Yesterday Company of Heroes 3, part of the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game series set in WWII, celebrated its 1 year anniversary with update 1.5. Considered one of the greatest RTS game series of all time, there was a lot of anticipation for Company of Heroes 3. 10 years after Company of Heroes 2 came out, the much awaited sequel focuses on the Italian and North African campaign of WWII, an often overlooked front of the war.

Company of Heroes 3: A Strategic Evolution in WWII Gaming

As the third installment in the acclaimed Company of Heroes series, Company of Heroes 3 (CoH3) has made a significant impact on the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega, CoH3 was released in February 2023, and has since garnered attention for its innovative gameplay and ambitious campaigns.

Setting and Campaigns

CoH3 transports players to the lesser-explored theaters of World War II, focusing on the Mediterranean front with campaigns set in the vineyards of Italy and the deserts of North Africa. The game offers two distinct campaigns: the Italian dynamic campaign and the North African operation.

The Italian campaign is a turn-based affair that promises a strategic experience akin to a World War II Total War game. Players embark on a journey from Sicily to Rome, engaging in random skirmishes and meticulously crafted missions. Despite its potential, the campaign has faced criticism for its lack of dynamism, with the enemy AI showing a passive stance that undermines the challenge.

Gameplay Mechanics

In terms of gameplay, CoH3 stands tall among the best in the RTS domain. It introduces four factions, each with unique tactical options and progression systems. The actual RTS battles remain the highlight of CoH3, offering exciting skirmishes with dynamic objectives and a variety of scenarios that keep the gameplay fresh and thrilling.

Company of Heroes 3 Visuals and Performance

Visually, CoH3 is a treat, with detailed environments and impressive effects that bring the chaos of WWII to life. The game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations, ensuring a broad range of players can enjoy the experience without technical hindrances.

Community and Multiplayer

The multiplayer aspect of CoH3 has also been well-received, with players praising the balance and depth of online play. The community has been active in providing feedback, which Relic Entertainment has taken into account for post-launch updates and patches.

While Company of Heroes 3 may not have fully realized its ambitious vision, it remains a robust and enjoyable RTS game. Its foray into new territories of WWII and the introduction of novel gameplay mechanics are commendable, even if some aspects require refinement. For fans of the genre and the series, CoH3 is a must-play title that offers a substantial and engaging experience.

As CoH3 continues to evolve with community input and developer support, it stands as a testament to Relic Entertainment’s dedication to the RTS genre and the ongoing fascination with WWII as a setting for strategic gaming excellence. You can pick up a copy from our Amazon Affiliate Store link.

New Features in Company of Heroes 3 Version 1.5

1. Classic Map Remasters

To celebrate the game’s 1-year anniversary, CoH3 has remade and reintroduced several classic maps from the franchise’s rich history. These iconic battlefields evoke nostalgia while providing fresh challenges for both veterans and newcomers.

Company of Heroes 3 continues to evolve, offering an immersive World War II experience for strategy enthusiasts. CoH3’s new features in version 1.5 enhance the game’s depth and replayability.

2. Map Variants for Co-op and Custom Games

In addition to the classic maps, CoH3 now features two variants of existing maps specifically designed for cooperative play and custom games. These variants offer diverse strategies and tactical opportunities, ensuring dynamic gameplay experiences.

3. Profile Customization

Version 1.5 allows players to customize their profiles with new badges, banners, and titles. Showcase your achievements, display your allegiance, and stand out on the battlefield with personalized flair.

4. Gameplay and Feature Improvements

The update includes several quality-of-life enhancements and gameplay adjustments:

• Map Refinements: Expect audio enhancements, cover adjustments, and improved pathfinding on various maps. These changes enhance the overall feel of battles and strategic maneuvering.

5. Multiplayer and Faction Balance

While specific details on multiplayer and faction balance adjustments are not provided in the patch notes, the development team continually fine-tunes the game to ensure fair and engaging multiplayer matches. Keep an eye out for further updates in this area.

6. Deutsche Afrikakorps (DAK)

The DAK faction receives ongoing attention, ensuring historical accuracy and balanced gameplay. Version 1.5 may include tweaks to units, abilities, or mechanics related to the DAK forces.

Greek participation in WWII North Africa and Italy

The North African and Italian campaigns of WWII are well remembered by Greeks, who played a significant role in them, particularly in the Battle of El Alamein and the Battle of Rimini, which are featured in CoH3. To learn more about those 2 battles watch the videos below: