Historical Battles & Locations
Welcome, soldier! This section of our guide dives deep into the historically inspired battlefields of Call of Duty 3, offering detailed walkthroughs and strategic advice to help you conquer even the toughest encounters, especially on Veteran difficulty. We'll be using compass directions (N, NW, SE, etc.) to orient you within the maps, so keep an eye on your in-game compass.
The Falaise Pocket: Closing the Gap
The Falaise Pocket represents one of the most critical and brutal phases of the Normandy campaign. Your objective here is often to push through entrenched German positions to link up with Allied forces, effectively encircling the enemy.
- Initial Push (St. Lambert-sur-Dives):
- Upon deployment, you'll be facing heavy resistance from German infantry armed with Kar98k rifles and occasional MG42 emplacements. Immediately take cover behind the overturned truck directly ahead (N).
- Prioritize eliminating the machine gunner in the second-story window of the building to your NW. A well-placed shot from your M1 Garand or a quick burst from your Thompson will neutralize this threat.
- Advance cautiously along the left flank (W), using the stone walls and ruined buildings for cover. Be wary of hidden enemies in doorways and around corners.
- Item Location: You can find a cache of M1 Garand ammo and a few Mk 2 Fragmentation Grenades inside the small barn directly W of your starting position.
- Clearing the Town Square:
- As you approach the town square, expect a surge of enemy soldiers, including a few with MP40 submachine guns. Utilize your grenades to flush out enemies from behind the central fountain and the parked vehicles.
- A German sniper often positions himself on the roof of the church (N). Take him out quickly before he can pick off your squadmates. Your Springfield '03, if you've picked one up, is ideal for this.
- Strategy: Flank the square from the eastern side, using the alleyways to get a better angle on the entrenched Germans. This often allows you to bypass the direct line of fire from the main street.
- Destroying the Panzer IV:
- Your final objective in this section will be to destroy a German Panzer IV tank blocking the main road (E). You'll be supplied with M1A1 Bazooka rounds.
- Locate the abandoned building with a clear line of sight to the tank, usually a two-story structure to the SE of the tank's position.
- Take cover inside and aim for the tank's rear or side armor for maximum damage. It typically takes 2-3 direct hits to destroy it. Be aware of accompanying infantry protecting the tank.
- Actionable Step: After firing a bazooka round, immediately reposition to avoid return fire from the tank's main gun or coaxial machine gun. Reloading in cover is crucial.
The Battle of the Ardennes: Winter Offensive
The Ardennes Forest presents a stark contrast to the open fields of Normandy, with dense woods and heavy snow creating challenging combat conditions. Visibility is often reduced, making close-quarters combat more prevalent.
- Forest Ambush:
- The mission often begins with your squad ambushed by German patrols in the dense forest. Expect enemies to emerge from all directions, often camouflaged against the snow.
- Equip a weapon with a high rate of fire, such as the BAR or Sten Gun, for effective close-quarters engagements.
- Strategy: Stick close to your squad and utilize the natural cover provided by trees and fallen logs. Do not rush ahead, as flanking enemies are common.
- Item Location: Keep an eye out for German supply crates, often marked with a red cross, which can contain extra Stielhandgranates or MP40 ammunition. These are usually found near enemy positions or checkpoints.
- Clearing the German Outpost:
- You'll eventually encounter a fortified German outpost, typically consisting of a few wooden bunkers and a guard tower.
- Prioritize eliminating the sniper in the guard tower (N) first. A single headshot from your M1 Garand will suffice.
- Use your grenades to clear out the bunkers. Throw a grenade into the entrance and then follow up with suppressing fire as enemies attempt to flee.
- Actionable Step: Before assaulting the outpost directly, try to circle around to the W or E to find a less defended approach. This can often lead to a flank on the main enemy force.
- Defending the Supply Convoy:
- A key objective in the Ardennes is often defending a vital supply convoy from German counterattacks. You'll typically be positioned on high ground overlooking a road.
- Set up defensive positions with your squad, utilizing any available sandbags or rock formations.
- German forces will attack in waves, often including infantry and occasionally a light vehicle like a Kübelwagen. Focus fire on the vehicle's engine block to disable it quickly.
- Weapon Recommendation: The Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) is excellent for sustained fire against multiple infantry targets during these defense sequences. Conserve your ammunition.