Company of Heroes 3 gears up to celebrate its second anniversary. The upcoming 2.0 Anniversary Update, launching on February 25th, 2025, brings a flurry of new content that promises to ignite the passion of both long-time fans and newcomers.
Overview
This major update introduces four new Battlegroups through the eagerly awaited Fire & Steel DLC. Fans will also see familiar faces return with classic maps from previous titles in the series, along with helpful campaign enhancements and multiplayer balance adjustments. Patch notes will be available tomorrow morning for those keen on every detail.
You can catch a glimpse of what’s in store for you by checking out the announcement video here:
Fire & Steel Battlegroup DLC
The Fire & Steel DLC heralds fresh reinforcements! Each faction gains access to a new battlegroup filled with distinct capabilities and strategies. Set your sights on purchasing it starting tomorrow, February 25th, 2025. Don’t forget to add it to your Steam wishlist so you won’t miss out!
You can preview each battlegroup’s strengths by watching their respective showcases:
US Forces:
Wehrmacht:
British Forces:
US Forces – Heavy Weapons Battlegroup
This battlegroup excels at controlling the battlefield using superior team weapons like .50-cal heavy machine guns and off-map artillery support. The arrival of heavy armor, such as the M26 Pershing tank, adds an intimidating presence when it’s time to finish off enemies.
Wehrmacht – Terror Battlegroup
The Wehrmacht brings fear into its opponents’ hearts through relentless airstrikes and potent infantry tactics. With fearsome capabilities like V1 Rocket Strikes and field interrogations, the Wehrmacht can effectively disrupt enemy plans.
British Forces – Canadian Shock Battlegroup
The British Forces have come ready for action! With incendiary weapons at play, like the Churchill Crocodile, they can push back against any foe that stands in their way. Aggressive tactics make sure swift territorial gains on the battlefield.
Deutsches Afrikakorps – Panzerjäger Kommand Battlegroup
This group specializes in crippling enemy advances through well-placed defensive obstacles while deploying elite anti-armor units like the Elefant Tank Destroyer for devastating strikes against opposing forces. If you’re curious about these battalions’ strategies, don’t miss our shoutcast with the development team:
Maps
A total of five classic maps are making a comeback alongside one interesting community creation from GBPirate. Returning fan favorites from Company of Heroes 1 and 2 have been reimagined while keeping their original charm intact!
- Angoville – 1v1: A fiercely competitive map perfect for intense battles across its main road and hedgerows.
- Langres – 1v1: A compact map featuring tight gameplay where quick decisions lead to victory or defeat.
- Crossing in the Woods – 1v1 and 2v2: This community gem blends familiar layouts from past games while introducing fresh elements suited for various player formats.
- Djebel Pass – 1v1: A redesigned desert canyon emphasizing strategic rotations around ancient ruins should challenge players looking for something special!
Game Improvements
Audio Enhancements:
A multitude of audio improvements aims to boost immersion during your gameplay sessions. From ambient sounds being added back into specific maps to revamped voice lines, the updates promise a richer experience. Main Campaign Progression Adjustments:
The Italian Campaign has undergone thoughtful tweaks designed to make player choices feel more meaningful while enhancing unit responsiveness on the battlefield. Loyalty System Overhaul:
With penalties removed, loyalty progress becomes permanent now! Alongside detailed tooltips explaining how players gain loyalty points, strategic play will be rewarded better than ever. Additions Aligned with Player Feedback:
Eight new skirmish maps join forces while changes peppered throughout aim to create varied experiences during playtime.
Patch Notes Highlights
These details showcase just some aspects included within this monumental update:
- The rear armor on heavier vehicles takes increased damage, prompting strategic positioning considerations.
- Tweaked stats bolster underperforming tank machine guns without overpowering primary weaponry.
- Simplified controls improve mobility options, including faster tank riding mechanics.
- Lateness interventions give earlier tech structures more relevance leading up to late-game engagements.
- An array adjustment improves defensive constructions’ effectiveness while offering vital gameplay transitions.
- Dramatic adjustments are coming concerning various units, including self-propelled artillery pieces, ensuring balanced interaction within matches!
You can read all the details about these interesting changes once they are released tomorrow morning!
What aspect are you looking forward to as we stand ready for another year filled with strategy-filled battles ahead? Which changes do you believe will impact your gameplay experience? Feel free to share perspectives below!
