Company of Heroes 2, released in June 2013, is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by SEGA. It serves as the sequel to the critically acclaimed Company of Heroes (2006), and builds upon its predecessor’s innovations with refined gameplay mechanics, a new setting focused on the Eastern Front of World War II, and the introduction of a dynamic weather system and improved environmental destruction.
Setting and Story: The Eastern Front
Unlike the original Company of Heroes, which focused on the Western Front and the Allied invasion of Normandy, Company of Heroes 2 shifts its narrative to the harsh and brutal Eastern Front. Players command the Soviet Red Army as they push back the invading Nazi forces in one of the most grueling theaters of WWII.
The campaign is presented through the memories of Lev Abramovich Isakovich, a former Soviet officer recounting his experiences to a military investigator in 1952 during the Cold War. This framing device is a departure from traditional war game storytelling and allows the developers to explore not only the battlefield but also the morally complex and politically charged realities of the Soviet war effort, including controversial moments like the Order 227 (“Not one step back!”) and the use of penal battalions.
Gameplay Mechanics: Real-Time Tactics Refined
At its core, Company of Heroes 2 remains a tactical RTS focused on squad-based combat, territory control, and resource management. However, it expands on these foundations with a number of key innovations:
1. TrueSight System
One of the game’s most praised features is the TrueSight system. Unlike traditional RTS games with omniscient line-of-sight, Company of Heroes 2 introduces realistic visibility—line of sight is now determined dynamically based on terrain, obstructions, and unit orientation. This forces players to scout carefully, flank wisely, and adapt to battlefield visibility conditions.
2. ColdTech Weather System
The game introduces a new ColdTech system, simulating extreme winter conditions such as blizzards, deep snow, and frozen rivers. These weather effects aren’t just aesthetic—they can significantly impact gameplay. Infantry units can freeze to death if left exposed during a blizzard, vehicles may struggle to move in deep snow, and frozen rivers can be used as shortcuts (but may collapse under fire).
3. Environmental Destruction
Building on the destructible environments from the first game, Company of Heroes 2 enhances this feature with more detailed physics. Players can use artillery or explosives to collapse buildings, destroy cover, or alter the landscape to their tactical advantage.
4. Cover System and Suppression
As with the original game, tactical use of cover is critical. Units can take cover behind walls, sandbags, or in craters, reducing incoming damage. Machine guns and other suppressive weapons can pin down enemy infantry, making careful positioning and combined arms essential for success.
5. Commanders and Doctrines
Each faction has access to doctrines (later called “commander abilities”) that provide unique units, off-map support powers, and strategic advantages. These doctrines can dramatically affect your playstyle—offering artillery barrages, air support, or elite infantry units.
Multiplayer and Factions
Multiplayer is a major component of Company of Heroes 2, offering competitive and cooperative modes that continue to have an active community more than a decade after release.
Base Factions at Launch:
- Soviet Union (Red Army) – Focused on massed infantry, powerful artillery, and overwhelming force.
- Wehrmacht Ostheer (German Eastern Forces) – Well-rounded units with strong tanks and excellent defensive capabilities.
Later Additions via Expansions:
- Oberkommando West (from The Western Front Armies DLC) – Elite German faction with mobile, elite forces and experimental weapons.
- US Forces (also from The Western Front Armies) – Emphasize mobility, combined arms, and veteran infantry.
- British Forces (from Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces) – Known for strong defensive play and artillery.
Each faction offers a distinct playstyle, contributing to the game’s longevity and depth. Players can engage in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 matches on a wide range of beautifully designed maps that reflect various European battlefields.
Expansion Packs and DLC
Relic released a series of expansions and downloadable content (DLC) that significantly expanded the scope of the game:
- The Western Front Armies (2014) – Introduced two new factions (US Forces and Oberkommando West) and new maps.
- Ardennes Assault (2014) – A single-player campaign focusing on the Battle of the Bulge, offering more dynamic mission selection and persistent squad upgrades.
- The British Forces (2015) – Added the British Army faction with its own units, playstyle, and voice work.
Additionally, Relic released a variety of commander packs, skins, and missions, which received mixed reactions due to their piecemeal nature. Some players criticized the DLC model as expensive, while others appreciated the ability to customize their experience.
Audio-Visual Design
Graphically, Company of Heroes 2 was a step forward from its predecessor, especially with the Essence 3.0 engine powering its advanced weather effects and environmental destruction. Explosions are visceral, troops react dynamically, and the terrain is altered by battle in real-time.
The sound design is particularly noteworthy. Gunfire, tank engines, and artillery strikes sound authentic and intense. Voice acting for the different factions is also well-done, with units responding in native languages, adding immersion and flavor.
Historical Accuracy and Controversy
While Company of Heroes 2 generally received praise for its realistic depiction of warfare, it was not without controversy, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe. Many Russian players and critics felt the game portrayed the Red Army in an overly negative and even propagandistic light, focusing heavily on Soviet brutality and incompetence while neglecting the heroism and sacrifices of Soviet soldiers.
The backlash was so strong that the game was eventually pulled from sale in Russia, and Relic issued statements defending its creative decisions while also acknowledging the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Critical Reception
Upon release, Company of Heroes 2 received generally favorable reviews from critics:
- IGN praised its improvements in tactical depth and environmental realism.
- PC Gamer called it “a smart, serious, and rewarding strategy game.”
- Metacritic Score: Around 80/100, with praise for its innovation but some criticism for its initial multiplayer balance and DLC strategy.
Despite some criticisms, the game developed a dedicated fan base, and its post-launch updates, modding community, and tournaments helped keep it alive for years.
Modding and Community Support
One of the strongest aspects of Company of Heroes 2 is its community and modding scene. Through the Steam Workshop, players can access hundreds of custom maps, balance mods, UI tweaks, and even total conversions.
Popular mods include:
- Wikinger: European Theater of War – A deep overhaul of game mechanics.
- All Units Mod – Unlocks all units across all doctrines.
- Realism Mods – Focus on making the game more historically accurate.
Legacy and Ongoing Popularity
Even over a decade after its release, Company of Heroes 2 remains a cornerstone of the RTS genre. Its mix of tactical combat, historical setting, and visual fidelity keeps it relevant, particularly as newer players discover it during sales or bundles.
With the release of Company of Heroes 3 in 2023, the second game continues to be viewed as the transitional middle chapter—more complex and polished than the original, yet not as ambitious in scope as its successor.
Final Thoughts
Company of Heroes 2 is a deeply rewarding RTS experience that builds on its predecessor while introducing meaningful innovations in visibility, weather, and environmental interaction. While not without controversy or criticism—especially regarding its portrayal of history and monetization—it remains one of the most detailed and strategically rich WWII games ever made.
For fans of historical strategy games, tactical thinking, and immersive battlefield experiences, Company of Heroes 2 is still worth revisiting—whether for its robust single-player campaigns, fierce multiplayer battles, or its vibrant modding community.
