Company of Heroes 2
" Deep WWII strategy with immersive campaigns and multiplayer, but steep learning curve and DLC paywalls "
Company of Heroes 2 Review
Company of Heroes 2 is widely regarded as a top-tier real-time strategy (RTS) game that builds on the solid foundations of its predecessor. It offers a gritty and immersive World War II Eastern Front campaign with tactical depth, emphasizing positioning, cover, and combined arms. The introduction of innovative mechanics like the cold weather system and TrueSight adds realism and strategic complexity. Multiplayer remains a core strength, with intense matches and a dedicated community that keeps the game alive through mods and custom content. Despite a rocky launch plagued by AI and balance issues, patches and expansions have largely addressed these concerns. However, the game’s monetization strategy, with many factions and commanders locked behind DLC paywalls, is a frequent point of contention among players. While the Soviet campaign is praised for its narrative and atmosphere, other campaigns receive mixed reviews. Overall, Company of Heroes 2 is a challenging, rewarding RTS with a strong legacy and ongoing community support.
Highlights
Players praise the game’s deep tactical gameplay that rewards precise positioning and combined arms strategies. The cold weather mechanics and TrueSight system enhance immersion and realism. The graphics and gritty atmosphere are considered solid and fitting for the WWII setting. The Soviet campaign is noted for its engaging storyline and mood, while multiplayer offers intense, balanced matches. Additionally, the active modding community provides fresh content and extended replayability, keeping the game vibrant years after release.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the heavy reliance on DLCs to access all factions and commanders, which many find expensive and frustrating. Some players feel the campaigns beyond the Soviet one lack depth or cohesion, with the Allied campaign’s attrition mechanics being particularly divisive. The game had a troubled launch with AI and balance issues, though many were patched. Multiplayer matchmaking can be toxic and unbalanced, with complaints about arranged teams and leavers. Technical issues like bugs and missing features such as reconnect options and better replay tools are also noted. Lastly, the always-online requirement for single-player has upset some users.
Pros
- • Deep tactical gameplay emphasizing positioning and combined arms strategy.
- • Innovative cold weather and TrueSight systems add realism and challenge.
- • Gritty, immersive World War II Eastern Front campaign with strong atmosphere.
- • Engaging Soviet campaign with emotional and historical narrative.
- • Multiplayer offers intense, balanced matches with high skill ceiling.
- • Active modding community providing fresh maps and game modes.
- • Solid graphics fitting the WWII setting and enhancing immersion.
Cons
- • Extensive DLC paywalls frustrate players wanting full faction access.
- • Some campaigns, especially Allied, are less engaging and punishing.
- • Initial launch had AI, balance, and performance problems.
- • Multiplayer can be toxic with arranged teams and leavers.
- • Always-online requirement restricts offline single-player access.
- • Lack of reconnect options and limited replay features annoy users.
- • Some bugs persist, including long-standing vehicle pathfinding issues.
Rating Criteria
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.
