Overview
Cover saves lives. Company of Heroes transformed RTS infantry combat—soldiers automatically sought cover, suppression pinned squads, and flanking manoeuvres mattered. Relic Entertainment applied Homeworld’s innovation instinct to World War II, creating tactical depth previous RTS games lacked. The Essence Engine’s destructible environments meant no position was permanently safe.
Fast facts
- Developer: Relic Entertainment.
- Year: 2006.
- Setting: Normandy campaign.
- Engine: Essence Engine.
Cover system
| Type | Protection |
|---|
| Heavy | Walls, buildings |
| Light | Sandbags, hedges |
| Negative | Open ground |
| Garrison | Full building |
Squad mechanics
| Feature | Function |
|---|
| Reinforcement | Replace casualties |
| Veterancy | Experience bonuses |
| Abilities | Special actions |
| Weapons | Upgradeable loadouts |
Resource system
| Point type | Resource |
|---|
| Strategic | Manpower |
| Munitions | Munitions |
| Fuel | Fuel |
| Victory | Win condition |
Destructible environment
| Element | Gameplay |
|---|
| Buildings | Collapse under fire |
| Bridges | Strategic demolition |
| Craters | Dynamic cover |
| Debris | Changed pathways |
Factions
| Side | Characteristics |
|---|
| US Army | Versatile, combined arms |
| Wehrmacht | Defensive, heavy armour |
| British | Emplacements, artillery |
| Panzer Elite | Mobile warfare |
Series continuation
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Opposing Fronts | 2007 |
| Tales of Valor | 2009 |
| Company of Heroes 2 | 2013 |
| Company of Heroes 3 | 2023 |
See also