’s great news for fans of IL-2 Sturmovik.

While everyone is looking forward to the release of Il-2 Korea in 2026, the development plan shows that the original Il-2 Sturmovik World War 2 flight simulator will continue to be updated and improved even after more than ten years since it first came out.

From 1941 to 1945

The 1CGS plans to introduce at least three new aircraft this year, along with the complete release of the Siege and Liberation content package.

Siege of Liberation, which launched in early access last year, focuses on World War 2 battles in Odessa and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Like previous additions to the game, it heavily features pilot careers, and the developers plan to further build on this aspect this year.

The year is naturally dominated by the upcoming release of Il-2 Korea, scheduled for Q2 2026

We’re planning to add more early war missions to our existing maps this year, and we’re also introducing a brand-new late-war campaign specifically for the Leningrad map. Here’s what you can expect in terms of new campaign periods:

  • Defense of Odessa: June 22nd to October 16th, 1941
  • Leningrad Blockade: September 6th, 1941, to April 30th, 1942
  • Odessa 1944: April 5th to August 24th, 1944
  • Leningrad 1944 (all-new): January 14th to September 4th, 1944

We expect to start rolling out the updated campaigns in the second quarter, and finish the full release by the third quarter.

On top of that, there are three new aircraft releases planned as DLC.

P-39Q Airacobra

The P-39Q is likely the most significant new addition to the latest Il-2 Sturmovik expansion. This final version of the Airacobra fighter became highly regarded with Soviet pilots, even though it didn’t initially perform well with the American and British air forces.

In 1944, the P-39Q became the main Soviet fighter aircraft, largely replacing older models. It played a key role in battles near Leningrad and Odessa that year. This updated version swapped four .30 caliber machine guns for two heavier .50 caliber guns – bringing the total to four – but Soviet pilots often took them off to make the plane faster.

P-47M Thunderbolt

During the final stages of fighting on the Western Front in World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces began using the P-47M, the newest version of the P-47 Thunderbolt. These aircraft started arriving in Europe towards the end of 1944.

Though it looked similar to the later P-47D versions, the P-47M was unique because it was the only Allied plane that could consistently match the speed of the German Me-262 jet fighter. With a more powerful R-2800 engine, a new propeller, and an enhanced supercharger, the P-47M could reach 500 mph in straight and level flight.

B-26 Marauder

The development plan hints at the addition of new bomber aircraft, though it doesn’t specify which ones. But based on the images, it’s clear they’re referring to the B-26 Marauder.

Although the B-17 and B-24 bombers were more famous, the B-26 was actually the most accurate bomber the US had during the war. It relied on its speed and ability to withstand damage, attacking from medium heights. This meant even a small number of B-26s could deliver as much, or even more, destruction on a target than a larger, traditional bombing raid.

Exploring The 38th Parallel

Following the pattern of post-World War II conflicts, like the Korean War, a new simulator game based on that era is planned for release in the second quarter of 2026. It’s the first game in many years to focus on this often-overlooked conflict.

The game’s Steam page is now available, but you can only pre-order the game on its official website for now.

1CGS has hinted at a future expansion set in Korea, with more information coming when the game enters early access.

Producer Daniil Tuseev has announced that the first downloadable content (DLC) is planned to enter early access in the third quarter of 2026, with a complete release expected by the end of the year. Players will be able to buy the DLC on its own or get it as part of the Founders Edition. It will include five new aircraft, as well as some currently unannounced gameplay improvements.

Given the importance of naval aviation in the Korean War, it seems likely that aircraft carriers are being deployed. While we await official confirmation, I recommend watching “The Bridges at Toko-Ri” for some stunning aerial cinematography.

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2026-03-05 01:40