Company of Heroes 3, released in 2023 by Relic Entertainment (published by SEGA), honors the legendary legacy of the Company of Heroes franchise. First entry since CoH 2 (2013), it innovates with the Dynamic Campaign Map in Italy while preserving the tactical excellence of RTS. Here’s the complete 2026 guide.
Why Company of Heroes 3 is worth it
- Dynamic Campaign Map: strategic wargame on Italy map between RTS battles. Totally new in the genre.
- 4 asymmetric factions: US, Wehrmacht, British, Afrikakorps
- Modern graphics: Essence Engine 5.5 updated
- Cover-based tactical combat signature CoH
- Active competitive multiplayer with ranked ladder
The 4 Company of Heroes 3 factions
US Forces
The default versatile faction. Solid infantry (GI Riflemen), light (Stuart) and heavy armored (Sherman, Pershing). Varied artillery. Balanced, beginner friendly.
Wehrmacht
The German classics. Disciplined infantry (Grenadiers), heavy panzers (Panzer IV, Tiger), dominant LMGs. Low count but extreme quality.
British Forces
The Commonwealth (Canadians, Indians, British). Defensive focus: fortified emplacements, reserved infantry. Slow start but powerful mid-game.
Afrikakorps
The desert Germans. Mobile tank destroyers (Panzer III), fast infantry (Jäger), superior mobility. Hit-and-run style.
The Italy Dynamic Campaign Map
Major innovation of CoH 3. Italy map divided into provinces. You manage:
- Troop movement between provinces (like Total War campaign map)
- Strategic resources: capture of ports, airports, military bases
- Tactical battles triggered when your troops meet enemies
- Political decisions: command choices, parallel campaigns
Result: a two-level strategic experience unique in the RTS industry.
CoH 3 battle tactics
The 4 combat rules
- Cover, cover, cover — never troops in open terrain. Trees, walls, destroyed vehicles = life bonus.
- Flanking — 3 squads from the side > 3 squads facing
- Combined arms — never mono-unit. Infantry + tanks + anti-tank mandatory
- Artillery — kill enemy MG positions before charging
Resources
- Fuel — for vehicles
- Munitions — special abilities (MG bunker, grenades, airstrike)
- Manpower — infantry production
- Capture points — give resources. Defend them.
Squad management
- Retreat (T key) before a squad fully dies — it can re-emerge later
- Veterancy — squads gain XP → ability unlocks
- Reinforcement — always keep squads at 100%
Italian campaign: tips
Campaign start (Salerno)
- Prioritize Salerno port for constant supply
- Don’t over-expand — secure the beachhead
- Use naval bombardment as soon as available
Mid-campaign (Rome)
- Capture airports for free airstrikes
- Strategic Italian alliance: some diplomatic choices unlock military bonuses
End-game (Milan)
- Force concentration: 4-5 regrouped armies > 10 scattered
- Final German line at Monte Cassino = brutal battle, prep artillery
Best Company of Heroes 3 mods
- Total Conversion Pacific (in development) — Pacific theater (Japanese vs US)
- Eastern Front Mod — Eastern Front (Soviets added)
- Realism Mod — more lethal damage, slower speed, max immersion
- More Factions Mod — Italians, Free French
Multiplayer and esports
Very active ranked ladder. Regular community tournaments. Prize pools still modest but growing scene. Notable casters: CoH Cast, Tightrope (YouTube educational), IndianaJones (competitive streamer).
Conclusion
Company of Heroes 3 is a triumphant return for the series. With the Dynamic Campaign Map, 4 deep factions, and preserved tactical excellence, it’s a must for WW2 RTS fans or the curious of the genre.
For more WW2 strategy, see our Hearts of Iron IV guide and our top 10 PC strategy games 2026.
FAQ
What are the Company of Heroes 3 factions?
4 main factions: US Forces (versatile, solid infantry), Wehrmacht (classic German, heavy panzers), British Forces (Commonwealth, defensive), Afrikakorps (desert German, mobility). Brand new Dynamic Campaign Map for the Mediterranean.Company of Heroes 3 vs CoH 2: which to pick?
CoH 3 for modern graphics, Dynamic Campaign Map and Mediterranean theater. CoH 2 for Eastern Front, more established community, more DLCs. Both are excellent.How do I start Company of Heroes 3 well?
Start with the Italian campaign (US Forces). It introduces the Dynamic Campaign Map (strategic wargame) + tactical RTS battles. About 20h to finish.Are there good CoH 3 mods?
Yes but modding scene is recent. Total Conversion Pacific, Eastern Front Mod, Realism Mod on Steam Workshop. Less extensive than CoH 2.Does CoH 3 have competitive multiplayer?
Yes, active ranked ladder in 1v1, 2v2, 4v4. Growing esports scene, regular tournaments. Interesting meta with 4 factions.Is the Dynamic Campaign Map interesting?
Extremely so. It's the biggest CoH 3 addition: a map of Italy with strategic wargame between RTS battles. Real strategic depth, not just linear missions.
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