Company of Heroes 3 Fire and Steel expansion out now!

Published by Hellenic Moon on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025

Company of Heroes 3, developed by Relic Entertainment, has been a significant title in the real-time strategy (RTS) genre since its release in 2023. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the game offers players an immersive experience, combining tactical battlefield engagements with strategic decision-making. In February 2025, Relic Entertainment expanded this experience with the release of the “Fire and Steel” expansion, introducing new battlegroups, units, and gameplay mechanics that enrich both multiplayer and single-player modes.

Overview of Company of Heroes 3

Company of Heroes 3 continues the legacy of its predecessors by delivering intense tactical combat and strategic depth. Players command various factions, each with unique units and abilities, across diverse theaters of war. The game seamlessly blends real-time tactical battles with a turn-based strategic layer, allowing players to make high-level decisions that influence battlefield conditions.

Introduction to the “Fire and Steel” Expansion

Released on February 25, 2025, the “Fire and Steel” expansion is a significant addition to Company of Heroes 3. Priced at $24.99, this downloadable content (DLC) pack introduces four new battlegroups, one for each faction in the game:

• US Forces – Heavy Weapons Battlegroup
• Wehrmacht – Terror Battlegroup
• British Forces – Canadian Shock Battlegroup
• Afrikakorps – Panzerjäger Kommand Battlegroup

These battlegroups are designed to enhance multiplayer and co-op/skirmish gameplay against AI opponents, offering players new tactical options and strategies. Each battlegroup introduces powerful units and abilities, including the highly requested super-heavy tanks, marking their return to the franchise.

Detailed Breakdown of New Battlegroups in Fire and Steel

US Forces – Heavy Weapons Battlegroup

This battlegroup emphasizes battlefield control through superior team weapons and armored support. Key features include:

• .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Guns: These provide formidable suppression capabilities, allowing players to control key areas and hinder enemy movements.
• Black Dragon Howitzers: Off-map artillery strikes that deliver devastating bombardments, ideal for breaking fortified positions or disrupting enemy concentrations.
• Half-Track Assault Vehicles: Versatile transport units that can quickly deploy troops to critical locations, offering both mobility and protection.
• M26 Pershing Heavy Tank: A super-heavy tank known for its robust armor and firepower, capable of turning the tide in armored engagements.

Wehrmacht – Terror Battlegroup

Focused on psychological warfare and heavy firepower, this battlegroup aims to demoralize and dismantle enemy forces. Key components include:

• Stuka Airstrikes with Jericho Trumpet: Air raids that not only inflict physical damage but also lower enemy morale through the iconic siren sound.
• Field Interrogations: Abilities that allow players to extract information from captured enemies, providing intelligence on enemy positions and plans.
• V1 Rocket Strikes: Long-range rocket attacks causing massive destruction, suitable for targeting enemy bases or large troop assemblies.
• King Tiger Heavy Tank: One of the most formidable tanks of the era, boasting exceptional armor and firepower, serving as a centerpiece in armored warfare.

British Forces – Canadian Shock Battlegroup

This battlegroup specializes in aggressive assaults and area denial through incendiary weaponry. Key features include:

• Canadian Shock Sections: Elite infantry units trained for rapid assaults, excelling in close-quarters combat and swift territory acquisition.
• Incendiary Weapons: Tools such as flamethrowers and incendiary grenades designed to flush out entrenched enemies and control the battlefield.
• Churchill Crocodile Flamethrower Tank: A variant of the Churchill tank equipped with a flamethrower, effective against infantry and fortifications.

Afrikakorps – Panzerjäger Kommand Battlegroup

Designed to counter armored threats, this battlegroup employs defensive measures and potent anti-tank units. Key components include:

• Defensive Obstacles: Deployable roadblocks, minefields, and fortified positions to slow enemy advances and create tactical advantages.
• Tank Busters: Specialized infantry equipped with anti-tank weapons, proficient in ambushing and destroying enemy armor.
• Elefant Tank Destroyer: A heavily armored vehicle with a powerful gun, specifically designed to engage and eliminate enemy tanks from long distances.

Company of Heroes 3 2.0 Anniversary Update

Coinciding with the “Fire and Steel” expansion, Relic Entertainment released the 2.0 Anniversary Update, marking two years since the game’s initial launch. This comprehensive update addresses various aspects of the game, enhancing the overall player experience. Key features include:

• Single Player Campaign Updates: Improvements and refinements to the campaign mode, ensuring a more engaging and polished narrative experience.
• Audio, UI, and Immersion Enhancements: Upgrades to sound design, user interface, and overall game immersion, providing a more cohesive and immersive gameplay environment.
• Balance Updates: Adjustments to unit statistics and game mechanics to ensure fair and competitive play across all factions.
• New Maps: Introduction of new battlefields, including classic maps from previous titles, offering fresh challenges and nostalgic experiences.

Over the past year, Relic Entertainment has also implemented numerous improvements based on player feedback, such as mission selection options, vote-to-surrender functionality, visual effects enhancements, player profile match history, automatch cooldowns, time-to-kill overhauls, profile customization, in-game leaderboards, live observer mode, and a comprehensive veterancy system overhaul. These additions reflect the developers’ commitment to evolving the game and addressing community input. Go to our old blog post about Company of Heroes 3, Orchid Spider update, to learn more about the previous updates.

The “Fire and Steel” expansion, combined with the 2.0 Anniversary Update, significantly enriches the Company of Heroes 3 experience. The new battlegroups introduce diverse strategic options, while the comprehensive game improvements ensure both new and veteran players have compelling reasons to engage with the game anew. To learn more about the game and buy it if interested, go their official product page on Steam.