With the release of Company of Heroes 3, even experienced players are adjusting to the new mechanics and refinements that make the battlefield more dynamic. The game introduces additional layers of strategy, from light vehicle utility to improved resource management and enhanced armor mechanics. This guide will break down some critical advanced tips to help you optimize your playstyle, whether you are a veteran or looking to sharpen your competitive edge.

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Optimizing Light Vehicles for Resource Control

One of the notable changes in Company of Heroes 3 is the return of light vehicles as effective tools for capturing and holding territory. A prime example is the Wehrmacht Kettenkrad, which comes with a unique ability called Communication Cable. This upgrade, costing 25 munitions, increases the resources you gain from any point captured with this unit by 3.

To maximize this bonus, always upgrade the ability before capturing a point—otherwise, you will miss out on additional resources. This tactic can significantly improve your economy early on, granting a steady resource advantage that pays dividends as the game progresses.

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Understanding Resource Nodes and Prioritization

Every point on the map provides one of the three key resources: manpower, fuel, or munitions. However, not all resource nodes are equal. There are three tiers of resource points:

• 5 resources per tick (no triangle on the minimap)
• 10 resources per tick (one triangle)
• 16 resources per tick (two triangles)

On the main map, smaller circles indicate 5-resource nodes, while bolded resource icons inside circles signify 16-resource nodes. Prioritizing the higher-yield points early on can provide a significant advantage in tech progression and unit deployment.

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Leveraging Medical Half-Tracks for Frontline Healing

Battles in Company of Heroes 3 tend to last longer, especially when units are in cover. This makes proper healing and reinforcement crucial for maintaining battlefield presence. Medical half-tracks now play an even greater role by not only healing but also reinforcing troops, making them invaluable in drawn-out skirmishes.

• Reinforcement: Medical half-tracks can reinforce squads during combat, keeping your forces in the fight longer.
• Healing: Outside of combat, stationary medical half-tracks will gradually heal nearby troops.

Positioning these vehicles correctly allows your frontline infantry to fight longer without constant retreats, preserving control over contested areas.

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Using Vehicles as Mobile Cover

An underutilized mechanic in Company of Heroes 3 is the ability for infantry to use vehicles as heavy cover. This allows troops to advance safely in open terrain by staying close to tanks and armored cars.

This tactic is especially useful when engaging fortified positions where traditional cover options are scarce. However, be cautious—if the vehicle gets destroyed, it may block paths or leave your troops exposed. Proper positioning and movement are key to executing this strategy effectively.

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Maximizing Anti-Tank Gun Efficiency

Anti-tank (AT) guns and light artillery are powerful tools, but one common mistake is manually setting them up in a fixed position. This can lead to several problems:

• If an enemy does not approach from the expected direction, your gun may remain idle.
• Light AT guns, in particular, will not automatically fire on infantry outside their arc of fire.

Instead of manually setting up these weapons, fire first and let them reposition automatically. After taking a shot, you can rotate or move the unit to cover a new angle, ensuring that it remains effective while also reducing downtime between shots.

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Utilizing Armor Weak Spots

Company of Heroes 3 expands on the armor system, differentiating between frontal, side, and rear armor. Many lower-caliber weapons will struggle to penetrate well-armored vehicles from the front, making flanking maneuvers essential.

To maximize damage:

• Manually target enemy tanks’ rear armor using keybinds to issue precise attack commands.
• Coordinate multiple anti-tank units from different angles to force an enemy vehicle to expose its weaker sides.
• Utilize mobility and positioning to trap enemy tanks in unfavorable situations.

Knowing when and where to attack an armored unit can determine the outcome of key engagements, making this one of the most critical skills for advanced play.

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Mastering Vehicle Movement and Reverse Commands

Unlike Company of Heroes 2, vehicles in Company of Heroes 3 do not automatically reverse when given short movement orders. Instead, they rotate in place, exposing their weaker sides to enemy fire. This can be a costly mistake, as it often results in taking extra damage before the vehicle even starts moving.

To prevent unnecessary hits:

• Always use the Reverse command (bound to the same key as the infantry Retreat command) to move vehicles away from danger while keeping their strongest armor facing the enemy.
• Be mindful of obstacles that could interfere with the reversing path, as getting stuck or bottlenecked can be fatal.

Properly managing vehicle movement is essential for maintaining your armored units’ longevity in battle.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering Company of Heroes 3 requires a deep understanding of unit interactions, positioning, and resource management. By implementing these advanced techniques, you can enhance your tactical play and gain an edge over opponents:

• Utilize light vehicles like the Kettenkrad to maximize resource income.
• Prioritize high-yield resource nodes for long-term economic advantages.
• Keep medical half-tracks on the frontlines for reinforcement and healing.
• Use vehicles as cover for safer infantry advances.
• Allow AT guns to reposition automatically for faster response times.
• Target enemy tanks’ rear armor for higher damage.
• Use Reverse commands to maintain strong armor facing and avoid unnecessary hits.

With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the battlefield in Company of Heroes 3. Adapt, experiment, and refine your tactics to stay ahead of the competition!