Company of Heroes 3
Company of Heroes 3

Introduction

Start your Company of Heroes 3 campaign with this introduction. Gain foundational knowledge for dominating the European and North African single-player campaig.

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Introduction

Welcome, Commander, to the European and North African theaters of war in Company of Heroes 3! This guide is your essential companion for navigating the intricate battlefields and strategic challenges that lie ahead. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the series or a fresh recruit, this introduction will equip you with the foundational knowledge to dominate the single-player campaigns and emerge victorious.

Our focus here is on providing actionable walkthrough steps and strategic insights that are immediately useful. While Company of Heroes 3 offers a multitude of approaches to any given objective, this guide will highlight effective strategies proven on Normal difficulty. harder settings may require more nuanced tactics, but the core principles outlined here remain invaluable.

Getting Started: The Initial Deployment

Upon launching your first campaign, you'll be thrust into the thick of it. Your initial objectives will typically involve securing key strategic points and establishing a forward operating base. Here's a breakdown of your immediate priorities:

  • Resource Management: Pay close attention to your three primary resources: Manpower, Munitions, and Fuel. These are the lifeblood of your war effort.
    • Manpower: Essential for recruiting new units and reinforcing existing squads.
    • Munitions: Used for unit abilities, upgrades, and calling in support powers.
    • Fuel: Crucial for deploying vehicles and constructing advanced structures.
  • Initial Unit Deployment: Your starting forces will vary by mission, but generally include a mix of infantry squads.
    • Riflemen Squads: Your versatile backbone. Utilize their "Grenade" ability (if available) to dislodge entrenched enemies or destroy light cover.
    • Engineer Squads: Vital for constructing defensive structures like "Sandbags" and "Barbed Wire," and repairing damaged vehicles. They can also lay "Teller Mines" to deter enemy vehicle advances.

Early Game Strategy: Securing the Battlefield

The first few minutes of any mission are critical for establishing map control and setting the tempo. Follow these steps for a strong start:

  1. Capture Strategic Points: Immediately send your infantry squads to capture nearby strategic points (marked by flags on the mini-map). These points generate resources over time. Prioritize Fuel and Munitions points early on.
  2. Establish a Forward Base: Once you have sufficient Manpower, construct a "Barracks" (for infantry) and a "Weapon Support Center" (for light vehicles and weapon teams) near your front lines. This reduces reinforcement travel time.
  3. Scout Aggressively: Use a single infantry squad or a light vehicle like a "Jeep" to scout ahead and identify enemy positions and potential flanking routes. Avoid engaging heavily armed enemy forces with scouting units.
  4. Utilize Cover: Always move your infantry between cover points (green shield icon). This significantly reduces incoming damage and increases their survivability. Flanking enemies in heavy cover can be achieved by using abilities like "Smoke Grenades" or by maneuvering around their position.

Essential Items and Locations (Early Campaign Example: "Operation Stone Axe")

In the initial North African campaign mission, "Operation Stone Axe," you'll be tasked with pushing through a desert town. Here are some specific early-game items and locations to be aware of:

  • The Ruined Church: Located centrally in the first sector, this provides excellent heavy cover for infantry and a strong vantage point. Secure it quickly.
  • Abandoned Supply Cache: Often found near the outskirts of the town, these caches (marked by a crate icon) can provide a burst of Munitions or Fuel, giving you an early advantage. Always send an Engineer or infantry squad to collect them.
  • MG42 Heavy Machine Gun Team: Expect to encounter these early. Use flanking maneuvers with Riflemen or a well-placed "Grenade" to dislodge them. Alternatively, if you've built a "Motorpool," a "M3 Half-track" can suppress and overrun them.

Remember, adaptability is key. While these guidelines provide a solid framework, the dynamic nature of Company of Heroes 3 means you'll often need to adjust your plans on the fly. Good luck, Commander!