NG+ Info and Recommended Playthrough Order
Welcome, Commander! So you've conquered the North African and Italian campaigns, perhaps even achieved a decisive victory against the Wehrmacht. But the war is far from over! Company of Heroes 3's New Game+ (NG+) offers a fresh challenge, allowing you to carry over hard-earned progress while facing tougher opposition and unlocking new strategic depth. This section will guide you through what carries over, what doesn't, and provide a recommended order for your subsequent playthroughs to maximize your tactical advantage and enjoyment.
What Carries Over in NG+
Entering NG+ isn't just a simple reset; it's an opportunity to leverage your previous efforts. Here's a breakdown of what you'll retain:
- Commander Progression: All unlocked Commanders and their associated abilities, including those from the British Forces, US Forces, and Wehrmacht, will be available from the start. This means you can experiment with diverse tactical doctrines much earlier.
- Company Customizations: Any cosmetic unlocks for your Company, such as vehicle skins, unit uniforms, and player profiles, will transfer. Show off your veteran status!
- Intel Reports: All previously gathered Intel Reports and their associated strategic bonuses (e.g., increased resource generation, reduced unit costs) will be active. This is a significant advantage, allowing for more aggressive early-game strategies.
- Challenge Completion: Any completed challenges and their rewards (e.g., unique unit skins, bonus resources) will remain unlocked.
- Resource Cache: While your in-mission resources reset, any accumulated War Bonds or other meta-currency will carry over, allowing you to immediately purchase new Commanders or customizations.
What Does NOT Carry Over
To ensure a fresh challenge, certain elements are reset:
- Campaign Progress: All mission progress, strategic map control, and tactical objectives are reset. You'll start the campaigns from the beginning.
- Unit Experience: Individual unit experience and veterancy levels are reset. You'll need to train your units from scratch in each new campaign.
- Strategic Map Resources: Any accumulated resources on the Dynamic Campaign Map (e.g., Manpower, Fuel, Munitions) are reset at the start of a new campaign.
- Temporary Buffs/Debuffs: Any temporary buffs or debuffs acquired during a previous campaign (e.g., from specific Intel Reports or mission choices) will not carry over.
Recommended Playthrough Order
To get the most out of your NG+ experience, we suggest a structured approach. This order is designed to build upon your tactical knowledge and unlock key advantages progressively.
1. NG+ "Standard" Playthrough (British Forces - Italian Campaign)
Your first NG+ run should focus on solidifying your understanding of advanced mechanics and leveraging your unlocked Commanders. The British Forces in the Italian Campaign offer a balanced blend of offensive and defensive opportunities.
- Objective: Master a new Commander doctrine you didn't fully explore in your first run. Consider the Indian Artillery Company for devastating long-range support or the Armoured Support Company for aggressive tank pushes.
- Key Strategy: Prioritize capturing and holding key strategic points early. With your Intel Reports, you'll have an economic edge. Use this to quickly field powerful units like the Cromwell Tank or Sexton Self-Propelled Artillery.
- Item/Location Focus:
- Early Game: Secure the Port of Salerno quickly. The bonus resources from this location are crucial for a strong start.
- Mid Game: Focus on completing the "Supply Line Disruption" side quests. These often reward valuable Intel Reports or unique unit upgrades like the "Improved Vehicle Armor" for your Crusader tanks.
- Late Game: Experiment with combining different Commander abilities. For example, use the "Valiant Charge" from the Commando Company to break enemy lines, followed by "Creeping Barrage" from the Artillery Company for area denial.
2. NG+ "Challenger" Playthrough (US Forces - North African Campaign)
For your second NG+ run, switch to the US Forces in North Africa. This campaign presents unique challenges with vast open terrain and intense vehicle combat, perfect for testing your adaptability.
- Objective: Focus on mastering combined arms tactics and effective resource management in a more dynamic environment.
- Key Strategy: The North African Campaign often demands rapid deployment and flanking maneuvers. Utilize the US Forces' mobility with units like the M4 Sherman and M3 Half-track. Your unlocked Commanders like the Armored Company or Airborne Company will be invaluable here.
- Item/Location Focus:
- Early Game: Prioritize securing the Oil Fields in the western sector of the map. The fuel income is critical for maintaining vehicle superiority.
- Mid Game: Look for opportunities to complete "Desert Recon" missions. These often unlock powerful off-map abilities or temporary unit buffs like "Increased Sight Range" for your infantry.
- Late Game: Leverage your improved Intel Reports to gain vision over enemy strongholds before committing to an attack. The "Reconnaissance Overflight" ability (if unlocked) can be a game-changer for identifying weak points.
3. NG+ "Dominator" Playthrough (Wehrmacht - Any Campaign)
Once you're comfortable with both Allied factions, it's time to experience the war from the Axis perspective. Playing as the Wehrmacht in either campaign (Italian or North African) offers a distinct tactical experience with powerful, but often slower, units.
- Objective: Master the art of defensive strongholds, coordinated assaults, and effective use of heavy armor.
- Key Strategy: The Wehrmacht excels at holding ground and delivering decisive blows. Utilize doctrines like the Blitzkrieg Doctrine for rapid assaults or the Defensive Doctrine for impenetrable defenses. Your carry-over Commanders will allow you to access these powerful tools immediately.
- Item/Location Focus:
- Early Game: Establish strong defensive lines around key resource points. The "Bunker Construction" ability (if available) can provide early map control.
- Mid Game: Seek out "Propaganda Broadcast" side missions. These can provide morale boosts to your units or temporary resource income, crucial for fielding expensive units like the Tiger Tank.
- Late Game: Coordinate your heavy armor pushes with infantry support. Use abilities like "Stuka Dive Bomb" to soften up enemy positions before your Panzer IVs and Panther Tanks advance. Remember, your Intel Reports will give you a better understanding of enemy movements, allowing for more precise counter-attacks.
By following this recommended order, you'll not only experience the full depth of Company of Heroes 3's strategic gameplay but also continuously refine your skills, making you a truly formidable commander on the battlefield.