Company of Heroes 3, released on February 23, 2023, is the long-anticipated third installment in Relic Entertainment’s acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) franchise. Published by SEGA, this entry builds upon the tactical depth and cinematic intensity of its predecessors, while introducing new features, expanded campaign systems, and enhanced customization. The game sets a bold ambition: to combine the beloved elements of classic Company of Heroes gameplay with broader strategic choices and modern quality-of-life improvements.
As with earlier games, Company of Heroes 3 focuses on the brutal realities of World War II, this time shifting attention to two new major theaters of war: North Africa and Italy. Through its single-player campaigns, multiplayer modes, and new dynamic campaign map, the game brings WWII strategy to life in fresh and engaging ways.
Setting: The Mediterranean Theater
While Company of Heroes (2006) centered on Normandy and Company of Heroes 2 (2013) spotlighted the Eastern Front, Company of Heroes 3 opens new ground with two distinct campaigns:
1. The Italian Campaign
The core single-player campaign is set in Italy, following the Allied invasion of the country. This theater offers a diverse range of environments—from rugged mountains to coastal towns and ancient ruins—providing strategic and visual variety. It tells the story of the Allies’ slow and bloody push northward against entrenched Axis forces.
The Italian campaign uses a dynamic turn-based campaign map, inspired by games like Total War. This allows players to control airfields, ports, and supply lines; make decisions about where and how to attack; and manage forces across a strategic layer that influences real-time battles.
2. The North African Operation
The second single-player campaign focuses on the North African theater, where players command the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) under Field Marshal Rommel. This campaign takes a more traditional linear approach, emphasizing large-scale tank warfare and mobile desert combat.
Together, these campaigns showcase both sides of the conflict and highlight the complexity of the war beyond the familiar Western Front.
Gameplay: Classic Roots, New Innovations
Company of Heroes 3 retains the series’ core mechanics—tactical real-time combat, cover systems, suppression, combined arms tactics—but adds substantial depth and innovation.
1. Dynamic Campaign Map
The standout new feature in the Italian campaign is the dynamic map, where players plan movements, build infrastructure, and manage alliances in a semi-open world. Each battle affects the campaign, and player decisions have long-term consequences.
- You can choose which towns to liberate, whether to use air strikes before a battle, or which companies (units) to reinforce.
- The map introduces a resource management system, involving munitions, manpower, and fuel.
- Cities under your control can be upgraded with buildings that unlock abilities or passive effects, like air recon or naval bombardment.
This adds a strategic layer previously absent from the franchise, allowing for more replayability and player agency.
2. Real-Time Battles
As in past games, Company of Heroes 3 features tense, fast-paced tactical battles where unit positioning, cover, and combined arms are crucial. Combat is brutal and dynamic, with destructible environments and improved AI.
- Infantry squads, armor, and support weapons form the core of your forces.
- The cover system is back and improved, including building garrisons and directional cover indicators.
- Suppressive fire, flanking, and ambushes remain key mechanics, rewarding careful micro-management.
3. New Factions and Doctrines
At launch, Company of Heroes 3 includes four playable factions in multiplayer:
- United States Forces (USF): Balanced force with flexible options and strong air support.
- British Forces: Known for artillery and defensive tactics.
- Wehrmacht: Versatile Axis faction with strong defensive structures and late-game power.
- Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK): Focused on speed, vehicles, and aggressive tactics.
Each faction includes Battlegroups (doctrines) that unlock specific units, abilities, and support powers. Players can select these dynamically during matches, allowing for adaptive strategies.
4. Tactical Pause System
One of the most celebrated new features is the Tactical Pause (single-player only). This allows players to pause the game at any time and queue multiple commands. It’s a game-changer for those who enjoy thoughtful strategy or struggle with the intensity of real-time micromanagement.
- Issue multiple orders during a pause.
- Plan synchronized attacks or retreats.
- Perfect for newcomers or those who prefer a slower pace.
5. Destructible Environments and Line of Sight
The environment plays a huge role. TrueSight and dynamic destruction are back and better than ever. Buildings collapse realistically, obscuring vision or creating cover. Line of sight is blocked by terrain and smoke, making ambushes and stealthy play viable.
Multiplayer and Skirmishes
Company of Heroes 3 supports 1v1 to 4v4 multiplayer battles and AI skirmishes. The multiplayer mode is fast-paced and competitive, featuring ranked matchmaking and robust faction balance.
Relic has committed to frequent updates, balance patches, and modding support, helping keep the game fresh and community-driven.
Additionally, there’s an Army Customization feature allowing players to unlock visual skins, decals, and banners—though thankfully, all are cosmetic and avoid pay-to-win mechanics.
Modding and Community Tools
Company of Heroes 3 was built with modding in mind, and the developers released a World Builder and full mod support via Steam Workshop shortly after launch.
- Players can create custom maps, game modes, and even overhaul mods.
- Community-created content enhances replayability and keeps the game alive long after release.
Reception and Criticism
Upon release, Company of Heroes 3 received generally favorable reviews from critics and fans alike. Praise focused on the tactical pause feature, dynamic campaign, and strategic depth. However, the game wasn’t without flaws.
Positives
- Deep tactical gameplay
- Fresh campaign mechanics
- Meaningful faction diversity
- Improved accessibility
- Beautiful visuals and immersive sound design
Negatives
- Some UI issues at launch
- AI could be inconsistent
- Occasional bugs and pathfinding quirks
- The dynamic campaign’s strategic layer felt undercooked to some players
Metacritic Score at launch hovered around 75–80, with higher user ratings as patches improved performance and gameplay balance.
Post-Launch Support and DLC
Relic Entertainment outlined a long-term roadmap for Company of Heroes 3, including:
- Balance updates
- Bug fixes
- New multiplayer maps
- Additional campaigns and factions in future DLC
- Quality of life features based on community feedback
Relic has historically supported their games for years post-launch (Company of Heroes 2 is still updated a decade later), and the same is expected here.
Conclusion: The Future of Tactical RTS
Company of Heroes 3 successfully bridges the gap between classic real-time tactical combat and modern strategic design. It doesn’t revolutionize the genre, but it refines and expands it in important ways—making it more accessible without sacrificing depth.
With its Mediterranean setting, dynamic campaigns, new factions, and rich tactical gameplay, it honors the legacy of the Company of Heroes series while paving the way forward. For fans of WWII games, tactical RTS, or strategic warfare, Company of Heroes 3 is a must-play.
And with active community support and a dedicated modding scene, it’s a game built not just to play—but to grow, evolve, and inspire for years to come.
