Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces stands as a significant expansion to the acclaimed real-time strategy game Company of Heroes 2, offering players the chance to command one of the most iconic and historically renowned armies of World War II on the brutal Eastern Front. Released as a standalone expansion, this addition introduces the British Army, expanding the gameplay experience with new units, strategies, and a distinct tactical style that reflects Britain’s unique military doctrine.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces — from its historical context and gameplay innovations to its new units and how it reshapes the multiplayer and skirmish experience for fans of the series.
Historical Context: Britain on the Eastern Front?
At first glance, the idea of British forces fighting alongside the Soviets on the Eastern Front may sound unusual, given historical realities. However, Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces is designed with a “what if” scenario in mind, imagining a greater Allied presence against Nazi Germany’s advances in Eastern Europe.
While British troops never officially deployed in large numbers on the Eastern Front during World War II, the expansion uses this hypothetical setting to introduce unique gameplay mechanics and diverse unit types that enrich the Company of Heroes 2 universe. The British faction embodies the tactical versatility, discipline, and tenacity that marked the real British Army’s campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe.
New Faction, New Playstyle
The British Forces faction offers a fresh strategic experience by focusing on a blend of strong defensive capabilities, versatile infantry, and powerful artillery. Unlike the Soviets’ brute force or the Wehrmacht’s mechanized precision, the British bring a methodical and resilient approach to the battlefield.
Defensive Strength and Firepower
British infantry squads tend to be well-rounded, capable of adapting to various combat situations. The faction emphasizes establishing fortified positions with defensive structures such as bunkers and barbed wire, enabling players to hold ground effectively against enemy assaults.
Moreover, the British excel in indirect fire support, with a formidable array of artillery options. Their access to the legendary 25-pounder field gun, for example, allows players to deliver devastating barrages, shaping the battlefield before launching assaults.
Versatile Infantry and Elite Units
The British infantry lineup includes specialized units like the Commandos, known for their stealth and sabotage capabilities, and the Royal Engineers, who can construct and repair fortifications quickly. This versatility encourages tactical flexibility, rewarding players who think ahead and combine unit roles effectively.
Unlike some factions with a strong reliance on armored vehicles, the British focus more on supporting armor with infantry and artillery, rather than mass tank assaults, reflecting their historical doctrine of combined arms tactics.
Key Units and Their Roles
The expansion introduces a variety of new units, each carefully designed to fit the British Forces’ distinctive style:
- Infantry Squads: Standard infantry armed with Lee-Enfield rifles and Bren light machine guns, forming the backbone of the army.
- Commandos: Elite light infantry specializing in reconnaissance, ambushes, and sabotage missions. They can disable enemy vehicles and fortifications with ease.
- Royal Engineers: Essential for constructing defenses, repairing vehicles, and deploying mines or barbed wire to slow enemy advances.
- Artillery Units: The 25-pounder artillery provides powerful indirect fire, while mortars and anti-tank guns support both offense and defense.
- Armored Vehicles: British tanks such as the Cromwell and Churchill tanks are heavily armored and reliable but fewer in number compared to other factions, highlighting their defensive doctrine.
This diverse unit roster requires players to balance offense and defense carefully, using artillery to soften targets and infantry to secure and hold objectives.
Gameplay Innovations and Mechanics
Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces introduces gameplay mechanics that emphasize tactical patience and coordination.
Emphasis on Fortifications and Defensive Play
One of the standout features is the British ability to rapidly construct and upgrade fortifications. Players can build bunkers, sandbags, and anti-tank obstacles that provide cover and slow enemy advances. This defensive playstyle encourages a more measured pace, where holding strategic points and attrition warfare become central to success.
Artillery Coordination and Support
Artillery plays a crucial role for the British. The 25-pounder field guns can be deployed in batteries, allowing coordinated barrages that damage large enemy formations or destroy fortifications. Timing and positioning artillery fire correctly can turn the tide of battle, requiring players to be adept at indirect fire support.
Unit Preservation and Veteran Progression
Similar to other factions in Company of Heroes 2, the British units gain veterancy through combat experience, improving their effectiveness and unlocking new abilities. This encourages players to preserve their troops and avoid reckless engagements, adding a layer of strategic depth.
Multiplayer and Skirmish Impact
The British Forces expansion has made a notable impact on Company of Heroes 2’s multiplayer and skirmish modes.
Competitive Balance
Introducing a new faction into the multiplayer environment always carries risks of imbalance, but the developers designed the British Forces to offer a distinct and balanced playstyle that complements the existing factions — Soviets and Wehrmacht.
Players using British Forces often favor defensive setups with artillery support, countering aggressive enemy pushes with calculated firepower. This strategic diversity enriches multiplayer battles, offering new challenges and opportunities for all players.
Community Reception
The British Forces have been praised for adding variety to the Company of Heroes 2 multiplayer pool. The faction’s unique mechanics and unit abilities create fresh tactical possibilities and force opponents to adapt to a different kind of threat.
Skirmish mode also benefits, allowing solo players to experiment with British tactics against AI opponents, exploring fortifications and artillery-heavy gameplay without the pressure of multiplayer competition.
Visuals and Audio: Authentic British Flair
True to the Company of Heroes series’ reputation, the British Forces expansion delivers high-quality visuals and immersive audio design.
- Unit Models: Soldiers wear authentic WWII British uniforms and gear, with attention to detail in weaponry and vehicle design.
- Environmental Detail: Maps reflect the Eastern Front setting with winter conditions, snow-covered trenches, and war-torn villages, creating a gritty and atmospheric backdrop.
- Sound Design: Voice acting captures British accents and military jargon, while artillery barrages, gunfire, and tank sounds add to the immersive combat experience.
These elements contribute to a compelling and believable battlefield atmosphere that draws players deeper into the action.
Strategic Tips for Playing British Forces
For players new to the British Forces, mastering the faction involves leveraging their strengths in defense, artillery, and tactical flexibility:
- Build and Upgrade Fortifications: Use bunkers and sandbags to control key points and funnel enemy movements.
- Use Artillery Wisely: Coordinate barrages to soften enemy positions before launching infantry attacks.
- Preserve Veteran Units: Keep experienced troops alive to benefit from veterancy bonuses and special abilities.
- Combine Unit Types: Mix Commandos, Royal Engineers, and armored vehicles for balanced offense and defense.
- Adapt to Enemy Strategies: Use defensive structures and artillery to counter aggressive pushes and buy time for reinforcements.
By focusing on careful planning and tactical patience, British Forces players can outlast and outmaneuver opponents on the brutal Eastern Front.
Conclusion
Company of Heroes 2: The British Forces is a valuable expansion that enriches the Company of Heroes franchise with a fresh faction and a distinctive tactical flavor. By introducing a British Army faction designed for a hypothetical Eastern Front scenario, the game blends historical authenticity with creative license to offer a new way to experience WWII strategy.
With its emphasis on defensive play, artillery dominance, and unit versatility, the British Forces provide a unique challenge for both new and veteran players alike. Whether you enjoy methodical siege tactics or precision artillery strikes, this expansion offers rich gameplay depth and strategic variety.
For fans of Company of Heroes 2 and WWII RTS games in general, The British Forces expansion is a must-try that breathes new life into the battlefield and tests your command skills in new and exciting ways.
