The History of Company of Heroes

Are you confused by the abundance of Company of Heroes titles in your Steam library? If so, then you’re not alone.
Discover the history behind this incredible series and understand why there are 3 different Company of Heroes games in your list. From classic strategy to intense action-packed battles, learn why this has become one of the most beloved game franchises of all time!
Introduction
Company of Heroes was first released in 2006 and was one of the earliest real-time strategy games that focused on tactics, not micromanagement. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ, the original game kept players engaged with its immersive World War II setting and historically accurate battlefields. It earned numerous awards and spawned three expansions, each bringing new campaigns to the original game’s World War II-era authenticity. The game has since been re-released three separate times: Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (2007), Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor (2009) and Company of Heroes 2 (2013).
Each version gave players more ways to battle in World War II settings from different countries – from the European battlefields to snowy Russian tundra. While there are variations between each release, these three versions offered improved graphics, more compelling campaigns and an impressive line-up of multiplayer options for experienced PC gamers. With each sequel building on its predecessors success, it’s no wonder why it continues to be a beloved franchise today.
What is Company of Heroes?
Company of Heroes is a highly acclaimed real-time strategy Game developed by Relic Entertainment. It was released in 2006 as the first game in the Company of Heroes franchise, and it sparked a massive following among strategy game fans.
The original Company of Heroes is described as an homage to World War II with intense tactical battles that draw on the tactics and technologies employed during that conflict. Players command some of history’s most iconic military forces and vehicles, like the American M4 Sherman tank and German Panzerkampfwagen IV. Set in Western Europe from 1944 to 1945, it puts players in control of small but powerful armies which fight for control over map areas in large-scale battles. The game features realistic dynamic weather technology, as well as panoramic views of battlezones from different perspectives.

The sequel Company of Heroes 2 was released in 2013 and highlights Eastern Front battles during World War II such as Ukraine, Russia, and other countries near the Allies’ eastern border. This game focuses more on the extreme weather conditions facing the Axis Powers due to heavy snowstorms along with added terrain effects like flooding which adds new strategic elements. The third entry called Company of Heroes 3 will not be released until 2022 and will move into Vietnam setting during the era when US forces were majorly involved between 1962 to 1975.
The Development of Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes is a real-time strategy video game series developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. The first game in the series was released in 2006, and a sequel, Company of Heroes 2, was released in 2013. Since then, several downloadable content (DLC) packages have been made available for both games.
Company of Heroes is set during the Second World War and focuses on the war that raged between 1941 to 1945 on the Western Front. The game uses tactical-level combat action to recreate infantry squad firefights and tank engagements from the war. It incorporates elements of resource management and tactical maneuvering in its gameplay and features extensive modding support from its fan community.
The original Company of Heroes game sold 8 million copies worldwide which prompted Ubisoft to acquire Relic Entertainment in 2008 and consequently develop the expansion pack for it called Opposing Fronts. This expansion pack added more scenarios to play as well as new units from German forces such as Tigers and Panthers tanks plus additional support units from Britain & France respectively.
Then came Company of Heroes 2 which expanded upon its predecessor with improved graphics & animation, an altered AI system plus an enhanced dynamic weather system which plays a significant part in gameplay through its effect on unit visibility or range weapons accuracy or even certain terrain or cover bonuses being given considering whether it’s raining snowing etc at that particular time during your played scenario campaign mission or regular skirmish match etc.. Company of Heroes 2 also added another faction to choose from namely Soviet forces with their units types (tanks battleships scout aircraft infantry structures tools etc).
This edition also benefited from having all previous DLC material available at launch too either separately or via “The British Forces” & “The Western Front Armies” stringed together as one package along with extra content like exclusive maps missions multiplayer modes extra campaigns voice acting leadership traits promotions unlocks apps several worldwide online tournaments new stories unique visuals improved 3D imaging mastering realistic battle physics high quality audio & scoring combined with a dramatic soundtrack complete with an array of color commentary scenarios matching you up against friends / foes through your regional server pick selection for 1v1, 3v3 & 4v4 online universes playable crossovers amongst PC gamers, Xbox 360 players & even PS3 players offering full modding capabilities all served up via mods or avenues like Steam Workshop etc…. An expansion followed after this too being “Ardennes Assault” covering British airborne operations within France Winters rather than summer days..
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (CoH: OF) was released in September 2007 by Relic entertainment and THQ, and is the stand-alone expansion pack to Company of Heroes. According to the game developers, CoH: OF “more than doubles the strategic depth” of Company of Heroes when playing skirmish and online modes.
The game focuses on two distinct battles fought during World War II; opposing forces representing the British 2nd Army at Caen and Panzer Elite in Arnhem. Both campaigns retain their heritage, incorporating features such as Command Trees for tactical gameplay enhancements, Stormtroopers for close quarters combat sneak attacks, increased vehicle strategies and devastating bombings. Additionally, a prominent graphical improvement was released with this expansion increasing zoom capabilities on all maps. This allowed players to enjoy an unparalleled level of strategic detail during the battles affording them the ability to micromanage every aspect of their mission down even to individual units on foot.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor is the third stand-alone single player and multiplayer expansion to the critically acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game, Company of Heroes. Developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ, this game was released on April 9, 2009 in the United States and on April 10, 2009 in Europe.
The game focuses on three new campaigns featuring a variety of units from the original 1995 game and its 2006 successors, Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts. The campaigns take place during World War II; one in France and two others in Belgium. Each campaign includes unique gameplay elements, as well as unique “heroic” abilities that can be used to turn the tide of battle. Additionally, Tales of Valor includes some new online modes aimed specifically at making online play even more interesting. These new modes include “Program Threat,” which allows players to choose between playing as either Allied or Axis forces while competing against each other in a variety of stages; “Panzerkrieg;”, which requires players to work together to capture strategic locations; and “Conquer,” which pits two opponents against each other for control over both resources and territory.
Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy video game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega. It was released on 25 June 2013 for Microsoft Windows. The game is the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2006 game Company of Heroes. As with the original, players aim to defeat their opponents by strategic use of infantry, armored units and support weapons.
The game features two single-player campaigns: one dealing with Operation Barbarossa (German invasion of the Soviet Union) in 1941, and a “What If” campaign based around a German invasion of United States in late 1944. Unlike other RTS games, Company of Heroes 2 focuses on managing supply lines — resource collecting points that both sides must fight for control over — as well as controlling individual battlefields at various points across maps through troop movements and tactical decisions.
The game also features a Tech Tree that allows players to unlock units from different historical era’s from infantry in World War I up until tanks and artillery in World War II. There are also upgrades in which the player can unlock different abilities such as night-fight vision or increased speed capabilities that aid the player during battles.
Company of Heroes 2 supports online multiplayer capabilities including co-op play, player versus player battles, tournaments and ranked ladder play among others. There are also mods created by both developers and fans which can be used in multiplayer games or became part of stories within singleplayer campaigns like Steam Workshop versions alongside more traditional mods found within fan sites like ModDB & Twitch Community Modcenter comunity hubsites respectively.
Why Are There 3 Different Company of Heroes Games in my Steam List
The Company of Heroes series is a three-game real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. The series began with the first game, Company of Heroes, released in 2006 and has since grown to include two additional entries; Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts and Company of Heroes 2.
The original game focused on World War II combat with fighters from the United States, Britain and Germany. Players took part in battles on realistic virtual maps, using strategies such as defensive lines and ambushes to overtake opponents. Over its lifespan the game has acquired a devoted fan base due to its attention to detail in both its visuals code and audio design.
In 2008, the expansion pack “Opposing Fronts” was released for Windows which included extra units for all three factions in the original game along with various modifications improving visual effects, online multiplayer communications options as well as additional single-player scenarios. The most recent addition to Company of Heroes series came out in 2013 titled “Company of Heroes 2” which includes some new factions such as Russia and brings an entirely new setting focusing on eastern front battles during WWII while still holding true to many features popularized in the original two games such as cover system, destructible environments and infighting between units.

The commercial success behind this long-running series surely can speak for itself however many people still wonder why different titles for same series can be seen on steam. This is due to the releases being divided this way due certain production decisions behind each title that have kept main story line intact but also have kept diversity high within a same product line thus leading us into multiple entries was made possible but respecting connected mythologies from past titles at same time so players have had continuity when following up with latest installment even if playing them separately.
Conclusion
Company of Heroes is one of the most enduring real-time strategy franchises on the market. It was first released in 2006 and has since spawned two expansion packs, two sequel games, and countless additional content. The series has been praised for its intense gameplay and detailed graphics, as well as its compelling narrative that focuses on the heroism of Allied troops during World War II.
The success of Company of Heroes proves just how popular real-time strategy games still are and how they continue to appeal to a wide audience. As long as you love your tactical war games and deeply engaging narrative content, there’s no doubt you’ll find something you enjoy in one (or all) of the Company of Heroes titles now available.