Relic and Sega moved the series to the Mediterranean on 23 February 2023 with four armies: US Forces, British Forces, Wehrmacht and the Deutsches Afrikakorps. Single player splits two ways, a turn based Italian dynamic campaign map running from Palermo to Rome and an eight mission North African operation briefed by Rommel. Full Tactical Pause freezes any campaign mission or skirmish against the AI so you can issue orders with the clock stopped.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Forces | A | Balanced | Riflemen Squad | Yes |
| British Forces | A | Balanced | MG 42 Machine Gun Team | Yes |
| Wehrmacht | A | Balanced | M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer | Yes |
| Deutsches Afrikakorps | A | Balanced | Panzer IV Medium Tank | Yes |
| Battlegroups | A | Balanced | 6-pounder Anti-tank Gun Team | Yes |
New player? Start with British Forces. See our beginner's guide for why.
US Forces
US Forces is a strong option in Company of Heroes 3.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Riflemen Squad |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Italian dynamic campaign map |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Riflemen Squad
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sicily to learn US Forces-specific mechanics
- Focus on Italian dynamic campaign map. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Riflemen Squad as your first major upgrade
- See our full US Forces build guide for the optimal gear progression
British Forces
British Forces is a strong option in Company of Heroes 3.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | MG 42 Machine Gun Team |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Full Tactical Pause |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with MG 42 Machine Gun Team
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sicily to learn British Forces-specific mechanics
- Focus on Full Tactical Pause. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize MG 42 Machine Gun Team as your first major upgrade
- See our full British Forces build guide for the optimal gear progression
Wehrmacht
Wehrmacht is a strong option in Company of Heroes 3.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Breach on garrisoned buildings |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sicily to learn Wehrmacht-specific mechanics
- Focus on Breach on garrisoned buildings. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer as your first major upgrade
- See our full Wehrmacht build guide for the optimal gear progression
Deutsches Afrikakorps
Deutsches Afrikakorps is a strong option in Company of Heroes 3.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Panzer IV Medium Tank |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Battlegroup call-in trees |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Panzer IV Medium Tank
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sicily to learn Deutsches Afrikakorps-specific mechanics
- Focus on Battlegroup call-in trees. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Panzer IV Medium Tank as your first major upgrade
- See our full Deutsches Afrikakorps build guide for the optimal gear progression
Battlegroups
Battlegroups is a strong option in Company of Heroes 3.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | 6-pounder Anti-tank Gun Team |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Directional vehicle armour |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with 6-pounder Anti-tank Gun Team
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sicily to learn Battlegroups-specific mechanics
- Focus on Directional vehicle armour. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize 6-pounder Anti-tank Gun Team as your first major upgrade
- See our full Battlegroups build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
British Forces is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
US Forces is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Riflemen Squad for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Battlegroups offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Deutsches Afrikakorps shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Company of Heroes 3 Guides
- Company of Heroes 3 Company of Heroes 3 Overview
- Company of Heroes 3 Best Builds
- Company of Heroes 3 Tier List
- Company of Heroes 3 Walkthrough
- Company of Heroes 3 Beginner's Guide
- Company of Heroes 3 Tips & Tricks
- Company of Heroes 3 Weapons Guide
- Company of Heroes 3 Combat Guide
- Company of Heroes 3 Boss Guide
- Company of Heroes 3 Maps & Locations
- Company of Heroes 3 Crafting Guide
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